Honeywell recently announced a new infrared-based (IR) technology that quickly and reliably detects hydrogen flames – before they grow into major fires.

Honeywell’s FS24X Plus Flame Detector helps protect workers and facilities from risks associated with hydrogen production and use.

Hydrogen is highly flammable, colorless, odorless and 14 times lighter than air.  There is no known odorant that can be added to hydrogen that is light enough to “travel” along with it, which makes a leak imperceptible to the human senses.

“Clean hydrogen has a much lower carbon impact than traditional energy sources and has great potential when it comes to powering our future,” said Sarah Martin, President of Honeywell Sensing & Safety Technologies. “By innovating in technologies that help safeguard hydrogen facilities and workers, we are driving further use of hydrogen as both a fuel source and a method of energy storage.”

Hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity, heat and water, can be used to provide power to homes and other buildings as well as electric vehicles. The Energy Transitions Commission projects hydrogen will be the source of 13% of final energy demand in 2050 and reach a market value of $2.5 trillion or more.

This is incredibly promising for the future of clean energy as hydrogen can be produced from diverse domestic resources and has the potential for near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. When hydrogen is burned in a fuel cell, the primary byproduct is water vapor.