Comparative analysis of thermodynamic and mechanical responses between underground hydrogen storage and compressed air energy storage in lined rock caverns

Underground hydrogen storage(UHS)and compressed air energy storage(CAES)are two viable largescale energy storage technologies for mitigating the intermittency of wind and solar power.Therefore,it is meaningful to compare the properties of hydrogen and air with typical thermodynamic storage processes.This study employs a multi-physical coupling model to compare the operations of CAES and UHS,integrating gas thermodynamics within caverns,thermal conduction,and mechanical deformation around rock caverns.Gas thermodynamic responses are validated using additional simulations and the field test data.Temperature and pressure variations of air and hydrogen within rock caverns exhibit similarities under both adiabatic and diabatic simulation modes.Hydrogen reaches higher temperature and pressure following gas charging stage compared to air,and the ideal gas assumption may lead to overestimation of gas temperature and pressure.Unlike steel lining of CAES,the sealing layer(fibre-reinforced plastic FRP)in UHS is prone to deformation but can effectively mitigates stress in the sealing layer.In CAES,the first principal stress on the surface of the sealing layer and concrete lining is tensile stress,whereas UHS exhibits compressive stress in the same areas.Our present research can provide references for the selection of energy storage methods.

Evaluation of development potential of pumped hydroelectric storage and geothermal utilization system in abandoned coal mine

Every year in China,a significant number of mines are closed or abandoned.The pumped hydroelectric storage(PHS)and geothermal utilization are vital means to efficiently repurpose resources in abandoned mine.In this work,the development potentials of the PHS and geothermal utilization systems were evaluated.Considering the geological conditions and meteorological data available of Jiahe abandoned mine,a simple evaluation model for PHS and geothermal utilization was established.The average efficiency of the PHS system exceeds 70%and the regulatable energy of a unit volume is over 1.53 kW·h/m^(3).The PHS system achieves optimal performance when the wind/solar power ratio reaches 0.6 and 0.3 in daily and year scale,respectively.In the geothermal utilization system,the outlet temperature and heat production are significantly affected by the injection flow rate.The heat production performance is more stable at lower rate flow,and the proportion of heat production is higher in the initial stage at greater flow rate.As the operating time increases,the proportion of heat production gradually decreases.The cyclic heat storage status has obvious advantages in heat generation and cooling.Furthermore,the energy-saving and emission reduction benefits of PHS and geothermal utilization systems were calculated.

Key aspects of underground hydrogen storage in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs and saline aquifers:A review and understanding

Underground hydrogen storage is critical for renewable energy integration and sustainability.Saline aquifers and depleted oil and gas reservoirs represent viable large-scale hydrogen storage solutions due to their capacity and availability.This paper provides a comparative analysis of the current status of hydrogen storage in various environments.Additionally,it assesses the geological compatibility,capacity,and security of these storage environments with minimal leakage and degradation.An in-depth analysis was also conducted on the economic and environmental issues that impact the hydrogen storage.In addition,the capacity of these structures was also clarified,and it is similar to storing carbon dioxide,except for the cushion gas that is injected with hydrogen to provide pressure when withdrawing from the store to increase demand.This research also discusses the pros and cons of hydrogen storage in saline aquifers and depleted oil and gas reservoirs.Advantages include numerous storage sites,compatibility with existing infrastructure,and the possibility to repurpose declining oil and gas assets.Specifically,it was identified that depleted gas reservoirs are better for hydrogen gas storage than depleted oil reservoirs because hydrogen gas may interact with the oil.The saline aquifers rank third because of uncertainty,limited capacity,construction and injection costs.The properties that affect the hydrogen injection process were also discussed in terms of solid,fluid,and solid-fluid properties.In all structures,successful implementation requires characterizing sites,monitoring and managing risks,and designing efficient storage methods.The findings expand hydrogen storage technology and enable a renewable energy-based energy system.

Reform Exploration for Safety Course System of Oil and Gas Storage and Transportation Facilities

In recent years,the safety of oil and gas storage and transportation facilities has been paid more attention by the state and enterprises due to frequent accidents.The oil and gas storage and transportation facilities safety courses in China University of Petroleum(Beijing)includes“Engineering mechanics”,“Strength design of pipelines and tanks”and“Safety and integrity management of oil and gas storage and transportation facilities”.The three courses lack relevance and the teaching mode is too rigid,resulting in students losing their initiative in learning.If students can’t use the knowledge flexibly,it will affect the achievement of the objectives of the training program.Therefore,oil and gas storage and transportation facilities safety courses are reformed,training plans are adjusted and teaching methods are improved.The practice shows that the reform enriches the teaching content,improves the teaching quality,stimulates classroom activity and gets a good evaluation of students.The reform of safety courses has a certain significance for cultivating compound talents who have the ability to solve practical problems in engineering.

