hydrogen and fuel cells how is hydrogen produced, delivered, and stored? brought to you by –
TRANSCRIPT
Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
How is Hydrogen Produced, Delivered, and Stored?
Brought to you by –
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe.
Hydrogen does not exist in nature by itself, but it is found as part of a compound in abundant and diverse resources such as the fossil fuels natural gas and coal.
What is the most abundant compound on earth?
Water = H2O
Two Hydrogen Atoms One Oxygen Atom
Chemistry review…
Hydrogen has 1 proton and 1 electron Oxygen has 8 protons and 8 electrons Both are non-metal gases Both are naturally diatomic (H2 and O2)
when by themselves When they react with each other they form
water
Hydrogen is #1 on the Periodic Table
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Electrolysis: The process of using an electrical current to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
When the electricity needed for electrolysis is generated using wind or solar power, for example, electrolysis can be a clean and renewable way to produce hydrogen.
wind farm solar panels
Scientists worldwide are researching ways to produce hydrogen safely, cleanly,
efficiently, and cost-effectively.
Steam Methane Reforming – This method involves using
high temperature steam to extract hydrogen from natural gas.
Both hydrogen and carbon monoxide are produced.
Today, 95% of the hydrogen produced in the United States is made through steam methane reforming.
Fuel cell animation
How a fuel cell works At the anode, Hydrogen gas gives up its
electrons to produce hydrogen ions and allows for the flow of electrons (electricity)
At the cathode, the oxygen and hydrogen recombine to form water
The membrane (PEM) can also SPLIT the water, so the whole process can begin again
Other hydrogen production technologies use various resources…
nuclear energy
algae
biological material
Challenge = Cost
2H2 + O2 = 2H2O + Energy
Hydrogen-powered fuel cells can supply energy to power anything from automobiles to homes to computers.
Picture it…
Hydrogen is a clean form of energy. It can be used in fuel cells to create
electricity with the only byproducts being water and heat.
