Question: Why there is few research about use the water to generate hydrogen? I read about a project from Miami University and this seams good. What kind of fuel cells must be used with hydrogen from the water?
Hernan Valenzuela
Superintendency of Free Zone of Manaus
Manaus-Amazonas
69075-770
Brazil
Internet:http://www.suframa.gov.br
Answer 12:
Today, most hydrogen is produced from natural gas, since it is less expensive. However, such hydrogen cannot be used in food products requiring hydrogen, such as hydrogenation of vegetable oils, because of the impurities. In such cases, hydrogen is produced from the electrolysis of water. Today, commercial electrolysers are 80 to 90 percent efficient. Research is being conducted on high temperature and high pressure electrolysers in order to increase the efficiencies. At the University of Miami, we have conducted research into solar hydrogen production.
Most fuel cells, especially PEM fuel cells, require hydrogen to be quite pure. Hence, hydrogen produced by electrolysis of water would make a very good fuel for fuel cells in general, and PEM fuel cells in particular.
However, we must note that hydrogen from water is about three times more expensive than hydrogen from natural gas. Accordingly, in most applications, with the exception of application for food products, purified hydrogen from natural gas is being preferred.
Sincerely yours,
T. Nejat Veziroglu
Professor & Director
College of Engineering
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL 33124 USA
also President of : IAHE
International Association for
Hydrogen Energy
Answer 12A
Water electrolysis is a mature and reliable technology, and that is probably why there is not more research in this area. However, while 60-70% efficiency is sufficient to generate hydrogen as an industrial gas, hydrogen as a fuel would have to be produced at higher efficiency (read: lower cost). Therefore, research is needed in this area.
Another interesting area of research is photo-electrochemical hydrogen production from water and solar energy.
Any type of fuel cells may be used with hydrogen produced from water.
Dr. Frano Barbir
Vice President, Technology and Chief Scientist
Energy Partners, L.C.
1501 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 102
West Palm Beach, FL 33407 USA
energypartners.org
You can ask here international Hydrogen and Fuel Cells experts. They will give you first hand answers to your questions about the topic.
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