Understanding Hydrogen Production for Space Applications
While aspiring space engineers might imagine crafting hydrogen from scratch, the reality is quite different. Hydrogen is typically produced by industrial companies, not individual engineers, due to its mass production and widespread use in various industries.
Industrial Hydrogen Production
In 2016, North America was home to over 10 liquid hydrogen production plants, with five companies capable of producing over 250,000 kilograms of liquid hydrogen per day for industrial use. These facilities have been in operation for more than 50 years, supplying a total gaseous hydrogen production of 15 million kilograms per day.
When space engineers, or any other entities, require hydrogen, they usually purchase it from industrial suppliers or order it online. However, as new mobility markets for hydrogen emerge, the number of liquid hydrogen production plants is growing rapidly. California alone now has at least four new plants announced or under construction, and the cost of transporting liquid hydrogen by tanker truck is comparable to that of diesel.
Renewable Hydrogen for the Future
California’s hydrogen fuel market currently requires that 30% of the hydrogen be produced from renewable sources, but this requirement is expected to increase to 100% soon. Some hydrogen stations are already 100% renewable, supplying hydrogen made from water electrolysis, such as the process of splitting water molecules to produce hydrogen and oxygen.
For those looking to produce hydrogen themselves for applications like fuel, electrolysis of water is a straightforward method. Using a clean mayonnaise jar, a metal pot scrubber, and a 12-volt battery, one can easily produce hydrogen without much difficulty. This process is not a secret and can be easily replicated by anyone with basic knowledge and equipment.
Industrial Hydrogen Production Methods
Industrial hydrogen production involves several methods, such as steam reforming, partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, and the conversion of carbon monoxide. Companies like Linde operate advanced plants that supply hydrogen with a purity of up to 99.999%, making it suitable for various applications including space missions.
Hydrogen's abundance can be attributed to its formation in the early universe. About one microsecond after the Big Bang, quarks coalesced into nucleons, forming hydrogen nuclei. Neutral hydrogen atoms formed approximately 370,000 years later, with common molecular hydrogen emerging during the Cosmic Dark Age.
Conclusion
Space engineers do not produce hydrogen themselves but rely on industrial facilities for their needs. As renewable energy sources become more prevalent, the hydrogen produced for space applications will increasingly come from clean and sustainable sources, ensuring a greener future for space exploration and beyond.