Scope of work in Phase 2 covered: (a) Original items described in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/AC.3/17 (b) Potential scope revision to address additional vehicle classes; (c) Requirements for material compatibility and hydrogen embrittlement; (d) Requirements for the fueling receptacle; (e) Evaluation of performance-based test for long-term stress rupture proposed in Phase 1; (f) Consideration of research results reported after completion of Phase 1 – specifically research related to electrical safety, hydrogen storage systems, and post-crash safety; (g) Consideration of 200 per cent Nominal Working Pressure (NWP) or lower as the minimum burst requirement; (h) Consider Safety guard system for the case of isolation resistance breakdown. 6. In addition, the following test procedure was considered for long-term stress rupture: (a) Three containers made from the new material (e.g. a composite fiber reinforced polymer) shall be burst; the burst pressures shall be within ±10 per cent of the midpoint, BPo, of the intended application.
The Phase 2 updates of GTR No. 13 accomplished several goals, including: broadening of the scope and application of GTR No. 13 to cover heavy/commercial vehicles; harmonizing, clarifying, and expanding the requirements for thermally-activated pressure relief device (TPRD) discharge direction in case of controlled release of hydrogen; strengthening test procedures for containers with pressures below 70 MPa, including comprehensive fire exposure tests; and extending the requirements to 25 years to more accurately capture the expected useful life of vehicles.
The Informal Working Group (IWG) on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicles - Sub group safety (HFCV-SGS) was set up in 2007. The original schedule and scope were described in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/AC.3/17. This document outlines the HFCV-SGS activities and their timeframes divided into two phases. The IWG submitted the global technical regulation (GTR) on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicle and it was adopted by the Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP) as well as established by the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) and the Executive Committee of the 1998 Agreement (AC.3) in June 2013.
After the establishment in the Global Registry as GTR No. 13 in June 2013, the provisions were transposed into UN Regulation No 134 annexed to the 1958 Agreement. An extension of the mandate for the HFCV-SGS IWG, sponsored by the European Union, Japan and Republic of Korea, tackled the development of the remaining issues.
At its 160th session in June 2013, UN ECE WP.29 formally adopted the proposal to establish GTR No. 13. The Phase 2 updates to GTR No. 13 were adopted at the 190th Session of WP.29 on June 21, 2023. GTR No. 13 specifies safety-related performance requirements and test procedures with the purpose of minimizing human harm that may occur as a result of fire, burst, or explosion related to the hydrogen fuel system of vehicles. The regulation consists of system performance requirements for CHSS, CHSS closure devices, and the vehicle fuel delivery system. GTR No. 13 does not specify the type of crash tests for post-crash safety evaluation and instead permits Contracting Parties to use their domestic regulated crash tests.
Contact: Christoff Albus www.unece.org