The OCRC fuel cell lab safety system: A self-stabilizing safety-critical system

Abstract

We describe the practical application of self-stabilization to a safety-critical system. The Ohio Coal Research Center (OCRC) at Ohio University has a fuel-cell laboratory that uses explosive and poisonous gases. The lab is located in and uses the ventilation system of a large campus building that houses offices, other labs, and classrooms. The OCRC fuel cell lab safety system seeks to protect lab and other building personnel in the event of a gas leak. We present the system and the use of self-stabilization to ensure that, in the presence of actual or potential hazards, the lab converges to as safe a state as possible. It is responds to environmental conditions such as gas leaks and is tolerant to faults that affect the system's sensors and actuators. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.