Josh Coffman wrote:
> btw, not that I'm an expert, but the idea of
> hydrogen-fuel cell vehicles is a little scary... One
> accident and boom! right?

Pressurized Hydrogen fuel tanks are actually safer than gasoline tanks. 
   Here are several points I used to tell people about when I was 
volunteering for the American Hydrogen Association.

*  The 3000 to 10000 PSI of the tank makes them act like a hunk of solid 
steel in an accident.  Drop tests from over 100 feet (~140MPH or ~75MPH 
head on) of a Cadillac outfitted with 10,000 PSI failed to rupture the 
tank or even trigger the pressure relief valves.

*  The currently accepted carbon fiber reinforced aluminum tank will 
vent gas when punctured, but will not violently explode.  Destructive 
testing has proven that it will withstand any bullet at 15 feet up to a 
Armor piercing .50 Cal round without rupturing due to the high internal 
pressure.

*  The high pressure lines running from the tank to the engine will 
crimp when bent instead of rupturing due to the greater force needed to 
bend them.

*  Fire will not cause them to violently explode due to multiple 
pressure and temperature relief valves that will vent the hydrogen.  The 
venting hydrogen may burn, but it will be a controlled burn similar to a 
propane torch.

*  Hydrogen burns and dissipates faster than any other fuel when 
released.  Gasoline is a sticky fuel that can be ignited days after it 
was originally spilled.

Now if we could just find an economical means of Hydrogen production 
that doesn't rely on fossil fuels, we would be in business.


-- 
Chris Lewis
shadow@digitalnirvana.com

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