ABSTRACT

Solar energy is likely to

be the most
abundantly available
bountiful or
inexhaustible

energy resource
available to us now
days and the
hydrogen production
with the solar energy is
known to be the
flawlesssolution for
renewable energy.
There are various
methods for utilizing
suns energy for
hydrogen production
are studied with both

HYDROGEN PRODUCTION USING their merits and

demerits.

RENEWABLE ENERGY Paras Verma

Ashish Kalia
TO USE ELECTRIC ENERGY FROM SOLAR PV SYSTEM
Mirza Omar Ali
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................1
Project Statement.................................................................................................................................1
Background...........................................................................................................................................2
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF HYDROGEN PRODUCTION..................................................................2
Aim (objective)......................................................................................................................................4
possible design ideas............................................................................................................................4
how hydrogen fuel cell works?.............................................................................................................9
pros and cons of hydrogen-powered car............................................................................................10
advantages of using hydrogen as a fuel cell.......................................................................................11
SOME INFORMATION ABOUT HYDROGEN.........................................................................................11
faraday’s law about electrolysis.........................................................................................................12
key component for running car..........................................................................................................13
Requirements......................................................................................................................................14
Work breakdown structure................................................................................................................14
Resource and estimation cost.............................................................................................................14
References..........................................................................................................................................14
INTRODUCTION
The utilize of suns energy to generate hydrogen can be carried by two technically
processed way : one is by water electrolysis using solar produced electricity and amd the
other method is direct solar water splitting process. When we consider solar produced
electricity, most famous is PhotoVoltic-electrolysis technique. Currently in the world almost
energy source of non renewable energy is running out at very higher rate.Apart from this
using non renewable energy resources poses severe health hazard to humans and other
living beings as it releases harmful by product like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur
dioxide and many more carbons.Due to all this reason we urgently required a need of
renewable energy source.A source which does not give harmful by product like carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur etc and it's availability must be always so the best
answer we get after lot of research is hydrogen energy. As hydrogen energy provide us with
clean and eco-friendly from of energy.This clean energy can be used in various ways for our
daily normal uses,here in our project we have focused our study to produce hydrogen using
renewable energy resources like solar energy.In our project we will work with various
techniques how to convert water in hydrogen and focus our studies how storage of
hydrogen can be done in simplest manner to utilize the hydrogen as a fuel in our domestic
internal combustion engine like car and other vehicles and also how to convert this
hydrogen back to water as it is recyclable it has no doubt that hydrogen is our future fuel.

PROJECT STATEMENT
This type of project has been performed by various university. The project aims our study
to hydrogen Production using renewable energy & to show that it would be both feasible
and cost effective to use the electric energy from a solar PV system mounted on the roof of
suburban house to produce and store the hydrogen. The hydrogen produced should be a
sufficient quantity and be stored in such a way that it can be used to fuel a family car. We
have fixed the period of 7-8 weeks to study various aspects of the project.

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BACKGROUND
it is clear that from the past many centuries we are exploiting the fossil fuels like coal
,petroleummain and natural gas etc.these fossil fuels are exhaustable and can be finished in
the coming years so to fulfill the requirement of our coming generation and even growing
population we require energy resources which are Inexhaustible.As Inexhaustible resources
have tendency to recharge themselves over a period of time without impacting earth and
other resources. This type of resources have the advantage of being abundant availability in
small small capacity every where around the globe Most of the good things about this type
of recourses that they are eco-friendly in nature as compare to non renewable which poses
harmful threat to our environment when they are used or burnt.As we know non renewable
resources are manufactured through various natural process are much slow to recharge and
the consumption rate is much higher so there is a threat that they will soon run out so to
overcome this we have finding a energy that is much reliable and useful to fulfill the needs
and requirements of people and industry ,also these renewable energy like solar energy,
wind energy, geothermal energy posses less threat to the environment.Solar energy is most
abundantly available energy among the renewable energy , with the help of this solar
energy we focused our study to produce hydrogen energy (which is also renewable energy)
to fulfills our domestic daily needs.As we know we have use of hydrogen fuel in various
aviation and other industries and they are very much useful,they store hydrogen in solid
state material like metal hydride, carbon nanotubes, polymer etc. so with the help of those
usage we will try to make hydrogen storage so we can utilise for domestic purpose.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF HYDROGEN PRODUCTION

