Hydrogen Refuelling Stations for Public Transport Quality and Safety in the User-interface

Hydrogen stations and supply systems for public transport have been demonstrated in a number of European cities during the last four years. The first refuelling facility was put into operation in Reykjavik in April 2003. Experience from the four years of operation shows that safety related incidents are more frequent in the user interface than in the other parts of the hydrogen refuelling station (HRS). This might be expected, taking into account the fact that the refuelling is manually operated, and that, according to industrial statistics, human failures normally stand for more than 80% of all safety related incidents. On the other hand the HRS experience needs special attention since the refuelling at the existing stations is carried out by well trained personnel, and that procedures and systems are followed closely. So far the quality and safety approach to hydrogen refuelling stations has been based on industrial experience. This paper addresses the challenge related to the development of safe, robust and easy to operate refuelling systems. Such systems require well adapted components and system solutions, as well as user procedures. The challenge to adapt the industrial based quality and safety philosophy and methodologies to new hydrogen applications and customers in the public sector is addressed. Risk based safety management and risk acceptance criteria relevant to users and third party are discussed in this context. Human factors and the use of incident reporting as a tool for continuous improvement are also addressed. The paper is based on internal development programmes for hydrogen refuelling stations in Hydro and on participation in international EU and IPHE projects such as CUTE, HyFLEET:CUTE, HySafe, and HyApproval.