Metis Engineering has announced the release of Cell Guard with Hydrogen, its most recent innovation. Expertly designed to detect hydrogen (H?) in energy storage systems, this new sensor is a sophisticated refinement of the original Cell Guard and provides crucial security enhancements for both battery packs and hydrogen-based applications.
Why is Hydrogen Dangerous?
Hydrogen has an explosive limit of 18 to 59% and a broad flammability limit of 4 to 77% by volume in air. A very tiny spark or static discharge can cause ignite because of the incredibly low activation energy. Without specialized equipment, hydrogen, an odorless and colorless gas, can escape undetected.
Maintaining safety throughout the hydrogen lifecycle—from production to storage, transportation, and use in fuel cells and H2 ICE—requires early identification of hydrogen leakage. This vital need is met by Metis Engineering’s innovative sensor, which sets new standards for safety in hydrogen technologies and has applications in the transportation, maritime, aviation, and industrial sectors.
The most recent hydrogen detection sensor builds upon the original Cell Guard sensor by addressing important safety requirements with cutting-edge, high-performance capabilities:
- Reliable Hydrogen Storage Leak Detection: This sensor offers unparalleled accuracy in identifying even trace hydrogen leaks, ensuring compliance with the strictest safety standards and protecting against fire or explosion risks in hydrogen storage systems.
- Electrolysis Detection in Fuel Cells and Battery Packs: moisture ingress can lead to electrolysis, producing dangerous gases. Metis Engineering’s sensor detects early signs of hydrogen generation.
- Enhanced Detection in High-VOC Environments: Cell Guard with Hydrogen excels in environments with high volatile organic compound (VOC) levels. For example, where large amounts of adhesive have been used in the construction of an Energy Storage System, ambient levels of VOC can remain very high; this sensor can still detect thermal runaway.
- Wider Temperature Range Compatibility: With an expanded operational range of -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F), this sensor is built for extreme conditions, where other sensors may underperform, making it ideal for diverse, demanding environments.
- Ultra-Low Power Consumption: Operating in low power mode, Cell Guard with Hydrogen ensures continuous monitoring with little energy drain (<1mA). On detection of a level that matches a preconfigured threshold Cell Guard with Hydrogen will wake the CAN interface and toggle a Low Side Drive pin, providing power efficient detection of hydrogen leaks and water ingress.
- Instantaneous Measurement Upon Startup: The sensor delivers immediate hydrogen measurements without the need for warm-up, ensuring real-time safety monitoring from power-up.
- Wide Accurate Detection Range of 0% to 20% H?: The sensor measures hydrogen with precision across a wide range, offering dependable data in variable conditions.
“We’re excited to introduce this advanced sensor, addressing critical safety concerns in hydrogen storage and battery management systems,” said Joe Holdsworth, CEO of Metis Engineering. “Our aim is to equip customers with forward-thinking solutions that elevate safety and enhance the resilience of their energy storage infrastructure.”
The new hydrogen leak detection sensor is now open for pre-orders, with deliveries from 15th October 2024.
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