The Regulation lays down methods for testing the quality of hydrogen used in fuel cell (PEM) vehicles. Hydrogen quality testing entities will have to comply with the draft regulation.

Regulation of the Minister for Climate and the Environment on hydrogen quality testing methods by an accredited laboratory

The Regulation sets out methods for testing hydrogen quality based on best practice and available knowledge. The solutions set out in the draft regulation were defined on the basis of the “Development of guidelines for the quality control of hydrogen and liquefied natural gas (LNG) used for the propulsion of motor vehicles” prepared by the Oil and Gas Institute – National Research Institute. This document describes the current knowledge of test techniques and quality requirements for hydrogen used in vehicles with hydrogen-powered polymer fuel cell (PEM) systems. On the basis of recommendations resulting from the project, solutions compliant with the ISO 21087:2019 standard, which indicates hydrogen testing techniques and validation procedures and requirements for non-standard methods, have been included. The methods indicated in the draft are standardised methods (except for the test method for the quality of helium, for which no standardised method exists) and result from the ISO 21087:2019 standard and the recommendations included in the above-mentioned study of the Oil and Gas Institute. The methods indicated in the project are described in the following standards:

• ASTM D7941,
• ASTM D7649,
• ASTM D7653,
• JIS B 7956,
• ASTM D7892,
• ASTM D7607,
• ASTM D7652,
• ASTM D7651,
• ASTM D7650.

The methods indicated in the proposed regulation are not all available hydrogen testing techniques; they are listed in the draft given the fact that they do not require (besides the helium method) the development of their own measurement procedure. Due to voices coming from the industry and the fact that hydrogen is a relatively new fuel and subject to dynamic development, including the constant development of research methods, the draft contains provisions allowing the use of methods not listed in the draft. Methods not indicated in the draft will have to meet certain conditions that are consistent with current knowledge and practice, including the ISO 21087:2019 standard. Authorising other methods will allow research laboratories to use the most effective and cost-effective methods, while complying with the requirements. 

The adoption of the proposed regulation will enable the operation of a fuel quality control and monitoring systemin relation to hydrogen, which will translate into faster development of this fuel in Poland. The project will allow hydrogen manufacturers to act in accordance with the provisions of the Act, which will translate into greater safety in the use of hydrogen in vehicles powered by this fuel. 

Keywords: ‘hydrogen’, ‘hydrogen quality’, ‘quality testing methods’, ‘alternative fuels’, ‘transport fuels’, ‘fuel cells’, ‘PEM’.