A comparative analysis of the regulations, codes and standards for on-board high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders

Hydrogen storage cylinder is an important component in high-pressure gaseous hydrogen (HPGH2) storage system, and plays a key role in hydrogen-powered transportation including land vehicles, ships and aircrafts. Over the past decade, the number of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) has rapidly increased worldwide. In order to promote the application of hydrogen storage cylinder, guide its design, manufacture, inspection and testing, a series of regulations, codes and standards have been issued. The Chinese national standard, GB/T 42612, for type IV hydrogen storage cylinders has also been issued. This paper first gives a brief overview to these regulations, codes and standards. Furthermore, the specifications including scope, category, filling cycles, service life, materials, design, manufacture, qualification tests and periodic inspections are analyzed and compared. Issues about evaluation method for hydrogen compatibility of non-metallic materials, welded joints of plastic liner, joint between boss and liner are also discussed. Notably, the performance requirements in GB/T 42612 are generally in accordance with the international ones, but the requirements of materials, design and manufacture are more detailed.