Hydrogen Blending – Design and Safety Considerations for Pilot Projects at Power Generation Facilities

As utilities are looking to decarbonize their power generation assets, hydrogen is emerging as a potential pathway to achieve their CO₂ reduction targets because it is a noncarbon-emitting fuel when combusted. However, due to the uncertainty of how some of these assets will operate as hydrogen is introduced into the system, many facilities are looking to implement pilot-testing programs to temporarily blend and burn hydrogen with the natural gas fuel to measure performance (output, fuel consumption, emissions, etc.) before committing to large capital investments for permanent hydrogen co-firing capabilities.

This presentation will include discussion on the lessons learned during a real hydrogen-blending pilot test a power generation facility (recip. engine) in Michigan. In addition to safety considerations, it will also focus on the key aspects of implementing the hydrogen blending/burning demonstration tests:

• Coordination with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to determine:
  • Turbine/engine hydrogen fueling capabilities
  • If modifications are required
  • Testing duration/frequency
• Hydrogen supply
  • Liquid vs. Gaseous deliveries
  • On-site generation
• Hydrogen storage
  • Discuss minimum setback distances in NFPA 2 – Hydrogen Technologies Code for hydrogen storage placement within the facility
• Blending system
  • Achieving proper mixing of the natural gas/hydrogen
• Balance-of-Plant evaluation
  • Safety reviews - HAZOP
  • Hazardous Area Classification of electrical equipment

Additionally, the presentation will also discuss some of the challenges and lessons-learned from executing these pilot project studies:

• Engine sensitivities to changes in fuel composition/incomplete mixing
• Large hydrogen quantities required (supply chain issues)
• Siting of new equipment within an existing facility