Hydrogen Energy Monitoring Solutions

Industry Background

Hydrogen energy is a clean, renewable energy source. It is gradually becoming a key force in the global energy transformation. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) report, the global hydrogen energy market is expected to reach US$200 billion by 2030. Hydrogen energy applications cover many fields such as transportation, industrial manufacturing, and energy storage. It is worth mentioning that hydrogen energy has broad application prospects in fuel cell vehicles and renewable energy storage. 

However, the application of hydrogen energy faces many technical challenges: due to the extremely high explosiveness and diffusivity of hydrogen, the production, storage and transportation of hydrogen have high requirements for equipment. Ensuring safe and reliable measurement has become a core demand of the hydrogen energy industry.

Application Site of a Hydrogen Energy Customer

Hydrogen Production by Water Electrolysis

In the electrolyzer, the pressures of hydrogen and oxygen are monitored using pressure transmitters to ensure the stability and safety of the electrolysis process.  

Challenges

1. The pressure in the electrolyzer wiill be getting higher during the process of electrolysis, thus the transmitter should normally operation during the high-pressure condition.

2. The transmitter should have robust material and strong sealing capacity because of the electrolyte is corrosive.

3. The transmitter should maintain stable performance in the case of temperature changes.

4. Water electrolysis hydrogen production system requires high-accuracy pressure measurement to ensure system safety and efficiency.

5. The transmitter should be able to operate stably for a long time to save maintenance costs.

Solutions

1. Micro Sensor transmitter adopts over-pressure and robust materials, it’s ideal for accurate measurement during high-pressure condition.

2. The transmitter is made of corrosion-resistant materials (stainless steel, special alloys) with a special gold-plated coating. Its function is to enhance corrosion resistance and extend service life.

3. The transmitter provide stable measuring data due to its wide temp range and temp compensation.

4. Advanced sensing technology and high-precision calibration are used to ensure data accuracy of transmitter.

5. The transmitter has lower failure rate and maintenance cost due to its high-quality components and optimized structural design.

Products

Smart Pressure Transmitters, Temperature Transmitters

Hydrogen Production from Natural Gas Reforming

In the reactor and separation equipment, pressure transmitters are used to monitor pressure changes, optimize reaction conditions, and improve hydrogen production efficiency.

Challenges

1.The measuring instrument should operation normally during the high-temp environment because of the natural gas reforming reactor operates at high temperature.

2.Since the natural gas reforming process is designed to operate at high pressure, the measuring instrument must be able to provide accurate measurement data even in a high pressure environment.

3. There may be corrosive gases and liquids in the reforming process, so the measuring instrument must have good corrosion resistance.

4. Hydrogen production requires fast-responding, high-accuracy data to optimize process parameters.

5. The transmitter should be able to operate stably for a long time to save maintenance costs.

Solutions

1. The high temperature resistant materials and high temperature compensation technology of the Micro Sensor instrumentation enable it to maintain stable performance even in high temperature environments.

2. The measuring instrument features rugged materials and a safe design to provide high-accuracy measurements even in high-pressure environments.

3. Corrosion-resistant materials and special coatings withstand the impact of harsh media, extending service life.

4. Fast-response and high-accuracy sensing technology provide real-time accurate pressure data to optimize production processes.

5. High-quality components and optimized design, making measuring instruments with long-term stability and low maintenance costs.

Products

Pressure Transmitters, Mass Flowmeters

High-Pressure Hydrogen Storage

Pressure transmitters monitor the pressure inside hydrogen storage tanks to ensure the pressure remains within safe limits, preventing overpressure incidents during the storage process. 

Challenges

1. High-pressure oxygen tanks are operate during high pressure, thus the pressure transmitter should withstand the high-pressure condition and provide accurate measuring data.

2. Hydrogen gas features highly permeable. It is easy to diffuse  through various materials, which may cause sensor failure.

3. There may be temperature fluctuations during the hydrogenation and dehydration processes, thus the pressure transmitter should adapt to the changes.

4. High-pressure hydrogen storage tanks have a potential risk of explosion, thus the pressure transmitter must have high safety standards and explosion-proof design.

5. High-pressure hydrogen storage tank systems require pressure transmitter to operate for a long time, and have lower maintenance requirements and costs.

Solutions

1. Micro Sensor’s transmitters withstand overpressure and use robust materials and advanced sensing tech, ensuring the accurate measurements and infallibility.

2. Using low-permeability gold-plated materials, along with stainless steel, special alloys and advanced sealing tech to ensure long-term stability of the sensor.

