scope:

This standard provides background information and a hydrogen fuel quality standard for commercial proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell vehicles. This report also provides background information on how this standard was developed by the Hydrogen Quality Task Force (HQTF) of the Interface Working Group (IWG) of the SAE Fuel Cell Standards Committee.

Purpose

The purpose of this hydrogen fuel quality standard is to specify hydrogen fuel quality requirements for all commercial hydrogen fueling stations for PEM fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). Hydrogen quality is defined as the quality measured at the dispenser nozzle using a suitable adapter and standard methodology developed by the ASTM D03 (Gaseous Fuels) Committee.

Field of Applicability

This hydrogen quality standard is applicable to PEM FCVs at the point of interface between the fueling station and the vehicle. The specification of hydrogen quality is intended to meet the requirements of FCVs, and will meet or exceed the requirements of Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEVs) to the extent that they have been determined. Information considered in the specification of the fuel quality includes:

• Applicable standard chemical analysis methods to quantify the presence of identified H₂ impurities

• Infrastructure sources of contaminants and cost related to production, distribution, storage, and handling of H₂

• Fuel cell systems, specifically, levels of contaminants that adversely impact performance and/or durability

• On-board hydrogen storage and delivery systems

Relationship of SAE Standard to ISO and ASTM Standards

The content of this standard was coordinated with ISO TC197/WG27 (H₂ Fuel - Product Specification Working Group), as well as the ASTM D03 (Gaseous Fuels) Committee,.