Metrology for reliable liquefied energy gases measurement

As part of the European Green Deal, the EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050. To support this, the EU hydrogen strategy has identified liquified energy gases, including liquid hydrogen (LH₂), liquified natural gas (LNG) and liquified biomethane (bio-LNG), as a vital way to transport energy. Bio-LNG has become a key component of the EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and LNG imports have grown over the past decades, accounting for 42 % of EU gas imports. However, there is a lack of verified equipment, reference datasets and traceable measurement methods, which are needed for these LH₂ and bio-LNG to see further uptake.

Currently, accuracy claims for LH₂ measurements at very low temperatures (-253 °C) lack validation. Existing calibration infrastructures for liquified energy gases provide only partial traceability to the SI in controlled laboratory settings but not under “real-world” field conditions – a problem that is compounded by a lack of traceable (bio-)LNG and LH₂ standards.

This project will determine the measurement reliability and uncertainty of (bio-)LNG flow meters in the field and develop traceable (bio-)LNG and LH₂ meter diagnostics. It will determine the reliability of (bio-)LNG composition measurements under real world conditions and assess the achievable accuracy of LNG measurement equipment. The project will also determine the accuracy of in-field (bio-)LNG temperature measurements and develop traceable calibration procedures for systems measuring LH₂ flow, composition, and temperature. It will create two flow standards for temperatures down to -253 °C and measurement uncertainty datasets for in-field measurements of (bio-)LNG composition and temperature. This work will improve uptake of (bio-)LNG and LH₂, improving useability, transport and safety.