Alpine's hydrogen-burning hypercar is about to go endurance racing
By C.C. Weiss
April 11, 2024
After a couple of hell-raising concept iterations, Alpine's hydrogen combustion fire-and-ice Alpenglow super-racer is finally prepped and revved to take the track. It'll make its dynamic debut next month at the Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours endurance event in Belgium, running its hydrogen combustion engine on its first public outing.
While some auto industry insiders and observers have all but dismissed hydrogen's potential as a planet-protecting solution, a few notable players have been quite actively pursuing its use, both for fuel cell-electric powertrains and H2-fueled combustion engines. There's been particular interest in hydrogen combustion in the racing world, where traditionalists are loath to see the visceral feel and thundering roar of the combustion engine vanish in favor of a more sterile all-electric racing future.
Longer-lasting and More Sustainable Green Hydrogen Production April 26, 2024
Introduction:
(Eurekalert) Researchers led by Ryuhei Nakamura at the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) in Japan have improved on their green and sustainable method of extracting hydrogen from water by using a custom-made catalyst for the chemical reaction. Published in Nature Catalysis, the study details how they manipulated the catalyst’s 3D structure, which led to improved stability and an increase in the catalyst’s lifetime by almost 4,000%. The findings impact the ability to achieve a lasting and sustainable hydrogen-based energy economy.
Water electrolysis using proton exchange membranes is a green electrochemical process for splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen. Hydrogen produced this way can then be stored and used at a later time. For example, when combined with a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, the stored hydrogen can be used to power an electric car. However, PEM electrolysis still has limitations that prevent widespread industrial uses such as in power plants. In particular, the necessary chemical reactions happen in a highly acidic environment, and the best catalysts for these reactions are extremely rare earth metals, such as iridium. As Nakamura explains, “scaling up PEM electrolysis to the terawatt scale would require 40 years’ worth of iridium, which is certainly impractical and highly unsustainable.”
Almost two years ago, Nakamura and his team developed a breakthrough process that allowed acid water electrolysis that did not rely on rare earth metals. By inserting manganese into a cobalt oxide lattice, they created a process that relied only on common and sustainable earth metals. Despite the success, the process was still not as stable as it needs to be in a PEM electrolyzer. Now, they have built on their previous discovery and developed a longer-lasting earth-abundant catalyst.
The new catalyst is a form of manganese oxide (MnO2). The key finding was that reaction stability could be increased over 40 times by altering the catalyst’s lattice structure. Oxygen in the 3D lattice structure of manganese oxide comes in two configurations, planar and pyramidal. The planar version forms stronger bonds with manganese, and the researchers discovered that increasing the amount of planar oxygen in the lattice significantly enhanced catalytic stability.
Hysata promises the world's cheapest hydrogen, thanks to a remarkable device that splits water into H2 and O2 at 95% efficiency – some 20% higher than the best conventional electrolyzers. The company has raised US$111 million to scale up production.
You have to throw some energy away to make hydrogen – typically around 20-30%, even with the best systems, which use around 52.5 kWh of energy to create a kilogram of hydrogen that can store 39.4 kWh of energy. It's a waste of renewable energy, and it contributes to the high cost of a green fuel option that's really struggling to compete against fossils and batteries in many applications.
That's what makes Australian company Hysata's capillary-fed electrolyzer such an interesting device; at 95% efficiency, it uses just 41.5 kWh of energy to create that kilogram of hydrogen, cutting down operational costs for hydrogen producers – while also cutting down on CAPEX by being cheaper to install and run, to boot. The result: the cheapest green hydrogen going around.
New Method Makes Hydrogen from Solar Power and Agricultural Waste May 30, 2024
Introduction:
() University of Illinois Chicago engineers have helped design a new method to make hydrogen gas from water using only solar power and agricultural waste, such as manure or husks. The method reduces the energy needed to extract hydrogen from water by 600%, creating new opportunities for sustainable, climate-friendly chemical production.
Hydrogen-based fuels are one of the most promising sources of clean energy. But producing pure hydrogen gas is an energy-intensive process that often requires coal or natural gas and large amounts of electricity.
In a paper for Cell Reports Physical Science, a multi-institutional team led by UIC engineer Meenesh Singh unveils the new process for green hydrogen production.
The method uses a carbon-rich substance called biochar to decrease the amount of electricity needed to convert water to hydrogen. By using renewable energy sources such as solar power or wind and capturing byproducts for other uses, the process can reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero.
“We are the first group to show that you can produce hydrogen utilizing biomass at a fraction of a volt,” said Singh, associate professor in the department of chemical engineering. “This is a transformative technology.”
