Generation, of the energy carrier HYDROGEN In context ... - needs

NyOrka Page 39 12/18/20084.5.2 Integrated systemsThe efficiency of an energy chain that starts with renewable energy and ends withhydrogen for use in various applications may never be able to compete with theinfrastructure and well to tank efficiency provided in the carbon era. Yet the source forrenewable energy is said endless and the water becomes recyclable. The efficiencycriteria do not prevent the use of the unlimited sources. Some of the most advancedstudies in integrated, diversified and flexible systems are currently undertaken in Japanwhere research has been looking into raising efficiency in integrated systems not only inseparate components. The cleanliness and the flexibility of using hydrogen is considereda driver because of added customer value and new opportunities for the Japaneseindustry 46 .Figure 19 A hydrogen test system that is intended to monitor and raise total energy efficiency.5 Technology development perspectivesHydrogen storage and transportation, system efficiency as well as material developmentare the most important points for hydrogen technology development. The electrolyserswill go through high pressure to high heat and pressure electrolysers but in the far futureelectrolysers are foreseen to merge with fuel cells.Transportation of hydrogen is bound to be ineffective in small amounts, especially in thegaseous phase. Liquefaction decreases efficiency by 10 – 15%. Transferring electricity islikely to interact with distribution of hydrogen and vice versa. Kozawa et al have46 OKAMOTO Hideyuki, Yoshiaki KAWAKAMIP, Yoshiyuki KOZAWA, Makoto AKAIP P Total Energy SystemEngineering by Coring Metal Hydride Tanks