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Hydrogen leaks much more easily than bigger molecules. It's entirely possible that existing storage systems designed for natural gas would be completely unusabl
by regularfry 4y ago
Hydrogen leaks much more easily than bigger molecules. It's entirely possible that existing storage systems designed for natural gas would be completely unusable for H2.
You've also got to account for hydrogen embrittlement, where the small size of the hydrogen molecule means that under pressure it works its way into the crystal lattice of the metal of the container itself, and changes its mechanical properties.
- ncmncm 4y agoLeaks and embrittlement are always trotted out as big problems. But they are a product of high pressure. Keep pressure low and ensure positive airflow in any closed space, and there is little to worry about.
- stjohnswarts 4y agoHigher pressure is necessary to keep costs down, smaller pipes and higher pressure is what makes sense for vast majority of liquids and gases.
- ncmncm 4y agoThere will be no need to pipe H2 long distances. It can be made locally from wired in power. Where a large amount must be handled, underground caverns at low pressure and LH2 tanks at ambient pressure will be favored.
- regularfry 4y agoThat precludes reusing existing infrastructure at the same pressures as today, though. For the same pressure, H2 will leak worse than natural gas. And it's not just a pressure problem, either: embrittlement will happen at room temperature and pressure, just through diffusion.
- ncmncm 4y agoEmbrittlement is a problem at high pressure because the stuff being embrittled has to be strong to contain pressure. Take away the pressure, and it only needs to not have holes in it. For decades, lamp gas -- carbon monoxide and hydrogen - was piped to homes, factories, offices, and ... street lamps, in cast -iron pipes. Then they switched to methane, same cast-iron pipes. They started out pretty brittle, really. Still in use, though.