alt.energy.homepower

On Sep 1, 7:54 pm, dances_with_barka...@ wrote:

> I can't find any recent H2-inside-cylinder caused fires or explosions
> in googling. Can you name one?

It is not when the H2 is stored in a sealed cylinder that the risk
exist, it is when the H2 leaks out and mixes with atmospheric O2.
Google deeper and you'll find that hydrogen explosions are a major
hazard in facilities that employ it, like manufacturing facilities and
research labs. I recall two structures here in Boston that were
destroyed by H2 explosions during the past 10 years.

> We live in houses which have natural gas piped into them; we live in
> houses which keep large tanks of propane beside them; we drive
> vehicles carrying double-digit gallons of liquid gasoline. Is
> hydrogen a higher risk?

Yes, very definitely. There is no comparison. That's precisely why
facilities that employ H2 are generally equipped with sensitive
hydrogen detection alarms and automatic ventilation facilities. I
fact, H2 emission is generally a safety consideration requiring
positive forced ventillation where storage batteries are being
recharged, usually required by law here in the US.

Even in cars, I've seen 3 instance of car batteries exploding as a
result of the emitted hydrogen. My son owned one of these, and I
believe I still have photos available on-line somewhere, and if you
would like to see the resulting damage, if I can locate them I'll be
happy to mail your a photo.

Harry C.