NTT to study hydrogen transportation through existing pipelines

The study will examine a double-piping system in which a hydrogen pipeline is placed underground in an existing pipe (sheath pipe).

NTT Anode Energy Corporation announced a joint research and development project to study safety measures for the mass transportation of hydrogen through existing pipeline infrastructure.

The study, being performed in collaboration with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and Toyota Tsusho Co., Ltd., is expected to contribute to the realisation of a pipeline transportation model for hydrogen that could be implemented globally.

Utilizing existing pipeline infrastructure can solve these issues, and this new study represents the next step in this model’s proof-of-concept process.

Factors to be measured and contributed to the formulation of technical standards include:

  • On-site investigation of hydrogen leakage detection
  • Verification of detection of signs of abnormality
  • Establishment of a control sequence to ensure safety
  • Performance evaluation of various hydrogen sensors in a real-world environment

Safety measures will be investigated under the assumption of unsteady conditions, including rupture accidents and natural disasters during pipeline operation. In addition to examining the safety measures necessary for using existing pipelines, the study will verify the profitability of such projects, including cost analysis of transportation, energy input, and economic efficiency, as compared to other hydrogen transportation means.

NTT Anode Energy and its collaborators will promote and establish technical studies on safety measures for practical use based on the knowledge and data gained through this project.

Ultimately, the project will also support the future supply of hydrogen to urban areas (e.g., public and commercial facilities, data centres and communications buildings; fuel cell vehicles; hydrogen stations, etc.), supply through pipelines utilizing communication pipelines (e.g., cable tunnels) and will contribute to the development of smart cities and the establishment of hydrogen supply means through pipelines in regions with a view to a society that consumes a large amount of hydrogen through the development of CO2-free hydrogen.

Primary Areas of Research by Collaborator

NTT Anode Energy   

  • Hydrogen leakage detection
  • Abnormal sign detection
  • Hydrogen sensors investigation
  • Investigation of residual hydrogen concentration at the time of hydrogen leakage
  • Investigation of explosion effect of manhole cover

AIST

  • Investigation of fire flame behaviour caused by the ignition of leaked hydrogen in a simulated
  • double piping system

Toyota Tsusho

  • Clarification of unit costs through verification of equipment, installation and safety costs; and
  • Verification of advantageous conditions and business establishment requirements of pipeline transportation
Back to top button