High Density Energy Storage Using Cyclic Hydrogen Carriers
Technology Description:
Johns Hopkins University is developing a high-energy-density hydrogen carrier using methylcyclohexane to create a fuel cell (FC) system that holds higher mass-specific energy densities than conventional systems. The proposed hydrogen FC uses closed loop cyclic hydrogen carriers. The FC system can also be rapidly (~10 min) replenished via pumping.
Market Impact Potential:
Johns Hopkins University is enabling the electrification of railroad and ships through transformational energy storage techniques. The proposed liquid hydrogen carriers are stable, low-toxicity, and scalable media that do not require pressurization or liquefaction. Johns Hopkins’ hydrogen FC system would overcome a typical challenge with hydrogen gas storage—the need for costly pressurization or liquefaction, which limits the deployment of hydrogen fuel more broadly.