Hydrogen underground storage—Petrographic and petrophysical variations in reservoir sandstones from laboratory experiments under simulated reservoir conditions. (8th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Flesch, Steven; Pudlo, Dieter; Albrecht, Daniel; Jacob, Arne; Enzmann, Frieder
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 43:Number 45(2018)
• Page Start: 20822
• Page End: 20835
• Publication Date: 2018-11-08
• Subjects: Hydrogen underground storage -- Sandstones -- Depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs -- Mineral alteration -- High pressure high temperature experiments -- High-resolution x-ray computer tomography; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.09.112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Fluctuating energy production by renewables is one of the main issues in transition times of energy production from conventional power plants to an energy production by renewables. Using excess produced electricity (windy/sunny periods) to convert water to oxygen and hydrogen and storing the hydrogen in depleted oil-, gas fields or sedimentary aquifer structures would provide the option to recover and convert hydrogen to electricity in periods with an energy demand. Research focus is here the pore space in the geological underground where still few studies exist. In static batch experiments up to six weeks long, under different reservoir-specific conditions; regarding pressure, temperature and formation fluid salinity, sandstones were exposed to 100% hydrogen. Before and after these experiments microscopic, petrophysical and computer tomography analyses are conducted. The preliminary results from different scales (μm to cm) and dimensions (2D and 3D) of 21 samples indicate that hydrogen underground storage is likely possible. Highlights: H2 autoclave experiments, reproducing different underground reservoir conditions. H2 experiment induced alteration of pore filling anhydrite and carbonate cements. μ-CT visualization combined with fluid flow simulation revealed experiment effects. Reservoir characteristic variations are more noticeable on small scales. H2 underground pore storage in certain reservoirs/regions likely more implementable.