For safety in hydrogen transport and storage

The image shows a MEMS gas sensor captured with a scanning electron microscope. The core of the sensor structure is a thin perforated membrane with an integrated heating element and temperature sensors. (Copyright: Hahn-Schickard)

The new import strategy of the federal government aims to enable Germany and the German economy to secure a sufficient supply of hydrogen and H2 derivatives. Hydrogen is a highly topical issue, and more and more components, such as pipelines, need to reliably withstand applications involving hydrogen.

On this topic, Hahn-Schickard from Villingen-Schwenningen and the Kunststoff-Zentrum SKZ from Würzburg have joined forces. Hahn-Schickard develops solutions using microsystem technology, known as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). These systems are smaller than a fingernail and are also used in hydrogen-conducting components. The SKZ, as Europe's largest institute in the plastics sector, aims to integrate such systems into pipes and plastic components to establish a warning system for H2 leaks. Together, the two institutes are working on the project 'H2Sens,' developing and validating an affordable hydrogen (H2)-selective sensor concept for H2-conducting components and semi-finished products. The prototypes created within the project will be tested for sensitivity in a specially developed measurement chamber. The H2-selective sensors are then to be attached to weak points in hydrogen-conducting components (such as couplings or weld seams) to enable quick intervention in case of hydrogen breakthrough.

At the project accompanying committee meeting on October 24, 2024, the first results of the project were presented to cooperating companies and discussed in a digital forum.

A partner in the project is Hahn-Schickard from Villingen-Schwenningen, which has long-standing expertise in the development, manufacturing, and characterization of miniaturized sensor systems based on thermal principles.

"In the field of flow sensors, customized silicon sensors and sensor modules have been developed for various applications in the past. The MEMS cleanroom is ISO-certified (ISO 9001:2015) and offers individual process steps up to complex manufacturing sequences," said the project manager at Hahn-Schickard.

"Research is driven by practical needs! Join us in the project 'H2Sens' through the project advisory committee and benefit from the project's results. Be one step ahead in the development of hydrogen-conducting components and materials!" added Stefanie Grunert, scientist in the field of spectroscopy.

Hahn-Schickard (HS) uses a process technology for the selective removal of sacrificial layers to produce structures of surface micromechanics (OMM) with precise gaps of up to a few hundred nanometers. This enables a new generation of miniaturized thermal sensor structures with specific sensitivity due to the drastic aspect ratios. With this technology, highly integrated pressure, temperature, and thermal gas sensors can be produced on a single sensor chip, which, due to their placement at the same measurement point, allow for very accurate compensation for thermal gas analysis.

The application areas for the sensor technology extend along the entire value chain of H2 applications – from efficiency monitoring in electrolysis or fuel cells, through accelerated material development, to safety monitoring of transport and storage infrastructure (pipes, tanks).

SKZ is an climate protection company and a member of the Zuse Community. This is a network of independent, industry-oriented research institutions aiming to improve the performance and competitiveness of industry, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, through innovation and networking.