In recent years, the use of hydrogen as a fuel supply for transportation, heating, and seasonal energy storage for a future decarbonized energy system has gained growing interest from researchers and industry. As opposed to hydrogen produced by electrolyzers in which electricity is based on coal, which is often termed “black” hydrogen, hydrogen obtained by electricity from renewable energy sources is opening new perspectives as a clean energy carrier. It can be utilized in fuel cells and vehicles by suitable power handling systems. For electrolyzer and fuel cell applications, DC/DC converters must meet several challenging issues, such as energy efficiency, low or high conversion ratios, and current ripple reduction. Furthermore, the availability and reliability of power converters remain major concerns so that multi-source systems based on RES and hydrogen technologies can guarantee a high-level of autonomy in case of electrical failures. Electric vehicles can use hydrogen to supply fuel cells, which increase their autonomy compared to battery powered vehicles. Alternatively, hydrogen can be exploited directly by internal combustion engines. In any case, some challenges related to storage, transportation, and safety have to be addressed. The advantage of fuel storage can be obtained by increasing the pressure of hydrogen gas, but this requires suitable tanks. Transportation infrastructure could be optimized by producing hydrogen locally, but suitably designed filling stations are needed. Finally, appropriate safety measures are required to keep hydrogen hazards to a minimum. Only by improving technologies will hydrogen be introduced as a safe and sustainable energy carrier. This Special Issue aims at attracting original high-quality papers and review articles focused on technologies related to the production, use, and storage of hydrogen.
Prospective authors may submit contributions dealing with, but not limited to, the following topics: Power converter topologies for electrolyzers and fuel cells; Fault-tolerant topologies and controls for fuel cells and electrolyzers; Impacts of power electronics systems on fuel cell and electrolyzer operating behavior; Control of power converter topologies; Reliability of hydrogen production plants; New solutions for storage and transportation; Integration with different energy storage systems; Impacts of hydrogen on economy and life-style; Life cycle assessment from cradle to grave; Knowledge transfer from research to education and training; Knowledge dissemination for public acceptance of a hydrogen economy; Near and long term strategies.
Keywords: fuel cell; electrolyzer; power electronics; hydrogen economy; reliability; storage; transportation; electric vehicles; life cycle assessment; hydrogen integration.