Hydrogen Blending in Natural Gas Pipelines

Project Summary

Xcel Energy announced its goal to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas by 2050. Xcel Energy is exploring using hydrogen mixed with natural gas in their distribution system as a cleaner burning fuel alternative. This change requires adjustments to how they design and manage their pipes, pressure, and monitoring systems. The Design Team has been tasked to study existing systems and anticipate challenges. The Design Team has also been tasked with improving Xcel Energy’s piping design tool. Xcel Energy’s main goal is to ensure customer reliability during the transition. They're specifically looking at maintaining standard pressure in piping distribution networks. The objective is to spot any potential issues and come up with strategies to minimize risks associated with introducing hydrogen.

Design Goal

The goal of the project is to use Xcel Energy’s piping simulation software to analyze the effects of introducing a hydrogen blended gas to an existing piping system. The second goal of the project is to improve a Microsoft Excel tool that Xcel Energy uses for system design.

Design Constraints

• Follow Xcel Energy’s pipeline compliance and standards.
• Piping simulation software accounts for any needed infrastructure changes.
• Microsoft Excel tool accurately predicts piping pressure loss.
• Microsoft Excel tool accurately predicts piping fluid flow.
• Microsoft Excel tool provides an interactive piping sizing tool.