1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
13.Ans: c
Expalantion:
Hydrogen-powered engines There are two technologies: hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) and Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2ICE).
A hydrogen engine(HCE) is an engine that uses hydrogen (H2) as fuel and burns hydrogen in an internal combustion engine. It is a modified gasoline-powered engine but doesnot emit any carbon based product.
Since the earliest attempt at developing a hydrogen engine was reported by Reverend W. Cecil in 1820, hydrogen engines are not a recent invention. However adoption was passive due to high hydrogen costs and safet concerns with HCEs.
Hence Statement 1 is correct.
FCEVs generate electricity from hydrogen in a device known as a fuel cell that is used to power the electric motor. Therefore, fuel cell receive energy via electrochemical processes.
Hydrogen has a wide flammability range in comparison with all other fuels. As a result, hydrogen can be blended with a wide range of fuel-air mixtures. Hydrogen can be used in power plants as a fuel by either blending it with natural gas or alone in specialised turbines, or it can be used in fuel cells, (which consume H₂ and O₂), to generate electricity (power), heat and using hydrogen in these sectors reduce their carbon emissions.
Hence Statement 2 and 3 are correct.
Read: Previous Year UPSC Environment Questions (PYQs) With Explanation 2023