Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
||
| Reference Number | NIA_NGN_421 | |
| Title | Domestic Hydrogen Sensor Research | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Hydrogen, Other infrastructure and systems R&D) 100%; | |
| Research Types | Applied Research and Development 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact No email address given Northern Gas Networks |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 June 2023 | |
| End Date | 29 February 2024 | |
| Duration | ENA months | |
| Total Grant Value | £181,504 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Energy | |
| Region | Yorkshire & Humberside | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , Northern Gas Networks (99.997%) |
| Other Investigator | Project Contact , Wales and West Utilities (0.001%) Project Contact , Cadent North West (0.001%) Project Contact , SGN - Scotland (0.001%) |
|
| Industrial Collaborator | Project Contact , Wales and West Utilities (0.000%) Project Contact , Cadent Gas (0.000%) Project Contact , SGN (0.000%) |
|
| Web Site | https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_NGN_421 |
|
| Objectives | The proposed project is to develop a detailed design specification and design pack for a domestic hydrogen detector. As part of the R&D for this project, numerous sensing/detection technologies, along with a variety of communications protocols, will be trialled to identify the optimum solution. The project will conclude with a recommendation report that details the findings of the literature review, critical analysis, and laboratory-based assessments for the best/optimal integrated technology solution (sensor, battery, connectivity etc.) that can then be used as a Performance Specification to support a future ITT for procurement of a commercial H2 detector solution. The data sources of all literature reviews will be referenced and audited for latest versions. There will be review and challenge of manufacturers data claims throughout the project. Due to the nature of the work, there will be no data privacy issues. The project will be broken down into the following work packages, and will conclude with detailed design drawings and a written report that has findings and recommendations on: Sensor Technology Desktop Study Communications Design & Development Sensor Procurement, Development & Testing Communications Build & Testing The project will lead to the design of a domestic hydrogen sensor device, similar in style and size to existing, ceiling mounted, indoor smoke and CO detectors. There have been tight financial targets set for the consultant delivering this commission. The current solution proposed for Village Trials is an industrial application that costs £1,000 per unit. This project aims to reduce unit costs down to £100 - a very large saving for the taxpayer during Village Trials, as well as consumers, who will benefit during UK-wide roll-out. The scope covers: Sensor Technology Desktop Study Detailed study, review, understanding and testing of various hydrogen sensing technology at component, and where appropriate at the device level Communications Design & Development Detailed study, review, understanding and testing of various communication protocols and battery specification/power consumption Detailed design for recommendation Sensor Procurement, Development & Testing Procure recommended sensors and integrate into test rig in laboratory conditions Written report comparing sensor technologies performance Detailed design for recommended solution Communications Build & Testing Recommended Design Specification Design for both a dumb (CAT B) and smart (CAT A) hydrogen detector Detailed Final Recommendation Report summarising the various factors influencing the selection of one integrated hydrogen detector solution against alternative technology solutions. Detailed design drawings The end goal of the proposed solution is a Technical specification document for an integrated domestic hydrogen detector. The detector, which will be similar in appearance to a smoke or carbon monoxide detector, will have an integrated battery with a minimum of 1 year power storage (stretch target of 5 years), a hydrogen in air sensor, an audible alarm, and a flashing light. The detector will also be designed so that it can incorporate additional functionality such as the ability to send notifications to the homeowner and to the gas network (plus additional 3rd parties if required). The end result of the project will take into consideration the existing apps on the market available for the device to communicate with, rather than stand-alone. Thismay form part of the criteria for down selection of communications. In addition: Consideration will be given for the most cost effective and reliable methods of having multiple detectors in a single household. Multiple sensor technologies will be tested and, as a minimum, will all meet or exceed the BSEN50194 standard, including the revisions to be made to this for hydrogen (currently ongoing) A full study and evaluation of the various possible communications protocols will be performed (laboratory testing), as well as live testing in dwellings. Testing and optimisation of the battery life/performance will be completed | |
| Abstract | Hydrogen has many similar characteristics to that of natural gas but does not behave in the same way. To address these different characteristics and to increase customer confidence in hydrogen being used in domestic properties, a reliable hydrogen sensor device which can identify an escape within the home is required. An appropriately certified Domestic Hydrogen Detector/Sensor does not currently exist for use in the UK. This project sets out to perform a detailed study into the individual technology components and/or integrated solutions required for creating a best in class domestic hydrogen sensor device. The project will take into consideration the performance of the following components, both individually and as part of an integrated hydrogen detector solution/system: Existing and emerging hydrogen gas sensor technologies and concepts Communication and remote interconnectivity solutions e.g., contacting a remote emergency response centre in the event of alarm etc. Power management strategy. Battery selection and longevity | |
| Publications | (none) |
|
| Final Report | (none) |
|
| Added to Database | 01/11/23 | |
