Research and analysis

Appraisal of domestic hydrogen appliances

A study exploring the engineering challenges of developing domestic gas hobs, ovens, fires and boilers that can run on 100% hydrogen.

Documents

Appraisal of domestic hydrogen appliances

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Details

As part of its wider research into heat decarbonisation, BEIS commissioned Frazer-Nash to explore the engineering challenges of developing domestic gas hobs, ovens, fires and boilers that can run on 100% hydrogen.

The work involved 2 key steps. Firstly, investigating the impact, at a component level, of running appliances designed for natural gas on hydrogen, and identifying the key technical issues and the components that will need to be redesigned. Secondly considering the following three options for hydrogen appliances, and in each case evaluating the performance, practical considerations and development timescales and costs:

  • new appliances developed specifically to run on hydrogen
  • adaptation of existing natural gas appliances in-situ to run on hydrogen
  • new dual-fuel appliances that can switch from natural gas to hydrogen.

Frazer-Nash undertook a systematic review of the available literature as well as detailed industry engagement involving 1-2-1 conversations and a discussion workshop. The industry engagement included appliance and component manufacturers, gas testing bodies, maintenance and servicing contract companies, trade associations and consultancies.

Published 12 April 2018