Numerical simulation of the impact of different cushion gases on underground hydrogen storage in aquifers based on an experimentally-benchmarked equation-of-state

Zhao, Qingqi; Wang, Yuhang; Chen, Cheng

doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.07.262

Cited by 18 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 62 publications

(83 reference statements)

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“…This cushion gas plays an important role as a buffer, as it is injected into brine aquifers mainly through the displacement of the brine and is accompanied by high pressures. The required ratio of buffer gas to working gas depends largely on geological parameters, including the depth of the reservoir, the shape of the trap, and the permeability of the reservoir [129,130]. For hydrogen storage in aquifer structures, the amount of the cushion gas should range from 45 to 80% [16,127,131].…”

Section: Storage Capacitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Underground Gas Storage in Saline Aquifers: Geological Aspects

Uliasz-Misiak,

Misiak

2024

Energies

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Energy, gases, and solids in underground sites are stored in mining excavations, natural caverns, salt caverns, and in the pore spaces of rock formations. Aquifer formations are mainly isolated aquifers with significant spreading, permeability, and thickness, possessing highly mineralized non-potable waters. This study discusses the most important aspects that determine the storage of natural gas, hydrogen, or carbon dioxide in deep aquifers. In particular, the selection and characterization of the structure chosen for underground storage, the storage capacity, and the safety of the process are considered. The choice of underground sites is made on the basis of the following factors and criteria: geological, technical, economic, environmental, social, political, or administrative–legal. The geological and dynamic model of the storage site is then drawn based on the characteristics of the structure. Another important factor in choosing a structure for the storage of natural gas, hydrogen, or carbon dioxide is its capacity. In addition to the type and dimensions of the structure and the petrophysical parameters of the reservoir rock, the storage capacity is influenced by the properties of the stored gases and the operating parameters of the storage facility. Underground gas storage is a process fraught with natural and technical hazards. Therefore, the geological integrity of the structure under consideration should be documented and verified. This article also presents an analysis of the location and the basic parameters of gas storage and carbon dioxide storage facilities currently operating in underground aquifers. To date, there have been no successful attempts to store hydrogen under analogous conditions. This is mainly due to the parameters of this gas, which are associated with high requirements for its storage.

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Section: Storage Capacitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Underground Gas Storage in Saline Aquifers: Geological Aspects

Uliasz-Misiak,

Misiak

2024

Energies

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“…Cushion gas represents a significant cost in underground hydrogen-storage operations. Accurately determining the required cushion gas volume is crucial for a reliable estimate of the total cost of the UHS [42,[45][46][47].…”

Section: State Of the Artmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is emphasized that using hydrogen as a cushion gas will be beneficial because it will affect the subsequent operating costs, which is also related to the need to purify the gas withdrawn [52]. The use of other gases as cushion gas is also being considered (CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 ) [36,46]. Saeed and Jadhawar [53] pointed out that the CG type can significantly impact the process's recovery efficiency and hydrogen purity.…”

Section: State Of the Artmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Kalam et al [58] also proposed nitrogen, argon, and helium as suitable cushion gases for hydrogen storage, pointing to nitrogen as the best choice due to its abundance. Zhao et al [46] indicate that the type of cushion gas plays a significant role in storage costs when considering hydrogen storage in saline aquifers. Chen et al [33] examined many factors affecting the efficiency of UHS and concluded that cushion gas is one of the main economic factors that should be considered in UHS.…”

Section: State Of the Artmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Hydrogen Storage in Deep Saline Aquifers: Non-Recoverable Cushion Gas after Storage

Luboń,

Tarkowski

2024

Energies

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Underground hydrogen storage facilities require cushion gas to operate, which is an expensive one-time investment. Only some of this gas is recoverable after the end of UHS operation. A significant percentage of the hydrogen will remain in underground storage as non-recoverable cushion gas. Efforts must be made to reduce it. This article presents the results of modeling the cushion gas withdrawal after the end of cyclical storage operation. It was found that the amount of non-recoverable cushion gas is fundamentally influenced by the duration of the initial hydrogen filling period, the hydrogen flow rate, and the timing of the upconing occurrence. Upconing is one of the main technical barriers to hydrogen storage in deep saline aquifers. The ratio of non-recoverable cushion gas to cushion gas (NRCG/CG) decreases with an increasing amount of cushion gas. The highest ratio, 0.63, was obtained in the shortest 2-year initial filling period. The lowest ratio, 0.35, was obtained when utilizing the longest initial filling period of 4 years and employing the largest amount of cushion gas. The presented cases of cushion gas recovery can help investors decide which storage option is the most advantageous based on the criteria that are important to them.

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“…Cushion gas is the volume of gas that remains in a storage reservoir to maintain adequate pressure and ensure the continuous extraction of the working gas [19,30,31]. The primary goal is to keep the storage pressure high enough to enable constant, appropriate injection and withdrawal rates.…”

Section: Cushion Gas In Uhsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cushion Gas Consideration for Underground Hydrogen Storage

Prigmore,

Okon-Akan,

Egharevba

et al. 2024

Encyclopedia

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Due to the increasing world population and environmental considerations, there has been a tremendous interest in alternative energy sources. Hydrogen plays a major role as an energy carrier due to its environmentally benign nature. The combustion of hydrogen releases water vapor while it also has a vast industrial application in aerospace, pharmaceutical, and metallurgical industries. Although promising, hydrogen faces storage challenges. Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) presents a promising method of safely storing hydrogen. The selection of the appropriate cushion gas for UHS is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the storage system. Cushion gas plays a pivotal role in maintaining the necessary pressure within the storage reservoir, thereby enabling consistent injection and withdrawal rates of hydrogen. One of the key functions of the cushion gas is to act as a buffer, ensuring that the storage pressure remains within the desired range despite fluctuations in hydrogen demand or supply. This is achieved by alternately expanding and compressing the cushion gas during the injection and withdrawal cycles, thereby effectively regulating the overall pressure dynamics within the storage facility. Furthermore, the choice of cushion gas can have significant implications on the performance and long-term stability of the UHS system. Factors such as compatibility with hydrogen, cost-effectiveness, availability, and environmental impact must be carefully considered when selecting the most suitable cushion gas. The present study provides a comprehensive review of different types of cushion gases commonly used in UHS, including nitrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. By examining the advantages, limitations, and practical considerations associated with each option, the study aims to offer valuable insights into optimizing the performance and reliability of UHS systems. Ultimately, the successful implementation of UHS hinges not only on technological innovation but also on strategic decisions regarding cushion gas selection and management. By addressing these challenges proactively, stakeholders can unlock the full potential of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy carrier, thereby contributing to the global transition towards a low-carbon future.

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Numerical simulation of the impact of different cushion gases on underground hydrogen storage in aquifers based on an experimentally-benchmarked equation-of-state

Cited by 18 publications

References 62 publications

Underground Gas Storage in Saline Aquifers: Geological Aspects

Underground Gas Storage in Saline Aquifers: Geological Aspects

Hydrogen Storage in Deep Saline Aquifers: Non-Recoverable Cushion Gas after Storage

Cushion Gas Consideration for Underground Hydrogen Storage

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