FAQ - Installation

In general Dantherm Power fuel cell systems are designed in such a way that they do not create any external zones of explosive atmosphere.
 

The system shall not be placed near any flammable or combustible material. Distances and clearances shall be according to the demands set by the authority having jurisdiction.

General guidelines can be found in:

Europe:

IEC 62282-3-3 and national gas regulations.
 

USA:

International Fire Code or in some cases NFPA 55. NOTE the local authority having jurisdiction has the final decision on setback distances.

Canada:

Canadian Hydrogen Installation Code

The installation guidelines are described in the manual.

Some guidelines for the physical installation are listed below.

• Air intakes to the fuel cell power system shall be located so that the system is not affected by exhaust from other systems or contaminants from different sources.
• Air intakes to the fuel cell system shall be kept unobstructed from snow, ice or any organic obstacle.
• Air intakes and exhaust to and from a fuel cell power system must not be placed so it is directed into the path of walkways or work areas.
• Heating, air condition and ventilation or openings to buildings shall not be affected by any exhaust from process areas of the fuel cell system.
• Physical obstacles such as fences, vegetation and other systems must not affect the airflow paths of the fuel cell system or prevent service or maintenance of the system.

The exhaust from a Dantherm Power fuel cell power backup system will not exceed 25% LFL. This means that the exhaust will contain less than 1% hydrogen during normal operation. Therefore the area surrounding the exhaust is not classified higher than ZONE 2 according to IEC 60079-10. Therefore there are no special demands for surrounding systems, as long as the exhaust is subjected to natural ventilation at the release point.
 

The area around the exhaust of the fuel cell system shall be free of any flammable or combustible material. As the area surrounding the exhaust is of interest to the authority having jurisdiction it is recommended that general guidelines are followed.
 

General guidelines for different parts of the world:
 

Europe:
IEC 62282-3-3 and national gas regulations.

USA: International Fire Code or in some cases NFPA 55. NOTE the local authority having jurisdiction has the final decision on setback distances.

Canada:
Canadian Hydrogen Installation Code

Dantherm Power will be able to help with specific installations.

The installation of a fuel cell system on a rooftop are generally not any different from other outdoor installations, therefore the same guidelines shall be followed.

Though it shall be mentioned that some codes and standards prescribe that the material under and within 30 cm of the fuel cell shall be non combustible.

Furthermore local authorities and local legislation shall be followed.

General Siting Considerations

The system shall be installed with the following general considerations:

• The system shall be placed in such a way that it is not damaged by vehicles or other moving objects.
• The system shall be installed in a way that allows service and maintenance.
• Any exhaust from the fuel cell system must not be directed into any walkways or working area.
• It shall be placed and fixed firmly so that it will not be easily moved, toppled, or dislocated.
• Exhaust from the fuel cell system shall be placed in such a way that it is not directed into any door openings or vent outlet or inlet.
• The system shall be located outside any potentially explosive atmospheres as described in IEC 60079-10. This means that the system and storage shall not be placed in the same room or cabinet.
• Multiple systems shall be located in such a way that a fire or critical failure in one system does not affect other systems. This may be achieved by interlocking the systems to independent sensors located on or near the fuel cell systems.

General guidelines on ventilation and exhaust

• All indoor fuel cell systems shall be provided with exhaust and ventilation systems.
• A room with an installed fuel cell system shall be at a negative pressure with respect to the building. A neutral pressure can be used for small fuel cell systems below net 10 kWe.
• The exhaust and ventilation shall be kept and maintained free of any obstacles.