HY DR OGE N-C NG
Why in News?
Delhi is all set to be India’s first city to launch hydrogen- enriched CNG (HCNG) buses in 2019.
More on News
• The decision follows a Supreme Court direction for the Delhi government to explore the feasibility of introducing zero emission and cost-effective hydrogen- run public buses. Also, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas had issued a draft notification, following a NITI Aayog proposal, for H-CNG as an automotive fuel.
• In order to help study the technology as well as its infrastructure requirements, the government has tied up with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), which is a public sector undertaking, to initially induct 50 HCNG- fuelled buses.
• The performance of buses as well as the reduction in emissions will be tested by mixing 18 to 20 per cent of hydrogen to compressed natural gas (CNG) in every bus.
What is HCNG?
• HCNG is a vehicle fuel which is a blend of compressed natural gas and hydrogen, typically 8-50% hydrogen by volume.
• Existing natural gas engines can be used with HCNG, although higher hydrogen blends require re-tuning of the engines for optimal performance. Studies indicate that HCNG mixtures with 20- 30% hydrogen by volume are optimal for vehicle performance and emissions reduction.
Advantages of HCNG
• No retrofitment required- It does not need any modification of the engine or retrofitment. Only some calibration is
Related Information
• Before this, in 2002, to help the deteriorating condition of pollution in Delhi, the government had introduced CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) buses.
• Besides this the pollution is expected to be handled by following Bharat Stage emission norms throughout the country. Recently, Delhi became the first city in the country to supply ultra-clean Bharat Stage (BS) VI grade fuel (both petrol and diesel).
64 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
required thus allowing governments and agencies to promote the use of hydrogen to greater number of people at less cost.
o It is usable with the existing CNG infrastructure. It requires only small hydrogen storage and a column for the mixing of hydrogen with natural gas. Safety properties are similar to CNG.
• Lower pollutant emissions- Global HCNG testing to date has demonstrated the fuel’s potential to reduce
nitrous oxide (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (appx 70%) and hydrocarbon emissions (appx
15%) vehicle emissions compared to traditional CNG.
o Hydrogen addition to natural gas can decrease engine’s unburned hydrocarbons and speed up the
combustion process.
• Improves fuel economy- It improves the engine efficiency, lowers fuel consumption upto 5 per cent as compared to a CNG bus.
The thermal efficiency of both Natural gas and HCNG increases with increase in load which makes it an ideal fuel for high load applications and heavy-duty vehicles.
Challenges
• Determining the most optimised hydrogen/compressed natural gas ratio - If the hydrogen faction increases above a certain limit, it will result in abnormal combustion such as pre-ignition, knock and backfire occur.
• Ensure safe infrastructure- Probably most evident challenge for wide-spread use of the new fuel is the current lack of infrastructure. Similar to other gaseous fuels, natural gas and hydrogen are both lighter than air, therefore if there is a leak it will quickly disperse into air with adequate ventilation.
• Cost and continuous availability- The cost of Hydrogen is higher than cost of Natural gas resulting in HCNG being costlier than CNG. Further, continuous availability of HCNG needs to be assured before embarking on its major use in IC engines.
• Continued engine performance, emissions and durability testing in variety of engine types and sizes need to be developed to increase consumer and manufacturer confidence.
Conclusion
Most vehicles today run on either diesel or petrol leading to higher pollution levels. Rising pollution levels have led to the need for cleaner fuels. Hence we need to re-examine our sources of energy. In the current scenario, there is clear potential for the use HCNG as a method of reducing emissions from CNG vehicles. However, although there is currently a large amount of research taking place regarding the HCNG fuel, there are certainly many steps to take before wide-spread implementation can occur.
6.4. WOR LD ’S FI R ST HY DR OGE N FUE L CE L L TR AI N
Why in News?
Germany has rolled out world’s first hydrogen fuel cell powered trains
called Coradia iLint. About the Train
• It was manufactured by Alstom, Europe’s largest railway
manufacturers.
• Coradia iLint is world’s first noise free, zero emissions trains running at 140km/hr and covering 1000 km on a full tank of hydrogen with seating capacity of 150 passengers.
• The train will be refuelled from a 40 foot high mobile hydrogen steel container.
• Its running cost is cheaper than the diesel trains.
About Hydrogen fuel cell
• It is a fuel cell that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity with water and steam as the only biproducts.
• The excess energy can be stored on board in ion lithium batteries.
65 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
• It is a climate friendly fuel as it does not emit carbon dioxide or particulate matter as the case with conventional fuels like diesel, coal etc.
How the hydrogen fuel cell works?
• A fuel cell is composed of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane.
• A fuel cell works by passing hydrogen through the anode of a fuel cell and oxygen through the cathode.
