Hydrogen fuel is a unique fuel that works when Oxygen and hydrogen atoms are chemically combined. Fuel is a form of clean energy because of the limited adverse effects it has on the environment. The reaction between water and hydrogen produces water as the primary byproduct, which makes the fuel produce limited adverse environmental effects, which qualifies it to be a clean energy source (Cited at Write My Assignment For Me). The working mechanism that hydrogen fuel uses in its generation is a vital element of the fuel, which determines its uses, and also informs its limitations. The fuel has numerous actual and possible applications, all of which are informed by the energy requirements of a party and the possible limitations of hydrogen fuel (Felseghi et al., 2019). The problems that characterize hydrogen fuel’s use are the primary limitation of its adoption for use in numerous ways. Solutions to the underlying problems are critical in enhancing the adoption of hydrogen energy on a large scale in numerous applications. Analysis of the working mechanism adopted by the fuel, its applications, problems, and solutions is important to advance its large-scale adoption.
Hydrogen Fuel Working Mechanism
The hydrogen fuel’s working mechanism is central to its application which informs its strengths and weaknesses as a clean source of energy. The working mechanism of the hydrogen fuel is characterized by n electrolyte membrane, an anode, and a cathode as the primary enablers of energy production. Oxygen is passed through the cathode, while hydrogen passes through the anode. The electrolyte membrane enables the passage of protons because it is porous, which is a vital part of the electrochemical reaction. The hydrogen molecules are split into protons and electrons at the anode. The electrons pass through the conducting circuit, leading to heat and electricity generation. Oxygen, protons, and electrons combine at the cathode to form water molecules (Felseghi et al., 2019). Electricity is a significant part of the electrochemical reaction, which is used to produce energy that has a wide range of applications for industrial and domestic use. Below is the pictorial representation of the hydrogen fuel working mechanism.
Source: (Felseghi et al., 2019).
Actual and Possible Applications
Hydrogen fuel has multiple actual applications based on its clean nature and the amount of energy produced through the electrochemical reaction. The fuel is used to produce electricity, mostly for industrial use. The electrochemical reaction is assembled in the industry where a large amount of energy is used to facilitate multiple processes. The hydrogen fuel is also used in generating heat because it is one of the byproducts of the associated electrochemical reaction. Spacecraft propulsion is the other application of hydrogen fuel, which is one of the sophisticated mechanisms used to fuel space exploration engagements. The clean nature of the input informs their choice to propel the spacecraft into outer space. There are prospects of an increase in sales volume of vehicles using hydrogen fuels, as shown below
Source: (Manoharan et al., 2019).
Public transport is the other application of hydrogen fuel, which is informed by the need to have clean energy options. Possible applications include lighting and heating homes, cooking, and pumping water. The applications are limited by the problems associated with the use of hydrogen fuels. Illustrated below is a vehicle that operates based on a hydrogen fuel cell.
Source: (Manoharan et al., 2019, https://onlyassignmenthelp.com/criminal-justice-system/ ).
Problems of Using Hydrogen Fuel
Hydrogen fuel is an excellent source of energy based on the numerous benefits associated with it. However, some problems limit its increased adoption. The volume and weight and volume required by the mechanisms to produce the energy are a major limitations. The storage systems cannot be accommodated by numerous processes requiring energy to facilitate operations. Moreover, there is the problem of the cost of producing the energy. The electrochemical process is expensive to assemble and maintain, making it a major challenge to use the fuel for small-scale purposes (Felseghi et al., 2019). Refueling takes a significantly long time, which is a major limitation in the transport sector. Durability in storage is the other limitation, which reduces the use of the fuel in large volumes because of the lack of adequate reserves. However, when the problems are solved, hydrogen fuel will be widely adopted in numerous processes. Below are some of the benefits and limitations of using hydrogen fuel.
Source: (Felseghi et al., 2019).
Write My Dissertation Title: Solutions to Problems
Subsidizing the inputs to the energy production process is one of the major solutions which will make it cheaper and more efficient to use the hydrogen fuel. Innovations to reduce the weight and volume required to facilitate the production of energy is the other solution that will make it more convenient to adopt the use of the fuel for small-scale purposes. (Felseghi et al., 2019). Forming codes and standards to guide the most effective energy production using the fuel is the other solution which will enhance commercialization and safety frameworks. When the solutions are adopted, there will be better ways of producing and using the fuel, which will facilitate wider adoption. Some benefits of using hydrogen fuel are highlighted below, informing the adoption of appropriate solutions.
Source: (Felseghi et al., 2019).
Conclusion
Hydrogen fuels are one of the clean sources of energy used to facilitate numerous domestic and industrial processes. The electrochemical process used to produce the fuel is a significant part of its adoption because it emits minimal waste with adverse environmental outcomes. The potential for adopting hydrogen fuel in numerous settings is massive, which is informed by its clean nature. Transport, heating, and lighting are some of the primary uses of hydrogen fuel. However, the problems associated with its production reduce its scope of adoption. However, when the issues are effectively addressed, there will be better engagements to facilitate its usage.
References
Felseghi, R. A., Carcadea, E., Raboaca, M. S., Trufin, C. N., & Filote, C. (2019). Hydrogen fuel cell technology for the sustainable future of stationary applications. Energies, 12(23), 4593. Retrieved from https://onlyassignmenthelp.com/write-my-assignment-for-me/ Manoharan, Y., Hosseini, S. E., Butler, B., Alzhahrani, H., Senior, B. T. F., Ashuri, T., & Krohn, J. (2019). Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles; current status and future prospect. Applied Sciences, 9(11), 2296. https://onlyassignmenthelp.com/write-my-dissertation-for-me/
