The HyApproval project, funded under the 6th EU Research-Framework-Programme developed a universal Handbook (HB) to facilitate the approval process of Hydrogen Refuelling Stations (HRS) in Europe. The goals of HyApproval were to provide a Handbook of technical and regulatory requirements to assist authorisation officials, companies and organisations with the implementation and operation of HRS and to finalise the former EIHP2 HRS technical guideline. A partnership of 23 (20 European) from industry, SME’s and research institutes provided the critical mass and required knowledge. Key partners from China/Japan/USA provided liaison to international Regulations, Codes and Standards activities.
The HB is based on best practices reflecting the existing technical knowledge and regulatory environment allowing flexibility for new technologies and designs to be introduced in the future. In 5 EU countries (F/D/I/E/NL) and in China the process included a HB review by country authorities to pursue "broad agreement” and to define “approval routes”.
Part I: “Guidelines for design, operation & maintenance of a HRS” and Part II: “Permitting process” provides guidance and support required by the stakeholders regarding the applicable standards and regulation, explaining how to apply these as well as providing the underlying knowledge base. Part I also includes the results of the safety assessment including the results of CFD consequence assessments of accidental hydrogen releases, a risk assessment and a proposed method to define safety distances.
This paper will highlight the most important results and recommendations of the HyApproval project.