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Originally Posted by jeff88
The problem with BEVs though is the potential chemical energy is not as high with today's battery technology as other sources are (i.e. standard fuels).
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Answer: boost trailer, can be more batteries or a liquid fuelled generator.
I think liquid fuel generator is the way to go.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeff88
The other issue is where we get electricity from. Here in California, where electricity mostly comes from Natural Gas, a BEV would not be any better than a fuel cell vehicle that gets Hydrogen from the same source of NG
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Who cares where the power comes from. Batteries are a lot cheaper than a fuel cell.
Having most of your electrical power come from natural gas is why California has some of the most expensive power in the country.
If some one really cares that much about where their power comes from they should go off grid with solar, wind and fire wood or natural gas.
Otherwise let the power company do its job and have them worry about the fuel source.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeff88
I'm wondering how the energy to drill and process Natural Gas for Hydrogen development compares to the energy needed for electrolysis of water to produce the same amount of Hydrogen. At the same time, would solar/wind power make sense to power the electrolysis process.
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Both are horribly inefficient processes and amount to wasting resources. I ran all the numbers back in 2008, I don't remember the all details from 5 years ago but I do know it will not be economical in our life times.
Turning natural gas into hydrogen takes $4 worth of natural gas (1therm) and turns it into $10 to $12 worth of hydrogen (1therm). All you do is triple the cost of energy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeff88
Semi-random tangent question: Gas station storage tanks are notorious throughout history for leaking toxic gasoline into the ground. If a "gas" station supplying hydrogen had a leaky tank, would the hydrogen contaminate the ground in a toxic matter? If there was a leak could cleanup crews just oxygenate the ground to create water?
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The main ground water contaminant was MMT, before MMT it was Lead.
Obviously we don't use Lead in auto fuel any more.
The U.S. very rarely uses MMT in gasoline, it may be completely banned.
Canada still uses it like its going out of style.
Problem is MMT mixes very well with water, its harder to separate than the hydrocarbons from the water and MMT is a nasty carcinogen.
Pure biodiesel would be easy to clean up, the esters would break down on contact with moisture and bacteria with a little air.