The Transition to Hydrogen | Green Energy News

June 13, 2004 – Vol.9 No.12

THE TRANSITION TO HYDROGEN.

Those who see a hydrogen economy in our future recognize the need to make the transition as seamless as possible. That is, people must be able to adapt easily (with minimal instruction) to a refueling system that is much like the petroleum system now in place. Proponents of hydrogen assume that people will accept only a system where fuel is pumped into a vehicle by a hose. Assumptions are not always correct.

Current research and development for the storage of hydrogen on board fuel cell vehicles is focused on storing hydrogen in a pressure vessel, as chilled liquid, as molecules attached to specialized metals, or to be extracted from other hydrocarbon fuels before it is needed.

Now, there may be yet another way to store and refuel with hydrogen. Research underway by PowerNova of Canada and Russia may show that it is feasible to store hydrogen chemically in gasoline (or perhaps a gasoline-like fuel) which would by released by catalytic action as needed in a fuel cell vehicle. In one scenario, gasoline, along with a catalyst, would be stored in a canister which would be removed from the vehicle and replaced to refuel the vehicle. Refueling stations would have the ability on site to replenish the canisters with hydrogen .

The technology has some distinct benefits over other hydrogen fueling and storage systems. Gasoline, naturally, is a known commodity; oil companies would keep producing it. Further, since gasoline is actually a blend of a number of components to enhance its performance as a fuel (even hydrogen is often added), oil companies may choose develop an additive-free version designed specifically for fuel cells. An additive-free version could feasibly be less expensive than current blends. (A good thing at a time when gasoline costs may be generally rising.)

PowerNova confirms at least one “component” must be missing - sulfur. Gasoline must be very pure to prevent damage to the catalyst.

And though refueling - the replacement of canisters - may not fit into the norm of fueling a vehicle with a hose, but people have become comfortable with refueling with energized containers. People regularly change propane tanks on their gas grills and have been replacing batteries and battery packs on a number of devices for decades. If the canisters were a little too heavy or large for people to handle, robotic aids could be developed to give a helping hand.

PowerNova expects another five years will be needed for technology development and commercialization. Visit PowerNova at http://www.powernova.com/ .