Abstract
As we enter the second century of superconductivity, helium still prevails as the cryogenic coolant of choice. What does the future of helium hold? What can be done to avoid the squandering of this precious resource? In our presentation, we will discuss the use of cryogenic hydrogen originated from renewable and low-CO2 emission sources. We suggest that 20 K of liquid hydrogen can ultimately displace helium as an indirect coolant in a range of superconducting electromagnetic devices. As is already well documented, superconductors have much potential underpinning the future developments in transportation, energy supply/storage and also in medical applications. Although superconductors that can operate at liquid hydrogen temperatures, such as MgB2 and YBa2Cu3O7, are not yet truly commercially available, research indicates that these will be feasible in the near future.
Highlights
Introduction to the Hydrogen MarketWe will try to explain that superconductivity interlocked with the hydrogen economy can be the solution to our decentralised energy problems
Introduction to the Hydrogen MarketIn this article, we will try to explain that superconductivity interlocked with the hydrogen economy can be the solution to our decentralised energy problems.The world is encountering a continuous depletion of fossil fuel resources and an acceleration of climate change, widely believed to be caused by the emission of greenhouse gases
Fundamental concerns over the cost and availability of helium which are already hampering progress for direct cooling dictate that superconductor cooling will be increasingly catered for via indirect closed loop systems in order to conserve helium and reduce operating costs
Summary
We will try to explain that superconductivity interlocked with the hydrogen economy can be the solution to our decentralised energy problems. Considering the projected increased energy demand in transportation and electrical supply, there will be an increased pressure on energy generation, storage and use and changes will have to be made. Due to the expected increase in the penetration of intermittent renewable energy [2] to the electrical grid in the future, there is a need for reliable energy storage systems. Increased storage capacity is necessary as the use of renewable energy increases. J Supercond Nov Magn (2015) 28:561–571 constitute for 0.3 % of the remaining storage capacity whereas production of hydrogen is growing strongly (see Fig. 2). Global hydrogen production was estimated to be 53 million tonnes in 2010, and this demand is expected to grow by an average of 5.6 % in the coming years [4]. Merchant hydrogen production is a small segment but it will be the fastest growing
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