Effects of hydrogen blending on hydraulic and thermal characteristics of natural gas pipeline and pipe network

Abstract

Blending a fraction of hydrogen into the natural gas pipeline or urban pipe network is an efficient approach for hydrogen delivery. In this paper, the mathematical model of Hydrogen-Blended Natural Gas (HBNG) transportation is established, and the influences of hydrogen blending on hydraulic and thermal characteristics of natural gas pipeline and pipe network are numerically investigated. The impact of hydrogen blending ratio on the performance of centrifugal compressor and the operating point for joint operation of pipeline and compressor is discussed. Results illustrate that compared with natural gas without hydrogen, the hydrogen blending can reduce the pipeline friction resistance and increase the volume flow rate. However, due to the lower volumetric calorific value of HBNG, the energy flow rate actually decreases under the same transportation condition. Meanwhile, the temperature drop along the pipeline slows down due to the blended hydrogen. The performance degradation of centrifugal compressor occurs with the increasing hydrogen blending ratio, and the operating point for joint operation of pipeline and centrifugal compressor moves to the direction of higher volume flow rate and lower pressure. This study is expected to shed a light on the hydrogen delivery by natural gas pipelines and pipe networks.

Hydrogen production, transportation, utilization, and storage: Recent advances towards sustainable energy

“…Additionally, a concentrated hydrogen blending strategy was found to be superior to a dispersed one [220]. In their research, Zhang et al [221] developed a mathematical model for the transportation of hydrogen-blended natural gas and investigated its effects on the hydraulic and thermal properties of natural gas pipelines and networks. Their findings indicated that hydrogen blending led to a reduction in pipeline friction resistance and an increase in volume flow rates [221].…”

Hydrogen Blending into Natural Gas Pipeline Infrastructure: Review of the State of Technology

“…They also note that increasing hydrogen concentration to 100% requires substantially more power when maintaining a consistent pressure rise (Bainier and Kurz 2019). Zhang et al (2021) analyze centrifugal compressor performance in the context of blending hydrogen into natural gas pipelines and find that compressor speed must be increased to maintain a consistent energy flow rate. The reduction in mixture gas molecular weight (and thus density) is the primary driver of this trend, though the impacts of hydrogen on pipeline pressure drop and compressor head rise can also have an effect.…”

Intelligent Natural Gas and Hydrogen Pipeline Dispatching Using the Coupled Thermodynamics-Informed Neural Network and Compressor Boolean Neural Network

“…It is profoundly affecting the long-term reconstruction of the world's energy supply and application system and is accelerating rapid change and generational evolution in sectors such as industry and housing. The development of the hydrogen energy industry involves a series of technological innovations and technological integration [29]. Due to the physical properties and application characteristics of hydrogen, the two usual storage and transportation methods, high-pressure vapor state and low-temperature liquid state, place higher requirements on the process flow and machinery and equipment of production, storage, transportation and utilization.…”