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What is simple, abundant, all natural, and full of energy? Hydrogen. NASA’s used this high energy, pollution-lacking fuel in liquid form since the 1970s. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cells that power the shuttle's electrical systems also produce a pure water byproduct, which the astronauts drink while onboard.

Hydrogen fuel cells are often compared to batteries. Hydrogen and oxygen are combined in the anode and cathode, respectively, of each cell, and undergo a chemical reaction to produce (direct current) electricity, heat, and water. This electricity can be used directly in a DC electric motor or it can be converted to
alternating current (AC).

Hydrogen energy is renewable from beginning to end. Although fuel cells work best on pure hydrogen, natural gas (methane), methanol, and gasoline may be reformed to produce the hydrogen required. Harvesting hydrogen from renewable sources is preferable. Methane is a recycled or renewable fuel made by anaerobic digestion of livestock waste or landfill biomass. Solar power may be used to create the electricity needed to produce hydrogen electrolysis.

How can we use this technology? Research indicates that emission tests from hydrogen-converted vehicles show hydrocarbons cleaned out of the emitted air. And that, nitrous oxides only increase 1%, compared to petrol fuel. Research and development continues to improve on these results. Hydrogen produced by hydrocarbons can also produce carbon for car bodies. Carbon is 10 times the strength of steel.

Hydrogen may also become an important energy carrier, like electricity is, in the future. Also consider that, solar power cannot be generated at night or under cloudy conditions. Similarly, the wind does not blow all the time, so wind power varies. However, electric energy and hydrogen may be produced, stored, and transported like electricity when and where it is needed.

Currently, hydrogen energy researchers are working with petroleum companies to incorporate their existing marketing and infrastructure to transition means of producing, transporting, storing, and dispensing hydrogen. However, continued work is being done to improve natural methods of generating methane.



Jason Grace
on behalf of the
BascoTec Internet Limited
Technologie Park 13
33100 Paderborn
Germany

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