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Modelling Hydrogen Gas Flow in High Pressure Systems

Drummen, L.C.M. (2025) Modelling Hydrogen Gas Flow in High Pressure Systems.

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Abstract:By 2030, EU member states must ensure that hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) are installed along the Trans-European Transport Network, with a maximum spacing of 200 km. Each HRS must provide at least 1 tonne of gaseous hydrogen per day and include a 70 MPa dispenser. Meeting these targets requires a large expansion of the current HRS network, which still faces significant technical and economic challenges. One major bottleneck in hydrogen transport is pipelines. Due to the low density and high diffusivity of hydrogen, pressure variations during pipeline transport can be significant, especially during fast refuelling, when compressibility effects dominate. These conditions result in high flow velocities, making it difficult to accurately predict outlet pressure and temperature. This research investigated the following question: ``How can analytical, empirical, and numerical models be used to approximate hydrogen flow in pipelines of varying diameter, and to what extent are they suitable to predict pressure and temperature under measured inlet conditions?'' A selection of commonly used hydrogen pipeline diameters was studied. Experimental data was obtained using a custom-developed test setup, and subsequently compared to analytical, empirical and numerical models. Additionally, shadowgraph imaging was performed at pipeline outlets to visualise flow phenomena. The investigated analytical and empirical models included: The Darcy-Weisbach, Weymouth, Panhandle, isentropic flow, and Fanno flow equations. Furthermore, a correction on the isentropic flow equations using the Soave-Redlich Kwong equation of state was investigated. Numerical modelling was performed with the SU2 and OpenFOAM CFD codes. In conclusion, analytical and empirical models offer a fast and reasonably accurate means of estimating outlet conditions in many practical scenarios, particularly when applying Fanno and isentropic formulations. Although the numerical models did not provide a direct method for predicting outlet conditions in the cases considered, they yielded deeper insights into the overall flow behaviour within the pipe.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Clients:
University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
Faculty:ET: Engineering Technology
Subject:52 mechanical engineering
Programme:Mechanical Engineering MSc (60439)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106470
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