From the discovery of the phenomenon of electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and
oxygen to the development of modern electrolyzers, water electrolysis technology has seen
continuous progresses over the past 200 years. Following the discovery of electricity, J.R.
Deiman and A.P. van Troostwijk, in 1789, used an electrostatic generator to discharge
electricity through two gold wires placed inside a tube filled with water, causing evolution of
gases.Alessandro Volta invented the voltaic pile in 1800, and a few weeks later William
Nicholson and Anthony Carlisle used it for electrolytic splitting of water.30 Later, the gases
produced during water electrolysis were identified to be hydrogen and oxygen. With the
development of electrochemistry, the proportional relationship between electrical energy
consumption and the amount of gases produced became established through Faraday's law
of electrolysis. Finally, the concept of water electrolysis was defined scientifically and
acknowledged.With the invention of the Gramme machine in 1869 by Zénobe Gramme,
water electrolysis became an economical method of producing hydrogen. A technique for
industrial synthesis of hydrogen and oxygen through water electrolysis was developed later

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in 1888 by Dmitry Lachinov. By 1902, more than 400 industrial water electrolyzers were
already in operation. illustrates such early plants used for water electrolysis.

The period between the 1920s and the 1970s was the "golden age" for the development of
water electrolysis technology, when most of the traditional designs were created. Driven by
the industrial need for hydrogen and oxygen, the knowledge established in the first stage
was applied to the industrialization of water electrolysis technologies. In 1939, the first large
water electrolysis plant, with a capacity of 10,000 N m3 H2 h-1, went into operation, and in
1948, the first pressurized industrial electrolyzer was manufactured by Zdansky/Lonza.
Commercial water electrolysis concepts developed in this period include most of the
technological components that are currently in use.One of these components is the
membrane. The first membranes to be commercialized were made of asbestos. However,
asbestos is not very resistant to corrosion caused by a strongly alkaline environment at high
temperatures. Moreover, due to its seriously adverse health effects, asbestos was gradually
replaced by other materials.From the 1970s onward, polymers based on perfluorosulfonic
acid, arylene ether, or polytetrafluoroethylene have been used as gas separation material.
Configuration of the water electrolysis cell also underwent several improvements through
time. Typical conventional tank cells, with a unipolar configuration, are simple, reliable, and
flexible. On the other hand, filter press cells, with a bipolar configuration, have lower Ohmic
losses and are more compact. High-pressure water electrolyzers, which use the bipolar
configuration, would be difficult to accomplish with unipolar cells. Disadvantages of the
bipolar cells are related to their structural complexity, requirement of electrolyte
circulation, and use of gas/electrolyte separators. The electrode material selected should
have good corrosion resistance, high conductivity, high catalytic effect, and low
price.38 Stainless steel and lead were pointed out as cheap electrode materials, with low
overpotentials, but these cannot tolerate highly alkaline environments. Noble metals were
found to be too expensive to be used as bulk electrode materials. Ni was then recognized as
an electroactive cathode material with good corrosion resistance in an alkaline solution

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(when compared to other transition metals) and rapidly became popular during the
development of water electrolyzers. Ni-based alloys have then started to be the object of
extensive research efforts. These progresses motivated commercialization of water
electrolyzers. The first records of commercial water electrolysis date back to 1900, when the
technique was still in its early life. Two decades later, large-size electrolysis plants, rated at
100 MW, were developed in Canada, primarily to feed the ammonia fertilizer
industries.42 In the late 1980s, Aswan installed 144 electrolyzers with a nominal rating of
162 MW and a hydrogen generation capacity of 32,400 m3 h-1. The Brown Boveri
electrolyzer is another highly modularized unit, which is able to produce hydrogen at a rate
of about 4300 m3 h-1. Stuart Cell (Canada) is a well-known unipolar tank-type cell
manufacturer. Hamilton Sundstrand (USA), Proton Energy Systems (USA), Shinko Pantec
(Japan), and Wellman-CJB (UK) manufacture the latest proton exchange membrane (PEM)
electrolyzers.

