Power-to-X meets functional safety
With certified components and engineering expertise, Phoenix Contact supports the functional safety of your hydrogen systems throughout the entire safety lifecycle.
Power-to-X applications place special demands on functional safety, as they involve explosive substances such as hydrogen. Unplanned reactions as well as malfunctions in the systems can cause dangerous reactions in combination with this energy carrier. How can functional safety be fully ensured in hydrogen projects? Phoenix Contact provides the answer with its comprehensive consulting services, certified components, and extensive project expertise.
Power-to-X systems work with highly reactive media such as hydrogen. This requires high safety standards. Functional safety in accordance with IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 protects people and the environment by taking specific measures to avoid dangerous conditions.
We not only supply components, but also integrated safety solutions. Our SIL-certified components such as controllers, I/O modules, and safety relays as well as our engineering services ensure the safe implementation of your projects. From design and documentation to validation, our expertise supports you throughout the entire safety lifecycle of your power-to-X application.
Risk factors in hydrogen applications
1. Pressure change due to leakage A sudden drop in pressure can indicate a dangerous gas leak. Safe evaluation of the rate of pressure change is therefore essential for early detection.
2. Gas leak due to leakage Safe monitoring of the gas concentration enables the automatic triggering of protective measures in the event of leaks.
3. Fire due to overheating Safe temperature monitoring ensures that fires or explosions caused by excessive temperatures are avoided.
4. Bursting due to overpressure Excessive pressure can destroy pipes or containers. Safe pressure monitoring enables pumps or compressors to be switched off in good time.
5. Environmental damage due to overflow Critical fill levels jeopardize operation. Level monitoring controls valves and pumps as needed and protects against over- or underfilling.
Let’s work together to reliably protect your systems
I will be happy to advise you on all matters and requirements concerning functional safety in your hydrogen project.
Functional safety is crucial in power-to-X applications for protecting people and the environment. We offer an extensive portfolio of SIL-certified solutions for safe automation – complemented by services ranging from risk analysis to implementation.
Safe monitoring using the example of an electrolyzer
Electrolyzers are central elements in hydrogen production and require comprehensive monitoring to ensure efficient operation. The requirements include the standardized representation of measured values, which makes it easy to read the values. In addition, integrated diagnostics can quickly and easily locate faults, e.g., in the case of wire-break detection. Cross-manufacturer integration into higher-level systems also ensures particularly high system availability.
Discover our product portfolio for all relevant components of an electrolyzer:
Hydrogen concentration monitoring
Ensure continuous monitoring of the hydrogen concentration with our repeater power supplies/input signal conditioners with threshold function.
Our emergency stop switches provide the necessary support to bring an electrolyzer to a safe state quickly and in a controlled manner in the event of a malfunction.
The safety system based on PLCnext Technology integrates all the necessary safety sensors and actuators and can be combined with standard process control.
Comprehensive safety and security for power-to-X systems
Our white paper shows why safety and security together form the basis for the safe operation of power-to-X systems – and which standards and regulatory requirements need to be observed. The spotlight is on practical examples featuring electrolyzers, fuel cells, and hydrogen distribution.
The safety lifecycle is the backbone of functional safety in the process industry. From planning and integration to operation, all phases are interlinked and ensure system availability with minimum risk. Discover how comprehensive safety management can make your processes safer every step of the way.
Functional safety and industrial security – working together for maximum safety and security
Functional safety and industrial security are inextricably linked. With the increasing digitalization and integration of automation systems, new vulnerabilities to cyber threats are emerging, requiring a comprehensive security concept that takes both disciplines into account. Discover our comprehensive 360° security concept to protect your facilities and systems against cyberattacks.
