Abstract: This chapter discusses the production and use of hydrogen energy in an overall hydrogen-based economy. Hydrogen, if produced from clean sources, constitutes a clean, efficient, and versatile carrier that supplements electricity well. Together with electricity, it may satisfy most of human's energy needs and form an independent energy system. Hydrogen can be produced from and converted into electricity at relatively high efficiencies and can be stored in gaseous form, liquid form, or in the form of metal hydrides. It can be transported over large distances through pipelines or via tankers, and can be converted into other forms of energy in more ways and more efficiently than any other fuel. Hydrogen as an energy carrier is environmentally compatible as its production storage and transportation, as well as its end use do not produce any pollutants, greenhouse gases, or any other harmful effects on the environment. Electrolysis is the only method, which can be used for large-scale hydrogen production in a post-fossil fuel era. Production of hydrogen by water electrolysis is a mature technology, based on a fundamentally simple process, which is very efficient, and does not involve moving parts. Hydrogen can also be obtained from biomass by a pyrolisis/gasification process, which decomposes and partially oxidizes the biomass, producing a gas product consisting of hydrogen, methane, CO2, CO, and nitrogen.
Publication Year: 2005
Publication Date: 2005-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 16
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