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METI Revised the Technical Standards of Compressed Hydrogen Containers for Vehicle Fuel Systems

In 2015, automakers and hydrogen suppliers plan to launch full dissemination of fuel cell vehicles (a type of compressed hydrogen vehicle) that use compressed hydrogen as fuels in 2015, where 70- megapascal (MPa) compressed hydrogen will be filled in containers for fuel systems.

In order to respond to the plan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has revised related ministerial ordinances in compliance with the revision of the technical standards of compressed hydrogen containers for vehicle fuel systems which modifies the current 35 MPa to 70 Mpa as the pressure for filling containers with fuels.

This revision will increase fuel container capacity, increasing the range, utility and convenience of such vehicles.

1. Background and outline

On the premise of the secured safety of fuel cell vehicles, METI has been revising various kinds of technical standards aiming at launching the full dissemination of the vehicles and hydrogen filling stations in 2015.

Concerning the compressed hydrogen containers for vehicle fuel systems, it has been requested to upgrade the technical standards to increase the current 35 MPa to 70 MPa as the hydrogen fuel storage pressure in order to meet public need for greater range after refueling.

Note: One MPa refers to about 10 atmospheres. Higher pressure fuel storage increases vehicle range.

In response to such need, on May 13, 2013, METI revised the Fuel Container Safety Rules based on the High Pressure Gas Safety Act (hereinafter referred to as the "rules") as well as revising the Public Notice to Provide the Details of Labels, etc., based on the Fuel Container Safety Rules and the Process of Re-inspection of Containers (hereinafter referred to as the "notice"). METI also revised the Operation of Function Standards of Fuel Container Safety Rules (hereinafter referred to as the "operation") on May 15, 2013.

2. Major revisions

Revision related to the rules

  1. In the revised rules, the containers for fuels systems that are applicable only to private vehicles are provided as "compressed hydrogen containers for vehicle fuel systems with longer fuel-filling intervals."

Revisions related to the notice

  1. The expression "Only for vehicles with longer fuel-filling intervals" should be indicated on the surfaces of the compressed hydrogen containers for vehicle fuel systems with longer fuel-filling intervals.
  2. The revised notice prescribes the leakage tests conducted in re-inspection of containers as well as re-inspection of container accessories, concerning 70-MPa containers for vehicle fuel systems. It also stipulates inspection facilities used for the leakage tests.

Revision related to the operation

  1. The operation will adopt a standard specified by a private entity, stipulating fuel containers whose maximum pressure is 70MPa (Technical Standard KHKS 0128 (2010): 70 MPa containers for vehicle fuel systems; provided by the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan).

Release Date

May 16, 2013

Division in Charge

High Pressure Gas Safety Office, Distribution and Industrial Safety Policy Group

Related Information

Industrial Safety
 
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Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
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