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Marcella Nehrbass ’09 (Ringoes, N.J.), an engineering studies major, explored the possibility of using hydrogen fuel as an alternative to petroleum with Javad Tavakoli, professor of chemical engineering. Nehrbass is also a member of the College’s swimming and diving team, setting two school records in swimming last week at the Patriot League Championships.
When I began the process of developing an independent research paper, I did not understand where such an effort might take me. With my faculty advisor, I settled on the subject of the use of hydrogen as a fuel. Not so much the technical aspects of converting the gas into usable fuel or the challenge of adapting existing forms of technology (such as automobiles and power plants) to its usage, but rather a review of how far we as a society have come and what the future seems to hold for this technology. Professor Tavakoli guided me in the formulation of research designed to be a comprehensive survey of all aspects of hydrogen fuel as an alternative to petroleum.
My research looks at the different methods of producing hydrogen – thermal, electrolytic, and photolytic – and analyzes their environmental impacts. The two most common forms of hydrogen production, steam methane reforming and electrolysis, were extensively explored in a cradle-to-grave assessment to determine the possible effects each might have on the environment.
Additionally, common uses of hydrogen fuel cells were identified and subsequently researched. The possibility of a modern society involving hydrogen fuel was examined by investigating available applications that utilize hydrogen fuel cells, such as airplanes, automobiles, buses, and submarines. Based on our research, hydrogen will become a viable energy alternative to oil as more applications are explored and energy efficiency continues to improve.
As the world moves closer to a fossil fuel extinct era, many other sources of energy need to be developed if society is to carry on without a misstep. In a culture that relies so heavily on oil as a source of energy, it seems to be a popular assumption that the use of oil, as the engine of modern society, has peaked.
Presently, there are environmental concerns and issues of whether production capacity can be increased in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of rapidly expanding global demand. It was a surprise to learn just how much has already been done in this area and how the future might be changed by hydrogen. Scientists are currently developing new technologies that will lead to greater efficiencies in usage and lower operating costs. This would put hydrogen in the lead as an energy source that both addresses environmental concerns and rivals petroleum based energy.
I want to thank Dr. Tavakoli for his guidance and constant encouragement. The work involved has proven to be highly educational, and it is a privilege and an honor to have my research accepted for presentation at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research in April. I look forward to this opportunity to present my work.