New generation energy system based on electricity and hydrogen.
Hydrogen and electricity are convertible to each other. It is expected to establish an environmentally friendly energy cycle by using them.
Hydrogen energy characteristics.
Production method | Raw materials | Energy | Features | Description | Instruments | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional technology | Steam reforming | Water Methane | Heat | Cheapest method, account for 90% of world's H2 production, emits CO2 | Hydrocarbon and water vapor are heated in the presence of catalyst. H2 or mixture of CO and H2 are obtained. Light hydrocarbons such as methane, LPG, naphtha are used as raw materials. These materials needs to be desulfurized before use. | Flow meter Temperature transmitter |
Conventional technology | Electrolysis | Water | Electricity | Used in the area where electricity is inexpensive (PV, wind power, etc.) | Electrolysis is no longer used in Japan because hydrogen production from fossil fuel is much more cheaper. | |
Conventional technology | Byproduct hydrogen Steelworks Soda industry | Coal Sea water | Heat Electricity | Supplies H2 for fuel cell, vehicles enough up to 2020-2030 | Hydrogen obtained as byproduct in manufacturing processes of steel, caustic soda, etc | Flowmeter Temperature transmitter |
Future technologies | Coal gasification | Coal Water | Heat (fossil fuel) | High-density H2 Low-quality coal waste | Carbon injected into a furnace reacts with O2 in the air to be CO2 and/or CO, or reacts with water vapor to be CO and H2. The obtained CO goes through reaction with water vapor, it is dissolved into CO2 and H2. CO + H2O -> CO2 + H2 | Temperature transmitter Oxygen analyser |
Future technologies | Thermochemical, biomass gasification, photolysis, etc. | Water | Heat, electricity, solar (renewable energy) | Use of natural energy Low-density | Thermochemical: dissolves water by using heat or water vapor generated from power generation process. Photolysis: dissolve water via catalyst and sunlight. | Temperature transmitter Flow meter |