F2010A159
Hydrogen as a fuel - Lessons learnt
Proposed Title: Hydrogen as a fuel - Lessons learnt.
Keywords: Hydrogen energy applications, challenges, opportunities, hydrogen production pathways, WTW comparison of alternative fuel pathways, best practises in hydrogen infrastructure and refuelling.
Day by day, we hear about a more environmentally friendly vehicle or fuel with the potential to reduce our dependence on oil. We know we need alternatives but, when there are so many options, even the most educated consumer or even expert can get confused. Several alternative energy vehicle systems and fuels are constructive choices in the near-, mid-and long-term; each one is likely to play a role in transitioning the global economy away from our dependence on petroleum and at the same time reducing global GHG emissions. While the dominance of the internal-combustion engine will remain unchallenged over the next decade, it became clear that full electric powertrains (battery and fuel cell) will at some point become pervasive in the transportation systems. With its "passe-partout" properties hydrogen and fuel cells offer the potential to take over a major role in this future. But just like any other technology the implementation of hydrogen will be measured on its economical viability. Therefore the overall costs of hydrogen and hydrogen infrastructure have to be comparable with future alternatives and at the same time fulfil the requirements of the end-user market.
The paper points out addressable hydrogen energy markets as well as general advantages, challenges and opportunities. A focus will be put on the use of hydrogen in the transport sector applications. Most recent technological achievements and experiences gained in key projects and studies (such as Clean Energy Partnership, Zero Regio, large scale forklift demos in North America, biomass based H2 production etc.) will be presented. In particular the following topics will be stressed out:
- Conventional hydrogen production and developments in alternative hydrogen production pathways (e.g. hydrogen from biomass), - Logistical elements necessary to build up a competitive, flexible and future oriented hydrogen infrastructure, - Latest developments in hydrogen fuelling technologies (e.g. 70Mpa compression technologies), - Basic principles and facts about the build-up of a public hydrogen fueling station network.
The paper will also include a comparison (WTW efficiency and GHG emissions) of existing and alternative fuel pathways and conclusions drawn by Linde as a globally leading supplier of hydrogen production plants and hydrogen fuelling technologies.
Session: IC Engines, Goals and Development