Proessay.com

Opportunities and benefits of use of hydrogen as an energy source

Hydrogen represents for us a very strong interest, since it is a unique source of energy:

First, hydrogen is the most widely spread element on the earth. The source of hydrogen can be water, from which people can get the gas through electrolysis. It may be a part of cycle of energy: connecting with the oxygen in the fuel tank it turns to water and generates electricity, and then it is separated from the water to produce energy.

Secondly, hydrogen fuel does not emit toxic substances. Electric cars that use hydrogen fuel, do not pollute the environment, and therefore are environmentally friendly: indeed, hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell transform into water. While gasoline and diesel engines produce toxic substances that are harmful to humans and wildlife, and transport remains the largest source of negative impacts on the environment. In the total volume of emissions in cities cars produce more than 80 percent, and this figure increases progressively.

The third feature of hydrogen is its economy. For example one tank with hydrogen of 3500m would be enough to supply energy for a small town of 20 people for a whole year. It has even greater economic benefits in comparison with modern hydroelectric power station. Hydrogen can be used and transported in any state: solid, liquid and gaseous.

At the disposal of modern technology there are hundreds of technical methods for hydrogen fuel, hydrocarbon gases, liquid hydrocarbons and water. The choice of method is dictated by economic considerations, availability of suitable raw materials and energy resources. Different countries may have different situations: for example, countries that have cheap surplus electricity generated by hydropower plants can produce hydrogen by electrolysis of water (Norway), countries with lots of solid fuels and hydrocarbons of the road  can produce hydrogen gasification of solid fuels (China), countries that have cheap oil can produce hydrogen from liquid hydrocarbons (Middle East). However, in most cases hydrogen is  currently received from the conversion of hydrocarbon gases methane and its homologues (USA, Russia).

Exit mobile version