Thermodynamic and Technical Issues of Hydrogen and Methane-Hydrogen Mixtures Pipeline Transmission

Abstract

The use of hydrogen as a non-emission energy carrier is important for the innovative development of the power-generation industry. Transmission pipelines are the most efficient and economic method of transporting large quantities of hydrogen in a number of variants. A comprehensive hydraulic analysis of hydrogen transmission at a mass flow rate of 0.3 to 3.0 kg/s (volume flow rates from 12,000 Nm3/h to 120,000 Nm3/h) was performed. The methodology was based on flow simulation in a pipeline for assumed boundary conditions as well as modeling of fluid thermodynamic parameters for pure hydrogen and its mixtures with methane. The assumed outlet pressure was 24 bar (g). The pipeline diameter and required inlet pressure were calculated for these parameters. The change in temperature was analyzed as a function of the pipeline length for a given real heat transfer model; the assumed temperatures were 5 and 25 °C. The impact of hydrogen on natural gas transmission is another important issue. The performed analysis revealed that the maximum participation of hydrogen in natural gas should not exceed 15%–20%, or it has a negative impact on natural gas quality. In the case of a mixture of 85% methane and 15% hydrogen, the required outlet pressure is 10% lower than for pure methane. The obtained results present various possibilities of pipeline transmission of hydrogen at large distances. Moreover, the changes in basic thermodynamic parameters have been presented as a function of pipeline length for the adopted assumptions.

Study of the Effects of Changes in Gas Composition as Well as Ambient and Gas Temperature on Errors of Indications of Thermal Gas Meters

“…Injecting hydrogen into the gas network is, however, quite challenging due to its physicochemical properties and has been the subject of research on a global scale. Hence, studies are underway to determine the sensitivity of individual components of the gas system to the hydrogen content in natural gas [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. Those components include, for example, compressors, piping, gas fittings, pressure control equipment, as well as metering equipment for measuring the amount of gaseous fuel supplied or devices for burning gaseous fuels.…”

“…The issue of changes in the physicochemical parameters of natural gas after mixing with hydrogen is also discussed in [28]. The authors point out that the addition of hydrogen to natural gas can have a positive effect on the gas transmission conditions, since the transmission distance can be increased due to the pressure drop.…”

Green Synthetic Fuels: Renewable Routes for the Conversion of Non-Fossil Feedstocks into Gaseous Fuels and Their End Uses

“…A natural gas blend with the high Wobbe index accepts a hydrogen concentration of approximately 55% before achieving the lower limit, and the minimum value of the Wobbe index is reached at a hydrogen concentration of approximately 80% in natural gas. However, when the hydrogen concentration of 20%, the higher heating value is significantly reduced [665].…”

“…Changes of higher heating value (HHV), lower heating value (LHV), the Wobbe index of a high Wobbe gas (Wobbe H) and the Wobbe index of a low Wobbe gas (Wobbe L). Reprinted from[665].…”

Toward an Efficient and Sustainable Use of Energy in Industries and Cities

“…Kuczyński et al [125] evaluated the possibility to use existing transmission pipelines to transport hydrogen and/or methane/hydrogen-rich gases. In fact, as mentioned in the previous study, hydrogen is a very attractive and promising fuel due to its scarce environmental impact.…”