SAE J2579_200801

The purpose of this document is to define design, construction, operational, and maintenance requirements for hydrogen fuel storage and handling systems in on-road vehicles. Performance-based requirements for verification of design prototype and production hydrogen storage and handling systems are also defined in this document. Complementary test protocols (for use in type approval or self-certification) to qualify designs (and/or production) as meeting the specified performance requirements are described. Crashworthiness of hydrogen storage and handling systems is beyond the scope of this document. SAE J2578 includes requirements relating to crashworthiness and vehicle integration for fuel cell vehicles. It defines recommended practices related to the integration of hydrogen storage and handling systems, fuel cell system, and electrical systems into the overall Fuel Cell Vehicle. This Technical Information Report (TIR) document provides initial information to be used in the design and construction of hydrogen storage and handling systems and is intended for use during the 2008-2009 pre-commercial period of technology development and vehicle evaluation. As a TIR, this document makes these safety criteria widely accessible for evaluation and preliminary use to confirm comprehensive utility with field experience in the 2008-2009 period. Revision of this TIR is expected during the 2008-2009 period based on measurements, analyses and field experience with this design guidance and these test procedures. This TIR should not be used as a requirement to qualify vehicles for on-road use until verification and validation is complete. The document is expected to be revised to become suitable as an SAE Recommended Practice or Standard in late 2009.