Where do we get the stuff?

The main sources of hydrogen are water and fossil fuels. When hydrogen is extracted from fossil fuels the same old pollution occurs as for the production of gasoline. So fossil fuels have to be diminished. Water is the only viable alternative.

Production

Wind, water, and sun supplies clean electricity. Though wind turbines, hydro-electric turbines, and solar-electric panels are increasing, the power of the sea's waves and tides is virtually untapped.

Bio-fuels do not produce clean electricity or combustion. Using food sources for propulsion will drive food prices up, causing unnecessary hardship to the poor.

The person who recharges an electric car with "dirty" electricity is not driving a clean car. The same goes for the person who obtains hydrogen from a "dirty" source.

Because it will take several decades before wind, water, and sun produce sufficient electricity for making "clean" hydrogen, we will have to make due with hydrogen produced from oil and water. Technology for mixing gasoline with steam has been developed that doubles the amount of hydrogen produced.

In the long run, however, hydrogen (derived from clean electricity generated by wind, water, or sun) is the only clean alternative for fossil fuel.

Distribution

Wherever the clean electricity is made, it has to be taken by power-lines to the places where the hydrogen is extracted from water. Then the hydrogen has to be distributed to filling stations that make it available to the public. On-site units, making hydrogen at the filling station, may be the best option. It eliminates the cost and hazards of transporting large amounts of hydrogen over long distances.

Because hydrogen is very light, it has to be stored in compressed or liquid form. This confronts filling stations and car manufacturers with daunting storage and transport problems.

Storage

     a. Storage of clean electricity

The production of clean electricity is dependant on the changing availability of wind, water, and sun. Sometimes there will be a surplus, sometimes a shortfall. Batteries can store only a limited amount of electricity, and not for long. Batteries slowly discharge.

Unlimited amounts of clean electricity can be stored by making hydrogen from water. This hydrogen can be utilized by combustion or fuel-cell cars as needed.

     b. Storage of hydrogen

10,000 psi tanks for storing compressed hydrogen in cars are now available.

In order to keep liquid hydrogen cool and safe in a vehicle, a strong, double-walled tank is used, decreasing luggage space. Because of its strong double walls such a tank is not easily ruptured. If it happens in open space the hydrogen escapes swiftly upwards and disperses, leaving little possibility for explosion. Nevertheless, hydrogen-powered cars are not allowed in parking garages.

The mass production, distribution, and storage problems regarding hydrogen can be eliminated by making and using hydrogen on the fly. Such apparatus already exists. However, because it does not make enough hydrogen, the meager amount is mixed with gasoline to increase mileage.

When horse-carriages were replaced by the first cars in the beginning of the 20th century, gasoline production, distribution, and storage faced the same problems hydrogen is facing now. Hopefully, with the increase of hydrogen powered vehicles, and the cooperation of the petroleum industry, these infrastructure problems will also gradually diminish.

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