Optimal Gas Flow Model for Evaluating the Fluid Dynamic Feasibility of Transporting Hydrogen-Natural Gas Blends in Gas Networks

Blending hydrogen in gas networks has the potential to support the development of the hydrogen economy and facilitate decarbonisation in the gas sector. However, due to the different properties of natural gas and hydrogen, fluid-dynamic models are needed to assess transport feasibility. This work introduces an optimal transient gas flow model for homogeneous NG-H₂ blends, incorporating linepack management to ensure system flexibility. A topologically simple case study highlights the main features of the model. A second case study, based on a real gas transmission network, evaluates the feasibility of transporting NG-H₂ blends with 20% mol H₂. The results confirm the robustness of the model and its effectiveness in conducting fluid dynamic feasibility studies to support the decarbonization of gas networks