Hydrogen and natural gas in pipeline networks: a comparative energy analysis

In this study, a Simscape model for the transmission and distribution pipeline network of natural gas, hydrogen blended into natural gas and pure hydrogen, is developed. The transmission consists of a 250 km pipelines with a diameter of 48 in and two gas compression stations. The distribution network serves six end users. Two simulations are conducted for each gas: the first maintaining equal operational pressure in the transmission pipeline, while the second ensuring equal energy content at the final users by modifying the operational pressure. A comparative energy analysis is carried out to assess the gas mass flow rate, the thermal power delivered, the mechanical power required by compressors and the pressure losses along the pipeline.