Hydrogen fuel is an energy carrier that can be used to store, move, and deliver energy produced from other sources. It is considered a clean fuel because when it is consumed in a fuel cell, it produces only water as a byproduct.
Types of Hydrogen Fuel:
Types of H2 fuel
How to produce
Grey Hydrogen
Produced from natural gas or other fossil fuels through steam methane reforming (SMR) without capturing the carbon emissions
Blue Hydrogen
Similar to grey hydrogen but includes carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce carbon emissions
Green Hydrogen
Generated using renewable energy sources to power electrolysis of water, resulting in zero carbon emissions
Turquoise Hydrogen
Produced through methane pyrolysis, splitting methane into hydrogen and solid carbon,
Yellow Hydrogen
Made through electrolysis using solar power specifically, or sometimes referring to hydrogen produced with electricity from mixed sources
Pink Hydrogen
Generated through electrolysis powered by nuclear energy
Black Hydrogen
Produced from coal through the process of gasification
Brown Hydrogen
Similar to black hydrogen but specifically using lignite or brown coal
White Hydrogen
Naturally occurring hydrogen found in underground deposits, extracted through fracking
What is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell(HFC)?
Hydrogen fuel cells are a technology that converts hydrogen fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction, with water vapor being the only emission.
What are the Components of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell?
Anode
The Negative electrode where Hydrogen Gas entered.
Cathode
The Negative electrode is where Hydrogen Gas enters.
Electrolyte
A substance that allows ions to move while blocking electrons, thereby facilitating an electrochemical reaction.
Catalyst
A material, often platinum, that speeds up the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.
How do Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work?
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction where hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen from the air. This process involves hydrogen entering the anode of the fuel cell, where it is split into protons and electrons.
The electrons travel through an external circuit, creating an electric current, while the protons move through the electrolyte to the cathode, where they combine with oxygen and electrons to produce water and heat.
Benefits of Hydrogen Fuel Cells:
Zero Emissions:
The only byproduct of a hydrogen fuel cell is water vapor, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel-based power sources
Energy Efficiency:
Fuel cells are more efficient than traditional combustion-based engines and generators, as they convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy
Performance:
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer high range, fast refueling times (3-5 minutes), and have performance characteristics similar to gasoline vehicles.
What is the price Of Hydrogen Fuel:
Hydrogen fuel prices vary significantly, especially in California, which is a primary market for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the United States.
September 2021
$16 for one kilogram
July 2023
$25 per kilogram
September 2023
$36 per kilogram
January 2024
$33.48 per kilogram.
What are the Safety Concerns about Hydrogen Fuel:
Leaks and Hydrogen Release:
Due to hydrogen’s low molecular weight and high diffusivity, leaks can occur
Fires and Explosions:
When hydrogen does ignite, it is most likely a jet flame from the pressure relief device release due to a hydrocarbon fire (0.03–1.8% probability)
High-Pressure Hazards:
Hydrogen is stored at high pressures, which can present hazards during dispensing operations
Electrical Hazards:
HFCVs use high-voltage lines to run from the fuel cell to the electric motor, which can present electrical safety hazards.
Pressure Relief Device (PRD) Activation:
In case of fire exposure, the PRD will function to relieve the contents of the tank.
Nozzle Failure:
There is a risk associated with the failure of the nozzle during refueling, which could lead to hydrogen release.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydrogen fuel cells?
