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Hydrogen – Facts Sheet

Basics
Hydrogen was discovered in 1766 by the English chemist and physicist H. Cavendish.
Hydrogen is the first element in the periodic table, consisting of one proton and one electron making it the smallest
and lightest of all elements. Hydrogen reacts with many different materials and is one of the most abundant
elements in the universe, 90% of the atoms in the known universe are hydrogen. Hydrogen therefore can be
produced from a various types of sources. The most important source is water, which can be split into hydrogen
and oxygen by electrolysis. These can be combined again in a fuel cell, creating power, heat and water as the only
emission.

Physical and Chemical properties

Hydrogen density
Gas (m3) Liquid (litre) Weight (kg)
1 1,163 0,0898
0,856 1 0,0709
12,126 14,104 1
nm3 at 981 mbar and 15 degrees Celsius

Hydrogen Properties
Data Value
Density 0,08988 kg/nm3
Upper heating value 12,745 MJ/nm3
Lower heating value 10,783 MJ/nm3
Ignition energy 0,02 MJ
Ignition temperature 520 degrees Celsius
Lower ignition level (gas concentration in air) 4,1 Vol.%
Upper ignition level (gas concentration in air) 72,5 Vol.%
Flame rate 2,7 m/s
Hydrogen density compared to other fuels
Hydrogen Gasoline Diesel Natural gas Methanol
Density (kg/L) 0,0000898 0,702 0,855 0,00071 0.799
Density (kg/m3) 0,0898 702 855 0,71 799
Energy density (MJ/kg) 120 42,7 41,9 50,4 19,9
Energy density (MJ/L) 0,01006 31,2 36,5 00,0361 15,9
Energy density (MJ/m3) 10,783 31200 36500 36,1 18000
Energy density (kWh/kg) 33,3 11,86 11,64 14 5,53
Energy density (kWh/m3) 2,79 8666,67 10138,88 10,02 4420
All numbers are at lower heating value and at atmospheric pressure and normal temperature.

Production
As the most abundant element in the universe hydrogen can be produced from a various types of sources.
Hydrogen sources and production methods
Energy Source Energy Type Energy Technology Production Method
Wind
Hydro
Electrolysis
Electricity Waves
Renewable
Sun
Photovoltaic
Reforming
Material/Gas Bio mass
Biological
Electrolysis
Power Nuclear
Nuclear Thermo
Natural gas
Fossil
Methanol Reforming
Material/Gas
Oil
Coal Gasification

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Storage
Hydrogen can be stored in three different ways, as a gas, as liquid, as a material.
Hydrogen volume of the energy content in 1 litre of gasoline
Energy content of 1 litre gasoline 8,67 kWh
Hydrogen storage technology Hydrogen volume of 8,67 kWh Gasoline volume of 8,67 kWh
Pressure (atmospheric) 3107 litre
Pressure (200 bar) 13 litre
Pressure (700 bar) 6,4 litre
Liquid (-253 degrees Celsius) 3,6 litre 1 litre
Methanol 1,8 litre
Metal hydride (MgH2) 2,3 litre
Metal hydride (Mg 2FeH6) 1,7 litre
Data with great inaccuracy due to different data sources, calculations methods and storage technology.
All hydrogen data with lower heating value on 2,79 kWh/m3 at normal temperature and pressure.

Safety
Hydrogen is as dangerous as gasoline, but perhaps safer because of its safety characteristics.
• Hydrogen is lighter than all other elements.
• Hydrogen has a low density and thus a higher buoyancy
• Hydrogen diffuses faster through air than other gas fuels
• Hydrogen is odorless, tasteless, colorless and non toxically
• Hydrogen ignition interval covers large differences in concentration
• Hydrogen burning flame is invisible in day light
• Hydrogen ignition energy at certain concentrations are very low
• Hydrogen flame rate are quite higher than that of other fuels
• Hydrogen ignition temperature are quite higher than gasoline
• Hydrogen is explosive in a large concentration interval when concealed, but in open air difficult to
explode
Hydrogen vs. Gasoline Safety properties
Safety property Hydrogen Gasoline
Ignition energy 0,02 MJ 0,24 MJ
Ignition temperature 520 degrees Celsius 240 degrees Celsius
Ignition interval (concentration in air) 4,1-72,5 Vol.% 1-7,6 Vol. %
Lower detonation level (concentration in air) 13-18 Vol. % 1,1%
Flame rate (m/sec.) 2,7 0,3
Flame radiation 17-25% 34-43%
Buoyancy (relative density) 0,07 4
Diffusion (cm2/sec.) 0,61 0,05

Hydrogen did not cause the Hindenburg to blow up. A study of the accident implicates the paint used on the skin
of the airship, which contained the same component as rocket fuel. An electrical discharge ignited its skin, and a
fire raced over the surface of the airship. The hydrogen burned quickly, upward and away from the people
onboard the ship.

Reasons for hydrogen

• Hydrogen holds the potential for a zero emission energy system
• Hydrogen is as safe as gasoline and natural gas
• Hydrogen in long term can be produced competitive with fossil fuels
• Hydrogen can remove the dependency of foreign limited fossil fuels
• Hydrogen can be produced by everybody with access to sun and wind
• Hydrogen in combination with fuel cells can innovate our energy technology thus creating jobs

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