Green hydrogen breakthrough swaps in water for iridium
By Michael Franco
June 21, 2024
Hydrogen shows a lot of promise as a powerful, clean fuel source – as long as the process that creates it is also green. A new report shows how tough it might be to get to truly green hydrogen, while a new study removes a barrier to its creation.
According to a paper published today in the journal Nature Energy, by researcher Kiane de Kleijne from Radboud University and Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands, the production of hydrogen more often than not leads to gains in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). That's only in part because some of it comes from natural gas production.
There are greener ways to produce hydrogen such as using solar or wind to power the process that splits it off from water molecules, but De Kleijne argues that in such cases, the carbon footprint of creating those facilities needs to be considered. So does the fact that green power is most effective in places with lots of sun and wind like Africa or Brazil, which means that hydrogen produced there then needs to be transported to the rest of the world for use, which again, raises its carbon footprint.
Novel Two-step Electrolysis of Water Suggested for Hydrogen Production July 9, 2024
Introduction:
(Eurekalert) Recently, a research group led by Prof. CHEN Changlun from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with Institute of Energy, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, developed advanced cobalt-doped nickel hydroxide bipolar electrodes and non-noble metal catalysts, significantly improving the efficiency and stability of two-step water electrolysis for hydrogen production.
The related results were published in Chemical Engineering Journal and Journal of Colloid and Interface Science.
World’s First Entirely Hydrogen-Powered Ferry Welcomes Passengers on July 19 in San Francisco Bay July 12, 2024
Introduction:
(San Francisco Bay Ferry) San Francisco, CA — July 12, 2024 — Today San Francisco Bay Ferry and a group of private and public sector partners launched the MV Sea Change, the world’s first commercial passenger ferry powered 100% by zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells. The vessel will begin service to the public on July 19, offering free transportation between Pier 41 and the Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal.
The Sea Change represents an enormous milestone toward efforts to decarbonize the maritime industry. It will operate as a part of the San Francisco Bay Ferry network for a six-month demonstration period designed to showcase the application of fuel cell technology as a viable strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. The vessel emits only water vapor, a portion of which is remineralized and used in the onboard water fountain, making it the only vessel in the world with drinkable emissions.
The vessel is owned by SWITCH Maritime, and was developed by the company with support from a grant provided by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The demonstration service is made possible thanks to sponsorships from a group of partners including Chevron New Energies; the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District; and United Airlines. The service will be operated by San Francisco Bay Ferry’s contract operator, Blue & Gold Fleet.
“California is a global leader in the fight against the climate crisis, pioneering new technologies to ramp up clean energy and cut pollution — that’s why the zero-emission Sea Change is so exciting,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “I’m proud of our state’s role in advancing these innovations, and of our state’s public and private sector partners for bringing them to market and demonstrating their viability.”
“The Sea Change is a real-world, practical example of how the government and private sector can work together to help demonstrate the commercial viability and increase consumer confidence in hydrogen,” said Austin Knight, vice president, Hydrogen, Chevron New Energies. “Hydrogen can play a key role in achieving a lower carbon future for public transportation. At Chevron we are focused on building partnerships to develop a large-scale hydrogen business to help advance energy progress.”
370-mile hydrogen-electric seaplane set to clean up island hopping
By Paul Ridden
July 22, 2024
Swiss clean-energy aviation startup JEKTA has announced a partnership with fuel-cell powertrain developer ZeroAvia to extend the flight range and payload capacity of an upcoming electric amphibious passenger aircraft called the PHA-ZE 100.
For the past few years, JEKTA has been designing its Passenger Hydro Aircraft Zero Emission 100 – or PHA-ZE 100 – around a battery-electric powertrain.
The amphibious passenger aircraft will feature a composite airframe to nip corrosion in the bud, 10 electric motors/props at 180 kW each spread over the roof-mounted wings for a cruising speed of 135 knots (155 mph), and enough quick-charge battery blocks for one-hour hops "from oceanic islands to Scandinavian fjords" – with 30 minutes in reserve to cope with unforeseen flight plan changes.
Pressure boost squeezes out more hydrogen from artificial leaves
By Michael Franco
August 03, 2024
https://newatlas.com/energy/hydrogen-artificial-leaves/
Hydrogen-producing artificial leaves might soon be even better at their jobs thanks to a new study that examined the effects of pressure on the chemical processes they run. It all comes down to bubbles.
When it comes to certain processes, it's hard to beat nature. Take photosynthesis, for example. Thanks to their leaves, trees are able to suck carbon dioxide out of the air, combine it with water and get the energy they need to live, while kicking back a healthy dose of oxygen to the rest of the planet.
