Explosion Replication Test of FCEV Hydrogen Tank

Due to the increased interest in alternative energy sources, hydrogen device safety has become paramount. In this study, we induced the explosion of a hydrogen tank from a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) by igniting a fire beneath it and disabling the built-in temperature pressure relief device. Three Type 4 tanks were injected gaseous hydrogen at pressures of 700, 350, and 10 bar, respectively. The incident pressure generated by the tank explosion was measured by pressure transducers positioned at various points around the tank. A protective barrier was installed to examine its effect on the resulting damage, and the reflected pressure was measured along the barrier. The internal pressure and external temperature of the tanks were measured in multiple locations. The 700- and 350-bar hydrogen tanks exploded approximately 10 and 16 min after burner ignition, respectively. The 10-bar hydrogen tank did not explode, but ruptured approximately 29 min after burner ignition The explosions generated blast waves, fireballs, and fragments. The impact on the surrounding area was evaluated and we verified that the blast pressure, fireballs, and fragments were almost completely blocked by the protective barrier. The results of this study are expected to improve safety on an FCEV accident scene.