Benchmark study for the simulation of Underground Hydrogen Storage operations

Abstract While the share of renewable energy sources increased within last years with an ongoing upward trend, sector is facing problem storing large amounts electrical properly. To compensate daily and seasonal fluctuations, a sufficient storage system has to be developed. The hydrogen in subsurface, referred as Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS), shows potential solution for this problem. Hydrogen, produced from excess via electrolysis, injected into subsurface reservoir withdrawn when required. As possesses unique thermodynamic properties, many commonly used correlations can not simply transferred high content. Mixing processes present fluids are essential understood achieve efficiencies. Additionally, past, microbial activity, e.g. by methanogenic archaea, was observed, leading changing fluid composition over time. evaluate capability simulators cover these processes, study establishes benchmark scenario exemplary underground scenario. comprises generic sandstone gas typical schedule defined. Based on benchmark, assesses capabilities commercial simulator Schlumberger ECLIPSE open-source DuMu x mimic UHS related such hydrodynamics but also activity. offers reasonable mix user-friendliness computation time, allows better adjustment implementation biochemical reactions. corresponding input data (ECLIPSE format) relevant results provided repository allow simulation study’s reproduction extension.