• At the anode, the hydrogen molecules are split into electrons and protons.
• The protons pass through the electrolyte membrane, while the electrons are forced through a circuit, generating an electric current and excess heat.
• At the cathode, the protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to produce water molecules.
• Unlike traditional combustion technologies that burn fuel, fuel cells undergo a chemical process to convert hydrogen-rich fuel into electricity.
• Fuel cells do not need to be periodically recharged like batteries, but instead continue to produce electricity as long as a fuel source is provided.
Way forward
Currently, the cheapest way to produce hydrogen is by burning natural gas at high temperature which emits carbon dioxide thus defeating the very purpose of using hydrogen fuel trains. The technology based renewable energy production of hydrogen from the water technology is required for a sustainable and cost effective rail transport for better tomorrow.
6.5. APSAR A – U
Why in news?
A swimming pool type research reactor “Apsara-upgraded” has become operational at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Trombay.
Research reactors
• Research reactors are nuclear reactors used for research, radioisotope production, education, training etc.
• Research reactors are simpler than power reactors and operate at lower temperatures.
• Like power reactors, the core needs cooling and usually a moderator is used to slow down the neutrons.
• They produce neutrons for use in industry, medicine, agriculture, forensics, etc which is their main function. Hence most research reactors also need a reflector to reduce neutron loss from the core.
• Research reactors are the back bone
of a country’s Nuclear Programme.
• Currently Apsara-u, Dhruva and kamini are the research reactors operational in India.
66 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
More about Apsara-U
• It has been made indigenously.
• It is the upgraded version of “Apsara”, the first research reactor in Asia which had became operational in 1956 and was shut down in 2009.
• It uses plate type dispersion fuel elements made of
Low Enriched Uranium (LEU).
• Owing to higher neutron flux, this reactor will increase indigenous production of radio-isotopes for medical application by about 50%.
Kamini (Kalpakkam Mini)
• KAMINI is the only reactor in the world operating with 233U fuel which is produced by the thorium fuel cycle harnessed by the neighbouring Fast Breeder Test Reactor reactor.
• It is very important for the third stage of Indian nuclear power programme.
Dhruva (at BARC in Trombay)
• It is India's largest research reactor.
• It is the primary source of weapons-grade plutonium.
• It would also be used for research in nuclear physics, material science and radiation shielding.
Why in News?
Delhi is all set to be India’s first city to launch hydrogen- enriched CNG (HCNG) buses in 2019.
More on News
• The decision follows a Supreme Court direction for the Delhi government to explore the feasibility of introducing zero emission and cost-effective hydrogen- run public buses. Also, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas had issued a draft notification, following a NITI Aayog proposal, for H-CNG as an automotive fuel.
• In order to help study the technology as well as its infrastructure requirements, the government has tied up with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), which is a public sector undertaking, to initially induct 50 HCNG- fuelled buses.
• The performance of buses as well as the reduction in emissions will be tested by mixing 18 to 20 per cent of hydrogen to compressed natural gas (CNG) in every bus.
What is HCNG?
• HCNG is a vehicle fuel which is a blend of compressed natural gas and hydrogen, typically 8-50% hydrogen by volume.
• Existing natural gas engines can be used with HCNG, although higher hydrogen blends require re-tuning of the engines for optimal performance. Studies indicate that HCNG mixtures with 20- 30% hydrogen by volume are optimal for vehicle performance and emissions reduction.
Advantages of HCNG
• No retrofitment required- It does not need any modification of the engine or retrofitment. Only some calibration is
Related Information
• Before this, in 2002, to help the deteriorating condition of pollution in Delhi, the government had introduced CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) buses.
• Besides this the pollution is expected to be handled by following Bharat Stage emission norms throughout the country. Recently, Delhi became the first city in the country to supply ultra-clean Bharat Stage (BS) VI grade fuel (both petrol and diesel).
64 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
required thus allowing governments and agencies to promote the use of hydrogen to greater number of people at less cost.
o It is usable with the existing CNG infrastructure. It requires only small hydrogen storage and a column for the mixing of hydrogen with natural gas. Safety properties are similar to CNG.
• Lower pollutant emissions- Global HCNG testing to date has demonstrated the fuel’s potential to reduce
nitrous oxide (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (appx 70%) and hydrocarbon emissions (appx
15%) vehicle emissions compared to traditional CNG.
o Hydrogen addition to natural gas can decrease engine’s unburned hydrocarbons and speed up the
combustion process.
• Improves fuel economy- It improves the engine efficiency, lowers fuel consumption upto 5 per cent as compared to a CNG bus.
