Is the conversion rate a limiting factor of this technology, compared to gasification and hydrogenotrophic/acetoclastic methanogenesis? And does hydrogen have the chance to become a successful energy carrier in the transport sector, compared to methane or batteries?
Problem is, Hydrogen is not hydrocarbon and combustion nature is different from them, so existing IC engine automobiles cannot directly take them. it has very low boiling point, so exerts quite high pressure at room temperature and requires more robust storage system than CNG. Reversible Hydrogen adsorption with high capacity is yet to be commercially implemented. Hydrogen fuel cells are quite sensitive to environmental pollutants and common chemical compound of potable water. So H2 has to go long way before implementation into transport sector widely.
As for the fermentation
- Are these bacteria/archaea/fungi/other easily available and optimized for hydrogen production? Or they have proprietary genetic codes for yield maximization?
- Can they take a wide range of feedstocks without significant carbon footprint and maintaining sustainability?
- Can they take varying oxygen concentration as part of life cycle and also tolerate persistent organic pollutants? can they tolerate mechanical stress?
- Have the multi-species colony behaviour of micro-organisms and microecology optimization for biohydrogen production thoroughly studied, i.e their genetic pathway and how to tweak them?
Consider these factors and you will find your answer.
Problem is, Hydrogen is not hydrocarbon and combustion nature is different from them, so existing IC engine automobiles cannot directly take them. it has very low boiling point, so exerts quite high pressure at room temperature and requires more robust storage system than CNG. Reversible Hydrogen adsorption with high capacity is yet to be commercially implemented. Hydrogen fuel cells are quite sensitive to environmental pollutants and common chemical compound of potable water. So H2 has to go long way before implementation into transport sector widely.
As for the fermentation
- Are these bacteria/archaea/fungi/other easily available and optimized for hydrogen production? Or they have proprietary genetic codes for yield maximization?
- Can they take a wide range of feedstocks without significant carbon footprint and maintaining sustainability?
- Can they take varying oxygen concentration as part of life cycle and also tolerate persistent organic pollutants? can they tolerate mechanical stress?
- Have the multi-species colony behaviour of micro-organisms and microecology optimization for biohydrogen production thoroughly studied, i.e their genetic pathway and how to tweak them?
Consider these factors and you will find your answer.
Dear @Valerio
As per the conversion process, indeed biohydrogen and dark fermentation technology have faster process compared to that of anaerobic digestion, while the limiting factor of the process is usually in the hydrolysis stage.
Regarding the chances of being a successful energy carier in transport sector, I believe that chances are there. The rest of the story lies on the government policy and funding agency, whether to embrace this hydrogen energy into transport field, to continue using fossils, or making a balanced energy mix. So both technical and social-politics factors are taken into account.
The problem with using fermentation for hydrogen generation is the low conversion and slow reaction rate compared to other fossil-based technologies such as steam-methane reforming (SMR).
For your second question, the answer is yes. Hydrogen (as an energy carrier) is important for electrifying the transportation sector as it is the feedstock for the PEM fuel cells that generate electricity to drive the electron motor in the vehicle. Hydrogen can also be directly combusted in the vehicle internal combustion engine.
Thank you all for your answers. Dear Yehia F. Khalil, currently for the vehicles you describe (H2 fuel cells cars), the market share is very limited and it it does not seem that it will increase in this new decade. And H2 fueled internal combustion engine cars have an even worst perspective. This is why I wonder whether H2 can become a successful energy carrier in the transport sector: few H2 cars mean small H2 demand. Can you please share if you have any information that makes you think that there will be an increase in H2 fuel cell vehicles and / or internal combustion engines fueled with H2?
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Transportation Engineering