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Metis Engineering Unveils Advanced Hydrogen Leak Detection Sensor for ESS Safety

This new sensor, a sophisticated evolution of the original Cell Guard, is expertly engineered to detect hydrogen (H₂) in energy storage systems, offering essential safety enhancements for hydrogen-based applications and battery packs alike.

October 16, 2024. By Aishwarya

Metis Engineering has introduced its latest breakthrough: Cell Guard with Hydrogen.

This new sensor, a sophisticated evolution of the original Cell Guard, is expertly engineered to detect hydrogen (H₂) in energy storage systems, offering essential safety enhancements for hydrogen-based applications and battery packs alike.

In air hydrogen has a wide flammability limit from 4 to 77 percent by volume and an explosive limit from 18 to 59 percent. The activation energy for ignition is extremely low and can be triggered by a very small spark or static discharge. Hydrogen is an odourless, colourless gas and can go undetected without specialised technology.

Early detection of hydrogen leaks is critical to maintaining safety across the hydrogen lifecycle—from production to storage, transport, usage in fuel cells and H2 ICE. With applications spanning transport, marine, aviation, and industrial sectors, Metis Engineering’s new sensor meets this critical need, creating new benchmarks for safety in hydrogen technologies.

The latest hydrogen detection sensor addresses critical safety needs with innovative, high-performance features, building upon the original Cell Guard sensor. This advanced device offers exceptional accuracy in detecting even the smallest hydrogen leaks, ensuring compliance with the most stringent safety standards and mitigating the risks of fire or explosion in hydrogen storage systems.

The sensor also excels in detecting electrolysis within fuel cells and battery packs, where moisture ingress can lead to dangerous gas production. Metis Engineering’s sensor identifies early signs of hydrogen generation, providing a critical safety measure in these scenarios. Furthermore, it performs exceptionally well in environments with high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as areas where adhesives have been heavily used in constructing Energy Storage Systems. Even in these challenging conditions, the sensor can detect thermal runaway effectively.

Designed for extreme conditions, the sensor boasts an expanded operational temperature range from -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F), ensuring reliable performance where other sensors might fail. Its ultra-low power consumption, operating at less than 1mA in low-power mode, allows for continuous monitoring with minimal energy drain. When hydrogen levels reach a preconfigured threshold, the sensor activates its CAN interface and Low Side Drive pin, ensuring power-efficient detection of hydrogen leaks and water ingress.

Another key feature is its ability to deliver immediate hydrogen measurements without requiring a warm-up period, allowing real-time safety monitoring right from startup. Additionally, the sensor provides a wide and accurate detection range of 0 percent to 20 percent hydrogen, ensuring precise measurements across a variety of conditions.

"We’re excited to introduce this advanced sensor, addressing critical safety concerns in hydrogen storage and battery management systems. Our aim is to equip customers with forward-thinking solutions that elevate safety and enhance the resilience of their energy storage infrastructure," said Joe Holdsworth, CEO of Metis Engineering.

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Energy Storage

Metis Engineering

Hydrogen Leak Detection Sensor

Energy storage technology

Energy storage development

Energy storage system