Quantifying leaks with a field-deployable, fast, sensitive hydrogen instrument

Accurate quantification of leaks associated with hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure is vital to evaluate the environmental benefit associated with the transition from fossil fuels to hydrogen as an energy source. Understanding the locations and magnitudes of leaks is critical in efforts to mitigate the indirect climate impact of transitioning to a hydrogen economy. Quantification of hydrogen leaks requires a field-deployable, fast, sensitive measurement technology which, until recently, has not existed. We have developed a novel inlet system which couples to an Aerodyne tunable infrared laser direct absorption spectrometer (TILDAS) to measure hydrogen with <5 ppb precision and <5 second time response. Laboratory-based instrument performance results and data from recent mobile measurements will be presented.