3. Wide temp compensation ensures accurate measuring data during the condition of temp fluctuation.

4. Strict safety and explosion-proof requirements are met by the transmitter, guaranteeing safe operation under high pressure. Meeting strict safe and explosion-proof standards and multiple safe protections.  

5. With high-quality components and optimized design, ensuring lower failure rate and costs.

Products

Smart Pressure Transmitters

Liquid Hydrogen Storage

In cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage tanks, pressure transmitters monitor the pressure inside the tanks to ensure safe storage of liquid hydrogen.    

Challenges 

1. Since liquid hydrogen is kept in storage at extremely low temperatures, the pressure transmitter must to be able to function well under these conditions as well.

2. Systems for storing liquid hydrogen may be operated in high pressure environments, and the pressure transmitter needs to be able to tolerate and measure high pressure with accuracy.

3. Hydrogen's high permeability can lead to material deterioration and leakage hazards, hence the pressure transmitter needs to have strong anti-permeation properties.

4. Pressure readings for liquid hydrogen storage systems need to be accurate and responsive quickly.

5. Pressure transmitters in liquid hydrogen storage systems must run continuously to reduce maintenance needs and expenses. 

Solutions 

1. In extremely low temperature conditions, the Micro Sensor pressure transmitter maintains steady performance through the use of low-temperature sensing technologies and materials resistant to low temperatures.

2. High-strength materials and cutting-edge pressure sensing technology are used by the transmitter to enable it to endure high pressure and measure properly even in high-pressure situations.

3. To stop hydrogen from penetrating, the transmitter uses sophisticated sealing technology and gold-plated materials with low hydrogen permeability.

4. Fast reaction times and highly accurate sensor technology enable the transmitter to deliver precise pressure data in real time, aiding in the optimization of the transit and storage procedures.

5. In order to guarantee steady performance over the long term, lower failure rates, and save maintenance expenses, premium components and optimal design are employed.

Products

Smart Pressure Transmitters, Temperature Transmitters

Hydrogen Pipeline Transportation

Pressure transmitters along the hydrogen pipeline continuously monitor pressure, enabling prompt detection of leaks or anomalies to ensure safe transport.

Challenges 

1. "Hydrogen embrittlement" and "hydrogen permeation" are common with the equipment.

2. Hydrogen has explosive and incendiary properties.

3. Strict guidelines for sealing and accuracy.

Solutions 

1. Employ a diaphragm with gold plating to avoid hydrogen embrittlement.

2. Excellent precision and robust sealing performance.

3. An explosion-proof circuit can be used in dangerous environments.

Products

Smart Pressure Transmitters, Mass Flowmeters

Hydrogen Transport Vehicles

In the hydrogen storage tanks of hydrogen transport vehicles, pressure transmitters monitor the pressure inside the tanks to ensure safety during transportation.

Challenges 

1. The pressure transmitter needs to operate under high pressure and high temperature conditions. 

2. There will be bumps and vibrations during transportation, requiring the pressure transmitter to provide accurate data. 

3. Due to the high-pressure hydrogen pressure transmitter needs to meet strict safety standards.

Solutions 

1. High-strength materials and advanced pressure sensing technology ensure accurate measurement in high-pressure and high-temp environments. 

2. Anti-vibration design and stable performance, providing reliable pressure measurement in dynamic environments. 

3. Comply with industry standards and certification requirements, multiple safety protections to ensure normal operation.

Products

 Pressure Transmitters, Temperature Transmitters

Stationary Hydrogen Fuel Cell System

In fixed hydrogen fuel cell power systems, pressure transmitters monitor the hydrogen storage and supply pressures to ensure safe operation.

Challenges

1. Fixed hydrogen fuel cell systems demand high-pressure hydrogen storage, requiring infallible, pressure-capable instrumentation.

2. High requirements for long-term stability.

3. High requirements for precise pressure control.

4. Strict requirements for safety and strict standards for pressure monitoring systems.

Solutions

1. High-strength materials and advanced pressure sensing technology ensure accurate measurement and infallibility in high-pressure condition.

2. Anti-vibration design and stable performance provide accurate pressure measurement in dynamic working environment.

3. High-accuracy sensing technology and fast response capabilities monitor pressure changes and optimize system operation.

4. Strict safety standards, complete certificates,and multiple safety protections ensure normal operation.

5. High-quality components and optimized design ensure long-term stable operation, reducing maintenance costs.

Products

Pressure Transmitters, Temperature Transmitters

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

Pressure transmitters monitor the hydrogen pressure within the fuel cell stack, ensuring stable hydrogen supply and optimized fuel cell operation.

