Finding the Sweet Spot for Hydrogen Storage

Technocrat

Finding the Sweet Spot for Hydrogen Storage

zogger

Sun Oct 01 20:19:37 -0700 2006

Chemistry.

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One of the problems in trying to devise a system for running a hydrogen fuel cell is exactly how to store the stuff-it leaks out of normal pressurised containers fairly easily. Researchers have devised chemical sponges to try and trap the atoms but so far cannot get the density per liter desired to be able to practically use fuel storage containers for vehicles. A new technique has looked at the actual size of the chemicals used to hold and trap the hydrogen, and they think they now know what that size is and can get good storage densities.

"University of Nottingham scientists have made a breakthrough which could help in the development of the next generation of environmentally-friendly cars. Their latest findings on hydrogen storage could be crucial in the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles that are a viable alternative to the petrol and diesel-powered vehicles of today."..more cage the tiny tiger there

Finding the Sweet Spot for Hydrogen Storage

mcrbids

Sun Oct 01 23:18:45 -0700 2006
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One of the many reasons why I think the "hydrogen economy" is a red herring.
Long-chain carbon is where it's at. Butanol, bio-diesel, etc. There just isn't enough energy density in hydrogen, even though it's sexy and "hollywood"....

Long-chain carbon (bio-diesel, various forms of alcohol, such as butanol) works smoothly and efficiently using the same distribution network we've put together to deal with fossil fuels. Better - these fuels are interchangeable! You can mix butanol with gasoline and barely tell the difference. You can mix biodiesel with fossil diesel and barely tell the difference.

Contrast that with hydrogen, which requires a major rework of the entire energy distribution system. See a problem?

I sure do.

The future is long-chain carbon. The distraction is the "hydrogen economy" - designed to keep us using fossil fuels as long as possible.

Finding the Sweet Spot for Hydrogen Storage

Beryllium Sphere(r)

Mon Oct 02 00:25:40 -0700 2006
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It approaches the DoE target of storing 45 grams per liter. In a tank the size of my car's gas tank, that would be two kilograms of hydrogen. 280+ megajoules theoretical energy capacity. Same volume of gasoline, almost 1500.
A fuel cell is roughly twice as efficient as an internal combustion engine, but we're still looking at an issue here. Wait, maybe not: you can triple the volume of the gas tank by making it 1.44 times larger in each direction.

Finding the Sweet Spot for Hydrogen Storage

palapa

Mon Oct 02 09:07:32 -0700 2006
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Anhydrous ammonia in liquid form has a hydrogen density of 146 grams/liter, and is easily "reformed" for fuel cell use. The only reason it isn't being suggested as a means of hydrogen storage is that it (ammonia) is well understood as a substance, and storage implications are also well known, i.e., no grant money.