The Challenges of Storing Hydrogen for Combustion Engines

TLDRStoring enough hydrogen for combustion engines to travel 300 miles is extremely challenging due to the large volume required. Liquid hydrogen can store more, but the required temperature makes it impractical. Solid storage is possible but has energy loss. Fuel cells are the most efficient option, requiring only six buckets of hydrogen for 300 miles.

Key insights

🔥Storing hydrogen for combustion engines is difficult due to the large volume required.

❄️Liquid hydrogen can store more hydrogen in the same space, but the required temperature makes it impractical for storage.

📦Solid storage of hydrogen is possible, but the energy required to separate the hydrogen from other elements may outweigh the benefits.

🚀Fuel cell technology is the most efficient option for using hydrogen as a fuel source, requiring significantly less storage space.

Using a fuel cell for hydrogen-powered vehicles provides a range of 300 miles with only six buckets of hydrogen.

Q&A

Why is storing hydrogen for combustion engines challenging?

Hydrogen as a fuel requires a large volume for combustion engines, making it difficult to store enough for a reasonable range.

What is the advantage of using liquid hydrogen for storage?

Liquid hydrogen can store more hydrogen in the same space, but it requires extremely low temperatures, which is impractical for most applications.

Is solid storage of hydrogen feasible?

Solid storage of hydrogen is possible, but there is energy loss involved in separating the hydrogen from other elements.

Why are fuel cells a better option for hydrogen-powered vehicles?

Fuel cell technology is more efficient and requires significantly less storage space compared to combustion engines.

How much hydrogen is required for a 300-mile range with fuel cells?

Only six buckets of hydrogen are required for a 300-mile range when using fuel cells.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Storing hydrogen for combustion engines is a challenging task.

00:02Liquid hydrogen can store more in the same space, but the required temperature makes it impractical.

00:05Solid storage of hydrogen is feasible, but the energy required for separation may outweigh the benefits.

00:11Fuel cell technology is the most efficient option for using hydrogen as a fuel source.

00:23Using fuel cells, only six buckets of hydrogen can provide a range of 300 miles.