17.05.2024
Source: Energie & Management Powernews
The first heating period with an existing gas network in Bavaria converted to 100 percent hydrogen went smoothly.
The three project partners Energie Südbayern, Energienetze Bayern and Thüga draw a positive conclusion on the conversion of a natural gas network to hydrogen. "The conversion went smoothly. Even at temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees, the entire hydrogen infrastructure and the new heating systems were reliable," said Michael Schneider, Managing Director of Energienetze Bayern.
"We are very satisfied with the progress of the project, there were no significant teething problems," said Mathias Stierstorfer, Regional Manager North at Energienetze Bayern. Basically, the operation of the network with hydrogen hardly differs from the operation with natural gas, "even the proven odorant THT is the same". Another finding: the capacity of the distribution grid is suitable for hydrogen with its increased flow rate.
Since October last year, ten households and one commercial customer in Hohenwart, Bavaria, have been heating with hydrogen. As part of the "H2Direkt" project, an existing section of a natural gas pipeline was previously rededicated to accommodate hydrogen. The project focuses on the hydrogen suitability of the existing infrastructure, in the network and in the cellars.
Niklas Zigelli, Project Manager H2Direkt at Thüga: "The results of H2Direkt can be transferred to other network areas, for example to supply customer groups from industry and commerce. They are also important for the general transformation of the grids, starting from the core grid."
In October, a newly constructed hydrogen feed-in plant was put into operation in Hohenwart. Within a few days, the connected households and a commercial customer were converted from natural gas to hydrogen.
No evidence of leaks
No significant conversions were required in the gas network. All existing components proved to be suitable for operation with hydrogen. The heating systems were replaced with H2 condensing boilers from Vaillant, and the gas meters were also replaced to meet the new requirements.
The regular inspections of all pipes and infrastructure components in the network and cellars revealed no evidence of leaks or other potential problems.
One aspect of the project was the involvement of the customers affected. They were regularly asked for feedback. The feedback indicated a high level of satisfaction with the switch to hydrogen as an energy source, according to the companies.
Author: Stefan Sagmeister
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