Risks linked to the management of pressured hydrogen within a photovoltaic-electrolyzer-fuel cell power system located on a rural land

A power system formed by photovoltaic panels, alkaline electrolyzer and fuel cell stacks was designed and realized to supply the heating system of an experimental greenhouse. The barometric alkaline electrolyzer produces pressured hydrogen (3 MPa), which is stored inside iron tanks. The aim of this paper is to emphasize the main safety aspects of the power system connected to the management of the pressured hydrogen. From the safety point of view the electrolyzer unit has been equipped with devices able to highlight the malfunctions before they cause damages to the operators and break off the process of hydrogen production. The system can be reactivated after the repair just if the cause of malfunctioning has been removed effectively. Nevertheless the management of the products of the electrolysis process involves forethought and trained operators. Starting from the study of international directives and through the Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) Study method, the standards of safety systems for the hydrogen equipment located on a rural land have been estimated.