Innovation with H₂
Applications in R&D

Multi-talented hydrogen

Hydrogen is the all-rounder for energy systems based on renewable energies. Not only does hydrogen make renewable electricity storable and transportable, but hydrogen also enables its use in practically all areas where energy is used. We already know that all of this is technically possible, and the corresponding technologies already exist for most of the components. But the development potential is far from exhausted: regardless of the application, there is still plenty of room for improvement. Universities, institutes and companies are working intensively to further develop the technologies. Testing prototypes under realistic conditions is a key step in this process.

Three examples:

Hydrogen engines, fuel cells and gas turbines must undergo all typical operating modes of real use under different operating parameters in test benches. This is the only way to ensure that they are ready for market launch. This includes load change and endurance tests.

Synthesis processes to produce synthetic methane, methanol or other alternative fuels and base materials must be trialled in test reactors with various test series in order to prove the stability and degree of conversion of the catalysts or metabolisms used under different parameters.

Underground salt caverns and pore storage facilities are already being used to store natural gas and oil. In the transformed energy system, caverns will play an important role as cost-effective long-term storage facilities for hydrogen. A typical cavern can hold 5,000 tonnes of hydrogen. Even if there is initial experience with hydrogen caverns, the geological conditions vary greatly from place to place. Research and development is therefore also necessary here. The first step is a leak test of the cavern head; only then can the cavern be filled and further experience gained.

In addition to engineering expertise and much more, one thing is needed in large quantities for all examples: Hydrogen. And we supply it - flexibly, reliably and in line with demand.

Success stories in research and development

Supply of cavern leak tests

As part of the H2Cast R&D project, STORAG ETZEL GmbH is converting a salt cavern at the Etzel site to hydrogen. Natural gas was previously stored here. Therefore, no new borehole is required, which speeds up the conversion. Nevertheless, the cavern and the existing borehole must be upgraded and tested for leaks before the first filling - first with nitrogen, then with hydrogen.

After intensive technical consultation with the customer on interfaces, ex zones, safety technology and much more, the first hydrogen test took place in November 2022. With the help of our high-capacity trailers, the approx. 1,000 m long borehole was filled with hydrogen and pressurised to 118 bar. Our trailer was put to optimum use here: Thanks to its large capacity, it reduced the number of deliveries and thus significantly accelerated the test.

The leak test was successfully completed. The next step will be the initial filling of the cavern.

‘Cavern leak tests are a demanding task. Many tasks have to be coordinated and, of course, the regulatory requirements from mining law have to be observed at all times. Tyczka provided us with expert support throughout all phases of the H2Cast project in Etzel, from conception to implementation, in the provision of hydrogen for our leak test. We are glad that Tyczka, as a reliable partner, has made our lives a little easier here.’

- Henning Becker, Project Manager STORAG ETZEL GmbH

Source: STORAG ETZEL GmbH