On-board hydrogen storage systems for automotive application

The potential of hydrogen in the emerging energy-environment scene as a promising alternative for simultaneously solving the two problems concerning the protection of the environment and optimum energy utilization, has by now, been very clearly understood. However, while considering hydrogen for automotive applications two important factors must be carefully viewed. Firstly, the fuel metering system should be capable of supplying the desired quantity of fuel to the engine at the appropriate point in the engine cycle so as to ensure sustained engine operation without any symptoms of undesirable combustion. The other practical aspect which has delayed the regular implementation and commercialization of hydrogen fuel for vehicular application centres round the problem of onboard storage. This paper discusses various possible storage techniques for hydrogen use in the automobile sector. Copyright (C) 1996 International Association for Hydrogen Energy