Hydrogen generation and consumption is on the increase as cleaner, renewable energy supplies are sought to replace CO2-emitting fossil fuels. H2 is an innately clean energy source producing simply heat and water upon combustion.
Currently, most hydrogen is generated from fossil fuels so there is little or no net reduction in CO2 levels but with increased production of green hydrogen from electricity derived from renewable sources ( e.g. solar, geothermal and wind power )and its use as an alternative energy source CO2 emissions will lower, reducing the impact on climate change. Applications include oil and gas pipelines, portable fuel cells for vehicles and stationary fuel cells for data centres, telecommunications, retail and residential properties.
Hydrogen, being a small lightweight molecule introduces application challenges; it’s difficult to contain, it leaks from the smallest of cracks and when mixed with air it can become explosive. It has an explosive concentration range 4x that of common combustible gases with the lower explosion limit at 4.0 vol% and the upper explosion limit at 75.6 vol% of hydrogen so for safety reasons it’s essential that leaks are detected early.
Hydrogen is a colourless and odourless gas, making it difficult for humans to detect. To ensure safety in this evolving energy market. Figaro Engineering offer hydrogen sensors to meet a wide range of application needs.
