3 Methods to Store Hydrogen for Efficient Usage
Few substances are as full of potential and desire as hydrogen. The initial component on the periodic chart has transformed in recent years from a global term into one of the most potential paths toward decarbonizing transportation, sectors, and electricity production.
The goal of a green hydrogen-powered society confronts several obstacles as the generation of gases from low-carbon resources increases globally. The primary problem, along with increasing output and reducing expenses, is hydrogen storage.
Why storing hydrogen is important?
When it comes to the worldwide effort to reach net zero emissions by 2050, hydrogen has the ability to help with two key issues. Firstly, it can assist in addressing the ongoing problem of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar. The gas is capable of storing renewable energy that may subsequently be used as an environmentally friendly fuel source for energy production during times of high demand by turning excess electricity produced on windy or sunny days into hydrogen. Secondly, hydrogen can take the role of fossil fuels in industries like home heating, industry, shipping, and aviation where electrification solely won't be sufficient to decarbonize them.
The problem is that hydrogen on its own is difficult to store, despite being a great medium for storing renewable energy. The reason for this is it occupies a lot more room due to its low volumetric energy density in comparison with other gases, like natural gas. In addition, hydrogen needs cryogenic storage due to its near-zero boiling point. Even though it usually doesn't corrode storage containers, specific circumstances can lead to metal cracking.
Here are four hydrogen storage options that might be able to help with these issues.
1. Liquified hydrogen
Hydrogen is capable of being kept as a liquid in addition to being kept as a gas. Liquefied hydrogen has been utilized to power rockets and the space sector in general for many decades.
However, liquid hydrogen storage has always been exceedingly expensive due to its technical complexity. To keep hydrogen at such a low temperature and reduce evaporation, it must be chilled to a temperature of -253°C and kept in insulated cylinders. This needs a sophisticated facility.
Liquefied hydrogen hasn't been widely used yet because of its complicated structure and expense. The manufacture of semiconductor chips and the usage of hydrogen as rocket fuel for space flights are two of its main users.
2. Materials-driven storage
Materials-driven storage is a better option for compacted and liquefied hydrogen. At this point, hydrogen is bound by solids and liquids that can chemically consume it or respond to it. This involves developing metal hydrides from components like palladium, which has the potential to absorb 900 times its capacity in hydrogen along with some specific alloys, magnesium, and aluminum.
The alternative with the most prospective is to transport hydrogen via ammonia, which is composed of hydrogen and nitrogen. It is simpler to store and carry the liquefied hydrogen as its energy content is roughly two times higher per volume.
To put it another way, hydrogen is transformed into ammonia, shipped to its location, and ultimately "broken" to let out the hydrogen there. Ammonia breaking continues to be in its infancy, and conversion rates are very low—at best, approximately a third.
3. Compressed hydrogen storage
Hydrogen may be compressed, stored in tanks, and then used as needed, just like any other gas. But compared to other types of hydrocarbons, hydrogen has a far higher volume—nearly a fourth of the amount of natural gas. As a result, hydrogen must be compressed for handling requirements. For instance, fuel-cell automobiles use compressed hydrogen stored in enormous, extremely pressured canisters.
When compression cannot lower the volume of hydrogen enough for a given purpose, it might be liquefied. Compression and liquefaction may additionally be used in conjunction with one another.
One of the major hindrances to the development of hydrogen is its poor energy density, large volume, and requirement for cryogenic storage. This is particularly relevant for mobility applications like heavy transportation, where the required space and other factors for hydrogen storage will significantly restrict the available space for people and goods. The same is true with automobiles, where passenger space and capacity must be balanced.
Whether hydrogen is safe or not?
Whenever it involves low-carbon fuels, security is a crucial concern, particularly if they're going to be utilized, stored, or carried in public areas.
Since hydrogen is lighter than air, it evaporates rapidly and is non-toxic. But, there are still threats to think about. Hydrogen has the potential to catch fire when coupled with air and in high enough concentrations. Thus, when hydrogen is kept and used, ventilation and identifying leaks are essential. Since hydrogen burns with a practically undetectable flame, specialized sensors are needed. To prevent embrittlement, which can result in breaks in certain materials, the containers for storage must be sufficiently durable.
Each of these actions will guarantee that hydrogen continues to be a secure fuel in the years to come.
Conclusion
It is obvious that finding the best storage option for every purpose will be essential for releasing hydrogen's ability to provide completely decarbonized economies and society. Additionally, any strategy must be financially feasible in addition to being technically feasible.
Author's Detail
Kalyani Raje/linkedin
With a work experience of over 10+ years in the market research and strategy development. I have worked with diverse industries, including FMCG, IT, Telecom, Automotive, Electronics and many others. I also work closely with other departments such as report writing, content writing, product development, and marketing to understand customer needs and preferences, and develop strategies to meet those needs.
Author's Detail:
Kalyani Raje /
LinkedIn
With a work experience of over 10+ years in the market research and strategy development. I have worked with diverse industries, including FMCG, IT, Telecom, Automotive, Electronics and many others. I also work closely with other departments such as sales, product development, and marketing to understand customer needs and preferences, and develop strategies to meet those needs.
I am committed to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving field of research and analysis. This involves regularly attending conferences, participating in webinars, and pursuing additional certifications to enhance my skill set. I played a crucial role in conducting market research and competitive analysis. I have a proven track record of distilling complex datasets into clear, concise reports that have guided key business initiatives. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, I contributed to the development of innovative solutions grounded in thorough research and analysis.
