A unique and integrated fuel cell power system is aimed directly at low output applications where smaller internal combustion engines (ICE) and batteries are the power source. These include personal transport and fleet type vehicles used in closed range environments (airports, amusement parks, golf courses, malls, delivery circuits).
Renewable energy is the only alternative for making hydrogen. Other sources of energy are more efficiently used directly. Natural gas should be used directly. Electricity is available in off peak hours to make some hydrogen. Otherwise, renewable sources are the most reasonable energy source for manufacturing hydrogen.
Fuel cells for buildings and homes might make good backup generators, but not daily energy sources. Hydrogen can be produced on Earth by water electrolysis. This process may be very efficient (in excess of 80%). There is always a catch. The process uses electricity. It therefore does not make much sense to use electricity to generate hydrogen to generate electricity.
The production of high purity hydrogen can happen via electrolysis for export. Hydro electricity is generally an attractive way to achieve power sources. The achievement of transporting the electricity efficiently over long distances is perhaps a more effective means of using hydropower than of converting the hydro power to manufacturing hydrogen.
The time scale of the market broadening for natural gas in the motor vehicle sector strongly depends on the build-up of a refueling infrastructure. Favorable conditions for alternative energy sources are expected to encourage vehicle production and consumer acceptance.
Over the longer term, the chemistry of fuel cells will be studied and mastered. At that time, renewal sources of energy including wind and solar power will be converted to hydrogen for use in the fuel cells. The high cost of the catalyst platinum is one of several deterrents to rapid implementation hydrogen infrastructure. Natural gas is an interim technology that can be used in local filling stations to manufacture hydrogen should that become economically attractive.
Renewable energy as a fuel source for hydrogen manufacture is what scientists think is needed. Infrastructure investment at $247 million in 2005 is expected to reach $25.2 billion by 2013. In this manner the global economy can evolve.
Estimated potential for the main alternative fuels by 2020: biomass derived fuels 15%, natural gas 10%, LPG 5% and hydrogen a few per cent.
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