HPRC (High Pressure Ratio Compressor) Testing Results for NEOM Hydrogen Compression

Abstract Objective/Scope NEOM green Hydrogen production project is the first world facility to produce green hydrogen using renewable energy sources. The Hydrogen produced by electrolyzers sees low pressure compression with high flow demand, optimized in power consumption, footprint and Capex/Opex investment. A new technology of moto-centrifugal compressor train called HPRC (High Pressure Ratio Compressor) is the optimum solution to lead all the requirements. This paper presents the design philosophy, requirements, the predicted performances of HPRC centrifugal compressor and the results obtained in the internal factory test in terms of mechanical and thermodynamic behavior. Method/Procedure/Process The presented compression process will be analyzed in the aligned technical solution, HPRC centrifugal compressor for low pressure stages with high flow production and reciprocating compressors for the mid pressure stage. The approach & method to address the specific power availability due to the renewable energy source will be analyzed. More details for each type of compressor are going to be: predicted performance, mechanical behavior in terms of torsional and lateral analysis, and thermodynamic performance. The identified predicted values are compared to internal shop testing results. Results/Observation/Conclusion Design predicted performance & internal test results have been defined, shared & agreed with Customer. The intent in the conclusion is: Emphasize process requirement and challenges due to renewable energy source. Highlight predicted performance of HPRC solution specifically designed for NEOM project. A new technology of multiple compressor stages in a single casing with a tip speed of 450 m/s. Compare predicted mechanical & thermodynamic performances to tested values. More detailed analysis on lateral behavior and performance by the closed impeller stages designed specifically for Hydrogen compression. Besides the above comparison, the conclusion is to demonstrate the benefits proposed in the hypothetical process scheme are confirmed by the predicted performance of centrifugal compression of new technology Novel/Additive information The present paper describes the basic process for hydrogen compression defined for NEOM Project. The predicted performance expected for the first innovative HPRC for H2 compression and the results obtained in the internal shop test.