Technoeconomic comparison of variable-speed and fixed-speed compressors in hydrogen pipeline transport

Thumbnail Image

Files

master_Ahad_Abdul_2025.pdf (1.91 MB)

URL

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

School of Electrical Engineering | Master's thesis
Unless otherwise stated, all rights belong to the author. You may download, display and print this publication for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.

Authors

Date

2025-05-26

Department

Major/Subject

Energy Systems and Markets

Mcode

Degree programme

Master's Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions

Language

en

Pages

60

Series

Abstract

This thesis explores the techno economic analysis of two compression strategies employed in a 1,500 km long hydrogen pipeline. Using realistic hourly demand and variable compressors modelled in python and pipeline hydraulics to account for realistic pressure drops, this study contrasts variable-speed compressors without storage with fixed-speed compressors in conjunction with large geological storage. Despite an 8% increase in CAPEX, variable-speed drives reduce compression ener-gy by ~20%, saving €45-47 M/year in electricity and levelized compression costs by 15–20%, according to integrated pipeline hydraulics and compressor performance modelling. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate additional cost savings through booster spacing optimization and operating below peak flow. Because variable-speed com-pression eliminates storage requirements and speeds up inverter payback, it per-forms better overall than fixed-speed systems.

Description

Supervisor

Belahcen, Anouar

Thesis advisor

Saari, Juha

Keywords

variable speed drives (VFD), friction factor, constant speed compressor, hydrogen pipeline, LCOH, system modelling

Other note

Citation

Permanent link to this item

https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202506104441

Collections

[dipl] Sähkötekniikan korkeakoulu / ELEC