Classification and Integration of Storage and Transportation Engineering Technologies in Potato Producing Areas of China

Considering the development of potato （Solanum tuberosum） industry in China, the existing technologies of potato storage and transportation in the produc- ing area were analyzed through investigation on four main potato production areas. Unear classification was used to conduct the technology classification. According to the technical attributes and characteristics, the potato technologies of storage and transportation in producing area were classified with large classes, middle classes, small classes and subclasses, into the agricultural production area processing and storage engineering technology system, to reveal the structure and functions. Mean- while, the widely used technologies were integrated and summarized into 5 principal technology integration programs, which could be used for the technology integration of the new management subjects such as planting professional cooperatives, family farms, enterprises and so on.

Sealing capacity evaluation of underground gas storage under intricate geological conditions

Evaluating underground gas storage(UGS)sealing capacity is essential for its safe construction and operational efficiency.This involves evaluating both the static sealing capacity of traps during hydrocarbon accumulation and the dynamic sealing capacity of UGS under intensive gas injection and withdrawal,and alternating loads.This study detailed the methodology developed by Sinopec.The approach merges disciplines like geology,geomechanics,and hydrodynamics,employing both dynamic-static and qualitative-quantitative analyses.Sinopec's evaluation methods,grounded in the in situ stress analysis,include mechanistic studies,laboratory tests,geological surveys,stress analysis,and fluid-solid interactions.Through tests on the static and dynamic sealing capacity of UGS,alongside investigations into sealing mechanisms and the geological and geomechanical properties of cap rocks and faults,A geomechanics-rock damage-seepage mechanics dynamic coupling analysis method has been developed to predict in situ stress variations relative to pore pressure changes during UGS operations and evaluate fault sealing capacity and cap rock integrity,thereby setting the maximum operational pressures.Utilizing this evaluation technique,Sinopec has defined performance metrics and criteria for evaluating the sealing capacity of depleted gas reservoirs,enabling preliminary sealing capacity evaluations at UGS sites.These evaluations have significantly informed the design of UGS construction schemes and the evaluation of fault sealing capacity and cap rock integrity during UGS operations.

Microscopic experiment on efficient construction of underground gas storages converted from water-invaded gas reservoirs

Based on the microfluidic technology,a microscopic visualization model was used to simulate the gas injection process in the initial construction stage and the bottom water invasion/gas injection process in the cyclical injection-production stage of the underground gas storage(UGS)rebuilt from water-invaded gas reservoirs.Through analysis of the gas-liquid contact stabilization mechanism,flow and occurrence,the optimal control method for lifecycle efficient operation of UGS was explored.The results show that in the initial construction stage of UGS,the action of gravity should be fully utilized by regulating the gas injection rate,so as to ensure the macroscopically stable migration of the gas-liquid contact,and greatly improve the gas sweeping capacity,providing a large pore space for gas storage in the subsequent cyclical injection-production stage.In the cyclical injection-production stage of UGS,a constant gas storage and production rate leads to a low pore space utilization.Gradually increasing the gas storage and production rate,that is,transitioning from small volume to large volume,can continuously break the hydraulic equilibrium of the remaining fluid in the porous media,which then expands the pore space and flow channels.This is conducive to the expansion of UGS capacity and efficiency for purpose of peak shaving and supply guarantee.

Navigating the hydrogen prospect:A comprehensive review of sustainable source-based production technologies,transport solutions,advanced storage mechanisms,and CCUS integration

