Aegean fan coil A new range of fan coils for heating and cooling commercial applications need to be tested and may have to be adapted or even replaced for use with a hydrogen boiler. In its October 2018 report Logistics of Domestic Hydrogen Conversion for BEIS, Frazer-Nash Consultancy says that in the case of homes in the UK, a home survey would be needed to assess the condition of the gas pipework, using a gas-tightness test and an inventory of gas appliances. The test is important because hydrogen has a smaller molecular size than natural gas, making it much more prone to leakage through joints and component assemblies than natural gas. However, the report does also point out that hydrogen tends to disperse and dilute more readily than natural gas, so leaks may be less of an issue. The consultancy says that the pre-conversion tasks required for domestic gas pipework are not so certain because various different materials are used for domestic natural gas pipework including copper, steel and MDPE, in addition to various jointing methods. It highlights concerns about the ability of soldered copper pipes to carry hydrogen and calls for tests to confirm its suitability. It also raises the issue of inaccessibility of some domestic pipework for inspection for example, where the pipe is ducted beneath a concrete slab which may lead to some pipes having to be replaced. Whats Next? For a wide range of applications, with the ability to rapidly heat and cool large areas efficiently Incorporating the latest EC motor technology, for full BMS integration Variable speed control as standard Free 5-year parts and labour guarantee Suitable for traditional and renewable heat sources Independently certified by BSRIA Designed and made in the UK 01245 324900 | sales@smithsep.co.uk SmithsEP.co.uk | @SmithsEP_UK | #ThinkSmiths The IEA in The Future of Hydrogen report offers seven recommendations to help governments, companies and others to seize this chance to enable clean hydrogen to fulfil its long-term potential: 1. National, regional and city governments should establish a role for hydrogen in long-term energy strategies 2. Stimulate commercial demand to create sustainable markets for clean hydrogen 3. Address investment risks of first-movers with targeted and time-limited loans, guarantees and other tools that can help the private sector to invest, learn and share risks and rewards 4. Support R&D to bring down costs and improve performance, including for fuel cells, hydrogenbased fuels and electrolysers (the technology that produces hydrogen from water) 5. Eliminate unnecessary regulatory barriers and harmonise standards to help in sharing knowledge 6. Engage internationally and track progress towards long-term goals 7. Focus on four key opportunities to further increase momentum over the next decade: Make the most of existing industrial ports to turn them into hubs for lower-cost, lowercarbon hydrogen. Use existing gas infrastructure to spur new clean hydrogen supplies. Support transport fleets, freight and corridors to make fuel-cell vehicles more competitive. Establish the first shipping routes to kick-start the international hydrogen trade. CJ 30 October 2019 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Oct19 pp26-28, 30 Hydrogen.indd 30 20/09/2019 16:45