Hydrogen Delivery Line Nesting in Existing Pipelines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation and distribution of hydrogen face inefficiencies due to its low volumetric energy density, leading to high costs and logistical challenges, especially when produced in remote areas with abundant renewable energy sources, which are often far from population centers and industrial demand.
Innovation Solution
Adapting existing pipelines, such as natural gas and oil pipelines, by inserting a hydrogen delivery line made of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) pipe, which is surrounded by a sweeper gas to purge leaks, and using a safety pipe when necessary, to transport and distribute hydrogen, along with the option of utilizing a lighter-than-air airship for bulk transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogen is transported using traditional dedicated pipelines or specialized transport infrastructure, then hydrogen can be delivered to end users, but capital costs, installation time, and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing natural gas pipelines to serve dual purposes by transporting both natural gas and hydrogen simultaneously through separate delivery lines within the same pipeline infrastructure. This multi-functional approach allows the pipeline system to maintain its original natural gas transport capability while adding hydrogen transport functionality, thereby avoiding the need for dedicated hydrogen pipelines and reducing overall system complexity and capital costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where hydrogen delivery lines (containing hydrogen) are inserted within existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure. The hydrogen delivery line is nested inside the larger natural gas pipeline, with sweeper gas lines also nested within this configuration. This nesting approach allows efficient use of existing rights-of-way and infrastructure while enabling hydrogen transport.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing natural gas pipelines are adapted for hydrogen transport by inserting hydrogen delivery lines, then capital costs and installation time are reduced, but safety concerns arise from potential hydrogen leaks into the pipeline system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of hydrogen leaks into a beneficial purification mechanism. Sweeper gas lines introduce inert gas (such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide) into the pipeline space surrounding the hydrogen delivery line. Any hydrogen that leaks from the hydrogen delivery line is swept away by this inert gas flow and directed to safe collection points, thereby converting a safety hazard into a controlled purification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert atmosphere within the pipeline by introducing sweeper gas (inert gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide) into the space between the hydrogen delivery line and the pipeline wall. This inert environment prevents hydrogen from mixing with oxygen in the pipeline, eliminating the risk of explosive reactions and safely containing any hydrogen leaks through dilution and directional flow toward collection points.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus to transport and distribute hydrogen, store energy at scale, and interconnect locations where large quantities of “green” hydrogen can be produced most advantageously, with cities, towns and rural communities where hydrogen is needed as a clean transportation fuel, industrial feedstock, power source, and for long-term storage of electrical power. A hydrogen distribution pipeline enables use of natural gas, oil and other existing pipelines to transport hydrogen to one or more distribution points; and in one embodiment, integrates a lighter-than-air airship to transport hydrogen between locations where pipelines don't exist or are impractical. The disclosed hydrogen distribution pipeline also enables use of water, sewer, storm drain and other existing pipelines for local distribution, thereby saving time and money, and reducing construction disruption to the local community, in establishing these infrastructure components necessary to the widespread use of hydrogen in helping address climate change.