A study on the optimal design of a ventilation system to prevent explosion due to hydrogen gas leakage in a fuel cell power generation facility. (2nd November 2016) - Lee, Inbok
Abstract: This study analyzes the appropriate ventilation rate within the housing of the power generating facility of the fuel cell. Appropriate ventilation can prevent an explosion in the event of hydrogen leakage by controlling the leakage before it reaches the explosion threshold. In this study, the criteria for adequate ventilation were established by calculating the amount of hydrogen leaked according to the leakage hole size. Based on these criteria, the ventilation rate that would keep the amount of gas below the explosion threshold was calculated. Using this appropriate ventilation rate, equipment that has the capability of releasing hydrogen within the fuel cell power generating facilities was selected, and the amount and rate of leakage were calculated based on a specific leakage scenario. The minimum ventilation rate in terms of spatial volume that is required to prevent explosions for the 45 m 3 space examined in this research was confirmed to be above 30%, and this rate should be applied when designing ventilation systems. Highlights: A fuel cell power system has potential risks of hydrogen leakage and explosion. An adequate ventilation rate can prevent an explosion from the hydrogen leakage. Lower explosion limit of hydrogen is studied to find the adequate ventilation rate. The ventilation rate to prevent an explosion increases with the leakage hole size.