Testing of New Sensors at the UK’s First Thermophysical Properties Rig for Hydrogen – Enhancing a Novel Hydrogen Leak Detection System

In the present-day context, the extent and implications of hydrogen emissions or losses within the UK are of paramount importance, with far-reaching consequences that span both economic and environmental spectrums. Preliminary analyses indicate that the nation confronts significant challenges related to hydrogen losses, which predominantly occur due to leakages throughout the stages of production, transportation, and distribution. These leakages culminate in noteworthy economic inefficiencies on an annual basis, underscoring the urgency of addressing such issues with effective solutions.

The primary objective of this A4I project is to tackle a challenge of considerable magnitude and financial impact, which demands a focused and specialised approach. The prevalent solutions available in the market, which are generally designed for broader applications, fall short in addressing the intricate and unique challenges associated with hydrogen gas leakages. This inadequacy stems from the limitations of conventional off-the-shelf facilities and technologies, which, although they may be suitable for other applications, do not meet the specific requirements needed to mitigate hydrogen loss effectively.

Notably, while the market offers a variety of leakage detection technologies for substances such as natural gas, these solutions are not directly transferable to the context of hydrogen gas. The reasons for this include not only the high capital costs associated with deploying such technologies but also their need for regular maintenance and repair, which adds to the overall expense and complexity of their implementation. Furthermore, a critical drawback of these existing technologies is their diminished accuracy and efficiency when applied to detecting hydrogen gas within the national transmission and distribution systems. This limitation is particularly concerning, given the unique properties of hydrogen gas and the specific challenges it presents in terms of leakage detection.

Therefore, the development of our innovative technology represents a deliberate and strategic response to these challenges. By focusing on the specific nuances of hydrogen gas leakage detection, our approach aims to offer a more effective, efficient, and economically viable solution compared to the existing methodologies. This initiative not only addresses the immediate concerns related to hydrogen losses but also contributes to the broader goals of enhancing economic efficiency and environmental sustainability within the energy sector of the UK.