The review is a comprehensive discussion of current research advances,commercial scale developments,challenges,and techno-eco nomics for the entire H_(2) value chain,including production,mainly focusing on sustainable sources,storage,and transport.The challenges,advantages,and uses of H_(2) energy are included at length.Moreover,apart from the sustainable production approaches,the approaches and current developments for combating the carbon dioxide(CO_(2))emissions from existing H_(2) production facilities are highlighted in terms of ca rbon capture,utilization,and storage(CCUS).Concisely,the review discusses current material and recent technological adva ncements in developing pilot projects and large-scale establishments for viable and rapidly emerging sou rce-ba sed H_(2) productio n.Moreover,the review also aims to provide an in-depthdiscussion and explore current developments based on the advantages of H_(2) energy in terms of its utilization,based on its high energy density,and its ability to be used as a feedstock and fuel.On the other hand,the challenges of H_(2) are also elabo rated.Next,the role of CCUS in a carbon-neutral economy and value chain for minimization of emissions from existing facilities is thoroughly deliberated,and the recent commercial-scale implementation of CCUS technologies is highlighted.Extending the utilization and recycling of captured CO_(2) emissions along with H_(2) to produce e-fuels in terms of current advances is detailed in this review.Fu rthermore,the most applicable,efficient,a nd develo ping approaches are discussed for physical and chemical H_(2) storage,considering recent la rge-scale implementations of liquid carriers and liquid organic hydrogen carriers as storage options.Lastly,the review elaborates on recent insights into advances in H_(2) transport infrastructure,including compressed and liquid H_(2) delivery via roads,ships,pipelines,and flight cargo.The review gives precise insights into the recent scenario through an elaborated conclusion of each discussion topic separately and a discussion of future perspectives.The current review will help researchers to fully understand the ongoing research advancements and challenges in the H_(2) value chain for formulating new solutions for sustainable H_(2) production,alo ng with focusing on suitable approaches for its storage and tra nsport to make the production and utilization of H_(2) applicable on a large scale.

Simulation of Underground Reservoir Stability of Pumped Storage Power Station Based on Fluid-Structure Coupling

Based on global initiatives such as the clean energy transition and the development of renewable energy,the pumped storage power station has become a new and significant way of energy storage and regulation,and its construction environment is more complex than that of a traditional reservoir.In particular,the stability of the rock strata in the underground reservoirs is affected by the seepage pressure and rock stress,which presents some challenges in achieving engineering safety and stability.Using the advantages of the numerical simulation method in dealing deal with nonlinear problems in engineering stability,in this study,the stability of the underground reservoir of the Shidangshan(SDS)pumped storage power station was numerically calculated and quantitatively analyzed based on fluid-structure coupling theory,providing an important reference for the safe operation and management of the underground reservoir.First,using the COMSOL software,a suitablemechanicalmodel was created in accordance with the geological structure and project characteristics of the underground reservoir.Next,the characteristics of the stress field,displacement field,and seepage field after excavation of the underground reservoir were simulated in light of the seepage effect of groundwater on the nearby rock of the underground reservoir.Finally,based on the construction specifications and Molar-Coulomb criterion,a thorough evaluation of the stability of the underground reservoir was performed through simulation of the filling and discharge conditions and anti-seepage strengthening measures.The findings demonstrate that the numerical simulation results have a certain level of reliability and are in accordance with the stress measured in the project area.The underground reservoir excavation resulted in a maximum displacement value of the rock mass around the caverns of 3.56 mm in a typical section,and the safety coefficient of the parts,as determined using the Molar-Coulomb criterion,was higher than 1,indicating that the project as a whole is in a stable state.

Evaluation of the dynamic sealing performance of cap rocks of underground gas storage under multi-cycle alternating loads

The static sealing of underground gas storage(UGS),including the integrity of cap rocks and the stability of faults,is analyzed from a macro perspective using a comprehensive geological evaluation method.Changes in pore structure,permeability,and mechanical strength of cap rocks under cyclic loads may impact the rock sealing integrity during the injection and recovery phases of UGS.In this work,the mechanical deformation and failure tests of rocks,as well as rock damage tests under alternating loads,are conducted to analyze the changes in the strength and permeability of rocks under multiple-cycle intense injection and recovery of UGS.Additionally,this study proposes an evaluation method for the dynamic sealing performance of UGS cap rocks under multi-cycle alternating loads.The findings suggest that the failure strength(70%)can be used as the critical value for rock failure,thus providing theoretical support for determining the upper limit of operating pressure and the number of injection-recovery cycles for the safe operation of a UGS system.

A Method Based on Thermo-Vibrational Effects for Hydrogen Transportation and Storage

Transporting and storing hydrogen is a complex technological task.A typical problem relates to the need to minimize the strength of fluid motion and heat transfer near the walls of the container.In this work this problem is tackled numerically assuming an infinite cavity of pipe square cross-section,located in a constant external temperature gradient.In particular,a method based on the application of vibrations to suppress the gravitational convection mechanism is explored.A parametric investigation is conducted and the limits of applicability of the method for small Grashof numbers(10e4)are determined.It is shown that it is possible to minimize the intensity of the vibrogravitational flow for any values of the problem parameters if correction factors are specified.The results obtained can be applied in technological processes associated with the transportation,storage and use of hydrogen:pumping the working fluid through pipes,storage in tanks,as well as flow processes in the combustion chambers of power plants.

