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How to generate hydrogen?
By cjc1103 on 9/16/2009 10:26:06 AM , Rating: 3
Before you even get to the problem of distributing hydrogen, you have to generate it. You can generate hydrogen by electrolysis, in which case the hydrogen effectively acts as a chemical battery, and releases the energy when burned in a conventional engine or used in a fuel cell. The best way would be to use solar cells, but there aren't cost effective, not to mention there's not enough of them available to produce enough hydrogen to completely replace gasoline. Nuclear power plants may the most efficient way to generate hydrogen, but there aren't enough of them either, so you end up burning coal to do this. No matter how you generate it, using hydrogen to store electrical energy is less efficient than using a battery. Currently the most economical method of producing hydrogen is to convert natural gas, which is a big waste. Burning the natural gas directly is a lot more efficient.

RE: How to generate hydrogen?



RE: How to generate hydrogen?
By cyclosarin on 9/16/2009 11:26:56 AM , Rating: 3
The best way to produce hydrogen is with thermo-chemical seperation using VHTRs. Produce electricity at peak and H2 any other time. Use the MSR design with a thorium fuel cycle.

RE: How to generate hydrogen?
By drmo on 9/16/2009 11:56:13 AM , Rating: 2
"Burning the natural gas directly is a lot more efficient. "

Actually, it depends on how you burn natural gas on how efficient it is (in energy terms). In an ICE, the best efficiencies are around 30%, but a fuel cell can be 40-60% efficient. In a power plant, the efficiencies for both are greater though.

RE: How to generate hydrogen?
By ArcliteHawaii on 9/16/2009 8:41:09 PM , Rating: 2
Yup, combined cycle natural gas turbines can be up to 89% efficient. Of course, then you have to send the electricity along a wire. Average losses in the US are about 7%, which isn't too bad.

RE: How to generate hydrogen?
By drmo on 9/16/2009 10:12:50 PM , Rating: 2
Yes, NG is great in power plants, but less efficient in ICEs. So fuel cells may make more sense for cars. They are also useful as storage for energy collected from solar or wind.

RE: How to generate hydrogen?
By ArcliteHawaii on 9/17/2009 5:53:27 AM , Rating: 2
So is ammonia (NH3).

RE: How to generate hydrogen?
By drmo on 9/17/2009 9:08:28 AM , Rating: 2
Yes, ammonia is a good way of storing energy/ hydrogen.

RE: How to generate hydrogen?
By FishTankX on 9/18/2009 3:01:37 AM , Rating: 2
I call BS.

That exceeds carnot efficency.

According to this source

CCGT plants are projected to hit 62% in 2030

RE: How to generate hydrogen?

