Ventilation requirements for electric Golf Cart Storage

[joerob]

I am currently reviewing a design for a golf cart storage area underneath a golf clubhouse. It currently uses a hydrogen monitoring system that activates an exhaust fan when room concentration exceeds 1%, then shuts down charging system (via large contactors) when concentration exceeds 2% and alarms.

I know that NFPA requires that concnetration be maintained below 1%, and alarm when exhaust system fails.

As a cost savings option (front end), I am considering just using an exhaust system that is always on and alarms when air flow is not proven. Any comments? Does anyone have any examples of similar installations?

 

[ChasBean1]

I've seen this at forklift charging stations. That would work fine, so long as the exhaust flow will outweigh the production of hydrogen from charging the batteries and the concentration is maintained below the set value. That isn't the energy-efficient solution, but it would get the job done.

As engineers our first instinct is to overdesign to keep from getting sued later. Also we keep those owners who only have twenty-five bucks for renovation X happy. Just remember that every little over design burns fossil fuel and contributes to overall fuel use. It's an "iffy" world, engineering. We hold the key, with the little design projects, to the need for beefing up production from commercial power sources. The more we're cutting these first costs, the more juice we need from Anwar and Mohammed later...