The thermal efficiency of both Natural gas and HCNG increases with increase in load which makes it an ideal fuel for high load applications and heavy-duty vehicles.
Challenges
• Determining the most optimised hydrogen/compressed natural gas ratio - If the hydrogen faction increases above a certain limit, it will result in abnormal combustion such as pre-ignition, knock and backfire occur.
• Ensure safe infrastructure- Probably most evident challenge for wide-spread use of the new fuel is the current lack of infrastructure. Similar to other gaseous fuels, natural gas and hydrogen are both lighter than air, therefore if there is a leak it will quickly disperse into air with adequate ventilation.
• Cost and continuous availability- The cost of Hydrogen is higher than cost of Natural gas resulting in HCNG being costlier than CNG. Further, continuous availability of HCNG needs to be assured before embarking on its major use in IC engines.
• Continued engine performance, emissions and durability testing in variety of engine types and sizes need to be developed to increase consumer and manufacturer confidence.
Conclusion
Most vehicles today run on either diesel or petrol leading to higher pollution levels. Rising pollution levels have led to the need for cleaner fuels. Hence we need to re-examine our sources of energy. In the current scenario, there is clear potential for the use HCNG as a method of reducing emissions from CNG vehicles. However, although there is currently a large amount of research taking place regarding the HCNG fuel, there are certainly many steps to take before wide-spread implementation can occur.
6.4. WOR LD ’S FI R ST HY DR OGE N FUE L CE L L TR AI N
Why in News?
Germany has rolled out world’s first hydrogen fuel cell powered trains
called Coradia iLint. About the Train
• It was manufactured by Alstom, Europe’s largest railway
manufacturers.
• Coradia iLint is world’s first noise free, zero emissions trains running at 140km/hr and covering 1000 km on a full tank of hydrogen with seating capacity of 150 passengers.
• The train will be refuelled from a 40 foot high mobile hydrogen steel container.
• Its running cost is cheaper than the diesel trains.
About Hydrogen fuel cell
• It is a fuel cell that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity with water and steam as the only biproducts.
• The excess energy can be stored on board in ion lithium batteries.
65 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
• It is a climate friendly fuel as it does not emit carbon dioxide or particulate matter as the case with conventional fuels like diesel, coal etc.
How the hydrogen fuel cell works?
• A fuel cell is composed of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane.
• A fuel cell works by passing hydrogen through the anode of a fuel cell and oxygen through the cathode.
• At the anode, the hydrogen molecules are split into electrons and protons.
• The protons pass through the electrolyte membrane, while the electrons are forced through a circuit, generating an electric current and excess heat.
• At the cathode, the protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to produce water molecules.
• Unlike traditional combustion technologies that burn fuel, fuel cells undergo a chemical process to convert hydrogen-rich fuel into electricity.
• Fuel cells do not need to be periodically recharged like batteries, but instead continue to produce electricity as long as a fuel source is provided.
Way forward
Currently, the cheapest way to produce hydrogen is by burning natural gas at high temperature which emits carbon dioxide thus defeating the very purpose of using hydrogen fuel trains. The technology based renewable energy production of hydrogen from the water technology is required for a sustainable and cost effective rail transport for better tomorrow.
6.5. APSAR A – U
Why in news?
A swimming pool type research reactor “Apsara-upgraded” has become operational at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Trombay.
Research reactors
• Research reactors are nuclear reactors used for research, radioisotope production, education, training etc.
• Research reactors are simpler than power reactors and operate at lower temperatures.
• Like power reactors, the core needs cooling and usually a moderator is used to slow down the neutrons.
• They produce neutrons for use in industry, medicine, agriculture, forensics, etc which is their main function. Hence most research reactors also need a reflector to reduce neutron loss from the core.
• Research reactors are the back bone
of a country’s Nuclear Programme.
• Currently Apsara-u, Dhruva and kamini are the research reactors operational in India.
66 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
More about Apsara-U
• It has been made indigenously.
• It is the upgraded version of “Apsara”, the first research reactor in Asia which had became operational in 1956 and was shut down in 2009.
• It uses plate type dispersion fuel elements made of
Low Enriched Uranium (LEU).
• Owing to higher neutron flux, this reactor will increase indigenous production of radio-isotopes for medical application by about 50%.
Kamini (Kalpakkam Mini)
• KAMINI is the only reactor in the world operating with 233U fuel which is produced by the thorium fuel cycle harnessed by the neighbouring Fast Breeder Test Reactor reactor.
• It is very important for the third stage of Indian nuclear power programme.
Dhruva (at BARC in Trombay)
• It is India's largest research reactor.
• It is the primary source of weapons-grade plutonium.
• It would also be used for research in nuclear physics, material science and radiation shielding.
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