L B Systemtechnik

HyApproval is a STREP to develop a Handbook (HB) facilitating the approval of hydrogen refuelling sta-tions (HRS). The project will be performed over 24 months by a balanced partnership including 25 partners from industry, SMEs and institutes which ensure the critical mass and required know how for obtaining the identified project goals. Most partners have extensive expertise from HRS projects. Key partners from China/ Japan / USA provide an additional liaison to international regulations, codes & stand ards activities. The project goals are to finalise the HRS technical guideline started under EIHP2 and to contribute to the international standard under development at ISO TC197 and in first line to provide a HB which assists com-panies and organisations i n the implementation and operation of HRS. The HB will be based on best prac-tices reflecting the existing technical know-how and regulatory environment, but also includes the flexibility to allow new technologies and design to be introduced at a later sta ge. In order to meet these goals, best practises will be developed from project experience (CUTE, ECTOS, EIHP1&2, HySafe, CEP, ZERO REGIO) and partner activities. In 5 EU countries (F/D/I/E/NL) and in China, Japan and the USA the HyApproval process wil l include a HB review by country authorities to pursue "broad agreement" and to define "approval routes". After finalising the HB process the developed requirements and procedures to get "Approval in Principle" shall be suffi-ciently advanced to seek appro val in any European country without major modifications. Not only infra-structure companies, HRS operators/owners and local authorities but also the EC will profit from the HB that is deemed to contribute to the safe implementation of a hydrogen infrastruc ture. The project complies with EU's R&D and energy policies, which aims at the introduction of 5% hydrogen as motor fuel by 2020. The HB will put Europe in a position to maintain and extend its leading position

The introduction of hydrogen fuelled vehicles is taking place in selected demonstration cities worldwide, with a view to achieving full commercialisation. However, the successful introduction of these vehicles will depend not only on technical maturity, but especially on public acceptance of these new fuels and technologies. The work detailed under this proposal will contribute strongly to a better understanding of the acceptance of hydrogen technologies, and hence enable the introduction of hydrogen buses to be carried out with a clear strategy towards public acceptance. The work compares public attitudes in London, Luxemburg, Munich, Perth and Oakland, enabling international comparisons of perception to be made and contributing to the international R,D&D co-operation objectives of the Ec. The work is complementary to many existing EC, national and industry projects.

A Thematic Network for hydrogen will be established. Major objective of the network is well-balanced European hydrogen energy RTD strategy; an infrastructure road map and socio-economic and political issues associated with hydrogen energy. They will be developed or updated in a process of 6 workshops over 3 years with European experts from national governments, industry, institutes and organisations. The strategy reports will be initiated by state-of-the-art evaluations to identify gaps and needs of hydrogen technologies and issues surrounding its utilisation. Mapping of EU centres of excellence and suggestions for an RTD program with milestones and demonstration programs will also be part of the reports. The results will be disseminated to experts and the public by a web page to be based on the established HyWeb hydrogen page which will also be used to foster commercial interests in hydrogen via a B2B platform.

Objectives and problems to be solved: Provide inputs for regulatory activities on an EU and global level to facilitate harmonised pro-cedars for the approval of hydrogen fuelled road vehicles (with both internal combustion en-gene and fuel cell drive trains), hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and the relevant interfaces between the vehicle and the filling station. Ensure safe development, introduction and operation of hydrogen fuelled road vehicles and hydrogen filling stations throughout the EU and also on a global scale. By achieving the above objectives one of the commonly perceived barriers for the introduction of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles with maximum well-to-wheel energy efficiencies and minimum well-to-wheel emissions - i.e. the approval of vehicles for operation on public roads with pub-lily accessible infrastructure - shall be achieved. Description of work: Draft regulations for the approval of hydrogen fuelled road vehicles have been developed in EIHP (Contract JOE3-CT97-0088) and were submitted to the relevant European regulatory bodies and to UN-ECE WP.29 in spring 2001. These draft regulations are on its way to be de-eloped to such a level that they can be harmonised on a global level, initially between the EU and North America. By applying these draft regulations to the design and approval of road vehicles with direct onboard hydrogen storage they are validated by taking into account not only hydrogen related vehicle components and systems but also safety requirements, refuelling pro-cedars and periodic inspections. For the relevant hydrogen refuelling infrastructure components and systems, applicable national standards and regulations are to be identified and necessary requirements for new draft standards and possibly draft regulations for approval be developed. These activities among others comprise refuelling procedures, safety aspects, periodic inspections and the layout of refuelling stations. The interface between the refuelling station and the vehicle (receptacle and nozzle) are an important issue. To what extent certain elements of the refuelling systems are suitable for harmonisation on a global scale, e.g. components, is an issue for investigation. Comparative risk and safety analyses with respect to the release of hydrogen in confined and semi-confined environments, such as tunnels, garages, refuelling stations, and inner city streets are undertaken in order to provide data in sufficient depth enabling the partnership to define the required inputs for hydrogen related standards and regulations. Expected Results and Exploitation Plans: - Development of a worldwide-harmonised regulation for hydrogen fuelled road vehicles. - Development of procedures for periodic vehicle inspections (roadworthiness). - As far as possible development of a worldwide standard or regulation and of periodic inspection procedures for the relevant refuelling infrastructure, subsystems or components. These draft regulations and standards will enable vehicle and infrastructure industry to save enormous resources in bringing hydrogen fuelled road vehicles into everyday use. Many count-tries will for the first time have the legal basis to approve the operation of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles on public roads and refilling at public refuelling stations. In addition, the access of European vehicle and infrastructure component manufacturers to the EU market as well as the North American market will be facilitated in the medium and long term.

The project aims at establishing a network structure that will make it possible for Europe to increase its effectiveness in the fuel cell and hydrogen area. In the short term it will mainly deal with collecting data and other relevant information in the area. An essential part in this work will be to work in close collaboration with the Member States and their programmes. In the longer term a more formal structure may be established by forming an Advisory Group that will handle this type of actions. The work within this proposed Accompanying Measure will formulate different solutions in this direction.