Fueling station safety is critically important if the hydrogen economy is ever going to be

Infra-red sensor used for detecting hydrogen leaks. Photo by Niels Maumenee

Break-away and automatic shut-off hydrogen dispenser. Photo by Niels Maumenee

successful. Customers are not likely to buy hydrogen powered vehicles or use a fueling station if accidents happen at the pump. That is why the Shell fueling station at Benning Road in Washington, D.C. is so important.

Hydrogen is dispensed under pressure so there is an opportunity for a leak. Remember, that hydrogen becomes dangerous when it is trapped in a confined space. Therefore, if the fueling station is in the open air as most stations are today there should be little danger.

• infra-red detectors
• ground to reduce the possibility of spark
• break-away hoses
• smart fueling pumps that communicate with the vehicle

These are just a few of the precautions that help keep the fueling station and its customers safe.