What is Hydrogen?
The simplest and lightest fuel is hydrogen gas (H 2 ). Hydrogen is in a gaseous state at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperatures. Hydrogen may contain low levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, depending on the source.
Hydrogen is being explored for use in combustion engines and fuel cell electric vehicles. On a volumetric basis, the energy density of hydrogen is very low. This presents greater transportation and storage hurdles than for liquid fuels. Storage systems being developed include compressed hydrogen, liquid hydrogen, and physical or chemical bonding between hydrogen and a storage material (for example, metal hydrides).
How is Hydrogen Made?
Today the two most common methods used to produce hydrogen are:
* steam reforming of natural gas
* electrolysis of water.
The predominant method for producing synthesis gas is steam reforming of natural gas, although other hydrocarbons can be used as feedstocks. For example, biomass and coal can be gasified and used in a steam reforming process to create hydrogen.
Electrolysis uses electrical energy to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrical energy can come from any electricity production source including renewable fuels.
What are the benefits of Hydrogen?
Widespread use of hydrogen as an energy source in this country could help address concerns about energy security, global climate change, and air quality. Fuel cells are an important enabling technology for the hydrogen future and have the potential to revolutionize the way we power our nation, offering cleaner, more efficient alternatives to the combustion of gasoline and other fossil fuels. Hydrogen’s main benefits are:
* Stronger national energy security
* Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
* Improved air quality
* Increased energy efficiency.
What types of vehicles can use Hydrogen?
Currently there are no original equipment manufacturer vehicles available for sale to the general public. There are several hydrogen fueling stations being built; however, most are private stations being used for demonstration projects. The demonstration projects are being designed to evaluate hydrogen technologies and pave the road to a hydrogen vehicle future. Some of these hydrogen stations are available for public use as well. Experts estimate that in approximately 10-20 years hydrogen vehicles, and the infrastructure to support them, will start to make an impact. At this time, the government and industry are working to overcome technical and cost barriers.
