The use of hydrogen (H2) as a fuel is rapidly gaining traction as part of the transition to a clean energy future. Hydrogen stands out as a promising source of clean energy for its potential to generate power without emitting carbon pollution, making it an apt choice for decarbonizing industries, transportation, and energy storage. With a substantial $320 billion invested in expanding the hydrogen economy, the infrastructure for producing, transporting, and utilizing hydrogen is evolving swiftly.
This rapid growth presents a critical challenge: the need for effective monitoring and measurement of hydrogen leaks and emissions. Hydrogen is both highly flammable and an indirect greenhouse gas that can prolong the life of methane. The current lack of compact, field-ready instruments for detecting trace levels of hydrogen in the air leaves a significant gap in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and environmental benefits of this emerging energy source.
With funding from the Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant Program, researchers at Colorado State University are stepping up to address this challenge by leveraging technology to develop a highly sensitive and reliable sensor system for the trace detection of hydrogen. Utilizing proven stimulated Raman spectroscopy techniques, the team aims to achieve detection of hydrogen concentrations as low as one part-per-million (ppm). This innovative approach promises interference-free, direct measurements of hydrogen, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies that depend on chemical conversions.
The technology works by illuminating the air with hydrogen using two laser beams that generate a Raman signal. The team employs specialized methods to detect the weak Raman excitation. They believe they can create a compact sensor that allows for highly sensitive measurements specific to hydrogen. This sensor will be integrated into a larger system that takes readings alongside meteorological data, such as wind conditions, to accurately track the origin and mass-balance of the hydrogen gas plume, which is invisible to the naked eye.
Azer Yalin, professor of mechanical engineering at CSU, highlights the importance of leveraging funding for commercialization efforts, stating, “We want to optimize the product for real industrial applications.” He emphasized the need to consider intellectual property development and create a roadmap towards a sensor that can be manufactured reliably and robustly. Yalin further explained that the path to commercialization involves validation that begins in controlled environments and then transitions to field measurements, such as those conducted at the METEC facility.
“In contrast to traditional academic grants, this grant stands out due to the emphasis on creating and developing a trajectory towards commercial development and the real-world implementation,” stated Yalin.
Currently, the project is in the scale-up phase of Chevron Studio. Chevron Studio is a program that offers entrepreneurs a chance to develop lower carbon technologies from national labs and universities and turn them into thriving startup companies through three phases of support. With contributions from Bret Windom, associate professor of mechanical engineering, Ciprian Dumitrache, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and NOAA collaborator Steven Brown, the team will be able to develop the full potential of this innovative hydrogen detection system.
Yalin was one of five grant recipients of the 2024 Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant Program. Advanced Industries funds are provided to CSU through the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade with the goal of accelerating commercialization of innovations with high potential for creating economic impact in the state of Colorado.
Learn more about the grant program at csustrata.org/technology-transfer/ai-poc-grant and see all 2024 winners at csustrata.org/news-article/five-csu-researchers-awarded-more-than-half-a-million-in-funding.
This story is part of a series of features highlighting the winners of the 2024 Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant Program. Check out our blog and subscribe to our newsletter for future stories.