Starting in January 2023, the OPTHYCS project aims to develop a new continuous leak detection system, based on fiber-optic sensor technologies, to guarantee the safety and sustainability of a hydrogen-based energy system.
Recognizing the critical need for effective leak detection methods in light of the environmental impact of hydrogen emissions, OPTHYCS is introducing an innovative approach by developing a solution that includes advanced coating materials for fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and the creation of a combined detection system merging FBGs with distributed acoustic and temperature sensing technologies.
This €2.5 million project is coordinated by Enagas and includes R&D centers and companies from Spain, France and Belgium: NaTran R&I (with a grant of €319,250), Lumiker, Febus Optics, FHa, Tecnalia and GERG.
On October 24, 2024, the European OPTHYCS project consortium gathered in Huesca, Spain, for the project's annual meeting, at the Fundación Hidrógeno Aragón (FHa) premises in the Walqa Technology Park.
The meeting began with presentations from each work package leader, who shared the latest developments, progress and challenges in their activities. Project participants then discussed the implementation of future OPTHYCS milestones and the strengthening of collaboration.
The agenda also included a visit to the FHa hydrogen refuelling station and a successful demonstration of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors.
NaTran is responsible for WP4 "Use cases testing, validation, impact analysis and scalability" on this project, and will serve as a testing ground thanks to a test bed currently under construction on the Jupiter 1000 site, scheduled for completion in April 2025. Tests will be carried out in aerial configuration in June, then in buried configuration in September 2025.
Between now and the end of the project, scheduled for December 2025, NaTran R&I will be analyzing the results of tests on the Jupiter 1000 and other use cases resulting from Enagas and FHa tests. NaTran is also involved in other project deliverables to scale up the solution and assess its environmental impact.
Cristina's testimonial:
As WP4 leader, I'm supervising the testing of optical fibers in different configurations. We've just obtained encouraging initial results from the Enagas test bench in Zaragoza, simulating equipment typical of midstream installations. On the NaTran R&I side, we're going to test the fiber in an overhead pipe, which will later be buried. The test rig has been designed jointly with our colleagues in the project department: small tubes have been added to simulate controlled leaks at different pressures. The fiber will be tested with pure hydrogen, but also with a mixture of NG and 20% H2. Thanks to all those involved in this crucial part of the project! Thanks to this teamwork, we'll be on schedule for a first set of tests in June and a second in September. My favorite part of this high value-added project is about to begin!
The OPTHYCS project (GA n°101101415) has received funding from the European Clean Hydrogen Partnership, co-financed by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program and participating states.
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