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What is hydrogen components and systems certification?
Hydrogen systems certification is the validation process that ensures components and systems used in hydrogen applications meet specific safety, performance, reliability, and environmental standards.
The certification covers all hydrogen-related technologies, including electrolysers, fuel cell systems, refuelling systems, storage and transportation systems including all critical components.
TÜV SÜD’s certification process for hydrogen components and systems typically involves several key steps:
- Initial consultation – We discuss your specific certification needs and identify relevant standards and regulations that apply to the component or system.
- Documentation review – Your submission of the required documentation ensures that we have all the necessary information for a thorough evaluation. This should include technical specifications, design data, and previous testing results.
- Testing – We conduct rigorous component and system testing according to established standards. This may include safety, performance, reliability and environmental, tests.
- Manufacturing evaluation – The manufacturing process is evaluated if specific requirements can be permanently fulfilled
- Certificate issuance – If the evaluation is successful, TÜV SÜD issues a certificate that verifies compliance with the requirements from the specific standard.
- Surveillance and recertification – Ongoing surveillance and periodic recertification may be required to maintain the validity of the certificate and ensure relevant requirements continue to be met throughout the product’s lifecycle.
Why hydrogen components and systems certification is important
The hydrogen certification landscape is evolving rapidly. This is driven by a growing emphasis on green hydrogen technologies and regulatory frameworks that promote the adoption of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.
Companies involved in the hydrogen supply chain must adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. Certification enhances the reliability of their products, reduces liability, and promotes market acceptance. It also plays a crucial role in attracting funding, as investors typically favour certified technologies that comply with recognised standards.
As hydrogen technologies gain traction, consumers are becoming more conscious of the safety and efficiency of these products. Certification proves that items, such as hydrogen fuel cells used in vehicles, have been rigorously tested for performance, safety and reliability. This helps to facilitate broader public acceptance of hydrogen solutions.
The challenges of Hydrogen components and systems certification
Regulatory compliance
Companies must navigate complex and evolving national international standards, which can be challenging as they frequently change.
Technological integration
Ensuring compatibility between innovative hydrogen solutions and legacy systems often leads to increased costs and operational delays.
Safety concerns
Companies must invest in comprehensive testing and certification processes to confirm product safety and reliability, which can strain resources and timelines.
Market acceptance
Many stakeholders are sceptical of hydrogen technologies’ safety and performance. Certification builds trust, but market education takes time and investment.
Costs and time to market
The certification process requires significant testing resources. The financial burden can be particularly challenging for smaller firms entering the market.
How TÜV SÜD can help you with hydrogen component and system certification
TÜV SÜD’s global network of experts has decades of industry experience. They bring unmatched insight and knowledge to ensure you benefit from the best available solutions. Our seamless worldwide support maintains a local presence so that regional challenges and requirements are understood and addressed.
Our comprehensive services cover every aspect of a hydrogen technology project, from inception to operation, streamlining processes and maximising efficiency. We use cutting-edge tools and methodologies that drive innovation and enhance project outcomes, empowering you with advanced solutions that optimise performance and minimise downtime.
Quality and safety remain at the core of everything we do. To verify that we execute projects with the highest levels of quality, safety, and compliance, we adhere to stringent standards and best practices. Our proven track record demonstrates our ability to deliver results, mitigate risks, and drive project success.
What our hydrogen systems certification services include
TÜV SÜD offers a comprehensive range of hydrogen components and systems certification services, aimed at ensuring safety, performance, and compliance within the hydrogen industry. Our key services include:
- Notified Body for all relevant European directives, e.g. (transportable) pressure equipment directive, machinery directive, low voltage directive, ATEX, etc.
- Review of manufacturer’s CE conformity evaluation
- Certifications according to all acknowledged international hydrogen standards on component and system level, e.g.
◦ ISO 22734 for electrolyser systems
◦ ISO 19880 series for hydrogen refuelling stations
◦ IEC 62282 series for fuel cell systems
◦ ECE R134
- Certifications of H2 Readiness on material and component level assessing specifically the suitability for operation with hydrogen
- Consultation and technical support – Expert consultation services help you to navigate the certification process, such as electrolysis system certification, and maintain compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
- Training and education – TÜV SÜD Academy provides courses on safe handling and usage of hydrogen, covering topics such as material compatibility, power-to-gas systems, and safety protocols.
