How would you convert a hydrogen refueling station to a liquid nitrogen refueling station?

Question

This scenario is in 100 years time and there are a lot of hydrogen refueling stations (for cars that run on fuel cells) and you have to convert these to liquid nitrogen refueling stations (for liquid nitrogen cars) because liquid nitrogen cars are "better" and the way to go. Is this even possible? Or would building an all new refueling station would be the best way? Any answers would be greatly appreciated =)

Answer 1

Liquid nitrogen doesn't burn, it already comprises the bulk of the atmosphere we breath. Your question is like asking if we could use gas pipes to carry water. The answer is yes but why would you want to it doesn't burn.

Answer 2

Any system that can handle liquid hydrogen could handle liquid nitrogen.

But of course liquid nitrogen could never be a fuel. It has no chemical energy that can be used.

Answer 3

No problem with converting facilities from liquid hydrogen to liquid nitrogen.  The temperatures to liquefy nitrogen are not as low as those required to liquefy hydrogen.  Big problems in using it as a fuel however.  Nitrogen is extremely inert and doesn't react easily with anything and to make it react takes a big input (not output) of energy.

By the way don't believe all the hype about the dangers of hydrogen.  It has been used safely in vast tonnages for decades in the refining and fertilizer industries, but yes facilities have to be engineered properly, it is extremely inadvisable to try to make it in your garage.

Answer 4

I don't think N2 can be used as a fuel. I can't imagine liquid H2 should be used as a fuel for vehicles either. It is just to dangerous to handle for the general public. My experience has been with it in industrial process uses. It takes very much training for operations and maintenance personnel. Very explosive and easily ignited. I may be wrong, but I was always taught to stay away from it.

Answer 5

The change over from LH2 to LN2 is possible but running an automobile on LN2 is problematic since LN2 isn't used a s a fuel.  On the other hand LH2 is dangerous and very combustible in its gaseous state.  Storage is a problem because of it's volatility.  Even launch complexes at Vandenberg and the Cape keep that stuff segregated from the rest of the fuels and oxidizers on the launch pads.  This is something you should keep in mind when you design your filling stations.  Now LN2 isn't nearly as dangerous as LH2 but it's not used as a fuel.  It's inert, displaces oxygen (bad thing) and it's a cryogen but other than that it poses no danger.  I just can't see it being used as a fuel.  Anyway, burn off and/or remove all your LH2.  Clean the storage tanks and have them either removed or refurbished to store LN2.  Build an LN2 recharge station, emplace LN2 storage tanks, fill with LN2 and save the environment with your LN2 fueled automobiles.

Answer 6

Nitrogen is an inert gas, it is not a fuel. You might as well use air (which is mostly nitrrogen).

Hydrogen is only an energy storage device, small molecules leak easily, is bulky unless liquified - wasting more energy.

Batteries are much better than fuel cells  because they can be recharged directly at home or work, help balance the demand on the grid, have fewer rare materials

are available today to meet most of our personal transport requirements.

http://www.altairnano.com/markets.html

I can't imagine being allowed to home-brew hydrogen in my basement or garage, but I can generate my own electric from combined heat & power, solar, wind, hydro etc