As we all know, Hydrogen is a diatomic molecule; it can only exist by bonding to another hydrogen, thus H₂, not H.
I’m done with the technical stuff. Now, on to the more exciting stuff: the possible use of Hydrogen for motor cars.
Pininfarina displayed its Enigma GT concept car at the Geneva International Motor Show, which, by all accounts, caused quite a stir, not because of its beautiful design.
‘Because it is powered by Hydrogen’.
Hydrogen as a fuel for motor cars provides advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
It is a clean fuel that produces water vapour and is a tick for the environment.
It is more efficient than combustion engines, providing better energy use and waste heat—another tick for the environment.
It has a rapid refuelling time and long travel range.
It is the universe’s most abundant fuel. Tick for the environment.
No noise pollution. Tick for the environment.
Disadvantages
Extracting Hydrogen requires a large amount of energy. Not so good for the environment.
Hydrogen is highly flammable, which raises safety worries. It needs to be handled carefully to avoid accidents.
At this point, there is limited infrastructure.
Expensive metals like iridium and platinum are initially needed to extract fuel cells.
Storing and transporting Hydrogen is expensive.
Hydrogen can be used for numerous applications, including commercial vehicles and home appliances; the more significant the use, the more development investment spread.
Hydrogen fuel cells are most efficient in distance (similar range to combustion engines) and are robust ijn adverse cold weather conditions that can negatively impact on EVs.
An interesting observer noted:
‘If we had a hydrogen economy worldwide, every nation on earth could create its own energy source to support its economy, and the threat of war over diminishing resources would just evaporate.’
Two universal things: Hydrogen and Stupidity.
Comments and observations are always welcome.
