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Beyond the Hydrogen Leak: Advancing Understanding of Ignition and Flame Propagation to Inform Mitigation Strategies

Objective

Hydrogen (H2) is a cornerstone of energy decarbonization and a key enabler for hard-to-abate indus-trial sectors. However, this vision is challenged by major safety concerns arising from its extremely low ignition energy, wide flammability range, and high explosion propensity. External ignition and flame propagation following an unforeseen high-pressure H2 leak can lead to catastrophic injury and damage. Progress in understanding these phenomena was hindered by a twofold experimental limitation: the scarcity of in-situ quantitative data and the lack of high-fidelity facilities tailored for H2 safety research. This incomplete understanding fundamentally limits hazard mitigation strategies and the widespread use of H2. BeLIF aims to close this gap by establishing a first-principles understanding of transient H2 leak processes through advanced laboratory experiments. Its core methodology combines purpose-built facilities with state-of-the-art in-situ laser diagnostics. The central high-pressure chamber allows controlled variation of pressure, turbulence, and gas composition to reproduce realistic environment. BeLIF will systematically investigate three key processes: (1) the formation of an under-expanded jet, (2) the external ignition of the flammable mixture, and (3) the stabilization and propagation of the resulting jet flame. The project will deliver an unprecedented, quantitative understanding to hinder unwanted ignition and flame following the H2 leak. With emphasis on environmental influences, the knowledge gained will be essential for developing preventive mitigation strategies. The innovation lies in its novel experimental approach to resolve the coupled thermal, chemical, and fluid-dynamic processes that govern hydrogen jet, ignition and flame evolution. Ultimately, BeLIF will provide the scientific foundation for a paradigm shift in hazard mitigation strategies, moving from passive protection toward a proactive, science-driven safety-by-design approach.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2026-STG

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Host institution

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT DARMSTADT
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 498 627,00
Address
KAROLINENPLATZ 5
64289 Darmstadt
Germany

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Region
Hessen Darmstadt Darmstadt, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 498 627,00

Beneficiaries (1)