Compressed Hydrogen
Compressed hydrogen is an attractive alternative for meeting
energy needs in the future. Hydrogen itself is plentiful and is
versatile as fuel. Hydrogen is difficult to store though because
it takes up a lot of volume. Compressed hydrogen seems to be the
best form of hydrogen for fuel purposes because in this form it
can be stored in a smaller space while retaining its energy potency.
Additionally, compressed hydrogen, while still flammable, can
be stabilized so it is less volatile, making it a good choice
to power automobiles, homes and office buildings.
|
Compressed Hydrogen In Cars
|
|
Hydrogen is a renewable energy carrier. Being a carrier means
that it is not a direct source of electricity, but can be used
to produce electricity. Unlike fossil fuels, which are naturally
occurring substances, hydrogen does not exist in its pure form
in nature and must be extracted from other compounds. As an example,
methanol, natural gas or water can be separated to release the
hydrogen into its pure form to be used as fuel. In order to separate
hydrogen into its pure form, energy from coal, wind, solar or
nuclear power must be used.
Depending on what is used for extracting hydrogen, it is possible
that hydrogen could ease our dependence on foreign oil and help
clean up the environment as well. Hydrogen by itself is environmentally
friendly. The by-product of using hydrogen for fuel is water.
If hydrogen is extracted via solar, wind or hydro-electrical means
(dams), there is little or no adverse reactions to the environment.
Therefore, it is important to consider the manner of producing
hydrogen as it affects the environment. Using hydrogen as fuel
means a whole host of infrastructure issues will need to be resolved
from production to storage to distribution.
Challenges
Compressed hydrogen storage is an issue because, at least for
now, a hydrogen car with a 5,500 psi tank can only carry enough
compressed hydrogen to travel about 100 - 200 miles (though 10,000
psi tanks are now being tested to increase the range to over 300
miles). Also, the price of hydrogen fuel on a per gallon or per
liter basis will need to be comparable to today's gasoline prices.
The Product
As of yet there isn't a commercial infrastructure to support
compressed hydrogen outside of what is being tested (mainly in
California). Compressed hydrogen will most likely be one of the
leading energies for transportation in the future, though. Research
is focused on finding a means to store it that will be practical,
relatively space efficient and that has the potential for mass
marketing. Significant strides have been made in recent years
to implement practical solutions to compression, storage and distribution
problems, and compressed hydrogen may realize its potential in
the not so distant future.
|
