Hydrogen fuel sampling intercomparisons: challenges in real-life experiments

Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are a pathway for the transport sector to achieving zero emissions. The hydrogen fuel quality is essential and the international standards (SAE J2719, ISO 14687, EN 17124) have been harmonised. However, sampling of hydrogen fuel at the refuelling station has never been compared directly between US, JP and EU strategies. The study presents the results of two sampling inter-comparisons for US-EU and JP-EU strategies. The results showed an overall good agreement on fuel quality according to international standards between sampling methodologies and identified good practices on maintenance (avoiding water ingress) and purging (ensuring sufficient air purging). Furthermore, the study highlighted the need for further investigation on the impact of sample transfer into different container (decanting). • Hydrogen fuel sampling comparison between US and EU approaches. • Hydrogen fuel sampling comparison between JP and EU approaches. • Overall good agreement on fuel quality between sampling methodologies. • Good practices on maintenance and purging for sampling. • Investigation needed on sample transfer into different container (decanting).