So instead of trying to do one better than a leaf, scientists have spent years trying to mimic it and apply its principles in unique ways. While we've seen artificial leaves that can produce everything from synthetic gas to pharmaceutical drugs, one of the most promising uses of the little pieces of tech is to free up hydrogen from air and water. This happens in natural photosynthesis as plants pull apart the hydrogen and oxygen atoms of water molecules.
Where Should Hydrogen be Produced in the Future? August 16, 2024
Introduction:
(Eurekalert) Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have analysed which regions of the world could produce hydrogen most cost-effectively in order to build an economy based on this alternative energy carrier rather than fossil-fuel based alternatives. One of their findings is that simply replacing fossil fuels by electricity and hydrogen will not put an end to greenhouse gas emissions. The study is being published today in the journal Nature Communications .
Switzerland aims to become climate-neutral by 2050. This means that from this year onwards, no net additional greenhouse gases should be released into the atmosphere in order to slow down climate change. The electrification of transport, industry and households, while at the same time switching to renewable sources of electricity, such as hydroelectric, wind and solar power, is one of the key building blocks for achieving this goal. However, electricity cannot be employed everywhere as a source of energy – for specific applications, its energy storage density is insufficient. When higher demands need to be met, hydrogen is to step up. Aviation, agriculture and the steel industry, for example, represent applications which could reduce their climate impacts by a lot using hydrogen – sometimes further converted to produce fertilizer or synthetic hydrocarbons.
The researchers, led by principal author Tom Terlouw and project leader Christian Bauer from the Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis at PSI, collected geographical and economic data and forecasts to describe the development of a hydrogen economy in four different scenarios. Depending on the scenario, they predict that the demand for hydrogen will lie between 111 and 614 megatonnes per year in 2050. In the first scenario, the world continues with business as usual, still relying on fossil fuels. In the fourth and most optimistic scenario, it adopts rigorous climate protection measures and is able to meet the 1.5 degree target. At the moment, approximately 90 megatonnes of hydrogen are produced worldwide every year.
In another instance of AI making itself genuinely useful, researchers at the University of Toronto (UoT) have identified a better catalyst for the production of green hydrogen using AI – saving themselves years in experimentation.
Search made faster
Led by PhD student Jehad Abed, the team developed an AI program and trained it on more than 36,000 metal oxide combinations. Its purpose was to identify an alloy to serve as an effective catalyst in hydrogen production. The AI ran simulations on these combinations to determine which one would be the most efficient, stable, and durable throughout the production process.
The AI could suggest any of billions of metal oxide combinations. Working out an alloy that would satisfy the researchers' desired conditions could have taken them years, but as Abed noted, the AI arrived at a strong candidate in a matter of days.
Ultimately, the program identified an alloy consisting of specific proportions of ruthenium, chromium, and titanium. It turned out to be 20 times more stable and long-lasting than the team's benchmark metal.
The Big Policy Question About Clean Hydrogen: How to Use It by Jeff St John
September 26, 2024
Introduction:
(Canary Media) U.S. clean hydrogen policy appears to be stuck in neutral — and not everyone is convinced that’s a bad thing.
Last October, seven “clean hydrogen hub” projects were awarded a collective $7 billion in potential funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These massive infrastructure projects are meant to kick-start the U.S. clean hydrogen industry, which some energy experts see as key to eliminating fossil fuels from sectors like steelmaking and aviation. But the plans for these projects have yet to emerge.
Meanwhile, the other key pillar of U.S. clean hydrogen policy — tax credits created by the Inflation Reduction Act — is also in limbo. The rules that govern eligibility for this incentive have been the source of intense debate and are not yet finalized. In all likelihood, they will remain unsettled until after the November election. Developers are holding off on multibillion-dollar clean hydrogen investments until these rules are firm.
Many companies working in the space have argued that the Biden administration’s approach is stifling the U.S. hydrogen industry before it has even begun to grow. But an increasing number of energy and climate experts warn that the greatest risks for clean hydrogen development lie not in moving too slowly on these major investments but in being too hasty.
Hydrogen can be made in ways that emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and in ways that don’t. While hydrogen can be used for a number of different purposes, such as producing electricity and making fertilizer, it’s not the best option in most cases.
World’s 1st Hydrogen WIGE (Wing-in-ground effect) Vessel to Hit 155 mph by Jijo Malayil
October 2, 2024
Introduction:
(Interesting Engineering via MSN) Miami-based Sea Cheetah Corporation has formed a strategic partnership with Toulouse-based H3 Dynamics to develop the first hydrogen-electric wing-in-ground effect (WIGE) vessel and an eco-friendly fueling network.
Sea Cheetah’s WIGE vessel travels just above water at speeds over 135 knots (250 kph/155 mph), offering faster coastal and island transport.
