Hydrogen Generators Update (ISO TC 197 WG9)
by Mario Sandoval
Shell Hydrogen

It is for me very satisfying to report that ISO TC 197 WG 9 is overcoming a variety of challenges and continues its progress towards achieving the established goals.

The ISO 16110-1 DIS document Hydrogen Generators Using Fuel Processing Technologies - Part 1: Safety has been sent to ISO on December 14, 2004. In addition, the WG has completed the first draft of ISO 16110-2: Test Methods for the Performance of Hydrogen Generators Using Fuel-Processing Technologies.

ISO 16110-1 DIS incorporates the comments received during and after the Yokohama meeting in July and has also been thoroughly formatted and edited. It will be circulated for balloting as soon as the review by the ISO TC 197 editing committee is concluded. The duration of the review has been extended to account for U.S. and Japanese comments sent in January and for applicable conclusions of the IEC TC 105 WG3 (Stationary Fuel Cells) Colorado Springs meeting in February. Also, figures in the appendixes were deleted and the related references modified to cut short an IP issue that could not be promptly clarified.

Although the progress achieved on ISO 16110-1 is reason for great satisfaction, let's not forget that the real goal is the adoption of the document as national or regional standard. The UL STP 2264 has already initiated a U.S. effort for that purpose. The Netherlands is preparing the initiation of the process in Europe. I encourage Japan, Korea and the other WG9 participating countries to also start their own efforts as well. The adoption process will certainly present many challenges to the document. However, I trust that the overcoming of these challenges will help to make the document more robust and practical.

As it is known, due to reduced funding, the NREL has scoped down its support to some codes and standards development activities for 2005. Unfortunately, this included the support given to CSA America to act as WG 9 secretary. WG 9 greatly regrets this decision and hopes that the DOE maintains its commitment to support the timely development of international hydrogen and fuel cell standards and their adoption in the USA.

I would like to thank the 30+ WG9 members (and their organizations) who for almost two years have reviewed in detail and discussed passionately and at length practically every line of ISO 16110-1. Also thanks to Jennifer Henderson and her colleagues at CSA America for the secretarial and administrative support. Finally, thanks to the partner organizations who have dedicated much work to harmonize ISO 16110-1 with their respective efforts. These organizations include CSA FC-1 and FC-3, IEC TC 105 WG3, ISO TC 197 WG8, and particularly the ANSI UL STP 2264 and the 20+ member Japanese industry group on the subject.

The first draft of ISO 16110-2 is based on the IEC TC 105 WG5 document on performance of stationary fuel cell power systems. Bob Wichert and I have worked on adapting most of the WG5 document for use with hydrogen generators using fuel processing technologies. We hope that the work accomplished will enable to have an ISO 16110-2 CD by June 2005 as offered at the ISO TC 197 plenary. Main modifications needed relate to the use of fuel cell off gas or PSA off gas in the hydrogen generator, and to the case in which the generator's output is also CO (as is the case for generators supplying to MCFC systems).

Further details about WG9 (deadlines, etc) can be found in:
http://www.hydrogensafety.info/archives/2004/jul/5.html

Since my departure from Shell many have asked what will be my level of participation. Both Shell Hydrogen and the Dutch Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Committee have kindly enabled my participation until the end of 2004. The Netherlands has officially communicated the nomination of a new, very talented WG9 convener, Mr. Falco Thuis from Gastec Certification. He will take ISO 16110-1 to the FDIS stage and beyond and will lead the work for ISO 16110-2. I kindly but strongly encourage you to support my successor's work with the same commitment and dedication you supported the work under my leadership. Also, I wish my successor every success.

I am very glad to communicate that I might be able to continue my participation, this time as WG member. The details are still being worked out.

Thank you very much for the numerous good moments we enjoyed working together and for all your support. I wish you and each of your families a 2005 plenty of blessings. In these turbulent times, I also wish each of your organizations lots of success.