Wasserstoff. Perspektiven einer Wasserstoff-Energiewirtschaft. Teil 1. Techniken und Systeme zur Wasserstofferzeugung

The preparation and provisioning of hydrogen in terms of energy and economics are discussed in a three part series. Part 1 defines the system analytical bases, analyzes the processes of hydrogen generation that have been studied on a technical scale, and gives an outlook for novel processes. Part 2 (BWK 3/2001) relates to the hydrogen infrastructure and logistics. Part 3 (BWK 5/2001) compares selected hydrogen generation process chains. The discussion of Part 1 covers introduction (the need for primary energy; the balancing of carbon dioxide emissions; and costs); steam reforming (state of the art; the potential for development; balancing the size of the steam reforming production facilities in terms of their size); partial oxidation of heavy oil (state of the art; potential for development; and balancing the costs of production); coal gasification (state of the art; potential for development; and balancing the costs); electrolysis; other processes (thermochemical hydrogen generation; the sulfur-iodine process; the reduction of metal oxides; photochemical conversion; and biological hydrogen generation). What technique is to be used to generate hydrogen and in which form hydrogen is to be transported and stored depends on where and how hydrogen is to be used. Therefore, three use fields are considered in the study, namely, stationary, mobile, and portable. The generation of hydrogen like anything else involves mass and energy flows. The basis of the calculation is a detailed material and energy balance that includes all the process steps in the production of hydrogen. The use of primary energy and resources and emissions of pollutants and climate gases are directly related to the mass and energy flows. Besides the use of primary energy and carbon dioxide emissions the costs for hydrogen generation and distribution are determined. The primary energy need, carbon dioxide balances, and costs are defined in this context.