Widespread Use of Hydrogen May Hurt Ozone Layer

Saeger writes "The AP has a story about a CalTech study which has found that the Hydrogen Economy may deplete the ozone layer by 'as much as 8 percent' on the assumption that '10 percent to 20 percent of the hydrogen would leak from pipelines, storage facilities, processing plants and fuel cells in cars and at power plants.'" CalTech's press release has more information.

Comments

Re:overblown

[rekkanoryo]

So we're supposed to fear the worst unnecessarily? Or did I misread this?

Also, I've read in paper-only publications that hydrogen isn't as feasible as alcohol-only fuels--a fuel cartridge as small as an inkjet printer cartridge such as the ones that fit in the Canon BCI-21 print head can power a cell phone for a month or more using alcohol--so maybe studies like this will push more toward the alcohol alternative, which will actually be cheaper to convert to since most infrastructure is already equipped for the distribution of liquid fuels.

Re:And then... one spark...

[Mr. Flibble]

Second, it's *extremely* explosive. The cost of leaking even a small part of the amount you're moving is death in a fiery inferno.

Actually, this statement is a little off. It is a common perception however. Gasoline is a far worse substance to handle or deal with than Hydrogen. Gasoline can stick to you, spill, and it can explode as well.

Ironically, the destruction of the Hindenburg, which is the famous example of the dangers of Hydrogen was not as bad as people imagine, the majority of the problem was that the skin of the ship was rocket fuel. The gas, while it was burning ferociously, can be seen to be floating up and away from the ship itself. The most interesting thing about the Hindenburg disaster is that only 35 of the 97 passengers died. If Hydrogen was a heavier than air gas, this would not have been the case.

Since Hydrogen rises very fast, if you have a leak, it immediately seeks to escape out into the air. Not so with gasoline, which will form a dangerous pool on the ground. Movies such as "Chain Reaction" (ARRRGHHH!!!) perpetuate the "risk" that hydrogen poses. Given the choice, being involved in a gasoline leak (pools on ground) or Hydrogen (rapidly floats up into sky, or celing in an enclosed environment) I would choose being around Hydrogen as I could hit the deck, and have the gas float up and away from me.