A Comprehensive Review on the Prospects of Using Hydrogen–Methane Blends: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

An analysis of the literature data indicates a wide front of research and development in the field of the use of methane–hydrogen mixtures as a promising environmentally friendly low-carbon fuel. The conclusion of most works shows that the use of methane–hydrogen mixtures in internal combustion engines improves their performance and emission characteristics. The most important aspect is the concentration of hydrogen in the fuel mixture, which affects the combustion process of the fuel and determines the optimal operating conditions of the engine. When using methane–hydrogen mixtures with low hydrogen content, the safety measures and risks are similar to those that exist when working with natural gas. Serious logistical problems are associated with the difficulties of using the existing gas distribution infrastructure for transporting methane–hydrogen mixtures. It is possible that, despite the need for huge investments, it will be necessary to create a new infrastructure for the production, storage and transportation of hydrogen and its mixtures with natural gas. Further research is needed on the compatibility of pipeline materials with hydrogen and methane–hydrogen mixtures, safety conditions for the operation of equipment operating with hydrogen or methane–hydrogen mixtures, as well as the economic and environmental feasibility of using these energy carriers.

Techno-Economic Assessment of Large-Scale Green Hydrogen Logistics Using Ammonia As Hydrogen Carrier: Comparison to Liquified Hydrogen Distribution and In Situ Production

“…In this sense, hydrogen is used in the metallurgic sector displacing the use of coal as a reduction agent contributing to the decarbonization of this industry . In addition, hydrogen can be blended with methane and distributed for heating purposes, reducing the carbon footprint of this application …”

Hydrogen Enriched Hydrocarbons as New Energy Resources – As Studied by Means of Computer Simulations

“…Many works are related towards behavior of CH 4 /H 2 mixtures in the internal combustion engine, e.g. [15,16]. The papers [17,18], give a review of several phenomena occurring during combustion of the gas mixture in the engine.…”

“…corrosion of steel pipes that might lead to explosion. Experimental studies on fire safety connected with the use of CH 4 /H 2 in buildings were performed in the works [15,24]. The paper [25] shows practical examination of feasibility of the use the mixture for fueling of city bus.…”

Autoignition of Methane–Hydrogen Mixtures below 1000 K

“…The use of methane-hydrogen mixtures with different hydrogen content at the initial stage of the transition to "hydrogen energy" will make it possible to circumvent many complex problems concerning the production, storing, transportation and distribution of hydrogen [4][5][6][7]. Along with hydrogen, such mixtures can be used to power traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) [8][9][10][11], the energy efficiency of using hydrogen in which is not much inferior to the efficiency of its use in fuel cells [9].…”

“…Figure 4. Calculated temperature dependence of the autoignition delay time of stoichiometric CH 4 -H 2 -air mixtures on the initial temperature at different concentrations [H 2 ] (%): 0 (1), 10 (2), 20 (3), 30 (4), 40 (5), 50(6), 60(7), 70(8), 80(9), 90(10), 100(11). P 0 = 1 atm.…”