Can a single electron spinning around a lonely proton be the answer for our energy independence? This question has been bouncing around for many years. Fuel cell cars, hydrogen gas vehicles and industrial applications make up the majority of the global hydrogen energy use. I got the inspiration to delve into this topic from watching Oliver Stone's new Wall Street movie. In the movie, the main character is an investment banker who is pushing funding for a"new" hydrogen energy plant. So, I figured that I would look into the current state of hydrogen energy today.
The hydrogen atom is the most basic element in the universe. It is the vehicle for many chemical reactions between substances, it is the power source for the sun, and is the most abundant elemental form in the universe. Hydrogen as a power source is used in two applications. Hydrogen gas (H2) is created and then used in a combustions engine or is used in fuel cell fusion. But is it the "silver bullet" for energy sustainability in the future? There are many factors that come into play with the production and storage of hydrogen as a power source that may prevent it from being the perfect solution.
The majority of hydrogen gas is produced in two ways: natural gas reformation and water electrolysis.
Steam reformation takes a fossil fuel, primarily natural gas, and creates H2 and CO2. This process is fairly easy but CO2 is a byproduct of the process which has environmental implications and by relying on fossil fuels it does not offer a sustainable avenue for the future.
Electrolysis a slightly better option. It is a process that uses electricity to "split" water into H2 and O2. It is three times more expensive than steam reformation, on average, but the source and the byproducts can be as environmentally neutral as it comes, as long as the water source is not being negatively effected by production. The largest downside for this method is that the source of the electricity may be tied to fossil fuel use. Some groups have developed solar or wind driven electrolysis which would be the least harmful way of producing H2 but there are economic barriers to mass production.
A third method using algae has been developed but is the development stage.
Hydrogen gas is not very dense. Therefore it is difficult to contain and transport. Today's technologies store H2 in two ways. As a compressed gas and imbedded in metal hydrides (fancy battery type things).
Compressed gas tanks are the most typical H2 gas storage. The limitations of tank size in automotive use means refueling often and without an H2 infrastructure this type of storage limits uses to large fleet vehicles, buses ect. Also, H2s is very flammable and when used on passenger vehicles safety design is critical, or boom goes the dynamite...
The metal hydride storage is a safe way to store H2. The gas is trapped between layers of metal and would not be subject to explosion on impact. This technology is limited by the sheer weight of the storage, the H2 "battery" is very heavy. For automotive applications the addition of weight drastically reduces performance and efficiency. Again, for shipping and mass transportation this technology is feasibly for application. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is developing carbon nanotube storage that is very similar to the metal storage at a fraction of the weight.
So a car using the NREL's carbon nanotube storage, fueled from a local solar electrolysis factory would be an ideal use hydrogen technology in automobiles. There are many things to consider when developing an action plan for our energy future. Hopefully H2 storage becomes more reasonable and production more cost effective, then the full potential of this clean energy can be harnessed.
D.I.E.T- Decreasing Individual Energy Thirst
This weeks installment is for adults or at least those people who can afford to buy appliances. Thanks to government funding and research our good old friends at the D.O.E (department of energy) created the well known EnergyStar rating for appliances. It is a simple stamp of approval showing that the attached product meets energy efficiency standards applicable for that line of devices. So look for them when you're shopping for the fridge or washing machine.
There are also incentives for upgrading your appliances to EnergyStar qualified products. Check out this link to find rebates in your area! Save money when you buy, save money when you use, and help reduce your energy thirst!!
No comments:
Post a Comment