New test methods for hydrogen research

The testing of metallic hollow samples is a basis for the subsequent transportation and storage of hydrogen. Photo: Hereon/ Anton Odermatt

Hydrogen plays a central role in the transition to a CO₂ neutral economy. In the future, large quantities of hydrogen will be imported and transported within Germany from producers to consumers. Metallic materials are mainly used for production, distribution via pipelines and pressure vessels for storage. However, not all materials are sufficiently resistant to hydrogen. Only very complex test procedures are currently standardized for testing the materials, which can only be carried out by a few laboratories worldwide. As part of the TransHyDE project, an alternative method using hollow samples is therefore being developed. Compared to the usual test in autoclaves, the safety requirements are lower here, as the test can be carried out with much smaller quantities of hydrogen. The Department of Laser Processing and Structural Assessment at the Hereon Institute of Materials Mechanics has successfully commissioned such a testing system for testing metallic hollow specimens under hydrogen pressure from ZwickRoell. The test method is being used in a joint project with the Department of System Design for Mobile Storage Systems at the Institute of Hydrogen Technology for the development of new types of metal hydride storage systems.