Photovoltaics can go hand in hand with the production of hydrogen. The use of green energy is ecological and economic. However, scientists in Belgium have developed a modern system in which the panel itself is responsible for the production of hydrogen.
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The use of hydrogen in the power industry allows for convenient energy storage. Therefore, it can be one of the ways to solve the problems related to renewable energy. Scientists from the Catholic University of Lowlands have developed a special panel that is powered by solar energy hydrogen from water in the air.
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The inventors estimate the efficiency of the hydrogen production process using this unusual solar panel at 15 percent. It is supposed to be more than in the case of currently used hydrogen production processes. With regard to Belgian weather conditions, it has been estimated that such a panel is capable of producing an average of 250 liters of hydrogen per day.
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Tom Bosserez, one of the panel’s creators, says that 20 of these panels are enough to power and heat a well-insulated, heat pump-heated home all winter long. Combined with solar and classic collectors photovoltaics energy should be enough for the whole year.
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The creators also point out how great an advantage is the ability to easily store hydrogen. Its surplus may, in their opinion, be transferred to the gas network or stored in order to be used during the winter months.
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This winter tests have started hydrogen panels in cooperation with the Belgian company Fluxys. The company deals with the development of infrastructure and technologies related to gas energy.
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