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Hydrogen Fracture Surfaces Assessment
The LTS Futures project aims to understand how the local transmission system (LTS) could be repurposed from Natural Gas to hydrogen. The project encompasses several elements which will feed into a blueprint methodology for repurposing the LTS to hydrogen. During one of the work elements, LTS Futures conducted full-scale testing of pipeline defects and small-bore connections exposed to hydrogen. Testing was conducted until failure to provide information for hydrogen pipeline design, standards, and operational procedures. This project will undertake further detailed analysis of the fracture surfaces to provide a visual confirmation of hydrogen diffusion into the pipeline microstructure and if this contributed to failure.
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Hydrogen Ignition Risk from Static and Autoignition Stage 2B – Static Generation experimentation
The key subject of HIRSA stage 2 projects is to understand if using hydrogen in the gas network will result in an increased likelihood of ignition from static discharge generated by particulates in flowing gas. Building on stage 2A, stage 2B will provide further experimental testing aimed at determining the absolute difference in electrostatic charge generated, identify whether any external factors impact one gas more than the other, and to control the factors affecting generation of the charge. The outputs of this work should provide the industry with a better understanding of the potential change in ignition risk when switching from Natural Gas to hydrogen and will also highlight relevant mitigations to manage this risk.
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Hydrogen Impact on NTS Welds
Laboratory and full-scale testing have demonstrated that hydrogen gas affects the fracture performance of pipeline steel welds. To avoid severe knockdown factors stipulated by existing hydrogen pipeline codes, mechanical property data from welds tested in high-pressure gaseous hydrogen is required to enable optimised operation of the NTS in hydrogen.
National Gas Transmission have conducted a series of fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth rate tests on a wide selection of pipeline steels and welds representative of those used on the National Transmission System (NTS). A thorough review of the welds tested and how these compare to the wider population of welds in service on the NTS is required to provide further confidence to use this data in pipeline repurposing assessments and for new build design.
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Hydrogen Permeation through the Oxide Layer Phase 1
This project is looking to address uncertainties surrounding LTS pipeline materials by investigating the effect of the oxide layer on hydrogen permeation rate for steel pipelines. This project will also investigate the formation of an oxide layer inside the pipe at different temperatures, as well as how the microstructure of the pipeline steel and condition of the oxide layer affect permeation for different grades of steel. It is critical this relation is better understood as these uncertainties are currently hindering our ability to fully and accurately assess the repurposing of the LTS. The outcomes of this project have the potential to increase cost-savings and improve confidence in the existing network to carry hydrogen, including blends.
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Hydrogen Rollout Assessment
This project will help WWU to understand considerations for 100% Hydrogen Rollout at a town scale, to inform future activity on preparation for repurposing. Areas will be chosen which are representative of different networks, housing stock and demographics, which will require different approaches and engagement.
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Integrity Management of Gaseous Carbon Dioxide Pipelines
Existing defect assessments and repair methodologies are aligned with the P/11, P/20 and PM/DAM1 management procedures and are adopted to inspect, assess and repair the pipelines for defects and take suitable measures to reduce them. However, the scope and applicability of these assessment and repair methodologies in the presence of gaseous phase carbon dioxide remain uncertain. The key challenges which the project aims to address are:
- Will existing repair techniques such as epoxy shell, welded shells, composite wraps, gouge dressing etc. be suitable for transmission of gaseous phase carbon dioxide?
- What are the different defects we may encounter or consider hazardous in the presence of carbon dioxide? What are the impacts of carbon dioxide on each defect type? And how much does water/corrosion exacerbate this?
- Have the mechanisms of failure for each defect type changed after introducing carbon dioxide?
- Can we implement the assessment and repair methodologies safely? Are the techniques safe and suitable for the pipeline operations and maintenance teams?
The project seeks to answer the above in addition to understanding the types and extent of repairs across the NTS and review the impact of carbon dioxide on the effectiveness of these inspection, assessment and mitigation technologies.
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Integrity Management of Hydrogen Pipelines
Existing defect assessments and repair methodologies are aligned with the T/PM/P/11 and T/PM/P/20 management procedures and are adopted to inspect, assess and repair the pipelines for defects and take suitable measures to reduce them. However, the scope and applicability of the repair techniques in the presence of high-pressure hydrogen remain uncertain. The key questions which form an outline of the project are:
- What are the different types of defects, we may encounter or consider injurious in the presence of hydrogen?
