Hydrogen use

Types of hydrogen use

Although hydrogen usage is expected to grow in the coming years, there are already established industries that are profiting from it. The main *hydrogen uses* are the chemical industry, refining, energy storage, fuel cells, and food processing.

• Chemical industry: Nearly 70% of global hydrogen activity takes place in the chemical industry. This is primarily due to its usage in synthesizing ammonia from nitrogen and water. Ammonia is later used as an efficient fertilizer in agriculture. Hydrogen also helps produce methanol, hydrochloric acid, and various organic compounds.
• Refining: Hydrogen is essential in crude oil refining. It separates lighter from heavier fractions, removes sulfur from diesel to comply with environmental standards, and processes heavy crude oils into high-quality fuels. Demand from the refining sector is already high. It has been estimated that hydrogen demand from oil refineries will rise to 8 million tons per year by 2030.
• Energy storage: Hydrogen energy storage is a method of storing excess renewable energy. This is mainly because many renewable energies, such as wind and solar, produce energy intermittently rather than consistently. Hydrogen storage permits the energy to be stored for later use or exported, giving countries a reliable energy source. One manner in which it can be stored is in physical form–that is, under high pressure in tanks.
• Fuel cells: Hydrogen fuel cells transform chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity without emitting carbon dioxide. What they emit instead are water and heat. Hydrogen fuel cells possess various applications, such as vehicles, portable electronic devices, and backup power systems, among others. The transportation sector is currently evaluating hydrogen fuel cell technology as an alternative to fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
• Food processing: Hydrogen is utilized in the food industry to hydrogenate edible oils and fats to manufacture margarine, shortening, and improved shelf-stable products. Hydrogenation enhances food texture and develops solid oils from unsaturated oils. While hydrogen use in the food industry is not as frequent as in other sectors, it constitutes a small part of the overall demand for the element.

Maintenance of hydrogen use equipment

Hydrogen fuel cell maintenance varies depending on the type of fuel cell being used, its applications, and the manufacturer. However, as a general guideline, the following typical maintenance practices can be done:

• Regular System Inspections: Operators should schedule regular inspections of the fuel cell system components. They should also monitor the operating parameters of the system within the prescribed limits. They should pay close attention to the fuel cell stacks, reformers, compressors, pumps, valves, and other peripheral devices.
• Performance Monitoring: Operators should set up a performance data monitoring system. The system should record key performance metrics of the fuel cell, such as output power, efficiency, and pressure drop, among others. The maintenance person in charge should analyze the data periodically. He should look for abnormal trends and take timely measures to handle issues that arise.
• Cleaning and Decontamination: If the hydrogen use fuel cell system needs to be cleaned or decontaminated, the service staff should follow the manufacturer's instructions. They should only use specified cleaning agents and methods. This will prevent damage to the system or possible safety hazards.
• Replacement of Consumables: The maintenance personnel should replace the fuel cell system's consumables, such as membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) and purification filters, among others. He should ensure that the replacement process complies with the required standards and follows the prescribed schedule.
• System Calibration: The measuring devices in the hydrogen fuel cell system, such as flowmeters, pressure gauges, and temperature sensors, among others, should be calibrated periodically. This action ensures that the system works accurately and stably.
• Security Checks: The operating environment and security systems of the hydrogen fuel cell equipment are also maintenance priorities. The protective systems, such as the anti-explosion and anti-leak safety device, should be checked to see if they operate normally. The ventilation and insulating properties of the operating environment should be suitable, too. These actions help reduce security risks and ensure the safety of users.

It's crucial to underline that the above maintenance suggestions are only common references. They may not suit all hydrogen fuel cell equipment. Therefore, the maintenance personnel should consult the equipment manufacturer's manuals and guidelines. They should take specific maintenance measures according to the actual situations and requirements.

Scenarios of hydrogen use

One of the main benefits of hydrogen is that it can be used across many industries, from energy to transport and beyond. Here are some major industry hydrogen applications that create demand for this element.

• Energy storage and carrier

  Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier. It makes it possible to store and distribute energy from different sources. Hydrogen is a key element when it comes to surplus energy from renewable sources like solar and wind. These sources can't always produce energy when demand is high, so storing it in hydrogen is useful. The excess energy is turned into hydrogen through electrolysis. Later, when energy demand is high, the hydrogen can be turned back into electricity through fuel cells.

• Transport

  Hydrogen is a clean substitute for fossil fuels that power cars, trucks, and buses. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles, or FCEVs, don't release harmful emissions into the air. Instead of burning fuel, they use hydrogen to produce electricity that powers the vehicle. The only byproduct is water vapor. This makes FCEVs good for the environment. Heavy duty transport like trucks and buses can also use hydrogen. Like hydrogen cars, they reduce air pollution in cities.

• Industrial processes

  Hydrogen is crucial for industries like ammonia production, petroleum refining, and metals manufacturing. These industries need hydrogen for several chemical reactions. Worldwide, over 80 million tons of hydrogen get used each year. Most of it gets made from fossil fuels like natural gas.

  Hydrogen has many other uses too. In the glass industry, hydrogen helps make the high-purity hydrogen needed to create low-emissions flat glass. Hydrogen is also used to cool generators in hydroelectricity and in the electronics industry. There, hydrogen helps get rid of impurities during semiconductor chip production.

How to Choose Hydrogen Uses

When investing in hydrogen energy applications, buyers should look for a few key things.

• Supply: The supply of hydrogen is critical since many applications need a constant fuel source. Buyers can look for regions with abundant hydrogen production, such as those close to wastewater treatment facilities or refineries. Moreover, they can check if the hydrogen can be transported and stored conveniently and economically.
• Infrastructure: The uptake of hydrogen energy greatly depends on supportive infrastructure. Buyers should consider the presence of refueling stations, power plant facilities, and distribution networks for hydrogen. Regions with complete infrastructure systems will offer more feasible hydrogen implementation alternatives.
• Application potential: Hydrogen's uses differ depending on the area and industry. Transportation systems have already adopted hydrogen fuel cell technology extensively. Industries like manufacturing and agriculture may also be keen on utilizing hydrogen as a reducing agent or feedstock. Buyers must consider the prospects for hydrogen utilization in various sectors and choose those who will gain from wide-scale commercialization sooner.
• Regulatory framework: Government regulations play a crucial role in hydrogen energy development. Buyers should pay attention to clean energy policies and hydrogen-specific grants and incentives. Such legislation encourages the growth of the hydrogen market. As a result, it creates more investment possibilities for buyers to exploit.
• Collaboration opportunities: Strategic partnerships present significant growth avenues. Buyers can look for collaborations between hydrogen producers, technology developers, and end-users. Working together will leverage each party's expertise. It will hasten the widespread acceptance of hydrogen energy solutions.

Q&A

Q: What is hydrogen used for in the future?

A: The global energy industry is exploring many uses of hydrogen, especially in storing energy and reducing carbon emissions.

Q: How is hydrogen safely transported and stored?

A: Hydrogen is transported and stored safely in specially designed pipelines and containers. Use hydrogen sensors to detect leaks and avoid flammable sources.

Q: How does hydrogen power different from other renewable energies?

A: Hydrogen energy is distinct in that it can be produced from various sources, including fossil fuels, biomass, water electrolysis, and natural gas reforming. Its versatility sets it apart from other renewable energy forms that rely on specific natural phenomena, such as solar power's dependence on sunlight.

Q: Why is hydrogen energy not widely used yet?

A: Hydrogen energy faces challenges in production, infrastructure, and cost. Research and investment are needed to unlock its full potential.