Session: DA-21-01 Design and Analysis of Hydrogen Pressure Equipment

Paper Number: 123478

123478 - Hydrogen Storage Pipeline Lifecycle Assessment 

With the increased use of renewable sources of energy, interest has piqued in methods of energy storage. The path of decarbonization will require many different energy storage methods to be successful. Storing energy in hydrogen may be one such method. One of the paths that has been considered in decarbonization of the energy systems is transitioning of the current energy systems to low carbon sources, which includes repurposing the existing natural gas system for hydrogen – natural gas (H2 – NG) blends, and eventually transitioning to 100% hydrogen.

In certain regions, storing hydrogen in pipelines may provide a solution to the energy storage problem. Assessing the fatigue lifespan of a pipe used for hydrogen storage in hydrogen service is crucial for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of hydrogen storage systems. Pressure cycling in storage applications will likely come much more frequently and potentially at higher magnitudes than current natural gas operations. In this study, the fatigue lifespan of a pipe is evaluated by considering varying diameters, wall thicknesses, and material grades, while varying the same amount of hydrogen being introduced and withdrawn daily. The objective is to determine the relationship between these design parameters and the lifespan of the pipe, and subsequently compare the estimated lifespan with the associated installation costs.

 

To assess the fatigue lifespan, equations from published literature and standards will be used. The fatigue life is determined by considering factors such as cyclic loading, stress concentrations, and material properties, as hydrogen service can induce hydrogen embrittlement and accelerate fatigue crack growth. Various pipe diameters, wall thicknesses, and material grades are investigated to capture a wide range of design possibilities.

Furthermore, the estimated fatigue lifespan of the pipe is compared to the installation costs associated with different pipe configurations. The economic analysis takes into account factors such as material and fabrication costs, installation expenses, and maintenance considerations and is compared to the expected lifespan of the designed pipe. By quantifying the lifespan-cost relationship, decision-makers can make informed choices regarding the trade-off between initial installation expenses and the expected operational lifespan of the pipeline.

The findings of this study contribute valuable insights into the design considerations and economic feasibility of pipelines used for hydrogen storage. The evaluation of fatigue lifespan provides guidance for selecting optimal pipe dimensions and material grades to achieve the desired operational reliability while minimizing the total lifecycle cost of the hydrogen storage system. Such knowledge aids in the development of sustainable and economically viable hydrogen infrastructure for future energy applications.

Presenting Author: Thomas Prewitt DNV

Presenting Author Biography: TJ Prewitt is a senior mechanical engineer with a master of science degree in mechanical engineering from Ohio State University and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Ohio. He has 10 years of experience in the hydrogen and computational modelling group with extensive experience in corrosion and crack modelling as well as fitness for service analyses. He is experienced in advanced computational and numerical methods such as finite element analysis to analyze complex problems ranging from pipeline failures, crack-like flaw, corrosion analysis. In recent years, he has worked with the DNV labs perform fracture mechanics assessments for carbon steel under hydrogen service based on physical lab testing results. He has also led pipeline integrity assessments for potential hydrogen service conversion.

Authors:

Thomas Prewitt DNV
Saba Esmaeely DNV