Hydrogen is the first element in the Periodic Table mainly because it is the lightest element known to man. Its structure is also very simple because one hydrogen atom only contains one proton and one electron as compared to other elements which contain two or more subatomic particles. Hydrogen is an interesting element because it is capable of producing large amounts of energy, without producing pollutants that could be harmful to humans and nature.Hydrogen fuel is basically an alternative fuel that has potential in dramatically decreasing the energy consumption of vehicles. It can be obtained by burning H2 and O2, which in turn could produce electricity and heat. The by-products in this process include H2O and small amounts of nitrogen oxide. Since the production of Hydrogen Fuel produces non-pollutants, many experts believe that Hydrogen Fuel could be an eco-friendly alternative to our current energy sources. In addition, Hydrogen Fuel can also be commercialized.Hydrogen Fuel was first commercially used around the 1970s to launch NASA’s space shuttles and other space rockets. Since then, Hydrogen fuel was also used to provide electricity to spacecrafts while in orbit. Astonishingly, the water produced from heating H2 and O2 during long travels in space can be even used for drinking, which proves that Hydrogen Fuel is indeed an eco-friendly energy source.ChemistryTechnically, Hydrogen is not considered an ‘energy source’ but rather an ‘energy carrier’. This is mainly because the production of Hydrogen Fuel takes two elements. The first is the H2, the pure form of Hydrogen, while the other is Oxygen. When H2 is burned, it would most likely react to O2 to create H2O. This chemical reaction produces heat, which could then be used as fuel.ManufacturingThe pure form of Hydrogen, which is H2, cannot be easily acquired. Although H2 is abundant in various compounds, still, it takes energy to separate its pure form. So far, there are various processes involved in manufacturing H2. The most known process is electrolysis. In electrolysis, electricity is used to separate the hydrogen atoms from the oxygen atoms. Another process that can be used is the steam-methane process. Instead of using H2O, steam-methane process utilizes methane. Methane’s composition is CH4, which means that in the steam-methane process, Hydrogen atoms are separated from Carbon atoms.Hydrogen EnergyHydrogen can be utilized as an energy source through a simple energy conversion. Hydrogen is in its chemical state, which means that it produces chemical energy. In order to utilize it as a source, chemical energy shall be converted to mechanical energy. The simple energy conversion can be made possible by internal combustion, which involves burning hydrogen. Burning of hydrogen creates a chemical reaction towards O2, which in turn creates heat that could charge fuel cells. The fuel cells, in this case, will start the car or any other vehicle running in no time.Hydrogen UsesNowadays, many experts have recognized the potential of Hydrogen as an alternative to several energy sources. As a matter of fact, inventors and scientists are currently working on prototypes to fully utilize Hydrogen’s capacity to supply power to various forms of vehicles and equipment. Currently, there are a handful of buses and cars that are hydrogen-powered. Big companies like Benz and Honda are looking into the potential of Hydrogen as well. If the research and development on Hydrogen-powered vehicles would be successful, soon enough, a lot of us would be seeing more Hydrogen-powered vehicles, motorcycles and possibly airplanes.How it WorksHydrogen can be utilized as an energy source through a simple energy conversion. Hydrogen is in its chemical state, which means that it produces chemical energy. In order to utilize it as a source, chemical energy shall be converted to mechanical energy. The simple energy conversion can be made possible by internal combustion, which involves burning hydrogen. Burning of hydrogen creates a chemical reaction towards O2, which in turn creates heat that could charge fuel cells. The fuel cells, in this case, will start the car or any other vehicle running in no time.Fuel Cell VehicleFuel Cell Vehicle or Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) is a hydrogen-powered vehicle. In this case, it utilizes fuel cell technology. It basically functions like battery, which is highly dependent on chemical energy to create mechanical energy. When the chemical reaction slows down within the fuel cell, it can be easily recharged by adding more hydrogen. Fuel cell is capable of producing electricity through H2 and O for the vehicle’s onboard electric motor.Benefits of Hydrogen PowerHydrogen and its capabilities are simply astonishing. Hydrogen refuel only takes around 5 minutes for each car, despite the fact that it could let the car running for eight hours or even more. According to statistics, hydrogen-powered buses tend to save 40% of energy expenses as compared to diesel buses. In addition, researchers are also impressed by the fact that hydrogen-powered planes tend to create lower levels of noises compared non hydrogen-powered ones.Challenges of Hydrogen PowerHydrogen-powered vehicles and the like are still at its infancy, which is why there are many challenges that lie ahead. One thing that makes hydrogen power difficult to adapt is the fact that there are currently very few infrastructures that could manufacture and store pure hydrogen. There are also very few structures that could help distribute hydrogen to its end-users. Most importantly, the production costs of hydrogen-powered vehicles are still too expensive for the masses to avail.Despite the difficulties in making Hydrogen Energy programs suitable for everyone, still, experts, scientists and inventors continue to explore the possibilities of utilizing Hydrogen and other elements for the betterment of mankind and the natural environment. Currently, they are looking into creating eco-friendly vehicles, including heavy equipment. Motorcycles, bicycles and submarines are currently being considered in the research and development as well.Hydrogen & Fuel Cell ProgramsThe U.S. Department of Energy is sponsoring a Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program that aims to overcome the technological barriers that hydrogen power has encountered. These obstacles include hydrogen production, delivery and storage as well as fuel cell transportation and distribution. They also address any safety concerns that stem from the use of hydrogen power. Finally, they are working to convince stakeholders that there will be acceptance of hydrogen power and fuel cell technologies if only they are promoted and supported in the marketplace. The Department of Energy is also supporting a Fuel Cell Technologies program that aims to replace the U.S.’s dependence on oil with clean, reliable fuel cells.To learn more about Hydrogen Energy, please consult the following links:BP Global: Hydrogen PowerAmerican Hydrogen AssociationThe Hydrogen Powered WorldAlternative Energy News: Hydrogen FuelHydrogen Energy CenterUS Department of Energy: Hydrogen and Fuel Cell ProgramAir Products: Hydrogen EnergyFuel Economy: HydrogenHybrid Cars: Hydrogen ChallengesEnergy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Hydrogen Storage ChallengesFuel Cells: Hydrogen BasicsOnline Digital Education Connection: Hydrogen ProblemsNational Renewable Energy Laboratory: Hydrogen and Fuel Cells ResearchArgonne Transportation Technology Research and Development Center: Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Research and DevelopmentResearch PennState: HydrogenNational Museum of American History: Fuel Cell BasicsUnited Nations University: Hydrogen Fuel Cells MonitorHyper Physics: Hydrogen Fuel CellKettering University: Fuel Cell Background InformationColumbia University: Hydrogen Fuel CellsTexas Hydrogen 101: Understanding Hydrogen and Fuel CellsFlorida Solar Energy Center: Hydrogen Basics – Fuel CellsAlternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center: Hydrogen BenefitsDrive Clean: Hydrogen Fuel CellTransport for London: Hydrogen TechnologyNASA Science: Cool Fuel CellsInternational Association for Hydrogen Energy: HydrogenEIA Energy Kids: HydrogenHawaii Natural Energy Institute: HydrogenWilliams College: Hydrogen EnergyEuropean Commission Research and Innovation: Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Technologies
