TY - THES

T1 - Integration of Underground Hydrogen Storage and Transmission Networks - A Simulation-Based Analysis of holistic Hydrogen Networks

AU - Fink, Justin

N1 - no embargo

PY - 2024

Y1 - 2024

N2 - The transition to a low-carbon future requires the exploration of alternative energy sources. In this regard, hydrogen has emerged as a promising option. However, establishing a fully functional hydrogen economy is a complex endeavor with numerous challenges. A significant obstacle to achieving the sustainability goals of the European Union is the limited infrastructure, particularly in terms of storage capacity and integration into the future hydrogen network (Eurostat, 2023). To develop this network effectively, the entire system, including hydrogen transport and distribution networks, as well as storage, must be considered. Underground hydrogen storage in geological formations offers a potential solution for large-scale storage. Various types, such as porous media storage or caverns, can be considered. Thermal turbomachinery (e.g., gas turbines, turbo compressors) play a crucial role in the hydrogen transport and distribution network, alongside reciprocating compressors (Flis and Deutsch, 2021). They drive compressors that are essential for maintaining pressure within the network and ensuring safe and reliable transportation. Furthermore, thermal turbomachinery enables the adjustment of hydrogen flow rates and fluid pressures to meet the specific requirements of different end-users, optimizing the overall system performance. Consequently, investigating the performance and efficiency of integrated systems that combine hydrogen transport with coupled underground hydrogen storage is essential. This work aims to address the challenge of holistic system analysis and optimization of hydrogen networks to understand the key factors influencing the final delivered hydrogen costs. This will be achieved through the development of a standalone software program (H2Net) capable of simulating comprehensive hydrogen networks, including performance and economic analyses. By analyzing the interplay of storage, transmission, and utilization, this research aims to improve the operation of hydrogen networks and ultimately contribute to the advancement of hydrogen-based energy systems, supporting the transition to a sustainable hydrogen economy.

AB - The transition to a low-carbon future requires the exploration of alternative energy sources. In this regard, hydrogen has emerged as a promising option. However, establishing a fully functional hydrogen economy is a complex endeavor with numerous challenges. A significant obstacle to achieving the sustainability goals of the European Union is the limited infrastructure, particularly in terms of storage capacity and integration into the future hydrogen network (Eurostat, 2023). To develop this network effectively, the entire system, including hydrogen transport and distribution networks, as well as storage, must be considered. Underground hydrogen storage in geological formations offers a potential solution for large-scale storage. Various types, such as porous media storage or caverns, can be considered. Thermal turbomachinery (e.g., gas turbines, turbo compressors) play a crucial role in the hydrogen transport and distribution network, alongside reciprocating compressors (Flis and Deutsch, 2021). They drive compressors that are essential for maintaining pressure within the network and ensuring safe and reliable transportation. Furthermore, thermal turbomachinery enables the adjustment of hydrogen flow rates and fluid pressures to meet the specific requirements of different end-users, optimizing the overall system performance. Consequently, investigating the performance and efficiency of integrated systems that combine hydrogen transport with coupled underground hydrogen storage is essential. This work aims to address the challenge of holistic system analysis and optimization of hydrogen networks to understand the key factors influencing the final delivered hydrogen costs. This will be achieved through the development of a standalone software program (H2Net) capable of simulating comprehensive hydrogen networks, including performance and economic analyses. By analyzing the interplay of storage, transmission, and utilization, this research aims to improve the operation of hydrogen networks and ultimately contribute to the advancement of hydrogen-based energy systems, supporting the transition to a sustainable hydrogen economy.

KW - Wasserstoffwirtschaft

KW - nachhaltige Energiesysteme

KW - Europäische Union

KW - unterirdische Wasserstoffspeicherung

KW - thermische Turbomaschinen

KW - Netzwerksimulationen

KW - wirtschaftliche Analysen

KW - hydrogen economy

KW - sustainable energy systems

KW - European Union

KW - underground hydrogen storage

KW - thermal turbomachinery

KW - network simulation

KW - economic analysis

M3 - Master's Thesis

ER -