Zini G., Tartarini P. Solar Hydrogen Energy Systems: Science and Technology for the Hydrogen Economy

Springer, 2012. 188 p. — ISBN: 978-88-470-1997-3, e-ISBN: 978-88-470-1998-0It is just a matter of time when fossil fuels will become unavailable or uneconomical to retrieve. On top of that, their environmental impact is already too severe. Renewable energy sources can be considered as the most important substitute to fossil energy, since they are inexhaustible and have a very low, if none, impact on the environment. Still, their unevenness and unpredictability are drawbacks that must be dealt with in order to guarantee a reliable and steady energy supply to the final user. Hydrogen can be the answer to these problems. This book presents the readers with the modeling, functioning and implementation of solar hydrogen energy systems, which efficiently combine different technologies to convert, store and use renewable energy. Sources like solar photovoltaic or wind, technologies like electrolysis, fuel cells, traditional and advanced hydrogen storage are discussed and evaluated together with system management and output performance. Examples are also given to show how these systems are capable of providing energy independence from fossil fuels in real life settingsThe Current Situation
The Peak Oil Theory
Forms of Energy Sources and Environmental Impact
Sustainability of an Energy System
A Hydrogen New Energy System
Scenarios for the Future
Alternativesto HydrogenHydrogen
Hydrogenas Energy Carrier
Properties
Production
Steam Reforming
Solid Fuel Gasification
Partial Oxidation Oxidation
Water Electrolysis
Thermo-Cracking
Ammonia Cracking
Other Systems: Photochemical, Photobiological,
Semiconductors and their Combinations
Usage
Direct Combustion
Catalytic Combustion
Direct Steam Production from Combustion
Fuel Cell
Degenerative Phenomena and Material Compatibility
Material Degeneration
Choice of Materials
Components: Pipes, Joints and Valves
TransportElectrolysis and Fuel CellsChemicalKinetics
Thermodynamics
Electrode Kinetics
Activation Polarisation
Ohmic Polarisation
Concentration Polarisation
Reaction Polarisation
Transfer Polarisation
Transport Phenomena
Influence of Temperature and Pressure on Polarisation
Losses
Energy and ExergyoftheCell
Electrolyser
Functioning
Technology
Alkaline Electrolysers
Solid Polymer (Polymeric Membrane) Electrolysers
High-Temperature Electrolysers
Thermodynamics
Mathematical Model
Thermal Model
Fuel Cell
Functioning
Technology
Alkaline Fuel Cell
Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell
Polymeric Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Thermodynamics
Mathematical Model
Thermal ModelSolar Radiation and Photovoltaic Conversion
Solar Radiation
Photovoltaic Effect, Semiconductors and the p-n Junction
Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells
Other Cell Technologies
Conversion Losses
Changes in the I-U Curve
Photovoltaic Cells and Modules
Types of Photovoltaic Plants
Radiation on the Receiving Surface
Determination of the Operating PointWind EnergyMathematical Description of Wind
Wind Classification
Mathematical Model of the Aerogenerator
Power Control and Design
Wind Turbine Rating
Electric Energy Conversion
Calculation Example
Environmental ImpactOther Renewable Energy Sources for Hydrogen Production
Solar Thermal Energy
Hydroelectric Energy
Tidal, Wave and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversions
BiomassesHydrogen Storage
ssues of Hydrogen Storage
Physical Storage
Compression Storage
Modelling
Dimensioning Example
Liquefaction Storage
Glass or Plastic Containments
Physical-Chemical Storage
Physisorption
Empirical Models of Molecular Interactions
Adsorption and Desorption Velocities
Experimental Measurements of Adsorption and
Desorption
Adsorption Isotherms
Thermodynamics of Adsorption
Other Isotherms
Classification of Isotherms
Carbon Materials for the Physisorption of Hydrogen
Nanotubes
Activated Carbons
Alternatives to Carbon Physisorption
Zeolites
Metallic Hydrides
Chemical Storage
Chemical HydridesOther Electricity Storage TechnologiesElectrochemical Storage
Valve Regulated Lead-Acid
Lithium-Ion
Vanadium Redox
Ultra-capacitors
Compressed Air
Underground Pumped Water
Pumped Heat
Natural Gas Production
Flywheels
Superconducting Magnetic Energy StorageStudy and Simulation of Solar Hydrogen Energy Systems
Solar Hydrogen Energy Systems
Control Logic
Performance Analysis
Sub-Systems Efficiencies
Photovoltaic Modules
Aerogenerator
Electrolyser
Fuel Cell
Compressor
Electric Systems
Complete System Efficiencies
Hydrogen Production Efficiency
Direct Route Efficiency
Hydrogen Loop Efficiency
Complete System Efficiency
Simulation with PV Conversion and Compression Storage
Simulation with PV Conversion and Activated-Carbon Storage
Simulation with Wind Energy Conversion, Compression and
Activated-Carbon Storage
NotesonExergyAnalysis
Remarks on the Simulation of Solar Hydrogen Energy SystemsReal-Life Implementations of Solar Hydrogen Energy SystemsThe FIRST Project
The Schatz Solar Hydrogen Project
The ENEA Project
The Zollbruck Full Domestic System
The GlasHusEtt Project
The Trois Rivi`erePlant
The SWB Industrial Plant
The HaRI Project
Results from Real-Life ImplementationsConclusions
Subject Index