Combined Energy Transmission by LH₂ and HTS: Study of a Hybrid Pipeline

Germany requires large amounts of electrical energy and hydrogen from renewable energy sources to reach climate neutrality goals. Favorable production sites are often located far apart of the main consumption areas. A need for appropriate transmission infrastructure arises – both domestically and abroad. Liquid hydrogen (LH₂) is not only suitable to import large amounts of hydrogen from overseas: It also enables the use of high temperature superconductors (HTS) for the expansion of the electrical grid.
Both liquid hydrogen and electrical energy can be transmitted efficiently and compactly by hybrid pipelines. Hybrid pipelines are composed of two main elements: a thermal insulated pipeline to transport hydrogen and a superconducting cable to transport electrical energy. An analysis of the future availability and demand for both energy carriers in Germany has led to a study case in Northern Germany.
This contribution presents the conceptual design of a GW-class hybrid pipeline between Brunsbüttel and Hamburg. Firstly, the requirements for a reliable and safe operation, even in case of a fault, are discussed. Based on this, the conceptual design is presented in more detail. ... mehrThis includes the overall dimensions, the amount of superconductor and the short-circuit behavior of the cable.