Development of a Centrifugal Hydrogen Pipeline Gas Compressor

Written by Francis A. Di Bella, PE and Dr. Colin Osborne of Concepts NREC - Tuesday, January 12 2010

Conclusions and Future Directions

The preliminary engineering and design of an advanced pipeline compressor system has been completed that meets DOE’s performance goals for a reliable, hydrogen pipeline compressor system, with a footprint one-half the size of existing industrial systems and at a projected system cost of approximately 75% of DOE’s target and a maintenance cost that is less than the $0.005/kwh. The advanced centrifugal compressor-based system can provide 240,000 kg/day of hydrogen from 350 to 1,300 psig high for pipeline-grade service. This has been accomplished by utilizing state-of-the-art aerodynamic and structural analyses of the centrifugal compressor impeller to provide high pressure ratios under acceptable material stresses. The technical approach that has been successfully implemented to reduce the developmental risk and increase the system reliability while maintaining a competitive cost includes using commercially available, and thus proven, bearings and shaft seal technology, as well as acceptable practice in bearing and gear loading.

The resultant design provides a compressor that meets DOE’s Hydrogen Plan for future pipeline delivery, as well as for use by the industrial, hydrogen gas industry where there are presently 1,200 miles of pipelines providing 9 million tons per year of hydrogen gas for industrial process chemical applications. A collaborative team has been assembled consisting of Praxair, Texas A&M (a materials researcher), and HyGen Industries (a hydrogen refueling industry consultant).

Future efforts include:
•Phase II. Detailed Design (01/2010 to 08/2010)

• Detailed subsystems modeling
• Detailed integrated systems analysis
• Critical components design, testing and development

•Phase III. System validation testing (09/2010 to 06/2011)

• Component procurement
• Two-stage centrifugal compressor system assembly and lab test

CN engineering personnel who have contributed to this article include Jamin Bitter, Kerry Oliphant, Sharon Wight, Glenn Derbyshire, Ken Heidelmeier, Ron Provencher, Fred Becker, Dr. Karl Wygant, and Dr. Louis Larosiliere.

You may contact Francis A. Di Bella, PE at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Dr. Colin Osborne at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .