Feasibility of Producing Hydrogen from Electrolysis for Electricity Generation

Hydrogen, as a versatile and energy-dense fuel, has gained significant attention as a promising alternative to traditional energy sources. Electrolysis, the process of splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using an electric current, offers a means to generate hydrogen for various applications. However, the question arises: is it feasible to produce hydrogen via electrolysis and then use it to generate electricity? This article explores the practicality and efficiency of this method.

Efficiency and Alternatives in Space

In certain circumstances, particularly in space exploration, hydrogen has been utilized effectively. Astronauts have long relied on hydrogen fuel cells to produce both electricity and drinking water through the process of electrolysis. However, when it comes to terrestrial applications, the efficiency of this method is often questioned.

Data indicates that it takes approximately 45 kWh of electricity to produce one kilogram of hydrogen. On the flip side, when this kilogram of hydrogen is placed in a fuel cell, it generates approximately 33 kWh of electricity. This significant energy loss makes the process inherently inefficient. As a result, for most purposes, directly utilizing the electricity generated from renewable sources or conventional power plants is often the more practical approach.

Physical and Economic Challenges

Physically, producing hydrogen via electrolysis and then using it to generate electricity is entirely possible but extremely impractical and inefficient. The conservation of energy dictates that any loop process will result in a loss of energy. This concept, known as the second law of thermodynamics, explains why hydrogen generation and use in fuel cells is not a favorable strategy from an energy efficiency standpoint.

Economically, the drawbacks of this method become even more pronounced. Apart from the initial costs of setting up an electrolysis plant and fuel cell setup, the ongoing costs associated with capturing, storing, and transporting hydrogen pose significant challenges. Although hydrogen is known for its high energy density, these logistical hurdles make it a costly and complex solution compared to direct electricity use or other fuel sources.

Historical Context: NASA and Apollo Missions

The notable exception to this rule comes from space agencies, such as NASA, which have employed hydrogen fuel cells for powering missions like the Apollo program. The specific context of outer space allowed NASA to overlook the inefficiency of utilizing hydrogen in fuel cells, given the availability of space for setting up infrastructure.

In the case of Earth-based applications, the difficulties and inefficiencies of the process become more apparent. Factors such as the high cost of hydrogen production, the energy loss during the electrolysis and fuel cell conversion process, and the challenges of handling and storing hydrogen make it an impractical choice for most applications.

Technological Advances: The Promising Australian Research

Despite the current challenges, there is ongoing research and development aimed at improving the feasibility of using electrolysis-generated hydrogen for electricity. Notably, Australian research is gaining traction, focusing on developing steels that are resistant to embrittlement to address storage issues. These advancements could potentially make the process more viable in the future.

However, even with these advances, the market for hydrogen as a fuel remains limited. The primary use cases for hydrogen at present include applications where high energy density is critical, such as space exploration and certain industrial processes.

Conclusion

In summary, while hydrogen produced via electrolysis does offer a novel and versatile energy storage method, the inefficiency and practical challenges associated with converting it back into electricity make it an impractical choice for most terrestrial applications. Nonetheless, ongoing research holds promise for future advancements that could enhance its feasibility and efficiency.