Are Hydrogen Conversions Safe?

Cut the cost of driving with hydrogen conversion.

Hydrogen is a highly flammable element, so anyone considering converting a vehicle is wise to question its safety. Of course, gasoline is also highly flammable, and any source of energy comes with its own dangers.

Liquid Hydrogen

Hydrogen cannot be used as a fuel in its natural state. It must first be changed to liquid form, which can only be done when the hydrogen is compressed and kept under pressure. This liquid hydrogen is potentially hazardous, but a vehicle would not need to store large amounts of the liquid hydrogen, as it is made and used up to generate energy on demand, minimizing dangers.

Pressure Leaks

Keeping the hydrogen under pressure means that there is a danger of a valve blowing and the hydrogen escaping. This could cause explosions, but unless the hydrogen is stored and accessed by motorists in a manner similar to how we purchase fuel today, this is unlikely.

Risks

The benefits to the environment and the monetary savings appear to outweigh the risks of hydrogen conversion. The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association shows how a hydrogen-fueled car compares with a gasoline-fueled car when both are set alight. The hydrogen-fueled vehicle appears to offer the better chance of escape.

References

• Hydrogen Car Conversion: Hydrogen Car
• EcoWorld: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars
• Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association: Similar But Different