Introduction to Hydrogen Technology

K. S. V. Santhanam, Roman J. Press, Massoud J. Miri, Alla V. Bailey, Gerald A. Takacs

• Publisher: Wiley
• Year: 2017
• Print ISBN: 9781119265542
• eBook ISBN: 9781119265573
• Edition: 2
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Chemical & Biochemical Engineering
• Index: Technology & Engineering

Introduces the field of hydrogen technology and explains the basic chemistry underlying promising and innovative new technologies

This new and completely updated edition of Introduction to Hydrogen Technology explains, at an introductory level, the scientific and technical aspects of hydrogen technology. It incorporates information on the latest developments and the current research in the field, including: new techniques for isolating and storing hydrogen, usage as a fuel for automobiles, residential power systems, mobile power systems, and space applications.

Introduction to Hydrogen Technology, Second Edition features classroom-tested exercises and sample problems. It details new economical methods for isolating the pure hydrogen molecule. These less expensive methods help make hydrogen fuel a very viable alternative to petroleum-based energy. The book also adds a new chapter on hydrogen production and batteries. It also provides in-depth coverage of the many technical hurdles in hydrogen storage. The developments in fuel cells since the last edition has been updated.

• Offers new chapters on hydrogen production, storage, and batteries
• Features new sections on advanced hydrogen systems, new membranes, greenhouse gas sensors and updated technologies involving solar and wind energies
• Includes problems at the end of the Chapters, as well as solutions for adopters

This book is an introduction to hydrogen technology for students who have taken at least one course in general chemistry and calculus; it will also be a resource book for scientists and researchers working in hydrogen-based technologies, as well as anyone interested in sustainable energy.

Chapter 1
Available Energy Resources

1.1 Civilization and the Search for Sustainable Energy

Many thousands of years ago, our ancestors knew how to produce fire and they used it for several different purposes, including warming themselves and preparing food. They discovered that energy could be liberated from burning wood. The energy-liberating material was defined as fuel, and this led to the recognition that wood is a fuel. Early civilizations depended on this fuel for a long time. To improve their living conditions, humans searched for new forms of sustainable energy. This exploration resulted in the invention of wind-driven wheels that could be used to pump water from wells. Before this discovery, water was pulled from wells by human energy. This led to a correlation that wind is a source of energy. The wheel was also found useful for transportation forming a part of a chariot that could be rotated when drawn by horses.

During the 18th century, the most commonly used forms of energy were derived from wood, water, horses, and mills. The composition and structure of these materials were mysteries, and more so how the energy was liberated from them. These mysteries led to detailed investigations into the structure of matter by numerous scientists, including J.J. Thompson, J. Dalton, M. Faraday, M. Curie, N. Bohr, A. Einstein, and J. Gibbs. This search for understanding the composition and structure of matter resulted in astounding discoveries in science, including the discovery and understanding of molecules and atoms.

The energy liberates upon combustion and products of combustion were established during this period. During the 18th century, as mentioned in the beginning of the paragraph, it was demonstrated that alcohol could be produced by the destructive distillation of wood, and that alcohol could be used as a source of energy. A realization that wood could be replaced by alcohol and that it could do the job much more effectively resulted in the use of alcohol as a source of energy. Coal was used as a source of energy for running steam engines.

In the 19th century, organic chemists synthesized hydrocarbons and determined the energies available from them. The 20th century led to the search for naturally available sources of hydrocarbons, and the discovery, that oil and natural gas contain them, paved the way for their utilization as energy sources in transportation. The rapid utilization and resulting depletion of these naturally occurring sources by mankind is leading to the search for viable alternatives. In addition, hydrocarbon-based energy sources are responsible for pollution of the atmosphere. These energy sources release carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide gases. Such gases are causing global warming (Section 1.3).

The 21st century is facing challenging problems, with faster depletion of fossil fuels and pollution arising from their use. Energy sources that are sustainable and producing negligible pollution are needed. In this context, hydrogen and fuel cells are being considered, but their exploration and use require policy decisions. Historically, the United States depends heavily on imported oils, and the infrastructure has been built on the imported oils and natural gases. In order to switch over to other fuels free from the restrictions discussed earlier, a smooth transitional infrastructure needs to be evolved.

A symbol of early human ingenuity is the first step pyramid, built for King Zoser in 2750 BC in Saqqará/Egypt. Similarly, the “energy pyramid” represents another advancement in human ingenuity. As the “food pyramid” represents a balanced approach to a healthy lifestyle, the energy pyramid (Figure 1.1) represents a balanced approach to consuming renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. With the gradual depletion of most nonrenewable sources of hydrocarbon-based fuels, the energy pyramid contains a diverse proportion of renewable fuels—hydro, solar, and wind power, along with various biomass-produced fuels.

Figure 1.1 Energy pyramid.

During the 19th century, hydrogen was experimented as an energy source, and Sir William Grove demonstrated in 1839 that...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Table of Contents
• Preface
• About the Companion Website
• Chapter 1: Available Energy Resources
• Chapter 2: Chemistry Background
• Chapter 3: Hydrogen Production
• Chapter 4: Hydrogen Properties
• Chapter 5: Hydrogen Infrastructure and Technology
• Chapter 6: Batteries
• Chapter 7: Fuel Cell Essentials
• Chapter 8: Fuel Cells Applications
• Index
• End User License Agreement