P2: Hydrogen as Energy Vector

Efficiency and Sustainability of Hydrogen-Based Energy Storage Pathways

Currently a wide area of research is conducted on hydrogen as an energy carrier, for both local technical applications and a hydrogen-based energy economy. The analysed fields of application comprise applications in transport as a substitute for the currently utilized fossil fuels, the energy storage in stationary systems of different scales as well as the utilization of hydrogen for energy transport. The research is structured by a general division of topics consisting of hydrogen production technology (thermal, thermo-chemical or electrolytic breakdown of water), utilized primary energy sources (fossil energy sources, biomass, nuclear fission) or the type of hydrogen storage (gaseous, cryogenic-liquid resp. cryogenic-supercritical in different ortho-/para-concentrations, adsorption on solid objects). Furthermore, the energy conversion technologies of utilization (fuel cell, combustion engine, gas turbine) are distinguished. In recent years, considerable development successes have been achieved especially regarding levels of efficiency. This, however, has led to the situation that in many areas, technical-technological development potentials might be exhausted. Accordingly these developments are analysed and further optimization potentials are investigated.

Doctoral Candidate: Mario Ludwig

First (Main-) Supervisor: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Hesse and Prof. Dr. Antonio Hurtado

Second Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Edeltraud Günther