Hydrogen

Storage system, diversity of uses and combustion method

Hydrogen is normally a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, consisting of diatomic molecules (H2). The hydrogen atom, H symbol, consists of a core unit of positive charge and one electron. It is one of the main elements of water and of all organic substance, and is widely distributed not only on Earth but throughout the universe. Industrialized hydrogen is needed for its use in certain sectors, where its application covers substantial industrial activities. It should be noted its application as energy vector ZERO EMISSIONS, a method to improve the environment and therefore, the health of people, through its introduction in the automotive sector and in the energy sector in general.

In this area, INDHO gathers all its efforts: the ability to produce renewable hydrogen for its later use as an automotive fuel, electric power and thermal energy and solution for the decarbonization of natural gas.

HYDROGEN AS ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM

Types of hydrogen production

Hydrogen is a special chemical element for the energy storing, since the energy content of hydrogen has the highest energy density mass of all fuels: 120 MJ/kg.

For the production of storable and manageable hydrogen there are several technologies, such as:

1
Use of fossil fuels:
  • Coal gasification.
  • Reforming of natural gas.
  • Reforming of partial oxidation of hydrocarbons.

They are cheaper but the most pollutants from fossil fuels.

2
Water Electrolysis
Water is the most abundant and recyclable natural resource. Hydrogen obtained from water when combined with oxygen in a fuel cell will provide the electrical energy system (zero emissions) and will return back to the atmosphere, in the form of water vapor.
Forms of hydrogen storage
1
Hydrogen storage as a pressurized gas
It is the most commonly used method, with highly developed technology and low costs process.
2
Liquid hydrogen storage
System used when it must be transported over long distances and also in the aerospace sector. The main problem is the evaporation losses: 3 to 5% per day.
3
Hydrogen storage absorbed by metal hydrocarbons
The hydrogen reacts with many transition metals and their alloys forming metal hydrides. This method is currently in an advanced stage of research for commercial use.
4
Hydrogen storage absorbed on surface
Carbon structures with a high surface area are used, such as carbon nanotubes. The technology is of great interest because of its storage capacity according to laboratory studies.
5
Chemical storage
Alternatively, hydrogen can be stored in light chemical compounds, such as ammonia, methanol, methane or formic acid. These compounds have a high content of H in its molecule and can be used as indirect hydrogen storage.

VARIETY OF USES OF HYDROGEN

Hydrogen, as an energy vector, can store renewable energy and replace fossil fuels in many applications, managing to increase efficiency in the use of that energy.

tabla-usos-del-hidrogeno-en

HYDROGEN AS A FUEL

The fuel cell powered with hydrogen

The development of fuel cell powered with hydrogen is no longer an experimental application to become an alternative energy complement to conventional fuels. The use of hydrogen as an automotive fuel has become a reality, and is having a great interest because of its advantages; it removes external energy dependence and offers a high environmental commitment as it is a zero-emission fuel.

The modular nature of fuel cells, their easy installation, their usefulness for transportation and power generation sectors, areas where a quick response to a demand for constant energy is needed, make the use of the hydrogen technology highly attractive.

Hydrogen is the most efficient fuel since it has the highest heating value/weight relationship of all fuels. It produces double or triple energy than most of commonly used fuels, and reacts rapidly with oxygen.

Hydrogen is the cleanest fuel, because unlike fossil fuels, it does not produce harmful elements in combustion such as greenhouse gases, particles and nanoparticles in suspension. Only energy and clean water are produced when hydrogen is combined with oxygen in a fuel cell. In addition, it is a silent process. It should be noted that a hydrogen leak is immediately dispersed in the air and does not pollute neither soil nor water.

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