- What is the impact of hydrogen on each defect type? Have the mechanisms of failure changed for each defect type after hydrogen-natural gas blending?
- Will the existing repair techniques be applicable under transmission of high-pressure hydrogen and hydrogen-natural gas blends?
- Can we implement the defect assessment, inspection and repair methodologies safely? Are the techniques safe and suitable for the pipeline operations and maintenance teams?
The project seeks to answer the above in addition to understanding the types and extent of repairs across the NTS and assess the impact of hydrogen on the effectiveness of these inspection, assessment and mitigation technologies.
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NTS Pipeline Assessments Phase 2
This project will build upon previous work to inform decisions relating to the repurposing of National Transmission System pipelines for 100% hydrogen and hydrogen-natural gas blends. New input data will be generated and collated, the assessment methodology will be refined and an alternative assessment method, probabilistic, will be utilised and the resulting network impact will be considered.
This project will generate the following benefits:
- More accurate assessment of the capability of the NTS to transport 100% hydrogen and hydrogen-natural gas blends.
- Data on the impact of low percentage blend hydrogen on pipeline materials.
- Standardised document for Engineering Critical Assessments (ECA) of hydrogen and hydrogen-natural gas blend pipelines and pipework.
Greater understanding on the effect of hydrogen on the design and operation of pipeline systems.
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Navigator Project
Situation:
As National Grid ESO transitions to the NESO it will take on the role of Regional Energy Strategic Planners, which will bring a focus on the alignment of Local Area Energy Plans and distribution network planning.
Complication:
Current regional distribution network future energy scenarios are produced by electricity distribution networks. Gas distribution networks do not have an equivalent activity Accordingly, regional and local area energy planning in not informed by a balanced consideration of all energy vectors.
Solution:
An agile and easy to use Whole Energy Systems Pathway (WESP) tool, with detailed temporal and spatial investment planning capabilities, to enable a regional whole energy system planning capability which informs gas network planning, as well as inform national, regional and local planners, in an objective, evidence based. way
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Net Zero Multi-Vector Assessment
This project will help Cadent to understand considerations for a Net Zero Multi-Vector at a town scale, to inform future activity on preparation for repurposing. An area will be chosen which is representative of different networks, housing stock and demographics, which will require different approaches and engagement.
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Net Zero Safety & Ignition Risk
National Gas are investigating the use of the National Transmission System to transport hydrogen and hydrogen blends. To support this, research and testing is required to understand the risks of high pressure hydrogen transmission, including ignition. This project will identify, for 100% hydrogen and blends of hydrogen up to 20%, the sources of ignition including how the distance of ignition sources affects the likelihood of ignition. It will also investigate the frequency and the different types of ignition events e.g. jet fires. Lastly, it will look at the probability of ignition on sites and in pipework.
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NextGen Electrolysis – Wastewater to Green Hydrogen Beta
Wales and West Utilities are partnering with HydroStar, Welsh Water and NGED to look at two demonstrator projects required from new electrolyser systems and the associated electrolyte that ensures resilience of hydrogen supply across the network, giving best value for money and energy security within WWU’s network, along with other UK wide Gas Distribution Network (GDN) customers.
Current electrolysers focus on stack-efficiency and hydrogen purity without considering real-world manufacturing and operational constraints, and the high costs associated. This project focusses on utilising impurified-water, e.g. rainwater, storm-overflow and industrial process wastewater as feedstock, which reduces operational constraints and costs for customers whilst enabling wide-scale uptake of low-carbon hydrogen.
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Open Maps
This project has enormous potential to benefit all customers in vulnerable situations as it will provide accurate assessment of communities and all interested parties to provide suitable support to the area. This will enable GDN, DNO, Electricity transmission, and Gas transmission partners such as community groups to specifically target areas with relevant support, this will allow project partners to accurately provide information which will be bespoke to the specific needs of the area such as Carbon Monoxide awareness, Priority Services Register messaging, increasing awareness and registrations.