AIM (OBJECTIVE)
There are some assumptions that have been considered for our project: -

1. Reducing the cost and improving energy efficiency for converting electricity to
hydrogen.
2. The hydrogen produced should be a sufficient quantity and be stored in such a way
that it can be used to fuel a family car.

POSSIBLE DESIGN IDEAS

There are following important and main components of this project are:-

1. Convert the Solar energy into electricity

2. Use electricity to produce hydrogen by the process of electrolysis
3. Store the hydrogen fuel cell

Solar energy is the cleanest and most reliable energy form of renewable energy available
on earth, we can use it may form to help generate power.

4
1. photovoltaics (PV) system- The first part of project is use of solar energy to
convert in electric energy by the method of PV system. The main component of this
system is following.

1. solar power (Photo voltic sheets and solar panels )

Solar panels (solar sheets) which utilizes the solar radiation falling on its sheets and
convert the solar radiation into useful electrical energy. This electrical energy can be
used for electrolysis of water and provide hydrogen and oxygen. Solar energy photo
PV panels convert the sun's rays into electricity by exciting electrons in silicon cells
using the photons of light from the sun This solar power sheets consists of solar cells.
when the solar cells are connected in series they form a solar modules.

A solar module
A solar modules is made up of silicon cells with each cells has capacity to produce
0.50 volts.This mean the 35 - 36 solar cells are enough to charge 12V battery which
can run pump and motor. We use this solar cells to produce power of approx 300
Watt's to utilise it our electrolysis process so we have to plant more solar panels to
meet our demand of providing Hydrogen.
Advantages
List of various advantages of using solar energy as our power source
 It has low maintenance cost unless it provides a serious damage
 Solar energy is eco-friendly in nature as it provides very less threat to our
environment
 Unlimited availability of solar energy.

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 Disadvantages
 Photo voltic cell manufacturing release many toxic chemicals for example like Cd
and AS which is harmful for living organisms
 Solar energy production is not economical as compared to other energy production
 Fluctuating weather of Australia makes availability is low in various months of the
year.

2. Battery
Batteries are store the electrical energy. batteries must provide long periods of
deep discharge during evening and night, and fully recharge in sunlight during
the day. Unlike car batteries, deep cycles can be gradually discharged by as much
as half of their capacity and then gradually recharge. There are two types of
deep- cycle batteries: flooded and sealed. Flooded lead-acid batteries (FLA), also
called wet cells, are commonly used in renewable-energy applications. They are
the least expensive deep cycle battery, though they last the longest and come in
a variety of sizes. batteries use a sulphuric acid solution that reacts with the lead
plates in the cells to produce electricity. However, hydrogen and oxygen are
released when FLEAS are recharged, which can expose the "flooded" plates and
lead to explosive gas. Therefore, these batteries require regular monitoring and
maintenance, such as adding distilled water and properly ventilating gases to the
outside air.

3. Alkaline water electrolysis (PEM )

The phenomenon of hydrogen production through alkaline water electrolysis
techniques was invited in early 1790's.The production of hydrogen through this
alkaline electrolysis method is up to mega Watt's at commercial level, However
alkaline electrolysis has its limitations as due to less flux density (below

6
 459mA/cm2 and also operates are lower values of presence and Kinetic energies
and it's efficiency is low, so as time goes new methods there is a new
development in this is anion exchange membrane (AEM) by the polymers anion
with good conductivity.This new innovations in this field is new milestone in the
electrolysis process which is very fruitfull.

The conductivity of the solution is enhanced by the use of strong electrolytes that deliver
ions with high mobility [43], such as sodium, potassium for positive ions, and hydroxide or
chlorides as negative ions. During electrolysis, the water molecules move to the cathode by
diffusion as they are consumed, and the hydroxide ions move to the anode by migration
because they have an opposite charge and diffusion because they are consumed. A
diaphragm separates the two anode and cathode compartments and the gases formed are
thus collected: hydrogen at the cathode and oxygen at the anode as shown in below Figure.

