Fall 2003 MRS H2 Technical Program: (Symposium BB)
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The technical program on Materials and Technologies for a Hydrogen Economy (Symposium BB) began on Monday morning with an overview of R&D emphasis and achievements in the United States and China, and products already available. Stan Ovshinsky, President and CEO of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc., said the hydrogen economy is here, as he concentrated on displaying Ovonic products. Ovshinsky brought in samples from his company, including a shingle from a solar cell panel and very lightweight PV thin film. The PV thin film has been tested on the space station and is planned for space use, such as satellites. It generates 2000 W/kg. Ovshinsky also described how hydrogen as a fuel could be stored in a solid hydride and used instead of high-pressure or liquid hydrogen. Carole Read of the Office of Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and Infrastructure Technologies in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) introduced DOE's National Hydrogen Storage Project for which the department requested $150 million over 5 years (subject to Congressional appropriations). The Project is focusing on R&D for metal hydrides, chemical storage, carbon materials, and development of new materials and processes. Significant achievement is expected several years out. For example, the Department dedicated Phase 1 from now through 2015 for R&D to overcome key technology hurdles. The Department's targets can be viewed on their Web site. DOE is mainly concentrating on hydrogen storage as an alternative fuel for automobiles, with the goal of achieving 300 miles/tank.
Qidong Wang (BB1.3) of Zhejiang University said that the transformation of the energy system to the hydrogen economy is important for environmental protection, petroleum security, and conservation of resources. He explained the recent history of the hydrogen program in China beginning in 1978, following the Cultural Revolution. Top scientists introduced prospects of the hydrogen economy during what Wang called the first of four periods of the program (1978-1985). The production of hydrogen relied on electrolysis of water and metal hydride technology. The second period (1986-1997) saw the national demand for hydrogen, driving growth. Period 3 (1998-2008) is represented by the Central Government's support of a national program in this field for national energy security, reduction of air pollution in the cities, and for future competitiveness in the automobile industry. The program's goal in the auto industry is to create pure electric cars and cars that are fuel-cell powered and hybrid. Research also emphasizes PEMFC-powered scooters and bicycles, which are commonly used vehicles in China. Wang delineated a proposal that went to the Provincial government of Zhejiang (Period 4) in which emphasis is given to support--through policies, the tax system, and subsidies--progress in R&D for hydrogen use and the hydrogen infrastructure at the same pace.
Ed |
