Experimental Study on Hydrogen Generation Using Solar Energy and Aluminum in Water

¹ Applied Science Private University, Department of Renewable Energy Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Amman - Jordan
² The University of Jordan, Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Amman - Jordan
³ Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Amman - Jordan
⁴ Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Department of Alternative Energy Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Amman - Jordan

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Hydrogen possesses a greater calorific value compared to fossil fuels, which makes it a promising alternative for energy production. The objective is to produce hydrogen in large quantities at minimal cost, making it a practical and more efficient alternative fuel. In this study, hydrogen was produced by combining distilled water with aluminum and sodium hydroxide. The researchers used solar energy to preheat the system, ensuring that the temperature remained within a specific, controlled range to optimize the reaction. Each sample contained 1000 mL of water, with aluminum concentrations varying between 5 to 20 g/L and NaOH concentrations between 10 to 25 g/L. The initial temperature was set at 50°C. The hydrogen produced was measured using a flowmeter, and the results indicated that higher concentrations of NaOH and Al led to an increased production of hydrogen.