Safety Evaluation of a Prototype Hydride Powered Underground Mining Vehicle

摘要

The study assesses the reliability, operability and safety of a prototype underground mining utility vehicle fueled by hydrogen stored in a hydride fuel system. The assessment is based on data derived from (1) a severe offroad vehicle operational test, (2) simulated accidental hydrogen release tests, (3) a Fault Tree Analysis and (4) a hazards and operability study (HAZOP). The study was limited to the vehicle proper, and did not include underground refueling. On that basis it is concluded that no fundamental safety problems exist with respect to the vehicle and vehicle systems that would discourage the use of this type of mining vehicle.