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
Benefits
A detailed design and specification that will facilitate the development of an accurate and reliable hydrogen detection device / monitor.
• A recommendation report that details the findings of the literature review, critical analysis, and laboratory-based assessments for the best / optimal integrated technology solution.
• The detailed design solution will have minimal impact on the end-user.
• The detailed design solution of the final product needs to be within budget of bill payers, notionally a maximum of £100 per unit for the smart unit, and £40 for the dumb unit.
• Reliable and consistent device connectivity (external communications to FCO centre, and internal connectivity between other devices in the home - potentially other / similar hydrogen gas detectors e.g., multi-device installations).
• Simple for customers to use / operate / understand.
• Easy / cost efficient to manufacture.
• Capability of multiple detectors to be able to communicate to an independent smart meter in each home, to allow detection all over the home.
Learnings
Outcomes
This project was carried out in preparation for a village scale hydrogen field trial and Government hydrogen for heating policy decision in 2026. The project has delivered a design specification for a wireless hydrogen detector that can be used within the home. The design specification can now be used by the gas distribution networks responsible for future hydrogen demonstrations, should they need to procure ‘smart’ hydrogen detectors. The design specification describes a family of products that can be used in a fully integrated system or as stand-alone safety devices.
This outcome assures all parties that the technology exists to be able to provide a robust hydrogen sensor network that can communicate with GDNs and end-users. This can assure the HSE that, ahead of a CFA decision on the use of hydrogen for heating, the level of societal risk reduction discussed in the GB QRA is robust and evidenced.
Lessons Learnt
The project went smoothly and was successfully executed. There could have been wider experimentation when undertaking the field trials, to check the efficacy of other comms technology. As it was, there was only scope to test the preferred technology that had been identified in the literature review. Similarly, it would have been beneficial to undertake more detailed domestic testing – even to the extent that sensors could have been developed and then trialed in peoples home for communication purposes. The project outputs confirmed that the technology could be rolled out at a large scale, but the demand for the technology needs to be driven by the Government policy decision on the use of hydrogen.
