Developing Automated Detection Systems

HyBreak – Gas safety for the digital era

Future smart energy infrastructure

Project Context

Ensuring the safe and effective delivery of domestic gas is paramount to UK gas distribution network operators.

Safety is also fundamental to the work being done by UK government, the regulator, Ofgem and industry to assess the feasibility of using low carbon hydrogen and blended gas in the home as the UK works towards a cleaner energy future.

“Heat in buildings is one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, accounting for 22% of total UK emissions.”

Source: UK Government Energy Security Bill Factsheet.

Find out more

Solution

The HyBreak project aims to develop a smart, retrofittable domestic gas safety monitor that offers …

  • Greater reliability than current methods.
  • A future-proof solution should the integration of low carbon gases into the network prove viable.  

While traditional, mechanical excess flow valves are safe and reliable, they only react to an issue after the event.

Using sensors, wireless communications and programmable set points, HyBreak can …

  • Predict issues and prevent them before they happen.
  • Isolate supply in an emergency.
  • Communicate with both customers and gas networks.
  • Provide a gas agnostic solution.

Bohr Limited is developing the product with the support of Northern Gas Networks, Cadent Gas, National Gas Metering (NGM), Gas Network Ireland and the Energy Innovation Centre.

Testing will soon begin in some of the research properties here at NeRV. Further trials will then take place at Gas Networks Ireland’s Innovation Centre and at National Gas Metering’s Tyseley Park.

Impact

The project will produce ten functional prototypes in total and demonstrate the impact of digitalising the network.

Should HyBreak successfully progress to widespread adoption in the UK, it has the potential to make up to 23 million homes safer.

Benefits

  • Peace of mind and affordability (max. £250 per unit) for consumers.
  • Smarter and safer than traditional solutions with the potential to be rolled out nationally across all domestic properties using 100% hydrogen, natural gas and natural gas/hydrogen blends.
  • Further quantifiable evidence for policymakers on a role for hydrogen in home heating.