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3.2 Hydrogen Storage

3.2 Hydrogen Storage

This chapter discusses the options for storing hydrogen, categorized as physical and material-based methods. The graph illustrates the volumetric and gravimetric energy densities achieved by different storage methods. Compressed gaseous hydrogen and liquid hydrogen are explored, along with underground storage facilities. Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) and metal hydrides are also mentioned as potential storage options.

1. Different hydrogen storage options

 

The options for storing hydrogen can be divided into physical methods (increase of volumetric energy density by changing physical parameters such as pressure or temperature) and material-based methods (increase of volumetric energy density by binding to certain materials or forming new chemical compounds). An overview is given in the table below.

Chart with technology options for the storage of hydrogen
Technology options for the storage of hydrogen by Fabian Carels and Lisa Karies (CC BY-SA)

The following graph shows the volumetric and gravimetric energy densities that can be achieved with the different storage methods. The squares symbolise liquid storage media, the diamonds represent compressed gases and the triangle the storage in a solid medium.
Statistics of Achievable energy densities for different hydrogen storage options
Achievable energy densities for different hydrogen storage options by Fabian Carels and Lucas Sens (CC BY-SA)

It becomes clear that physical storage methods increase the volumetric energy density, while the gravimetric energy density of the stored hydrogen (33,33 kWh/kg) is not changed. In the case of material-based storage options, due to the formation of the new chemical compounds the volumetric energy density increases, but the gravimetric energy density decreases.