H Guard

Hydrogen Safety Redefined: Our H Guard Sensor Offers Early Leak Detection and Advanced Monitoring

As the hydrogen economy accelerates, driven by its potential to decarbonise energy, transportation, and industrial sectors, ensuring the safety of hydrogen gas systems is now mission-critical. Whether hydrogen is produced, stored, or used to generate electricity, even small leaks of this odourless, colourless gas can lead to catastrophic consequences. That’s why Metis Engineering has developed the H Guard sensor, a highly responsive, ultra-reliable hydrogen gas leak detector designed for use across the full spectrum of hydrogen applications, including hydrogen production facilities.

Setting New Safety Standards for Hydrogen Gas Leak Detection

Derived from the proven Cell Guard sensor platform, H Guard is a microelectronic Hydrogen sensor purpose-built to detect hydrogen gas leaks with exceptional sensitivity, from 0% to 20% hydrogen concentrations. That’s well below the 4% lower flammability limit of hydrogen in air, enabling early detection of both trace and large leaks before they become a hazard.

Why it matters: Hydrogen has one of the widest flammability ranges of any gas, flammable from 4% to 77% and explosive between 18% and 59% in air. The activation energy required to ignite it is extremely low and can result from a simple static discharge. Without precise detection, this invisible threat may go unnoticed until it’s too late.

H Guard ensures small leaks and hydrogen levels are carefully monitored, delivering accurate measurement in real time, which enhances response times and safeguards equipment, personnel, and infrastructure.

Comprehensive Gas Leak Detection Across the Hydrogen Lifecycle

H Guard supports multiple hydrogen systems, including hydrogen storage systems, such as:

• Hydrogen gas storage tanks and distribution networks
• Hydrogen gas combustion engines and FCEVs (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles)
• Electrolysers and other hydrogen gas production units
• Hydrogen-powered aviation, marine, and industrial installations

Whether integrated into high pressure gas systems, deployed in environments rich with volatile organic compounds, or installed in close proximity to vulnerable fittings, valves, or components, H Guard provides continuous, low-energy detection without compromising performance.

Detection of Electrolysis Byproducts and Water Ingress

One of H Guard’s most unique capabilities is its ability to detect hydrogen produced via electrolysis in compromised battery packs or fuel cells. Ingress of water into a sealed system can lead to unintended chemical reactions, forming hydrogen gas and creating safety and degradation risks.

H Guard’s detection of this hydrogen gas source early, is critical for maintaining the integrity of battery systems and fuel cells in humid, static or mobile, dynamic environments.

Robust Performance in Harsh Conditions

H Guard was engineered with real-world demands in mind. Key gas leak detection features include:

• Extended temperature range: Operates from -40°C to +85°C, ideal for both arctic and desert climates
• Resistance to oil poisoning: Stable performance even in high VOC environments or near lubricant vapours
• Ultra-low power consumption: <1mA draw in standby mode, enabling continuous hydrogen gas leak monitoring without straining energy reserves
• Instantaneous measurement: Delivers hydrogen readings immediately upon startup, no warm-up required
• CAN interface and low side drive pin: Provides flexible, real-time system integration for hydrogen gas control architectures

Whether installed in static equipment or in mobile applications, the sensor stays vigilant to detect hydrogen gas leaks.

Built-in Accelerometer for Impact Analysis

For hydrogen vehicles, mobile storage, or dynamic systems, H Guard can be supplied with an optional onboard accelerometer. This function is for the detection of g-forces, shock loads, and vibration, providing essential data in the event of a collision or equipment drop.

This enables data-driven decisions on whether a system can remain in operation, needs inspection, or requires replacement minimising downtime while maintaining safety.

Future Hydrogen Infrastructure Demands Smarter Safety

With hydrogen’s role in clean energy expanding rapidly, we’re seeing a global buildout of hydrogen gas production, distribution, and storage infrastructure at various locations . From industrial-scale electrolysers to high-pressure refuelling stations and hydrogen gas hubs, these systems must be carefully monitored at all times to prevent leaks that could compromise safety, efficiency, or environmental integrity.

Metis Engineering’s H Guard sensor represents a leap forward in hydrogen gas leak detectors technology. It is more than a device, it’s an intelligent detector and monitoring solution, enabling future hydrogen gas applications to flourish without compromising safety.

Available Now for Pre-Order

The H Guard sensor has undergone extensive testing to meet stringent ISO automotive compliance standards, ensuring performance and reliability under the most demanding conditions.

“Our aim is to equip customers with forward-thinking solutions that elevate safety and enhance the resilience of their energy storage infrastructure,” says Joe Holdsworth, CEO of Metis Engineering.

For technical specifications, integration support, or to discuss use cases, please contact us info@metisengineering.com