Hydrogen is hazardous, its flammability is an inherent physical property. When handling hydrogen we must work with its physical properties and minimise the overall risk. The risk is derived from the size of the hazard and the likelihood of a hazardous event.
The size of the hazard can be reduced by minimising the inventory of hydrogen. However, there are occasions where a large amount of hydrogen is required to be stored. For example, to ensure that a fuel cell electric vehicle can drive a long range.
In the case of hydrogen mobility, reducing the risk is achieved in many ways, for example by using robust gas storage tanks. Modern fuel cell electric vehicles transport hydrogen gas in extremely strong cylinders made from carbon fibre composite materials.
The pressure of hydrogen in the tank may be up to 700 bar, but the tank itself must be tested to withstand more than 2,000 bar. This ‘over-design’ reduces the frequency of the tank failing.
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