Measurement Technology for Hydrogen Applications Across the Entire Process Chain

Hydrogen is emerging as a central energy carrier in the industrial transformation and is considered a key technology for the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries, mobility, and energy supply. Whether in production, transport, storage, or use—precise flow measurements are an essential prerequisite for safe, efficient and economical plant operation.

Höntzsch’s thermal and vane wheel flow sensors ensure reliable measurements even with challenging gases such as hydrogen. Thanks to high measurement dynamics, low pressure losses and robust sensor technology, they are suitable for a wide variety of applications along the hydrogen value chain.
 

Hydrogen Measurement in Practice

Leak Detection in Hydrogen and Gas Transmission Networks


The impermeability of valves, shut-off devices, and other components is a key requirement for the safe and economical operation of hydrogen networks. This applies to both newly constructed facilities and existing gas infrastructures that are being converted to hydrogen or hydrogen-containing gas mixtures.

In many cases, simply detecting a leak is not enough. It is also crucial to reliably determine the volume of gas escaping. Flow measurements show how much gas flows through a fitting, seal, or shut-off device within a specific period of time.

This allows for the comparison of components, the verification of technical limits, and the detection of changes during periodic inspections. The measurement results can also be incorporated into the evaluation of ventilation concepts, safety zones, and maintenance measures.

Applications
 

Ventilation and Process Monitoring of Fuel Cells

Fuel cell systems require precisely controlled gas flows for efficient and stable operation. Supplying the fuel cell stack with air or oxygen is particularly important. The required air flow depends on the current operating and load conditions and can change within a short period of time.

In addition to cathode gas, the hydrogen supply, recirculation flows and anode and cathode exhaust gases can also be relevant measurement points. The recorded values support system control and help reliably assess different operating conditions.

Flow Measurement in Gas Venting and Pressure Relief Processes

When gas lines are emptied or vented in a controlled manner, high and highly fluctuating gas flows often occur for short periods. Such processes are necessary, for example, prior to maintenance work, when replacing components, or during the commissioning of new pipeline sections.

Flow measurement records the volume of discharged gas, the temporal progression, and the duration of the process. This allows venting processes to be documented in a traceable manner and allows different procedures to be compared with one another.

Application

Areas of Application

Höntzsch's measurement technology supports applications in numerous sectors of the hydrogen economy:

  • Hydrogen production (electrolysis)
  • Hydrogen transport and gas networks
  • Storage and compression stations
  • Fuel cell test benches
  • Research and development
  • Energy supply and industrial process plants

Your Benefits with Höntzsch

  • Precise measurement of hydrogen and other industrial gases
  • High measurement dynamic range, from the smallest leaks to high process flow rates
  • Low pressure loss
  • Rugged sensors for industrial applications
  • Mobile and stationary measurement solutions
  • Models for potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX)
  • Long-term stable and low-maintenance measurement technology

Growing Demands for Hydrogen Measurement

As the hydrogen economy expands, new measurement challenges are constantly emerging. This applies to large-scale electrolysis and storage facilities as well as the conversion of existing gas networks, new industrial processes, and the further development of fuel cell systems.

Each application has its own specific requirements regarding measurement range, measurement dynamics, pressure drop, materials, installation conditions, and explosion protection. Therefore, the measurement task should always be considered in the context of the entire process. Höntzsch is continuously expanding its portfolio of applications and solutions for new energy applications.

Would you like to know which measurement solution is right for your hydrogen application? Our specialists are be happy to advise you.