Hydrogen fuel safety app developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

App highlights safe handling of hydrogen fuel

Researchers from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in the U.S. have developed a new mobile application called Hydrogen Tools. The application is designed to bring safety to the forefront when it comes to the use of fuel cell technology. Hydrogen fuel cells are becoming more popular and are seeing use in a variety of industries. While fuel cells are typically considered to be safe, an understanding of how these energy systems can be effectively used is often needed to avoid any potential accidents. Like all forms of technology, mishandling fuel cells can lead to harm.

App provides information concerning fuel cell technology

The application utilizes numerous web-based tools in order to provide those using hydrogen fuel cells with information concerning how these energy systems operate. Fuel cells generate electrical power through electrochemical reactions based on hydrogen and oxygen. The energy systems produce no harmful emissions and the only byproduct of its electrochemical reactions is water vapor and heat. Typical fuel cells produce a significant amount of heat, meaning that they cannot be in close proximity to flammable objects or equipment that is sensitive to high temperatures. Proper ventilation is also required to mitigate any excess heat the fuel cells may produce.

Proper handling of hydrogen fuel can mitigate disaster

The application is also meant to provide information on the proper handling of hydrogen fuel. Through the application, users can find out the appropriate pressures at which hydrogen fuel can be stored and the standards concerning deployment technologies that are designed to deliver hydrogen to fuel cells. Hydrogen is notoriously volatile, but proper handling can minimize the threat of disaster and keep those making use of the chemical safe.

App could help fuel cell users stay safe

Hydrogen Tools was developed with funding provided by the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Researchers believe that the application has been made available at an ideal time. The use of hydrogen fuel cells is growing quickly and informing the users of these energy systems on how to manage fuel cells safely could help mitigate any future problems regarding the poor handling of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.