7
Principle of an alkaline water electrolysis.

Concentrated solutions of potassium hydroxide are generally used as the electrolytic

solution because they have very high conductivities and fewer corrosion problems
compared with other alkaline electrolytes. The electrode materials often used are based on
nickel because of its low cost, high activity [44].

Electrolysis cells can be of two types of configurations: monopolar and bipolar [14]. Figure
4(a) gives a schematic of the monopolar configuration. The electrodes are altered in the
electrolyzer and are all directly connected to the terminals of the DC power supply: the
anodes at the positive terminal and the cathodes at the negative terminal. The total voltage
applied to the entire electrolysis cell is essentially the same as that applied to the individual
pairs of the electrodes in the cell (Utot=UiUtot=Ui), but the current is subdivided between
the different unit cells (Itot=n×Ii)Itot=n×Ii). Figure 4(b) depicts conflation in bipolar mode.
Only the two end electrodes are connected directly to the DC power source. The other inner
electrodes have a dual role: one side acts as the cathode for a unit cell and the other side
acts as the anode for the adjacent unit cell. These cells are electrically linked thanks to their
electrodes which are bipolar and ionically via the electrolytic solution. The total voltage of

8
the cell is the sum of the individual voltages of the unit cells (Utot=n×UiUtot=n×Ui), but the
current for each unit cell is equal to the output current of the generator (Itot=Ii)Itot=Ii). The
electrical energy consumed is the same in the two configurations.

Schematics of cell configurations of monopolar (a) and bipolar (b) electrolyzers.

The wide range of flammability limits of the mixture of hydrogen and oxygen requires a
careful design of the electrolyzer system. The separator diaphragm (or membrane) must
avoid the mixing of the two gases inside the cell. Furthermore, the corrosive nature of the
electrolyte does not allow leaks that are often likely to take place at the connections and
seals of the electrolyzer. The bipolar configuration is more risky in mixing oxygen and
hydrogen because of their simultaneous productions on the same bipolar electrode (on
each side) and also electrolyte leakage as the monopolar design.

Obviously, the life of the system is an important criterion. It is extremely linked to the
quality of the materials used. Indeed, these materials must be resistant to high
concentrations of the alkaline electrolyte and operating conditions of the electrolyzer
(pressure and temperature). In particular, connections and seals are subject to corrosion,
which is why it is recommended to use sealing materials that are also stable in this
environment.

HOW HYDROGEN FUEL CELL WORKS?

At the heart of the fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) is a device that uses a source of fuel,
such as hydrogen, and an oxidant to create electricity by an electrochemical process. Put
simply, the fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate an electric current, water
being the only byproduct. Like conventional batteries under the bonnets of automobiles,
hydrogen fuel cells too convert chemical energy into electrical energy. From a long-term

9
viability perspective, FCEVs are billed as vehicles of the future, given that hydrogen is the
most abundant resource in the universe.

HYDROGEN STORAGE

We are looking forward to store the hydrogen for domestic vehicles applications.Varrious
automobile company have tried this and they have succeeded also as they need very light
weight, compact ,safe and cost effective material and save .This is requirement also.We
require such material which can store it safely for journey of approx 800-1000Km on full
storage.which requires the storage of 8 to 10 kg hydrogen as it will also depend upon the
size of vehicles we are having.Storing hydrogen is the main issue as there is number of
storage techniques available but non of them meet the requirements of the industry.Infact
this is the most challenging issue we are going to take in our project as it is key hindrance to
the hydrogen fuel seems.

Different ways of storing hydrogen

 It can be compressed in gaseous form in high pressure vessel

 It can be stored in form of liquid (-250C) in the tanks
 It can be in form of solid either by absorbing it or reacting it with metals.

