Hydrogen
Introduction to Hydrogen
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The simplest element
The most plentiful gas in the
universe.
Never occurs by itself in nature—
always combines with other elements
such as oxygen and carbon.
Introduction to Hydrogen
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Technologies exist that can use
hydrogen to power cars, trucks,
electrical plants, and buildings.
There is no infrastructure for
producing, transporting, and storing
large quantities of hydrogen.
Products Powered by Hydrogen
Underground Transportation
Personal Mobility Vehicle
Public Bus Line
Energy Content of Hydrogen
Hydrogen has the highest energy
content per unit of weight of any
known fuel 52,000 BTUs per pound.
Hydrogen Production
The U.S. currently produces 9 million
tons of hydrogen per year, enough to
power 20-30 million cars or
5-8 million homes.
Hydrogen Use

NASA is the
primary user
of hydrogen
as an energy
carrier.
Forms of Storage


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Compressed
gas
Compressed
liquid
In a chemical
compound
Hydrogen Storage Tank
Hydrogen Use

Primarily as a chemical to produce
industrial commodities.
Examples:
• reformulated gasoline
• ammonia for fertilizer production
• food products
• various petrochemicals.
Refernces

U.S. Department of Energy
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
http://www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcell
s/hydrogen/basics.html
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FSEA Nasa Research
http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/hydrogen/nasa.htm
Emerging Commercial Aviation
Technologies
http://www.ae.su.oz.au/AERO2600/docs/Emergin
g_Technologies/assignment_2002/0015401/hydr
ogen2.htm