Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPMSensor array for the continuous monitoring of impurities in green hydrogen at critical points in the hydrogen network
Ultrasonic sensors, thermal conductivity measurement technology, and ultrasonic flow meters all integrated into one sensor array
As part of the GRID_FUSE project, we are developing sensor technology for continuous hydrogen purity monitoring. Our goal is to create a cost-effective sensor array that integrates ultrasonic sensors, thermal conductivity measurement technology, and ultrasonic flowmeters into one system. The system is designed to detect impurities, specifically water and oxygen, in hydrogen in the sub-ppm range. The system will enable real-time monitoring of hydrogen purity at critical points in the infrastructure. AI-based fusion algorithms analyze the fused sensor data to precisely assess the gas’s purity level.
Until now, hydrogen quality has been monitored using gas chromatographs and spectrometers. The latter can detect even very low concentrations of oxygen and residual moisture. But these methods are time-consuming and expensive, and only allow spot checks of purity.
To characterize the sensors, Fraunhofer IPM is setting up a pressure-tight test rig to detect hydrogen impurities at low flow rates.
Impurities in hydrogen can compromise the efficiency, safety, and service life of systems that carry hydrogen
Green hydrogen, which is produced by electrolysis using renewable electricity, is inherently pure. However, impurities can arise during the production, transport, or storage of green hydrogen that damage the hydrogen infrastructure and impair its use in fuel cells. Traces of oxygen and moisture in hydrogen can have serious implications for the efficiency, safety, and service life of hydrogen-carrying systems. The purity of hydrogen as a fuel is therefore regulated by an ISO standard and must not exceed 5 parts per million (ppm).