PROS AND CONS OF HYDROGEN-POWERED CAR

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Advantages for people:

 The propulsion in hydrogen fuel cell cars is purely electrical. When you drive one, it
feels similar to driving a regular electric car. What does that mean? Virtually
no engine noise and a lively start, because electric motors provide full torque even at
low speeds.
 Another advantage is the quick charging time. Depending on the charging station
and battery capacity, fully electric vehicles currently require between 30 minutes
and several hours for a full charge. The hydrogen tanks of fuel cell cars, on the other
hand, are full and ready to go again in less than five minutes. For users, this brings
vehicle availability and flexibility into line with those of a conventional car.
 For the time being, hydrogen cars still have a longer range than purely electric cars.
A full hydrogen tank will last around 300 miles (approx. 480 kilometers). Battery-
powered cars can match this with very large batteries – which in turn will lead to an
increase in both vehicle weight and charging times.
 The range of fuel cell vehicles is not dependent on the outside
temperature. In other words, it does not deteriorate in cold weather.

disadvantages for people:

 Currently, the biggest shortcoming of hydrogen fuel cell cars is the sparsity of
options for refueling. A hydrogen engine is refueled at special fuel pumps, which in
the future will probably find their way into ordinary service stations. As things stand,
however, there are still very few refueling stations for hydrogen-powered cars.

ADVANTAGES OF USING HYDROGEN AS A FUEL CELL

 its high electrochemical reactivity,

 its high theoretical energy density,

 unlimited availability (as long as you can break down the water),

 its harmless combustion product (H2O) for the environment.

Its low density under normal conditions, the difficulty of storage, and the risk of
explosion can summarize the major drawbacks of the use of pure hydrogen in fuel cells.

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT HYDROGEN

11
 Hydrogen is the lightest chemical element. Its molecules contain two hydrogen atoms. If this
gas does not exist in its natural state, it is found in many molecules: water, sugar, proteins,
hydrocarbons. Hydrogen is a very light gas, colorless, odorless, and extremely flammable
and reacts very easily in the presence of other chemicals. The properties of this gas are
following.

Molecular weight 2016 g/mol

Melting point −259°C

Boiling point (1.013 bar) −252.8°C

454.3 kJ/mol
Evaporation heat (1.013 bar at boiling point)
2016 g/mol
Molecular weight

Density in the gas phase (1.013 and at 21°C) 0.0696 kg/m3

Solubility in water (1.013 bar and 0°C) 0.0214 vol/vol

FARADAY’S LAW ABOUT ELECTROLYSIS

In 1832, Michael Faraday stated his two laws of electrolysis:

1. The weights of substances formed at an electrode during electrolysis are directly

proportional to the quantity of electricity that passes through the electrolyte.

2. The weights of different substances formed by the passage of the same quantity of
electricity are proportional to the equivalent weight of each substance.

The quantity of material (m) produced is:

m=k∙∫t0I∙dtm=k∙∫0tI∙dtE9

where kk is a proportionality constant and II is the instantaneous current flowing through

the cell. In a cell in which a continuous current circulates, the majority of this current is
connected to chemical reactions (faradic current) and a small part, often negligible can be
used for other purposes (non-Faradic current). Thus, the amount of material that forms or
disappears at the electrodes is proportional to the intensity of the current and the duration
of the electrolysis t. Knowing the number of moles is (m/M)m/M, which corresponds to a
quantity of electricity (Q=mM∙N∙F=I∙t)Q=mM∙N∙F=I∙t. Hence, Faraday’s law:
m=I∙t∙MnFm=I∙t∙MnFE10

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With mm is the mass of substances formed (g); MM is the molar mass of substances formed
(g/mol.); nn is number of exchanged electrons, II is the current in amperes (A), Q=I∙tQ=I∙t is
the quantity of electricity in coulomb (C), tt is the time (s).

Transport resistance

Convective mass transfer plays an important role in the ionic transfer, heat dissipation and
distribution, and gas bubble behavior in the electrolyte. The viscosity and flow field of the
electrolyte determines the mass (ionic) transfer, temperature distribution and bubble sizes,
bubble detachment and rising velocity, and in turn influence the current and potential
distributions in the electrolysis cell. As the water electrolysis progresses the concentration
of the electrolyte increases, resulting in an increase in the viscosity. Water is usually
continuously added to the system to maintain a constant electrolyte concentration and thus
the viscosity.

