Oil is running out, We need a new source of energy and HYDROGEN is the way of the future. Sound familiar? Well as the title indicates I rather think that is a myth.
Why? It is first and foremost a myth because we already have MANY new sources of energy and hydrogen isn't one of then. Hydrogen in any use other than a fusion reactor, is not an energy source. It is only used for energy storage. The energy still has to come from somewhere to create the hydrogen. And quite frankly.... as an energy storage mechanism hydrogen sucks.
For starters it has extremely low energy density, and is cryogenic as a liquid. It is just about impossible to store for long periods of time and for similar reasons makes long distance transportation systems problematic.
Now don't get me wrong. It isn't that these problems can't be addressed. They can be. The question to me is... should we bother? There ARE other methods of energy storage and honestly I think we should be pursuing them. Currently the best bet seems to be nano technology based improvements in batteries and capacitors. Capacitors in particular hold a great deal of promise. Why would these be best? Because they hold the highest levels of demonstrated efficiency in storage/retrieval of electrical power. Solar and Nuclear plants provide electrical power. Storing and retrieving electrical power in an electrical form leads to high levels of efficiencies in power transfers that are hard/impossible to realize in conversions processes like using the electricity to generate hydrogen through electrolysis and then turning the hydrogen back into electricity through fuel cells or combustion. The problem till now has been cost, weight, power density and life cycles of such devices. If those elements start falling in practical ranges then THEY are the future. Not hydrogen.
In any case, barring a breakthrough in hydrogen fusion, the idea of a 'hydrogen' based economy is a myth. Even with a working hydrogen fusion plant, Hydrogen will NEVER become the focus of an economy the way in which oil has. For starters there will NEVER be a war over access to hydrogen. At least not on earth. It just is not that kind of resource.
2 comments:
MANDATORY RENEWABLE ENERGY – THE ENERGY EVOLUTION –R8
In order to insure energy and economic independence as well as better economic growth without being blackmailed by foreign countries, our country, the United States of America’s Utilization of Energy sources must change.
"Energy drives our entire economy." We must protect it. "Let's face it, without energy the whole economy and economic society we have set up would come to a halt. So you want to have control over such an important resource that you need for your society and your economy." The American way of life is not negotiable.
Our continued dependence on fossil fuels could and will lead to catastrophic consequences.
The federal, state and local government should implement a mandatory renewable energy installation program for residential and commercial property on new construction and remodeling projects with the use of energy efficient material, mechanical systems, appliances, lighting, etc. The source of energy must by renewable energy such as Solar-Photovoltaic, Geothermal, Wind, Biofuels, etc. including utilizing water from lakes, rivers and oceans to circulate in cooling towers to produce air conditioning and the utilization of proper landscaping to reduce energy consumption.
The implementation of mandatory renewable energy could be done on a gradual scale over the next 10 years. At the end of the 10 year period all construction and energy use in the structures throughout the United States must be 100% powered by renewable energy. (This can be done by amending building code)
In addition, the governments must impose laws, rules and regulations whereby the utility companies must comply with a fair “NET METERING” (the buying of excess generation from the consumer), including the promotion of research and production of “renewable energy technology” with various long term incentives and grants. The various foundations in existence should be used to contribute to this cause.
A mandatory time table should also be established for the automobile industry to gradually produce an automobile powered by renewable energy. The American automobile industry is surely capable of accomplishing this task.
This is a way to expedite our energy independence and economic growth. (This will also create a substantial amount of new jobs). It will take maximum effort and a relentless pursuit of the private, commercial and industrial government sectors commitment to renewable energy – energy generation (wind, solar, hydro, biofuels, geothermal, energy storage (fuel cells, advance batteries), energy infrastructure (management, transmission) and energy efficiency (lighting, sensors, automation, conservation) in order to achieve our energy independence.
"To succeed, you have to believe in something with such a passion that it becomes a reality."
Jay Draiman, Energy Consultant
Northridge, CA. 91325
1-15-2007
P.S. I have a very deep belief in America's capabilities. Within the next 10 years we can accomplish our energy independence, if we as a nation truly set our goals to accomplish this.
I happen to believe that we can do it. In another crisis--the one in 1942--President Franklin D. Roosevelt said this country would build 60,000 [50,000] military aircraft. By 1943, production in that program had reached 125,000 aircraft annually. They did it then. We can do it now.
The American people resilience and determination to retain the way of life is unconquerable and we as a nation will succeed in this endeavor of Energy Independence.
Solar energy is the source of all energy on the earth (excepting volcanic geothermal). Wind, wave and fossil fuels all get their energy from the sun. Fossil fuels are only a battery which will eventually run out. The sooner we can exploit all forms of Solar energy (cost effectively or not against dubiously cheap FFs) the better off we will all be. If the battery runs out first, the survivors will all be living like in the 18th century again.
Every new home built should come with a solar package. A 1.5 kW per bedroom is a good rule of thumb. The formula 1.5 X's 5 hrs per day X's 30 days will produce about 225 kWh per bedroom monthly. This peak production period will offset 17 to 24 cents per kWh with a potential of $160 per month or about $60,000 over the 30-year mortgage period for a three-bedroom home. It is economically feasible at the current energy price and the interest portion of the loan is deductible. Why not?
Title 24 has been mandated forcing developers to build energy efficient homes. Their bull-headedness put them in that position and now they see that Title 24 works with little added cost. Solar should also be mandated and if the developer designs a home that solar is impossible to do then they should pay an equivalent mitigation fee allowing others to put solar on in place of their negligence.
Installing renewable energy system on your home or business increases the value of the property and provides a marketing advantage.
You know, that is the longest on subject comment I have yet to see here and I agree with most of it. However, I do think a move to require solar in all new builds is a bit extreme. besides new builds are weak tea for making a dent in private residence solar power. What you need to get is all reasonably situated roofs currently existing. A government project where a small but significant budget allotment were made to install solar panel systems where they would be most effective would be a better route in my opinion.
It would be nice if government tax spending went back to helping the average person SEE the results of government in a positive light. Currently our largest budget item is military spending. Is that what we want to go down in history as? The nation which considered military strength its most important single budgetary item? Imagine how many solar panels 100billion dollars a year would buy. That is not even a third of the military budget. Turn interstate medians into solar arrays. Build more infrastructure which will give back. I am not sure there has been such an effort since Roosevelt's new deal programs. Where did the Hoover Dam come from? The TVA? Two of the cheapest energy producing hydroelectric systems in the US... and they were make busy works provided by government tax dollars. It is not always a good thing to let market forces decide what is worth the time and effort to build. Sometimes it takes a decision to just DO something for the good of the people. The time has come for government action regarding renewable energy sources I agree. But it isn't the time for mandates to the people which effectively represent new taxation. It is time for the government to step up and put our tax dollars to work for something other than killing or pork spending. They need to spend the money on America's infrastructure and energy is priority number one.
Post a Comment