Development of a calculation procedure suitable for SMEs regarding components in pressurized hydrogen atmospheres using selected structural components as examples

Project description

In the context of the energy transition, pressurized hydrogen became increasingly important as an energy carrier. To create a practical hydrogen infrastructure, a large number of new components had to be developed to ensure safe storage, refueling, and transport. Designing these components for operational reliability required new calculation concepts that could map damage mechanisms under hydrogen atmosphere in a material-specific manner. Although regulations existed for special applications (e.g., pipelines, pressure vessels) that accounted for hydrogen influence, this had so far been done in a very undifferentiated and conservative manner—for example, by applying a flat safety factor of 1/10 under hydrogen atmospheres in the AD2000 regulations. There was therefore a considerable need for tailor-made calculation procedures for a wide variety of components and materials that appropriately considered hydrogen’s effect. The project served as a preliminary stage for the development of a calculation guideline. Several example components—such as valve housings and fitting components—were analyzed. The damage potential of the hydrogen atmosphere was assessed via stress-dependent parameters (pressure, concentration, temperature, exposure time, load frequency) and material-dependent factors (material group, chemical composition).