A 2D stability analysis of the rock surrounding underground liquified natural gas storage cavern based on COMSOL Multiphysics

Underground liquified natural gas(LNG)storage is essential in guaranteeing national energy strategic reserves,and its construction is being accelerated.The stability of surrounding rock of underground LNG storage caverns under stress-low temperature coupling effect is the key factor determining the feasibility of LNG storage.First,a mathematical model used for controlling the stress-low temperature coupling and the processes of rock damage evolution is given,followed by a 2-D numerical execution process of the mathematical model mentioned above described based on Comsol Multiphysics and Matlab code.Finally,a series of 2-D simulations are performed to study the influence of LNG storage cavern layout,burial depth,temperature and internal pressure on the stability of surrounding rocks of these underground storage caverns.The results indicate that all the factors mentioned above affect the evolution of deformation and plastic zone of surrounding rocks.The research results contribute to the engineering design of underground LNG storage caverns.

Performance of underground heat storage system in a double-film-covered greenhouse

An underground heat storage system in a double-film-covered greenhouse and an adjacent greenhouse without the heat storage system were designed on the basis of plant physiology to reduce the energy consumption in greenhouses. The results indicated that the floor temperature was respectively 5.2℃, 4.6℃ and 2.0 ℃ higher than that of the soil in the adjacent reference greenhouse after heat storage in a clear, cloudy and overcast sky in winter. Results showed that the temperature and humidity were feasible for plant growth in the heat saving greenhouse.

Two-and three-dimensional stability analysis of underground storage caverns in soft rock(Cappadocia, Turkey) by finite element method

Engineering design in soft rocks and its stability analysis exerts many challenges to rock engineers. Many engineering works in Turkey’s Cappadocia region must face and tackle the existing sites covered by the soft rocks. This study is aimed to examine the stability condition of a typical underground storage cavern(USC) excavated in a soft rock in this region. For this purpose, two-and threedimensional stability analyses of the USCs were performed using the finite element method(FEM).Because of the inherent difficulty in characterizing soft/weak rock masses in the region using traditional classification systems, the stability of a typical USC was evaluated by representing the rock mass condition with two distinct scenarios in FEM analysis.While these structures were unstable according to the 2D analysis conducted in RS2 software in the worstcase scenario, they were stable in the 3D analysis using RS3 software in both scenarios. Besides,feasible cover depths were examined to assess their possible effects on the factor of safety and deformation measurements. It was found that 15 m seems to be an optimal depth for excavating a typical USC in the soft rocks exposed in the region. The 3D FEM results provide valuable information to optimize the future planning and preliminary design of USCs.

Key issues in water sealing performance of underground oil storage caverns: Advances and perspectives

Water sealing performance is important for underground water-sealed oil storage(UWSOS).The key issues concerning water sealing performance mainly include the permeability of fractured rock mass(FRM),water-sealed safety(WSS),water curtain performance,and prediction and control of water inflow.This paper reviews the progress of above four key issues on water sealing performances.First,the permeability of an FRM is the basis of water sealing performance,and several commonly used permeability test methods and spatial variation characteristics of permeability are outlined.Second,the current water sealing criteria are compared,and the evaluation methods of WSS are summarized.Third,the design parameters and efficiency evaluation of water curtain systems(WCSs)are introduced.The water inflow of oil storage caverns(OSCs)can reflect the water sealing effect,and the prediction methods and control measures of water inflow are also summarized.Finally,the advantages and disadvantages of the current research are discussed,and the potential research directions are pointed out,such as optimization of water sealing criteria and FRM model,quantitative evaluation of WCS efficiency,accurate prediction of water inflow,and improvement of grouting technology.

Design and operation problems related to water curtain system forunderground water-sealed oil storage caverns

The underground water-sealed storage technique is critically important and generally accepted for the national energy strategy in China. Although several small underground water-sealed oil storage caverns have been built in China since the 1970s, there is still a lack of experience for large-volume underground storage in complicated geological conditions. The current design concept of water curtain system and the technical instruction for system operation have limitations in maintaining the stability of surrounding rock mass during the construction of the main storage caverns, as well as the long-term stability. Although several large-scale underground oil storage projects are under construction at present in China, the design concepts and construction methods, especially for the water curtain system, are mainly based on the ideal porosity medium flow theory and the experiences gained from the similar projects overseas. The storage projects currently constructed in China have the specific features such as huge scale, large depth, multiple-level arrangement, high seepage pressure, complicated geological conditions, and high in situ stresses, which are the challenging issues for the stability of the storage caverns. Based on years’ experiences obtained from the first large-scale （millions of cubic meters） underground water-sealed oil storage project in China, some design and operation problems related to water curtain system during project construction are discussed. The drawbacks and merits of the water curtain system are also presented. As an example, the conventional concept of “filling joints with water” is widely used in many cases, as a basic concept for the design of the water curtain system, but it is immature. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of the conventional concept are pointed out, with respect to the long-term stability as well as the safety of construction of storage caverns. Finally, new concepts and principles for design and construction of the underground water-sealed oil storage caverns are proposed.