KEY COMPONENT FOR RUNNING CAR

Battery (auxiliary): In an electric drive vehicle, the auxiliary battery provides electricity to start the car
before the traction battery is engaged and also powers vehicle accessories.

Battery pack: This battery stores energy generated from regenerative braking and provides
supplemental power to the electric traction motor.

DC/DC converter: This device converts higher-voltage DC power from the traction battery pack to the
lower-voltage DC power needed to run vehicle accessories and recharge the auxiliary battery.

Electric traction motor (FCEV): Using power from the fuel cell and the traction battery pack, this
motor drives the vehicle's wheels. Some vehicles use motor generators that perform both the drive
and regeneration functions.

Fuel cell stack: An assembly of individual membrane electrodes that use hydrogen and oxygen to
produce electricity.

Fuel filler: A nozzle from a high-pressure dispenser attaches to the receptacle on the vehicle to fill
the tank.

Fuel tank (hydrogen): Stores hydrogen gas on board the vehicle until it's needed by the fuel cell.

Power electronics controller (FCEV): This unit manages the flow of electrical energy delivered by
the fuel cell and the traction battery, controlling the speed of the electric traction motor and the torque
it produces.

Thermal system (cooling) - (FCEV): This system maintains a proper operating temperature range of
the fuel cell, electric motor, power electronics, and other components.

Transmission (electric): The transmission transfers mechanical power from the electric traction
motor to drive the wheels.

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REQUIREMENTS
The various requirements for the project as follows:-

1. To use of solar photo voltaic cell and convert sufficient amount into electrical energy.
2. To use electrolysis produce sufficient amount of hydrogen energy.
3. Fuel economy should not be decreased and must be cost effective.

WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE

paras Photo Voltic cells and Photo Voltic sheets and
calculation
Asish Computer Aided designing and gantt chart
preparation
Mirza omer Ali Explanation of electrolysis process ,cost estimations

RESOURCE AND ESTIMATION COST

The required resources are as follows:

1. Solar panel which will used to convert solar energy to electric energy. With battery
and wire.
2. Cost estimations of the electrolyzer cell stack are based on limited experience and
are smaller cells.
3. Small steel chamber to store the hydrogen.
4. total estimated cost ranges from to $500-$800.

REFERENCES
 Bockris, J. O'M.; Conway, B. E.; Yeager, E.; White, R. E.; Comprehensive treatise of
electrochemistry; Plenum Press: New York, 1981.
  Turner, J. A.; Science 1999.
 Bockris, J. O'M.; Veziroglu, T. N.; Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 2007.
 Wendt, H.; Kreysa, G.; Electrochemical engineering, 1st ed., Springer-Verlag: Berlin,
Heidelberg, 1999.
 Oldham, K. B.; Myland, J. C.; Fundamentals of electrochemical science, 1st ed. ,
Academic Press: San Diego, 1993.

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  Pickett, D. J.; Electrochemical reactor design, 2nd ed., Elsevier: Amsterdam, 1979.
 Sequeira, C. A. C.; Santos, D. M. F.; Sousa, J. R.; Brito, P. S. D.; Mater. Technol. 2009.
  Nakato, Y.; Jia, G.; Ishida, M.; Morisawa, K.; Fujitani, M.; Hinogami, R.; Yae, S. (10 June
1998)
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Azman, W. Logroño, Y. Simayi, A. Abdul HamidRecent advances and emerging
challenges in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) for microbial production of hydrogen
and value-added chemicals.
 J.O. Majasan, J.I.S. Cho, I. Dedigama, D. Tsaoulidis, P. Shearing, D.J.L. BrettTwo-phase
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electrochemical and optical characterization.
 I. Fırtına, S. Guner, A. AlbostanPreparation and characterization of membrane electrode
assembly (MEA) for PEMFC.
 S. Shiva Kumar, S.U.B. Ramakrishna, D. Bhagawan, V. HimabinduPreparation of RuxPd1-
xO2 electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in PEM water electrolysis

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