|
Hydrogen, the simplest and the most abundant element in
the universe, is found in water and many organic compounds such as methane
or natural gas. It can be separated from hydrocarbons by reforming, application
of heat, or by electrolysis, separation of water into oxygen and hydrogen.
Hydrogen, although high in energy, produces almost no pollution when burned,
but its low density requires special compression and storage facilities.
NASA uses liquid hydrogen to propel space shuttles; hydrogen fuel cells
power the shuttle’s electrical systems, producing water as a byproduct,
which the crew drinks.
Fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, heat and
water. In the future, hydrogen may join petroleum as an important energy
source.
Click
here to visit hydrogen energy photo gallery.
|
|
|