Numerical Simulation and Analysis of Migration Law of Gas Mixture Using Carbon Dioxide as Cushion Gas in Underground Gas Storage Reservoir

One of the major technical challenges in using carbon dioxide( CO2) as part of the cushion gas of the underground gas storage reservoir( UGSR) is the mixture of CO2and natural gas. To decrease the mixing extent and manage the migration of the mixed zone,an understanding of the mechanism of CO2and natural gas mixing and the diffusion of the mixed gas in aquifer is necessary. In this paper,a numerical model based on the three dimensional gas-water two-phase flow theory and gas diffusion theory is developed to understand this mechanism. This model is validated by the actual operational data in Dazhangtuo UGSR in Tianjin City,China.Using the validated model,the mixed characteristic of CO2and natural gas and the migration mechanism of the mixed zone in an underground porous reservoir is further studied. Particularly,the impacts of the following factors on the migration mechanism are studied: the ratio of CO2injection,the reservoir porosity and the initial operating pressure. Based on the results,the optimal CO2injection ratio and an optimal control strategy to manage the migration of the mixed zone are obtained. These results provide technical guides for using CO2as cushion gas for UGSR in real projects.

Integrated Techniques of Underground CO_2 Storage and Flooding Put into Commercial Application in the Jilin Oilfield, China

Global warming touches everybody＇s nerve, and direct reason for sharp increasing of CO2 in the atmosphere results mainly from the use of fossil fuel in power generation and other industries. How can humans return this ＂devil＂ to underground, and keep a peaceful environment for human？ Scientists from all over the world have been exploring them.

Mineralogy,microstructures and geomechanics of rock salt for underground gas storage

Rock salt has excellent properties for its use as underground leak‐proof containers for the storage of renewable energy.Salt solution mining has long been used for salt mining,and can now be employed in the construction of underground salt caverns for the storage of hydrogen gas.This paper presents a wide range of methods to study the mineralogy,geochemistry,microstructure and geomechanical characteristics of rock salt,which are important in the engineering of safe underground storage rock salt caverns.The mineralogical composition of rock salt varies and is linked to its depositional environment and diagenetic alterations.The microstructure in rock salt is related to cataclastic deformation,diffusive mass transfer and intracrystalline plastic deformation,which can then be associated with the macrostructural geomechanical behavior.Compared to other types of rock,rock salt exhibits creep at lower temperatures.This behavior can be divided into three phases based on the changes in strain with time.However,at very low effective confining pressure and high deviatoric stress,rock salt can exhibit dilatant behavior,where brittle deformation could compromise the safety of underground gas storage in rock salt caverns.The proposed review presents the impact of purity,geochemistry and water content of rock salt on its geomechanical behavior,and thus,on the safety of the caverns.

Numerical simulation-based correction of relative permeability hysteresis in water-invaded underground gas storage during multi-cycle injection and production

By conducting relative permeability experiments of multi-cycle gas-water displacement and imbibition on natural cores,we discuss relative permeability hysteresis effect in underground gas storage during multi-cycle injection and production.A correction method for relative permeability hysteresis in numerical simulation of water-invaded gas storage has been worked out using the Carlson and Killough models.A geologic model of water-invaded sandstone gas storage with medium-low permeability is built to investigate the impacts of relative permeability hysteresis on fluid distribution and production performance during multi-cycle injection and production of the gas storage.The study shows that relative permeability hysteresis effect occurs during high-speed injection and production in gas storage converted from water-invaded gas reservoir,and leads to increase of gas-water transition zone width and thickness,shrinkage of the area of high-efficiency gas storage,and decrease of the peak value variation of pore volume containing gas,and then reduces the storage capacity,working gas volume,and high-efficiency operation span of the gas storage.Numerical simulations exhibit large prediction errors of performance indexes if this hysteresis effect is not considered.Killough and Carlson methods can be used to correct the relative permeability hysteresis effect in water-invaded underground gas storage to improve the prediction accuracy.The Killough method has better adaptability to the example model.