Session: 17-01: Poster Presentations

Paper Number: 156891

156891 - Hydrogen Blending in Gas Systems: Real-Gas Behavior and Thermodynamic Analysis for System-Level Optimization 

Abstract: 

The urgent shift toward sustainable energy sources has brought hydrogen into the spotlight as a promising alternative to conventional fuels in natural gas systems, particularly in industrial gas turbines. As global temperatures rise and the impacts of climate change intensify, transitioning to cleaner energy sources has become a top priority for governments, industries, and researchers worldwide. Hydrogen (H₂) is a clean fuel that emits no carbon dioxide upon combustion, offering the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Blending hydrogen with natural gas presents an opportunity to lower the carbon footprint of gas systems, contributing to decarbonization efforts across industries such as transportation, utilities, and power generation. One key entity examining hydrogen's potential as a fuel system is California, which has taken proactive steps to explore the blending of hydrogen into natural gas systems. The California Public Utilities Commission has facilitated research through initiatives like the Hydrogen Blending Impacts Study, which evaluates the effects of hydrogen-methane blends on infrastructure, end-use appliances, and safety. Other california projects' initial findings suggest that introducing up to 20% hydrogen by volume is feasible without significant infrastructure modifications, although higher concentrations may require upgrades to address challenges such as hydrogen embrittlement and pipeline compatibility. Additionally, there are outlines of comprehensive strategies to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, emphasizing clean energy transitions, Carbon Dioxide emission reductions, and hydrogen integration into existing energy systems. Despite hydrogen's promising potential, a critical gap remains in understanding its broader impact on industrial gas turbine performance, particularly in high-pressure, high-temperature environments. Existing studies often focus on low hydrogen concentrations (under 20%) and primarily evaluate combustion properties and emissions, leaving the influence of hydrogen-methane mixtures on the entire thermodynamic cycle underexplored. Moreover, limited experimental and computational data on the real-gas behavior of these mixtures under varying operating conditions pose challenges in assessing efficiency and flow dynamics. This study seeks to bridge these gaps by focusing on system-level analysis and optimization of hydrogen-natural gas mixtures in compressor-turbine cycle stages. Using equations of state such as Van der Waals and Soave-Redlich-Kwong, along with Helmholtz free energy formulations, the research captures non-ideal gas behaviors at high pressures and temperatures. The objective is to quantify how hydrogen’s unique properties, such as low molecular weight, high diffusivity, and high reactivity, affect combustion characteristics, temperature profiles, and pressure ratios. Preliminary findings indicate that hydrogen blending impacts gas density, diffusivity, and reactivity, necessitating adaptations to existing turbine systems. Deviations in temperature, pressure, and flow dynamics were observed when hydrogen was introduced into methane streams, with implications for flame temperatures, combustion rates, and system efficiency. Early computational analyses underscore the importance of accounting for hydrogen’s high reactivity and diffusivity to mitigate risks such as flashback and material degradation. This study aims to utilize computational and experimental resutls to identify optimal hydrogen-methane blending strategies and values. These anticipated results should provide a basis for ways to optimize efficiency and reduce emissions while maintaining system stability. These results aim to provide actionable recommendations for integrating hydrogen blends into industrial applications, supporting the overall goal of clean energy transition and offering insights for global decarbonization efforts.

Presenting Author: Omar Montes California State University, Long Beach

Presenting Author Biography: Omar Montes is a senior Mechanical Engineering student at California State University, Long Beach, with a strong passion for thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, turbomachinery, and energy systems. He conducts research for the university's Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department under Dr. Jingyi Zeng. Additionally, he has experience as a Student Intern in the TID RFAR Applied Electromagnet Department at SLAC National Laboratory, where he worked on the cooling systems for the LCLS-II, an advanced X-ray free-electron laser. His role involved researching and analyzing the thermal management system for 280 superconducting 1.3 GHz linac cavities, grouped into cryomodules, each supported by its own solid-state amplifiers. Omar is an active member of CSULB's Beach Launch Team, contributing to the development of a liquid-propelled rocket as part of their propulsion team. He is an active member of the professional development organizations SHPE, AIAA and MAES by being involved in events and contributing to the organization's goals to give back to under represented communities. Omar serves as the Public Affairs Officer for the Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honor Society chapter. Through his academic and professional experiences, he has honed his engineering skills and demonstrated a commitment to advancing engineering energy technologies.