Validation of the Localized Fire Test Method for On-Board Hydrogen Storage Systems

The localized fire test provided in the Global Technical Regulation for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles gives two separate test methods: the ‘generic installation test - Method 1′ and the ‘specific vehicle installation test - Method 2′. Vehicle manufacturers are required to apply either of the two methods. Focused on Method 2, the present study was conducted to determine the characteristics and validity of Method 2. Test results under identical burner flame temperature conditions and the effects of cylinder protection covers made of different materials were compared between Method 1 and Method 2.

The following results were obtained: (1) Methods 1 and 2 produced nearly identical results when the minimum temperature profile in the GTR test procedure was followed in both cases. (2) A steel protection cover on the cylinder significantly lowered cylinder surface temperatures during the fire test until activation of the thermal pressure relief device (TPRD). (3) A thermoplastic cover on the cylinder melted during the fire test and produced an engulfing pool fire during the localized fire portion of the test that accelerated activation of the TPRD. Since the advantage of early TPRD is highly dependent on where and how the pool fire is generated by the melting thermoplastic material.