One of the significant advantages of hydrogen energy is the availability of a variety of methods of hydrogen production.It contributes to energy security and reduce dependence on certain types of raw materials.Hydrogen can be:
- way the steam reforming of methane and natural gas;
- using coal gasification;
- by the electrolysis of water;
- pyrolysis process;
- by partial oxidation;
- biotechnological methods.
Today, the cheapest and most accessible way - is steam reforming.Experts predict that its use will take place at the initial stage of introduction of the hydrogen economy.However, the future still need to shift to renewable energy, because a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is probably the main reason for the transition to hydrogen energy.As such, you can use solar energy or wind power, which allows the electrolysis of water.
opportunity to concentrate the production of hydrogen in large enterprises requires development of cost reduction, but at the same time need additional expenses for transportation to special hydrogen filling stations.Alternatively viewed hydrogen production on a small scale hydrogen directly on the AC.
Now hydrogen is produced from a variety of sources of raw materials.Then look at the most popular of them.
Hydrocarbons
Today, almost half of the production of hydrogen is carried out by steam reforming of natural gas (methane).This process is a mixing of methane with steam at a temperature of 700 - 1000 ° C under a high pressure in the presence of a catalyst.
Coal gasification
Coal gasification is the oldest method of hydrogen production.The process is as follows: carbon heats up to a temperature of 800 -1300 ° C in the absence of oxygen.FutureGen project has developed a new hydrogen power plant, based on the production of the main elements in this way.She suggested soon be built in the United States.
Biomass Biomass hydrogen is produced in two ways: the biochemical and thermochemical.At the biochemical production of hydrogen produced by various bacteria, for example, Rodobacter speriodes.Thermochemical Biomass method involves heating to a temperature of 500 - 800 ° C (waste wood) in the absence of air.The result of this selection is H2, CO and CH4.
Rubbish
Technological progress involves finding new methods for the production of hydrogen, which is the production of hydrogen from garbage.This method is already being promoted in life.
chemical reaction of water with metals
American Purdue University invented a way to produce hydrogen from water through the use of an aluminum alloy.It involves the formation of pellets of an alloy of gallium and aluminum, which are then placed in a container of water.There is a chemical reaction that produces hydrogen.
Electrolysis of water is hydrogen generators, converting energy into heat from industrial plants or the environment and expanding the water.
Hydrogen production from energy sources such as wind, solar, nuclear power is only studied by scientists.Studies show that these methods have the prospect of wider use in the future.Their introduction is planned for the next few years.Of course at first the cost of hydrogen produced in ways that will be high, but then it gradually reaches the optimal figure mark.
Currently, hydrogen is used in the manufacture of gasoline, ammonia, and without it costing the production of hydrogen peroxide.