It will allow GDN’s or other service providers to enlist support for VCMA, BAU or NIA projects directly addressing the needs of communities, rather than adopting a broad-brush approach which has been the traditional approach. This system will present itself as the very foundation for future years projects and investments, specifically as we progress through the energy system transition which will help address the very real and ever-changing needs of communities and vulnerable customers groups by putting data at the front and centre of future decision making for GDN’s and partners.
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Pathfinder Enhancements
This project will update the Pathfinder tool, to improve functionality and reflect more current underlying data. Use of the tool developed in this project should result in better choices regarding investment in energy saving measures
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Probabilistic Fitness-for-Service Assessment of Hydrogen Pipeline Girth Welds
Repurposing of natural gas pipelines made of carbon steel for use with hydrogen blends requires a fitness-for-service analysis as part of the hydrogen use safety case. Girth welds of an unknown quality exist in the Local Transmission System (LTS). In hydrogen service these welds would have a greater susceptibility to fracture failure due to material embrittlement caused by interaction of steel material with hydrogen.
Current inspection methods do not routinely inspect girth welds for defects. Deterministic defect assessment models require the use of conservative assumptions for defect sizes, material properties and loading. This can lead to overly pessimistic conclusions about the suitability of pipelines with girth welds for use with hydrogen.
More detailed probability-based assessments are required to reduce the inherent pessimism in deterministic calculation methods. This would provide confidence of the safety and allow for greater use of the LTS with hydrogen and contribute to a quicker and cheaper energy transition for the UK gas network.
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Project GaIN
As the UK attempts to decarbonise residential heat to meet net zero by 2050, electric heat pumps along with heat networks are expected to play a key role. However, it is generally accepted that no one technology will be able to meet the needs of all households. If we are to deliver affordable low- carbon heating in the residential sector, we shall need as wide a range of technology options as possible to overcome the economic and technical challenges facing every customer.
Project GaIN (Gathering Insights) will explore alternatives to heat pumps and heat networks which can utilise the robust gas network and benefit from its current upgrade programme, supporting the aims of DESNZ’s decarbonisation of heat roadmap. The project will discover and assess additional technology options where alternative solutions might be more costly or difficult to deliver; this will include LAEP system benefits as well as localised CAPEX and OPEX costs.
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Project Volta
This project will undertake testing on technology for distributed production of low carbon hydrogen from natural gas, biogas or other short chain hydrocarbons from waste. Which uses 90% less electricity than electrolysis of water and with 68% lower total energy costs.
The project will support early movers and convert gas from our network into a low carbon hydrogen solution. The compact and modular deployment of the technology enables hydrogen production systems to be installed directly at the energy user's site. These systems convert grid-supplied natural gas to hydrogen on demand, eliminating the need for additional infrastructure or on-site hydrogen storage, and leaves the rest of the network unaffected
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Reducing Gas Emissions During Pipeline Commissioning
Based on previous work, ROSEN Engineers believe the quantity of natural gas vented during commissioning operations can safely be reduced, by up to 80%, through targeted changes to direct purging procedures.
For Gas Distribution Networks’ (GDNs), gas venting remains a necessary part of normal operations for maintenance or safety purposes. Previous research work undertaken by ROSEN(UK) Limited for the EIC, with project partners Northern Gas Networks (NGN) and Wales and West Utilities (WWU), identified activities where venting of natural gas to atmosphere occurs (Gas Venting Research Project, NIA reference number NIA_NGN_282)
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Rising Pressure Reformer Study
This project will assess the application of Rising Pressure Reformer (RiPR) technology to produce a tuneable blend of biogenic methane and hydrogen, supporting the decarbonisation of gas networks. The project will focus on the how control of the gas produced would fit with requirements for network injection, and assessing locations for connection.
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SHINE (Non-Electric Boiler)
Power outages are a regular occurrence in Great Britian with average annual customer minutes lost in Great Britain range between 31.57 minutes 51.4 minutes depending on the Distribution Network Operator License Area (Statista, 2021). This is of course not evenly distributed with outages varying from a few minutes up to more than a week in more extreme circumstances. Similarly, single outages can affect a single property or several thousand properties depending on the cause. This project will aim to develop a low-cost, user-friendly solution, whereby customers in vulnerable situations will still be able to use their gas heated boiler, as well as LPG and oil heated boilers, in the event of a power outage.
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