Originally Posted By: PandaBear
I don't see how hydrogen will be more convenient or cost effective than running electrical wires around population, and I don't see how converting energy source into hydrogen and then using the hydrogen is better than other means, like pumping water up stream or chemical battery, or time of day electricity rate to encourage drying clothes, making ice, and charging EV at night.
The only reason I think Japan wants hydrogen is to introduce a demand for nuclear power plants or use nuclear power to crack hydrogen from water.
Fuel cells are not governed by Carnot.
If fuel cells can be part of a hybrid/bottoming cycle approach with IC, the net efficiencies get much higher.
If you can produce hydrogen from a liquid medium or hydrocarbon gas infrastructure (reformation), you can get generating efficiencies, low-load efficiencies, etc.
Like everything in engineering, there are trades. Storing H2 is difficult. Transporing it isnt much better. Doesnt mean other approaches wont help. People will get nowhere without trying.