Hydrogen Dispensing
Hydrogen dispensing involves the transfer of hydrogen fuel from storage containers to hydrogen-fueled vehicles. Hydrogen can be dispensed in either liquid or compressed gas form. Dispensing liquid hydrogen is similar to dispensing gasoline, but the equipment is different to accommodate the low temperature of liquid hydrogen.
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority fuels three of its buses with hydrogen from its own fueling station
For gaseous hydrogen, hydrogen fueling stations offer nozzles for two pressure levels of fuel (i.e., one for 5,000 psi and one for 10,000 psi) to prevent accidental fueling of, for example, 10,000-psi hydrogen gas into a 5,000-psi vehicle tank. The hydrogen dispensers are similar to those used to dispense compressed natural gas, but they operate at higher pressures. The dispensers include over-pressure protection, remote shut-off capability, and automatic-off breakaway nozzles and hoses to ensure safety.
In typical public-station "fast-fill" dispensing, drivers can fuel their hydrogen-powered vehicles in several minutes. The actual time depends on the vehicle's onboard tank capacity and the dispensing equipment used.
Hydrogen dispensing codes and standards address equipment requirements, leak detection, fire suppression, dispensing procedures, temperature and pressure limits, and operator training. Learn more about codes and standards related to hydrogen dispensing.