Green hydrogen is widely recognized as one of the most exciting promises for the global energy transition, offering a clean, sustainable and highly efficient source of energy. However, despite its immense potential, hydrogen storage remains one of the greatest technological challenges facing scientists and engineers worldwide. The Advanced Institute of Technology and Innovation (IATI) is at the forefront of this effort, dedicated to developing innovative solutions that can overcome the obstacles related to the efficient storage and use of hydrogen.
Why is Hydrogen storage so challenging?
Hydrogen, despite being the most abundant element in the universe and having a high energy density, has characteristics that make its storage a major technical challenge. In its natural form, hydrogen has a very low volumetric density , which means that in order to store significant amounts of energy in small volumes, it needs to be compressed or converted into alternative forms. This requires advanced and safe technologies that not only allow compression, but also the transport and use of this fuel in an efficient and economically viable way.
The main challenge lies in the fact that hydrogen, although energy-efficient, takes up a lot of space in its gaseous form . To get around this barrier, several approaches are being studied, such as cryogenic storage , which involves cooling the hydrogen to extremely low temperatures, or compression in high-pressure tanks . Another promising technique is the use of advanced materials , such as graphene, to create more compact and safer reservoirs.
Solutions and Innovations: The Work of IATI
IATI has been focusing its efforts on developing economically viable, high-capacity storage technologies . Among the initiatives underway are studies for new forms of high-density storage that can ensure that hydrogen is transported and stored with maximum safety and efficiency.
One of the innovative solutions promoted by IATI involves the use of hydrogen-assisted injection in internal combustion engines . This technology, applied to both the Otto and Diesel Cycles, allows a significant reduction in pollutant gas emissions and contributes to fuel savings in vehicle fleets. This approach not only improves the energy efficiency of engines, but also represents a breakthrough in the use of hydrogen as a complementary fuel, helping to popularize this transition technology.
Storage: a crucial step towards commercial viability
For hydrogen to play a significant role in the global energy mix, it is essential to ensure that it can be stored safely and efficiently. Efficient storage is key to enabling the widespread use of hydrogen in everything from industrial applications to transportation. Innovative solutions that offer high storage density , combined with competitive costs, will be key to making hydrogen a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
The development of storage technologies also has direct implications for creating suitable value chains for green hydrogen. By improving the ability to store and transport hydrogen efficiently, it is possible to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen-related technologies, boosting both the market and global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Video - Robson Carmelo, IATI Researcher:
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