Challenges

1. High-pressure hydrogen storage demands infallible, overpressure transmitters.

2. Dynamic operating conditions require pressure transmitters with high stability and vibration resistance.

3. Flammable hydrogen necessitates strict safety standards and reliable pressure monitoring.

4. Rapid response and accurate pressure data ensure stable, efficient fuel supply.

5. Long-term transmitter stability minimizes maintenance needs and costs.

Solutions

1. High-strength materials and advanced pressure sensing technology ensure accurate measurement and infallibility in high-pressure condition.

2. Anti-vibration design, high stability, providing reliable pressure measurement in dynamic operating condition.

3. Comply with industry standards and certification requirements, multiple safety protections to ensure normal operation.

4. Fast-response and high-accuracy sensing technology monitor pressure changes  to provide real-time accurate pressure data.

5. High-quality components and optimized design ensure long-term stable operation, reducing maintenance costs.

Products

Pressure Transmitters, Temperature Transmitters

Hydrogen Filling Device

Pressure transmitters monitor hydrogen pressure during the filling process, ensuring accurate pressure control to enhance efficiency and safety.

Challenges

1. Hydrogen filling equipment requires high-accuracy, infallible pressure transmitters for safe, high-pressure filling.

2. Rapid response and efficient filling are needed to meet user demands for fast hydrogen filling.

3. Stringent safety standards for flammable hydrogen necessitate a reliable pressure monitoring system.

4. Stable filling pressure ensures complete hydrogen storage system charging.

Solutions

1. High-accuracy sensing technology and pressure control algorithm enable safe hydrogen filling under high pressure conditions.

2. Fast-response and high sensitivity monitor pressure changes to provide efficient filling processes.

3. Strict safety standards, complete certificates,and multiple safety protections ensure normal operation.

Products

Pressure Transmitters, Temperature Transmitters, Mass Flowmeters

Hydrogen Refueling Station Safety Monitoring System

Pressure transmitters in the safety monitoring system continuously monitor the pressure of hydrogen storage tanks and refueling equipment, preventing accidents caused by pressure anomalies.

Challenges

1. High-pressure hydrogen refueling demands precise, reliable pressure transmitters.

2. Sensitive, responsive leak detection is critical for station and environmental safety.

3. Real-time monitoring of station equipment and piping ensures safe, stable operation.

4. Data acquisition, storage, and analysis optimize performance and enhance safety.

Solutions

1. High-accuracy sensing technology and pressure control algorithm enable safe hydrogen filling under high pressure conditions.

2. Once the instrument detects an abnormal pressure drop, it can quickly alarm and trigger safety measures.

3. The instrument can help detect abnormalities in time and take corresponding measures.

Products

Pressure Transmitters, Temperature Transmitters, Mass Flowmeters

Recommended Products

• MDM7000 Smart Pressure Transmitters

High accuracy; High stability; Gold-plated diaphragm

• MPM480GH Pressure Transmitter

Gold-plated diaphragm; Small size

• Temperature Transmitter

High-accuracy; Integral/remote

• MFC608 Coriolis Mass Flowmeter

Applicable to mass flow, volumetric flow, density, temperature measurements

Diameter: DN4~ DN300mm Output: 4mA~20mA DC, RS485, pulse output Accuracy class: 0.5, 0.2, 0.15 Operating temperature: -196℃～85℃

Values

The stability of the whole hydrogen energy chain is ensured by the suitability of Micro Sensor's pressure transmitters for a range of applications, including fuel cells, storage, transportation, and hydrogen production.

Strict explosion-proof certifications and corrosion resistance testing have been applied to the items, ensuring safe operation in hazardous situations and successfully preventing mishaps brought on by excessive pressure. Furthermore, the materials used in the construction of Micro Sensor's pressure transmitters are high-strength, which gives them exceptional wear and impact resistance as well as the ability to function steadily in the face of harsh impact and high-frequency vibration.

About Us

Since its inception in 1971, Micro Sensor Co., Ltd. has been dedicated to the research and manufacturing of piezo-resistive pressure sensors. With over 50 years of design, development, and production experience, the company has emerged as a leading force in China’s semiconductor piezo-resistive pressure sensor industry. Micro Sensor's product portfolio includes pressure sensors, pressure transmitters, level transmitters, temperature transmitters, and flow meters. Serving over 20,000 customers in more than 100 countries and regions, the company specializes in providing customized product solutions for various industries.

With its outstanding technical strength and rich industry experience, Micro Sensor has been providing high-quality sensor solutions for the hydrogen energy industry. Its measuring instruments play a key role in the production, storage, transportation and application of hydrogen. Through continuous R&D, Micro Sensor is committed to promoting global energy transformation and sustainable development.