3.2.1 Installation location

Where practical, particularly for industrial applications, the fuel cell should be located outdoors. Fuel cells for residential applications should be designed, installed, operated and maintained to be safe in typical indoor locations. For non-residential indoor installations, the fuel cell should be located in a well ventilated area in which combustible materials are minimised. In designing the installation consideration should be given as to whether it is necessary to separate the rooms or spaces that enclose the fuel cell installation from other building areas by fire barriers. Use of appropriate protective devices for openings (i.e. doors, shutters, windows, service entries, etc) should also be considered.  Voids or openings between the room in which the fuel cell is enclosed and adjacent rooms into which combustion products could pass should be avoided.  The shared walls should be gas tight.  A check should be made that any automatic fire suppression system installed has been correctly specified for the room or space in which the fuel cell and associated components are located.  All installations should comply with national building and fire regulations.

For outdoor installations weather protection may be required. Hydrogen storage cylinders and vessels located outdoors need to be protected from extreme temperatures (below –20°C and above 50°C).  Permanently installed hydrogen vessels must be provided with substantial supports, constructed of non-combustible material securely anchored to firm foundations of non-combustible material and protected from accidental impact, e.g. from a vehicle.  Transportable compressed gas cylinders and vessels shall be secured against accidental dislodgement and protected from accidental impact.  The area around hydrogen installations should be kept free of dry vegetation and combustible matter. If weed killers are used, chemicals such as sodium chlorate, which are a potential source of fire hazard, should not be selected for this purpose.