An Integrated PV – Electrolysis Metal Hydride Hydrogen Generation and Storage System

This project deals with the use of renewable electricity to generate hydrogen for large scale use in developing countries such as India. The hydrogen ICE scooter market in India was identified as a potential near-term application for hydrogen/metal hydride technology. India not only represents a large two wheeler market but also one that is growing the fastest. The hydrogen can come from the electrolysis of water using two sources of renewable, distributed electrical energy, PV and bagasse based cogenerated power. Bagasse is a byproduct of the sugar industry. We show how both of these scenarios are economically viable. Ovonic metal hydrides are used to store the hydrogen on-board and for transportation. Other uses of hydrogen/metal hydrides include distributed power generation to replace polluting kerosene or diesel generator sets and for portable power use. The renewable hydrogen thus produced can also be used as cooking fuel. Introduction The objective of the program is to introduce renewable hydrogen in the worldwide energy scene and pave way for the widespread use of metal hydride technology for storage. Before large scale use of hydrogen can be implemented, at least the following four issues need to be addressed: 1. Identification of the near-term market 2. Address the issues of storage, safety, distribution and refueling infrastructure 3. Cost and availability of hydrogen, and 4. Establishment of appropriate/strategic business alliances using a global approach The market: Two and three wheelers are a major consumer of petroleum and major source of air pollution in India. The global two wheeler fleet in year 2000 is estimated to be approximately 200 million units. Asia represents approximately 67% of global fleet and India being the largest market in Asia with an annual growth rate ~14%. We have identified the hydrogen –ICE two wheelers as an initial application for hydrogen because it permits transition to a clean alternative and will permit early large-scale use of hydrogen. The ICE manufacturing and maintenance infrastructure is available. This would minimize capital expenditure on the part of the OEM. When fuel cells become available, H2 infrastructure will already be in place. There are other promising markets for hydrogen/metal hydride technology and these include: distributed power generation to replace highly polluting kerosene and diesel generator sets, portable power, and use of hydrogen for cooking.