ABSTRACT
Hydrogen Production Systems ....................................................... 614 23.2 Delivery of Hydrogen ...................................................................................................... 614 23.3 Storage of Hydrogen........................................................................................................ 615 23.4 Use of Hydrogen.............................................................................................................. 621
23.4.1 Introduction to Fuel Cells................................................................................. 621 23.4.2 Comparison between the Thermodynamic Engine and the Fuel Cell ............. 623 23.4.3 Types of Fuel Cells .......................................................................................... 624
23.4.3.1 Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell......................................................... 624 23.4.3.2 Alkaline Fuel Cell ........................................................................... 625 23.4.3.3 Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell.............................................................. 625
23.4.3.4 Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell............................................................ 625 23.4.3.5 Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell........................... 625 23.4.3.6 Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell........................................................ 625
23.4.4 Remarkable Thoughts on Fuel Cells ................................................................ 627 References ..................................................................................................................................... 629
Currently, among the most challenging aspects in science and technology are those related to the new energy vectors and efficient methodologies for energy conversion. The success of the use of hydrogen for energy depends on two factors: less expensive devices for the complete conversion technology and more efficient processes for the production of hydrogen and its final conversion to electricity. Therefore, the effective design and implementation of a hydrogen-based energy scheme needs a ‘‘complete system’’ approach. A number of crossover issues will influence the production, storage, delivery, conversion, applications, education, etc., of hydrogen. The most significants are
. Development of national and international legislation, codes, and standards for the use of hydrogen
. Adoption of policies to incorporate the external costs of energy (energy supply security, air quality, and global climate change) to provide a clear signal to the industry and consumers on the benefits of hydrogen energy
. Safety standards and precautions
. Promotion by institutions and governments, and acceptance by consumers by providing the expected performance at a reasonable cost
. Collaborative research and development by research centers
. Technology validation through government-industry partnerships
. Systems analyses to explore various pathways to extensive hydrogen energy use, including full cost accounting for all challenging energy systems
. Easy access to the existing information on new hydrogen technologies without legal or economical barriers
System integration addresses ways in which different parts of a system work together from technical, economic, and social standpoints. In many cases, system optimization may require an approach different from that used for the optimization of a single part. Similarly, system focus makes it easier to identify key technical or market barriers in any part of the system that might impede the development of the whole. Optimization at the system level will require the following:
. Coordination of technology developments between hydrogen producers and end users.
