Protection for hydrogen electrolysis systems
Europe aims to be climate-neutral by 2050. Hydrogen, as an energy source, will play a crucial role in achieving this. In addition to its high energy density, it is easy to transport and just as easy to store. The latter makes it interesting when it comes to long-term energy storage. In what are known as "power-to-gas plants", also referred to as "electrolysers", hydrogen is produced employing CO2-neutral methods, either for immediate use or for storage, using renewable energies – ideally with surplus energy.
Why is a protection concept needed?
Hydrogen is a highly flammable gas, meaning that electrolysis systems must fulfil high explosion protection requirements. A fundamental element for this is lightning protection, which protects against the direct and indirect effects of lightning. Additional components are explosion-protection equipotential bonding and earthing.
Comprehensive solutions from a single source
We are the full-service provider of protection solutions for safe hydrogen electrolysis systems.
Experience our expertise first hand. We're looking forward to your questions.
Safety for an energy source of the future
Hydrogen harbours enormous potential. However, it is also one of the most explosive gases and the safety requirements are correspondingly high. Not just the production of hydrogen, but all downstream processes, such as transport and storage, must be designed and operated safely. When planning and installing lightning protection measures for potentially explosive systems, the relevant laws, regulations, technical rules and standards must be observed.
The fundamentals: Risk assessment and Ex zone plan
Regardless of the number of staff concerned, the operator must prepare a risk assessment for the hazards to people in systems located in a potentially explosive area and its surroundings. This must include the creation of an explosion protection document and an Ex zone plan. We then design the lightning protection system based on these documents.
We protect people and equipment
The technology involved in the generation, storage, transport and utilisation of hydrogen is sensitive to transient overvoltages. These can be caused by direct or indirect lightning strikes or by coupled interference such as switching operations, load peaks of inductive loads, as well as earth faults and short circuits. We take a holistic view of protective equipment and consider possible interactions with other sources of risk.
Our comprehensive protection concept for Ex-zone systems consists of:
We will be happy to clear these up in person.
Our services
We can provide support for your project from the planning to the implementation and beyond. Take advantage of our wide range of practical tools and services.
Evaluate the risk of arc faults and define protection measures in line with the TOP principle using DEHNarX: We review and optimise existing protection measures and recommend state-of-the-art improvements. Simply book the comprehensive documentation as needed plus our safety-enhancing system labelling as well.
We create the entire lightning protection concept – from the risk analysis and earthing simulation to budget planning – all precisely tailored to your project, and standards-compliant.
