Thoughts 10 Jul 2008 11:23 am
Hydrogen as a “Green” Fuel Source = BS
Ok boys and girls here’s a simple lesson in the realities beyond the hype.
Hydrogen is the most abundant atom in the universe. But it forms extremely strong bonds with other atoms like oxygen and it takes energy to break these bonds. The easiest way to do this is by using electricity to break the h20 bond. The other method is called cracking whereby hydrogen is extracted from other sources such as oil which is by definition reliant on fossil fuels.
Hmmm, lots of electricity is required to make lots of hydrogen. This in turn begs the question. How is this electricity being generated? Try mostly fossil fuels. —So much for green.
Since the hydrogen atom is extremely small it tends to escape from most normal containers. Over time hydrogen can even work it’s way through a steel container, creating in the process what is known as hydrogen embrittlement in the process. This leads to a whole collection of unsafe, potentially explosive effects, most notably fastener failure. While certain plating materials will prevent this, any imperfection, however small, will serve as an escape point for the gas and lead straight back to the original problem.
Anyone who thinks hydrogen is safe should watch the footage of the Hindenburg fire.
Just a thought. What happens if you are running on hydrogen and are in a major pileup? I think it gives new meaning to the phrase “up in smoke.”
The question then becomes. How do we store it? There are several methods including the use of metal hydrides under consideration. Unfortunately these methods have proven to be expensive, complicated, and not ready for prime time.
Even electric cars require some source of generated electricity to charge and the batteries need to be replaced periodically which raises environmental questions.
The only green alternative I can see at this point in time is a change in culture and more efficient mass transportation.
—–TANSTAAFL