Page 44 - Tcexpression2021 - Sept to Dec 2020

An alternative method to increase the density of the density, making it heavier to handle. Hydrogen storage
fluid is to liquefy the gas. Liquified Hydrogen can be technology in solid form is at a nascent stage, and so
stored and transported in bulk volumes. Hydrogen far, it is limited to holding no more than about 1.8 %
can be stored in a liquid state. However, liquifying hydrogen by weight.
hydrogen calls for an operating temperature of (minus)
–253° C. Liquefaction is an energy-intensive process Comparison of various storage technologies and the
and it would consume around 30% of the total energy associated challenges are stated in Table 1 below.
content of Hydrogen. Another issue related to liquid
hydrogen transport is loss due to heat gain and boil- Storage Advantages Challenges
off, leading to hydrogen/energy losses. Additionally, Method
storage tanks need to be made up of expensive Matured Weight Reduction
materials for operating at cryogenic temperature. Pressurised technology by way of using
Storage with high
Both pressurised storage and cryogenic storage efficiency alternate materials
technologies require specialised materials of
construction. Research is underway to find suitable Liquefaction costs
lightweight and economical materials for storing Higher liquid are high. Boil-off gas
Hydrogen under extreme pressure or temperature Cryogenic density and management and
conditions. Storage suitable for expensive materials
large quantities are required for
Hydrogen storage in solids solution form using metal cryogenic service
hydrides is an emerging technology. For this purpose,
metals, intermetallic compounds, alloys, complex New technology and
hydrides are being studied. Based on current research, Relatively not commercialised.
it is now established that Hydrogen’s absorption Metal high density, Temperature and
and release under hydrides of some metal alloys are Hydrides Modular energy requirements
possible. Hydrogen can be stored in solid form by using operation for desorption are
this technology. This technology requires less energy high.
to operate. However, under these operating conditions,
hydrogen density will be close to liquid Hydrogen Table 1: Comparison of Hydrogen Storage Methods

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