Hydrogen: The Next Gasoline? Matios Yeknian ChE 379 Energy Presentation
Hydrogen—The element Lightest of all known elements Lightest of all known elements 75% of the universe consists of hydrogen 75% of the universe consists of hydrogen Pure hydrogen is uncommon on Earth Pure hydrogen is uncommon on Earth Hydrogen is found bonded to other elements on earth Hydrogen is found bonded to other elements on earth
Hydrogen Power Fuel SourceForm of StorageEnergy Density by weight (kWh/kg)Energy Density by volume (kWh/l) Hydrogen Gas Liquid Metal Hydride GasolineLiquid Dieselliquid ElectricityChemical
Hydrogen Production Steam Reforming Steam Reforming –Steam reforming works by mixing natural gas with steam and using a metal catalyst (usually nickel- alumina) and a heated reactor to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Coal Gasification Coal Gasification –Coal gasification involves using a high pressure high temperature reactor and partially oxidizing the coal with oxygen and steam.
Hydrogen Production Electrolysis Electrolysis –Wind –Solar –Nuclear
Storage Compressed Hydrogen Compressed Hydrogen Liquid Hydrogen Liquid Hydrogen NanoTubes NanoTubes Chemical Storage Chemical Storage
Distribution Mass Distribution Mass Distribution –Similar to the distribution of gasoline today Local Distribution Local Distribution –Smaller localized distribution where hydrogen is produced at location of sale
Hydrogen Vehicles Fuel Cell Vehicles Fuel Cell Vehicles –Uses hydrogen gas, oxygen, and catalyst to produce and electrical current –Electrical current used to run an electrical drive train ICE ICE –Uses hydrogen liquid as combustion fuel –Similar gasoline ICE
Problems Fuel Storage/Weight Fuel Storage/Weight High Pressure/Low Temp High Pressure/Low Temp Refueling Refueling Public awareness Public awareness Economics Economics
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Conclusion Hydrogen is viable Hydrogen is viable Low emissions with good power Low emissions with good power Some Obstacles to overcome Some Obstacles to overcome Is it the future? Is it the future?
Questions?