Hydrogen storage systems

Abstract

In order to use hydrogen as an energy carrier in modern energy-use systems, it is necessary to find compact, efficient means for storing hydrogen for mobile and (or) stationary applications. Performance evaluations coupled with cost analyses for four major alternatives for hydrogen storage show that storage on activated carbon compares quite favorably with the other three options: Storage in pressurized cylinder, storage on metal hydride, and storage as liquid. Gravimetric, volumetric, and modified volumetric laboratory experiments can be used to assess the storage properties of various activated carbons and ultimately identify which carbons and which pressure and temperature windows meet desired storage requirements. 21 refs., 6 figs., 8 tabs.