Topp 1

Jade Topp

Daniel MacDevitt

Projects 10

15 Dec. 2017

Hydrogen Energy

Maui is in dire need of clean energy. This island cannot sustain itself on fossil fuels

forever. Of course, the next question posed is, what energy source should we use? Theres wind,

solar, hydroelectricThe list goes on and on. Personally, I believe Maui should invest in

hydrogen energy as a major energy source because hydrogen is not only the most abundant,

simplest element, but it burns virtually pollution-free and is extremely energy efficient, while

also being remarkably versatile.

Hydrogen is the simplest element in existence. With one proton and one electron, it sits

as the first substance on the periodic table. According to H2Tools, hydrogen is a gas with no

color, scent, or taste. Its also non-toxic and non-corrosive. Hydrogen approximately 14 times

lighter than air itself, giving it the tendency to disperse quickly. This is a safety advantage in

open areas. Of course, though, if hydrogen oversaturates any closed area, it will become an

asphyxiant (Hydrogen Compared to Other Fuels). Another curious trait of hydrogen is that it

isnt found in a pure state anywhere in nature. Highlighted in Tomorrow's Energy: Hydrogen,

Fuel Cells, and the Prospects for a Cleaner Planet, pure hydrogen can be extracted from

biomass, steam splitting, natural gas, or electrolysis. Electrolysis is the use of an electrical on

water to break the bonds between the oxygen and hydrogen, thus producing pure hydrogen gas

(Hoffman).
 Topp 2

So, how is this pure hydrogen gas turned into useable energy? The answer is hydrogen

fuel cells. Hydrogen can also be burned and used as thermal energy which is then converted to

electricity. Lately, though, the more popular and efficient choice are fuel cells. Covered in the

article Fuel Cell Basics, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells have a cathode (positive

electrode) on one side and an anode (negative electrode) on the other, with an electrolyte in-

between. Hydrogen is fed to the anode and oxygen to the cathode. A catalyst turns the hydrogen

atoms into protons and electrons. The electrons go through the external circuit, creating

electricity, while the protons go through the electrolyte to join with the oxygen to make water

(energy.gov). However, there are many different methods and variations to the fuel cell that I

didnt cover here, but they all generally have the same concept.

Another highlight is hydrogens many varied applications. As mentioned earlier,

hydrogen can be burned for thermal energy. This thermal energy can then be turned into

mechanical energy and then converted to electricity. Fuel cells can be used in many different

energy practices. Mentioned in Hydrogen Fuel Cells, They can be used to power anything from

cars, to large scale operations like entire counties, or even marine vessels. Fuel cells can also be

portable and can provide energy for small hand-held items. When used in vehicles, hydrogen

engines operate more efficiently than regular combustion engines (hydrogen.energy.gov).

Hydrogen fuel cells have been used by NASA to power their rockets for decades and the potable

water produced as a byproduct is consumed by the astronauts.

So, if this energy can be reliably used for rigorous space travel, why dont we use it?

Hydrogen energy has countless advantages and uses, but is consistently overlooked. It can be

used to power our homes, our cars, and even our phones. Its feasible that one day, this island
 Topp 3

would be completely running on hydrogen fuels and leaving little to no pollution or carbon

footprint. Hydrogen is the solution to usher Maui into a truly clean, efficient future.

Works Cited
 Topp 4

Fuel Cell Basics. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Energy,

energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/articles/fuel-cell-basics.

Hoffmann, Peter, and Inc Ebrary. Tomorrow's Energy Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and the Prospects

for a Cleaner Planet. Cambridge, Mass., Cambridge, Mass. : MIT Press, 2012.

Hydrogen Compared with Other Fuels. Hydrogen Tools,

www.h2tools.org/bestpractices/h2properties.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells. DOE Hydrogen Program,

www.hydrogen.energy.gov/pdfs/doe_fuelcell_factsheet.pdf.