Energy Fuels, 12 (1), 49 -55, 1998. ef9700947 S0887-0624(97)00094-7
Web Release Date: January 12, 1998

Copyright © 1998 American Chemical Society

Onboard Storage Alternatives for Hydrogen Vehicles

Gene D. Berry and Salvador M. Aceves*

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Ave., L-640, Livermore, California 94551

Received June 23, 1997

Revised Manuscript Received September 30, 1997

Abstract:

Three viable technologies for storing hydrogen fuel on cars are currently available: compressed gas, metal hydride adsorption, and cryogenic liquid. However, each of these has significant disadvantages: volume, weight, boiling losses, or energy to compress or liquefy the hydrogen. Two alternative approaches are analyzed in this paper: pressure vessels with cryogenic capability and a combination of a metal hydride and liquid hydrogen storage. These alternatives are compared to baseline compressed hydrogen and liquid hydrogen (LH₂) storage in terms of volume, vehicle range, dormancy, energy required for fuel processing, and cost. The results indicate that the alternative methods can result in a reduced volume, if packaging is a constraint; or in an extended range, if this is a desirable feature. Cryogenic pressure vessels, with one-fifth the insulation of LH₂ systems, have comparable or better dormancy than LH₂ systems. Energy requirements and cost appear favorable for the alternative systems.

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