Hydrogen Turbine: A Key Element For The Energy Transition

Hydrogen is a chemical element with symbol H and atomic number 1. Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical substance in the Universe. On Earth, hydrogen occurs mainly in combination with oxygen as water, as well as in organic matter such as living plants, petroleum and coal.

Hydrogen has a net calorific value of 120 MJ/kg. This is more than twice the calorific value of natural gas (38-50 MJ/kg).

A large portion of hydrogen is produced by steam reforming of natural gas. A more sustainable option is electrolysis of water using excess renewable energy such as solar or wind energy.

Electrolysis is the process by which direct current is passed through an ionic substance producing chemical reactions at the electrodes and decomposition of materials.

Compressed gas storage of hydrogen at pressures at 10-70 MPa is the most common form of storage used today. It can also be stored in liquid form under cryogenic conditions and chemical storage where hydrides are stored

Two main methods of transporting hydrogen are over-the-ground compressed transport in trucks and in underground gas pipelines.

Power-to-Gas or P2G is a method by which surplus energy from renewable energy grid is utilized for electrolysis to split water into gaseous hydrogen and oxygen. This hydrogen can be used in other processes.

Even though hydrogen is colorless, grey, blue and green hydrogen refer to hydrogen produced from different sources and methods. Grey hydrogen is produced from steam reforming of natural gas where CO2 is released into atmosphere. When the CO2 is captured by carbon capture technology, it is known as blue hydrogen. Green hydrogen is produced from electrolysis of water using 100% renewable energy

Hydrogen is a low-cost fuel if it is produced from excess energy from renewable sources. Conventional fuels such as coal and petroleum are much more expensive than hydrogen when you consider the environmental costs due to pollution.

Renewable energy can be used to satisfy our immediate needs, but when power demands are low, the surplus energy from can be utilized for electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen. Storing energy in form of hydrogen is much more efficient than storing electricity in batteries. This energy can be used for balancing the energy grid.

Hydrogen is used in different industries, from energy, chemical, refining, food, glass and electronics. Due to its lightweight and high energy density, they are used as primary fuel in gas turbines, propellant in space applications and clean fuel in fuel cells.

Hydrogen is used for metallic ore reduction, hydrochloric acid production, fossil fuel processing, ammonia production, welding, weather balloons and much more.

Yes. Hydrogen has a higher net calorific values per mass than any other conventional gas turbine fuel and combustion of hydrogen doesn’t produce any carbon emissions.

Conventional fuels sources are going to run out and the demand will outweigh supply. Hydrogen on the other hand can be produced anywhere in the world. It saves money, reduces carbon emission and protect against global warming.

Hydrogen is very safe and stable. Even though hydrogen burns very quickly, the risk of explosion cannot be neglected and proper precautions should be taken.

General safety measures involve proper design of gas systems and equipment in combustion applications. Whenever possible hydrogen should be stored outside with natural ventilation. When storing indoors, proper ventilation with explosion proof exhaust fans and gas detection systems should be installed.

Hydrogen is the lightest element in the universe. This means that, in the event of a leak it rapidly rises into the atmosphere nearly at a speed of 20 m/s. It dissipates quickly into the atmosphere and reduces the risk of any disasters.

If proper safety measures are in place, any disaster can be averted. Since the Hindenburg Disaster understanding of hydrogen and its properties have increased. There are very strict safety measures in place for production, storage, transport and use of hydrogen.