Effective blending of hydrogen with natural gas

However, is math the answer to safely and effectively blend hydrogen with natural gas in pipelines? A mathematical modeling by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has demonstrated that math can show how to safely blend hydrogen in natural gas for transport in existing pipeline infrastructure.

Guaranteeing this reliability boosts hydrogen’s role in energy transition, helping the shift to a net-zero economy.

A new paper detailing the LANL researchers’ mathematical modeling revealed that they used nonlinear partial differential equations to develop the model for transporting heterogeneous mixtures of natural gas and hydrogen via pipeline systems.

According to the paper, “Transitions from Monotonicity to Chaos in Gas Mixture Dynamics in Pipeline Networks”, published in the journal PRX Energy, the blending hydrogen with natural gas infrastructure modeling includes:

“Mixing hydrogen into a natural gas pipeline changes how the gases flow, which will create new conditions for operators,” said Anatoly Zlotnik, a mathematician at Los Alamos National Laboratory, with expertise in modeling, designing and controlling energy-transmission systems, and a co-author of the paper. “Our modeling shows that injecting hydrogen gradually into a natural gas pipeline network allows safe, predictable operations.”

Please enable JavaScript

The LANL team’s mathematical modeling showed that by restricting the rate of change of hydrogen injection into a natural gas pipeline, this will prevent large, quick changes in pressures. This method for stimulating a pipeline network could open the door for operators to develop standards on injection rates.

With the ability to transport hydrogen in existing natural gas pipeline networks, this gives operators the ability to maximize the utility of these extensive and costly facilities while lowering carbon emissions.

Blending hydrogen with natural gas extends the benefits of hydrogen for other uses, including being burned to power manufacturing facilities, producing electricity, and even for use in household appliances, such as furnaces and dryers.

Ready to test your knowledge on the most abundant element in the universe? Take our fun and engaging Hydrogen Quiz now!

Dive into our "Test Your Hydrogen Knowledge" quiz, designed to challenge your understanding of this fascinating element and its uses in science and energy technology.

Long time clean energy enthusiast and writer of many green energy news subjects.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment *

Name *

Email *

Website

Sign up to our newsletter!

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.