Solar Hydrogen Energy Systems

It is just a matter of time when fossil fuels will become unavailable or uneconomical to retrieve. On top of that, their environmental impact is already too severe. Renewable energy sources can be considered as the most important substitute to fossil energy, since they are inexhaustible and have a very low, if none, impact on the environment. Still, their unevenness and unpredictability are drawbacks that must be dealt with in order to guarantee a reliable and steady energy supply to the final user. Hydrogen can be the answer to these problems. This book presents the readers with the modeling, functioning and implementation of solar hydrogen energy systems, which efficiently combine different technologies to convert, store and use renewable energy. Sources like solar photovoltaic or wind, technologies like electrolysis, fuel cells, traditional and advanced hydrogen storage are discussed and evaluated together with system management and output performance. Examples are also given to show how these systems are capable of providing energy independence from fossil fuels in real life settings.

Solar-Hydrogen Energy Systems is a collection of papers that discusses the advancements in the research of alternative energy technologies that utilizes solar-hydrogen energy systems. The text first introduces the concept of solar-hydrogen energy system, and then proceeds to covering the technical topics in the subsequent chapters. The next chapters talks about the thermodynamics of water-splitting and water electrolysis. Next, the selection details direct thermal decomposition of water. The selection also discusses different processes to produce hydrogen, such as thermochemical, photochemical, and biochemical. The ninth chapter talks about solar energy storage by metal hydride, and the last chapter deals with direct solar energy conversion at sea. The book will be of great interest to scientists, engineers, and technicians involved in the research, development, and implementation of alternative energy technology.

This book concerns one of the more persistent of the ideas that have been discussed in journals devoted to energy science during the last few years. It deals with the concept that hydrogen should be the medium of energy and the sun should be the source (and, in the interim, perhaps also coal, biomass, or nuclear fuel). The translation has been carried out by Dr. W. Schuh and Mrs. K. Claus in collaboration with me. Certain difficulties confronted us at an early stage, and our resolution of them requires some explanation. First, the chapters that we received from the original German authors were written at varying times during the 1980s. Some years later, for the anticipated publication in the United States, about half of the chapters were completely rewritten. The translation was done in 1984-1986. Second, the original volume is a German book. Most of the examples in it refer to the Federal Republic of Germany, although some extend to Europe in general.

Solar Hydrogen Production: Processes, Systems and Technologies presents the most recent developments in solar-driven hydrogen generation methods. The book covers different hydrogen production routes, from renewable sources, to solar harvesting technologies. Sections focus on solar energy, presenting the main thermal and electrical technologies suitable for possible integration into solar-based hydrogen production systems and present a thorough examination of solar hydrogen technologies, ranging from solar-driven water electrolysis and solar thermal methods, to photo-catalytic and biological processes. All hydrogen-based technologies are covered, including data regarding the state-of-the art of each process in terms of costs, efficiency, measured parameters, experimental analyses, and demonstration projects. In the last part of the book, the role of hydrogen in the integration of renewable sources in electric grids, transportation sector, and end-user applications is assessed, considering their current status and future perspectives. The book includes performance data, tables, models and references to available standards. It is thus a key-resource for engineering researchers and scientists, in both academic and industrial contexts, involved in designing, planning and developing solar hydrogen systems. Offers a comprehensive overview of conventional and advanced solar hydrogen technologies, including simulation models, cost figures, R&D projects, demonstration projects, test standards, and safety and handling issues Encompasses, in a single volume, information on solar energy and hydrogen systems Includes detailed economic data on each technology for feasibility assessment of different systems

In the near future the world will need to convert to a suitable, clean energy supply: one that will meet the demands of an increasing population while giving few environmental problems. One such possible supply is hydrogen. Hydrogen Energy System describes the present status of hydrogen as an energy supply, as well as its prospect in the years to come. It covers the transition to hydrogen-based, sustainable energy systems, the technology of hydrogen production, its storage and transport, and current and future hydrogen utilisation. Economic analyses of the hydrogen energy system, together with case studies, are also presented.

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of various solar based hydrogen production systems. The book covers first-law (energy based) and second-law (exergy based) efficiencies and provides a comprehensive understanding of their implications. It will help minimize the widespread misuse of efficiencies among students and researchers in energy field by using an intuitive and unified approach for defining efficiencies. The book gives a clear understanding of the sustainability and environmental impact analysis of the above systems. The book will be particularly useful for a clear understanding of second law (exergy) efficiencies for various systems. It may serve as a reference book to the researchers in energy field. The definitions and concepts developed in the book will be explained through illustrative examples.

Given the backdrop of intense interest and widespread discussion on the prospects of a hydrogen energy economy, this book aims to provide an authoritative and up-to-date scientific account of hydrogen generation using solar energy and renewable sources such as water. While the technological and economic aspects of solar hydrogen generation are evolving, the scientific principles underlying various solar-assisted water splitting schemes already have a firm footing. This book aims to expose a broad-based audience to these principles. This book spans the disciplines of solar energy conversion, electrochemistry, photochemistry, photoelectrochemistry, materials chemistry, device physics/engineering, and biology.

Researchers, politicians and lay persons around the world agree that renewable energy technologies will play an increasingly important role in strengthening national economies in the future. The renewable energy industry has the potential to significantly increase power capacity of several countries and subsequently create many jobs. This book examines recent advances in specific renewable energy systems. Readers will learn about theoretical and applied perspectives which are key to addressing the major issues associated with such systems. Chapters cover solar energy systems, thermal energy storage, bioenergy, hydrogen production, geothermal energy and measurement techniques for these energy systems. Students in engineering programs, and engineers working in academia and the renewable energy sector will be able to broaden their understanding of complex renewable energy projects through the comprehensive overview of both the fundamental concepts and the technical issues covered in the text.