Honeywell new Hydrogen Leak Detector (HLD) solution designed specifically to detect microscopic hydrogen leaks in real time, hence ensuring the safety of hydrogen-powered systems. Honeywell’s new HLD sensor uses cutting-edge Thermal Conductivity Detection technology to accurately detect minuscule hydrogen leaks as little as 50 parts per million.
Honeywell’s innovative sensor technology enables operators to intervene early and halt a leak before it poses a significant safety issue.
As with other types of energy, managing the safety hazards of hydrogen-powered systems is critical. Hydrogen is colorless, odorless, highly combustible, and fast diffused, making a leak difficult to detect and allowing the gas to easily leave a storage tank or pipe via seals and joints, increasing the danger of fires and explosions.
BWR Innovations is an early adopter of Honeywell’s HLD solution, using the new technology to improve safety while modernizing energy infrastructure with industry-leading hydrogen solutions.
Honeywell HLD sensors are used in the company’s Oncore Energy system, which is a versatile hydrogen fuel cell generator for home and business applications.
With hydrogen helping to power key infrastructure such as construction equipment, household power generators, heavy-duty trucks, and buses, global demand is rapidly increasing. According to the Hydrogen Council, roughly 90,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles were on the road worldwide in 2024, up 14% from 2023.
Unlike other hydrogen detection technologies that require frequent calibration, Honeywell’s HLD sensor is designed to operate without regular manual intervention.
When the HLD sensor is installed adjacent to a hydrogen storage tank, gas piping, fuel cell or vehicle cabin, it does not need to be adjusted or manually calibrated for 10 years.
With less required maintenance, operators are able to avoid equipment downtime and minimize labor costs in critical sectors like construction, power generation, ground shipping and air transport.
Leadership Comments
“Hydrogen has tremendous potential to power our global infrastructure, but it must be done with safety top-of-mind,” said Moin Shafai, chief technology officer of Honeywell Sensing Solutions. “By innovating in leak detection technologies, Honeywell is helping to safeguard hydrogen-powered systems and the people who operate them as global demand continues to grow.”
“The integration of Honeywell’s HLD sensor into our Oncore Energy System provides us with reliable leak detection that reinforces operational safety for our hydrogen-powered system and enables continuous monitoring of our equipment in real time,” said Adam Jorgenson, Chief Operating Officer at BWR Innovations.
To Know More About Honeywell’s Sensing Solutions for Hydrogen, CLICK HERE.
