This work presents a comprehensive investigation of the most significant renewable hydrogen production processes. Technical, economic and ecological studies are described for the processes of steam reforming of ethanol, natural gas and biogas; water electrolysis with energy from renewable sources (wind power, photovoltaic and hydroelectric), and hydrogen production using algae. Aimed at mechanical and chemical engineering graduate students and researchers involved in environmental sciences, sustainable energy and bioenergy research, this book introduces readers to the latest developments in the field and provides essential reference material for future research. The book first presents a comprehensive literature review of the processes studied. Subsequently, it provides a technical report on assessing the energetic efficiency for each hydrogen production process, as well as an economic study of the respective hydrogen production costs. Lastly, the ecological efficiency of each process is addressed. Over the past few decades, the UNESP’s Group of Optimization of Energetic Systems, headed by Professor José Luz Silveira, has been pursuing research in the field of renewable energy generation. A major part of the group’s research focuses on the production of hydrogen as a fuel and its important contribution to mitigating the environmental impacts caused by pollutant emissions.

Provides a comprehensive practical review of the new technologies used to obtain hydrogen more efficiently via catalytic, electrochemical, bio- and photohydrogen production. Hydrogen has been gaining more attention in both transportation and stationary power applications. Fuel cell-powered cars are on the roads and the automotive industry is demanding feasible and efficient technologies to produce hydrogen. The principles and methods described herein lead to reasonable mitigation of the great majority of problems associated with hydrogen production technologies. The chapters in this book are written by distinguished authors who have extensive experience in their fields, and readers will have a chance to compare the fundamental production techniques and learn about the pros and cons of these technologies. The book is organized into three parts. Part I shows the catalytic and electrochemical principles involved in hydrogen production technologies. Part II addresses hydrogen production from electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) by decomposing organic compound into hydrogen in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). The final part of the book is concerned with photohydrogen generation. Recent developments in the area of semiconductor-based nanomaterials, specifically semiconductor oxides, nitrides and metal free semiconductor-based nanomaterials for photocatalytic hydrogen production are extensively discussed.

Solar Hydrogen Production: Processes, Systems and Technologies presents the most recent developments in solar-driven hydrogen generation methods. The book covers different hydrogen production routes, from renewable sources, to solar harvesting technologies. Sections focus on solar energy, presenting the main thermal and electrical technologies suitable for possible integration into solar-based hydrogen production systems and present a thorough examination of solar hydrogen technologies, ranging from solar-driven water electrolysis and solar thermal methods, to photo-catalytic and biological processes. All hydrogen-based technologies are covered, including data regarding the state-of-the art of each process in terms of costs, efficiency, measured parameters, experimental analyses, and demonstration projects. In the last part of the book, the role of hydrogen in the integration of renewable sources in electric grids, transportation sector, and end-user applications is assessed, considering their current status and future perspectives. The book includes performance data, tables, models and references to available standards. It is thus a key-resource for engineering researchers and scientists, in both academic and industrial contexts, involved in designing, planning and developing solar hydrogen systems. - Offers a comprehensive overview of conventional and advanced solar hydrogen technologies, including simulation models, cost figures, R&D projects, demonstration projects, test standards, and safety and handling issues - Encompasses, in a single volume, information on solar energy and hydrogen systems - Includes detailed economic data on each technology for feasibility assessment of different systems

Hydrogen is one of the most promising next-generation fuels. It has the highest energy content per unit weight of any known fuel and in comparison to the other known natural gases it is environmentally safe - in fact, its combustion results only in water vapour and energy. This book provides an overview of worldwide research in the use of hydrogen in energy development, its most innovative methods of production and the various steps necessary for the optimization of this product.

Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production describes the principles and materials challenges for the conversion of sunlight into hydrogen through water splitting at a semiconducting electrode. Readers will find an analysis of the solid state properties and materials requirements for semiconducting photo-electrodes, a detailed description of the semiconductor/electrolyte interface, in addition to the photo-electrochemical (PEC) cell. Experimental techniques to investigate both materials and PEC device performance are outlined, followed by an overview of the current state-of-the-art in PEC materials and devices, and combinatorial approaches towards the development of new materials. Finally, the economic and business perspectives of PEC devices are discussed, and promising future directions indicated. Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production is a one-stop resource for scientists, students and R&D practitioners starting in this field, providing both the theoretical background as well as useful practical information on photoelectrochemical measurement techniques. Experts in the field benefit from the chapters on current state-of-the-art materials/devices and future directions.

Renewable Hydrogen Production provides a comprehensive analysis of renewable energy-based hydrogen production. Through simulation analysis and experimental investigations, the book provides fundamentals, compares existing hydrogen production applications, discusses novel technologies, and offers insights into the future directions of this rapidly evolving industry. This all-in-one resource on how to produce clean hydrogen production to enhance energy efficiency and support sustainable development will appeal to a wide variety of industries and professionals. - Addresses the production of clean hydrogen from the major sources of renewable energy, including wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, biomass and marine energy - Presents information from simulations and experimental analyses - Offers insights into the future of renewable hydrogen production

Science and Engineering of Hydrogen-Based Energy Technologies explores the generation of energy using hydrogen and hydrogen-rich fuels in fuel cells from the perspective of its integration into renewable energy systems using the most sound and current scientific knowledge. The book first examines the evolution of energy utilization and the role expected to be played by hydrogen energy technologies in the world's energy mix, not just for energy generation, but also for carbon capture, storage and utilization. It provides a general overview of the most common and promising types of fuel cells, such as PEMFCs, SOFCs and direct alcohol fuel cells. The co-production of chemical and electrolysis cells, as well as the available and future materials for fuel cells production are discussed. It then delves into the production of hydrogen from biomass, including waste materials, and from excess electricity produced by other renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro and geothermal. The main technological approaches to hydrogen storage are presented, along with several possible hydrogen energy engineering applications. Science and Engineering of Hydrogen-Based Energy Technologies's unique approach to hydrogen energy systems makes it useful for energy engineering researchers, professionals and graduate students in this field. Policy makers, energy planning and management professionals, and energy analysts can also benefit from the comprehensive overview that it provides. - Presents engineering fundamentals, commercially deployed technologies, up-and-coming developments and applications through a systemic approach - Explores the integration of hydrogen technologies in renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, bioenergy and ocean energy - Covers engineering standards, guidelines and regulations, as well as policy and social aspects for large-scale deployment of these technologies