Hydrogen-oxygen utilization systems

A Hydrogen-energy system embracing production, delivery and utilization or end-use means, can alternatively take on one of two basic configurations: (1) hydrogen (only) or (2) hydrogen + oxygen. The former, which would be analagous to today's natural gas system, implies air-using utilization devices in which the oxygen required for sustaining the using-point energy conversion by way of heat-release or electricity-generation, is extracted from the atmosphere.The second alternative would be represented by a “twin-pipe” delivery system in which both elemental constituents of the basic water-splitting production process are delivered to the utilization sectors. This hydrogen + oxygen alternative configuration offers significant, but not very well-known benefits attributable to hydrogen-oxygen utilization systems, the subject of this paper. The thesis offered is that such systems and end-use devices provide the potential for major gains in energy conversion efficiency, capital costs, operating flexibility, and in environmental impact.However, today concensus seems to favor the “hydrogen only” option in which the oxygen concomitant to hydrogen production is vented to the atmosphere, or at best assumed to be a cheap bulk industrial credit byproduct.If hydrogen-oxygen utilization systems are eventually judged by the ultimate consumer to offer the benefits postulated, production and delivery means supportive of hydrogen + oxygen distribution may be forthcoming. Since this predicates fundamental and large-scale changes in the production and delivery sector so far as physical makeup is concerned, advanced energy system planners are urged to give early heed to the potential and ramifications of hydrogen-oxygen utilization systems, and to voice their judgment.