The Hydrogen Industry

The rise of the hydrogen domain raises major challenges in terms of safety, performance and the management of industrial risks. From production to storage, and including transport, each link in the chain requires meticulous engineering and attentive anticipation of critical scenarios. In this landscape, an integrated approach to safety, from the design phase, across the entire system life cycle, is vital to ensure the reliability of infrastructure and increase the acceptability of this future form of energy.

Mekkatronix, Seres Technologies’ design office, helps to design mechanical systems associating PEM fuel cell stacks, hydrogen tanks, cooling systems and embedded structures, in dimensioning and simulation (CAO/CAE) and the specific tools required to successfully integrate PEMFC stack modules into railway materials.

In the hydrogen domain, QHSE has become of strategic importance, particularly owing to the risks related to the handling of this highly flammable and potentially explosive gas. The management of industrial and regulatory technical risks facilitates the deployment of this energy, in absolute safety. Hydrogen risk involves the implementation of suitable prevention devices, operator training, as well as the regular maintenance of facilities. Risk analysis, done by means of methods such as FMECA and HAZOP allow us to anticipate potential faults and boost supply chain resilience. A leading player in managing industrial risks and in complex system development, Seres Technologies offers advanced QHSE expertise to players in the hydrogen industry.

Seres Technologies supports its customers in optimising systems’ life cycles, drawing on its expertise in Integrated Logistics Support (ILS). From the design phase, this ensures reliability, maintainability and profitability through analyses such as LSA, FMECA and LORA analysis. The company defines maintenance plans, dimensions stocks and develops predictive maintenance solutions.

The use of hydrogen presents risks inherent to its highly inflammable and explosive nature, requiring rigorous control of systems, upstream during the design phase. Seres Technologies conducts fault analyses (deterministic and probabilistic) to anticipate potential incidents and bolster the safety of infrastructure. For design projects for hydrogen filling stations, Seres Technologies has modelled critical scenarios such as leaks during gas transfer phases. These studies have enabled us to demonstrate the strength of safety barriers, incorporating rapid detection sensors and automatic stop systems to contain risks, and thereby ensure the integrity of the facilities.

Seres Technologies is committed to R&D to accelerate the transition towards sustainable mobility. The company’s expert teams lead innovative projects across various modes of transportation, including vehicles, buses, trains, and aircraft. Seres Technologies designs secure architectures to minimize the risk of incidents.

Another example, this time focused on improving availability, is the use of predictive maintenance algorithms for fuel cells. These solutions help anticipate failures and extend component lifespan, thereby reducing operating costs.