Production of Hydrogen Gas for Cooking

Abstract

This study evaluated the feasibility of a scaled-down, renewable-energy-powered hydrogen generation system for domestic cooking. The proposed system integrated solar-powered electrolysis, electrolyte circulation, hydrogen separation, compression, storage, and burner delivery. Design calculations were based on the stated average LPG consumption of 0.5 kg per day and an LPG energy content of 46.4 MJ kg⁻¹, corresponding to 23.2 MJ of heat. Using the stated hydrogen heat content of 120 MJ kg⁻¹, the calculated hydrogen requirement was approximately 0.193 kg, with a corresponding water requirement of 1.737 kg. A four-cell alkaline electrolyser was fabricated and operated with electrolytes spanning pH 11–13 at 12 V and 20 A. During 60 s tests, measured hydrogen volume increased from 3.03 mL at pH 11 to 5.33 mL at pH 13. The study also developed compression and storage estimates for the proposed domestic system. Although the experimental results showed increasing hydrogen output with increasing alkalinity within the tested range, the selected Meko burner did not sustain continuous hydrogen combustion. The findings therefore demonstrate prototype-level hydrogen generation and provide design information for an integrated production, compression, storage, and delivery concept. However, practical household cooking application was not demonstrated and requires further development of burner compatibility, gas handling, safety, storage integration, and complete system performance under realistic operating conditions.