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Safety Equipment Planning Through Experimental Analysis of Hydrogen Leakage and Ventilation in Enclosed Spaces

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  • Hee-La Jang

    (Department of Environment Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyang-daero, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Hyeon-Seok Seo

    (Department of Environment Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyang-daero, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Hong-Cheol Shin

    (Department of Environment Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyang-daero, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • In-Ju Hwang

    (Department of Environment Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyang-daero, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

In South Korea, securing ground space for installing hydrogen refueling stations in urban areas is challenging due to limited ground space and high-density development. Safety concerns for hydrogen systems in enclosed urban environments also require careful consideration. To address this issue, this study explored a method of undergrounding hydrogen infrastructure as a solution for urban hydrogen charging stations. This study examined the characteristics of hydrogen diffusion and concentration reduction under leakage conditions within a confined hydrogen infrastructure, focusing on key safety systems, including emergency shut-off valves (ESVs) and ventilation fans. We discovered that the ESV reduced hydrogen concentration by over 80%. Installing two or more ventilation fans arranged horizontally improves airflow and enhances ventilation efficiency. Moreover, increasing the number of fans reduces stagnant zones within the space, effectively lowering the average hydrogen concentration.

Suggested Citation

  • Hee-La Jang & Hyeon-Seok Seo & Hong-Cheol Shin & In-Ju Hwang, 2025. "Safety Equipment Planning Through Experimental Analysis of Hydrogen Leakage and Ventilation in Enclosed Spaces," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:7070-:d:1717384
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hyon Wook Ji & Hongcheol Lee & Inju Hwang & Heela Jang, 2022. "Safe Ventilation Methods against Leaks in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Rooms in Homes," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-13, July.
    2. Xiao, Huahua & Duan, Qiangling & Sun, Jinhua, 2018. "Premixed flame propagation in hydrogen explosions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P2), pages 1988-2001.
    3. Solomon, Barry D. & Banerjee, Abhijit, 2006. "Erratum to "A global survey of hydrogen energy research, development and policy": [Energy Policy 34 (2006) 781-792]," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(11), pages 1318-1208, July.
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