Optimizing underground hydrogen storage in aquifers: The impact of cushion gas type
本研究调查了垫气类型和存在对北海某海上含水层地下氢储存(UHS)性能的影响。通过数值模拟，全面评估了垫气类型与UHS性能之间的关系，为设计高效的UHS项目提供了宝贵的见解。结果表明，垫气类型可以显著影响过程的回收效率和氢气纯度。CO2具有最高的储存能力，而像N2和CH4这样的轻气体显示出更好的回收效率。使用CH4作为垫气可以带来高达80%的回收效率，最小化侧向扩散和粘性指进。垫气密度决定了地下氢储存方案的效率。
CMG软件应用情况：
在这项研究中，使用了组成性储层模拟器CMG-GEM™进行数值模拟，以实现对垫气类型对地下氢储存性能影响的深入分析。CMG-GEM™软件在此研究中的应用展示了其在模拟复杂地下流体行为和评估不同垫气条件下氢气储存效率的能力。
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of cushion gas type and presence on the performance of underground hydrogen storage (UHS) in an offshore North Sea aquifer. Using numerical simulation, the relationship between cushion gas type and UHS performance was comprehensively evaluated, providing valuable insights for designing an efficient UHS project delivery.
Results indicated that cushion gas type can significantly impact the process’s recovery efficiency and hydrogen purity. CO2 was found to have the highest storage capacity, while lighter gases like N2 and CH4 exhibited better recovery efficiency. Utilising CH4 as a cushion gas can lead to a higher recovery efficiency of 80%. It was also determined that utilising either of these cushion gases was always more beneficial than hydrogen storage alone, leading to an incremental hydrogen recovery up to 7%. Additionally, hydrogen purity degraded as each cycle progressed, but improved over time. This study contributes to a better understanding of factors affecting UHS performance and can inform the selection of cushion gas type and optimal operational strategies.
作者单位：
Motaz Saeed 和 Prashant Jadhawar 均来自英国苏格兰阿伯丁大学工程学院。