The vessels boast high payload capacities and longer ranges than traditional maritime options. With this design, Sea Cheetah aims to cut travel time and costs in connecting regions, enhancing marine transportation efficiency.
Sea Cheetah now plans to increase the efficiency of its hydrogen-electric propulsion system and surpass fossil fuel-powered systems in terms of fuel economy by collaborating closely with H3 Dynamics.
Efficient marine transport
WIGE vessels operate by flying just above the water’s surface, utilizing the ground effect for lift. These vessels remain airborne without continuous contact with the surface, supported by the aerodynamic lift generated by their wings, hull, or components designed to exploit ground effect.
Researchers are Making Jet Engines Fit for the Hydrogen Age by Eth Zurich
November 8, 2024
Introduction:
(Eurekalert) Europe is preparing for climate-neutral flight powered by sustainably produced hydrogen. Last year, the EU launched a project to support industry and universities in the development of a hydrogen-powered medium-haul aircraft. Among other things, jet engines will have to be adapted to run on the new fuel. Today's engines are optimised for burning kerosene.
“Hydrogen burns much faster than kerosene, resulting in more compact flames,” explains Nicolas Noiray, Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zurich. This has to be taken into account when designing hydrogen engines. Experiments by Noiray’s team now provide an important basis for this.
New retrofit lets micro-turbines burn both hydrogen and natural gas
By David Szondy
December 14, 2024
As a way to keep small natural gas power plants operating in anticipation of a hydrogen economy, the Deutsche Zentrum für Luft und Raumfahrt (German Aerospace Center, or DLR) and Power Service Consulting (PSC) have tested a way for micro-turbines to burn hydrogen, gas, or both.
As we aim to decarbonize energy production, green hydrogen has been suggested as a possible climate-friendly alternative to burning natural gas. Of course, we don't have a green hydrogen economy to support such things at present, and it might be years before that happens, if it happens at all. But even then, building brand new power plants is a very expensive undertaking.
The Jupiter One is the most powerful and largest pure hydrogen generator on the planet. It was developed in collaboration with Mingyang Smart Energy, known for colossal wind turbines, and Mingyang Hydrogen Energy along with several research teams and smaller enterprises.
Through advancements in combustion chamber design, the companies were able to overcome major technical challenges typically faced with hydrogen combustion like managing fluctuations in pressure, flow, or combustion dynamics within the system, known as oscillations, and reducing the sheer amount of emissions – especially on such a large scale.
The end result is a proprietary hydrogen gas turbine, putting China at the top of innovative hydrogen energy design.
Hydrogen-fueled trucks can keep thousands of tons of carbon out of the air every year. A prototype rescue truck from the US Department of Energy shows just how viable the clean-burning haulers are becoming – by bagging a new world record.
The prototype truck, known as the H2Rescue truck, was built by clean-energy company, Cummins Accelera in cooperation with the US Department of Defense and the Department of Energy's (DOE) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office. For its record-breaking run, the truck journeyed 1,806 miles (2,906 km) on a single tank filled with 175 kg (386 lb) of hydrogen. An adjudicator from Guinness World Records was on hand to ensure that the truck's hydrogen tank was sealed before it made its trip.
"Powered by a Cummins Accelera fuel cell engine and a 250-kilowatt traction motor, the truck carried 175 kilograms of hydrogen and consumed 168 kilograms [370 lb] while navigating rush hour traffic, between 50 to 55 mph [80 to 89 km/h], on public roads, operating in temperatures varying from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit [16 ºC to 27 ºC]," said the DOE in a statement.
World first: Liquid hydrogen used to power a turbine for light aviation
By Joe Salas
January 14, 2025
The aviation industry has long been in a relentless pursuit of technological advancement, efficiency, and sustainability in propulsion. In a recent collaboration, Turbotech, Safran, and Air Liquide teamed up to validate the feasibility of using liquid hydrogen to power a turbine engine.
Nearly a year ago to this day on January 11, 2024, Safran and Turbotech successfully ground-tested a small TP-R90 turboprop engine – designed for two- to seven-seater airplanes – using hydrogen gas. It was part of the BeautHyFuel project, which is a collaboration of mostly aviation companies to explore the potential of using hydrogen for light aviation.
On January 13, 2025 – with support from the French Civil Aviation Authority – Turbotech, Safran, and Air Liquide (a company that specializes in advanced cryogenic hydrogen storage) successfully ground-tested a turbine engine fueled by liquid hydrogen. This marks the first time this type of fuel has been used in a turbine engine designed for the light aviation market.
The collaboration leverages each company's particular area of expertise. Turbotech specializes in ultra-efficient light turbine technologies; Safran has extensive experience in propulsion systems and fuel system designs; and Air Liquide focuses on hydrogen storage and handling management.
