Hydrogen fuel cells, a green alternative to traditional fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel, are already widely used in transport vehicles such as buses, forklifts and garbage trucks, as well as in backup generators. To ensure proper operation of hydrogen fuel cell systems, pressure sensors, solenoid valves, and liquid level products are used to accurately and effectively control pressure, flow, and liquid levels.
Challenge: A compact pressure sensor, solenoid valve, and liquid level product is required to provide long-term resistance to hydrogen corrosion
Hydrogen is a corrosive gas that corrodes and breaks down certain metals causing them to embrittlement. Therefore, the sensors and valves must be made of high-quality materials that can withstand hydrogen corrosion to prevent the internal components (diaphragms, seals, plungers, springs, conduits, stops) from embrittle and failing. In addition, hydrogen is flammable and explosive, making it very dangerous to leak into the atmosphere, and the hydrogen accumulated in small Spaces can replace oxygen, causing a choking hazard.
Solution:
Gems 3500 Series pressure sensor
The Gems 3500 Series pressure sensor is of full 316L stainless steel construction and is fully compatible with hydrogen fuel cell system, which ensures long term trouble free operation of the system. The 3500 Series pressure sensor can meet the pressure monitoring requirements of low or medium pressure systems. It is suitable for hydrogen pressure, compressed air pressure, and coolant pressure monitoring to prevent hydrogen embrittleness, while meeting the system requirements for high insulation of 500VDC or higher (customizable) and EMC.