No abstract

Hydrogen is a key enabler of a sustainable society. Refurbishment of the existing natural gas infrastructure for up to 100% H2 is considered one of the most energy- and resource-efficient energy transportation methods. The question remains whether the transportation of 100% H2 with reasonable adaptions of the infrastructure and comparable energy amounts to natural gas is possible. The well-known critical components for refurbishment, such as increased compressor power, reduced linepack as well as pipeline transport efficiencies, and their influencing factors were considered based on thermodynamic calculations with a step-by-step overview. A H2 content of 20–30% results in comparable operation parameters to pure natural gas. In addition to transport in pipelines, decentralized H2 production will also play an important role in addressing future demands.

A simulation tool called HYDRA to optimize individual hydrogen infrastructure layouts is presented. The different electrolyzer technologies, namely proton exchange membrane electrolysis, anion exchange membrane electrolysis, alkaline electrolysis, and solid oxide electrolysis, as well as hydrogen storage possibilities are described in more detail and evaluated. To illustrate the application opportunities of HYDRA, three project examples are discussed. The examples include central and decentral applications while taking the usage of hydrogen into account.