Hydrogen Blending Pilot to Validate Fuel-Blending in New Mexico
New Mexico Gas is exploring the feasibility of mixing hydrogen with natural gas in their distribution system for decarbonization efforts. To evaluate the potential impact of the hydrogen addition on flame characteristics and combustion emissions, a series of field measurements on typical residential gas appliances has been conducted. These appliances were installed in the demonstration hydrogen huts at the New Mexico Gas Company training facility in Albuquerque. Three testing huts were selected to conduct tests and each hut had a cooking range (with an oven), a water heater and a space heater. Therefore, nine appliances were tested including three ranges (including ovens), three water heaters, three space heaters. Emission measurements were taken on all appliances operated with 100% natural gas and a blend of 5% hydrogen and 95% natural gas. Two out of the three huts had identical appliances, which provided direct comparison of appliances performance operating on different fuel mixtures. The appliances were tested as installed using appliance controls. Measurements were taken at locations that were most convenient to minimize alteration of appliance operation. Under the field measurement conditions, no significant difference in NOx or CO emissions were observed between natural gas and hydrogen mixtures. No flashback was observed in the tested appliances. This presentation will provide an overview of the project and findings to date, which will facilitate a future scenario of using hydrogen/natural gas blends in residential homes.
Speaker Bio
Angela Serrano de Rivera is the Director of Business Strategy and Projects at New Mexico Gas Company, the largest gas company in New Mexico, focusing on the safe delivery of clean, affordable, and reliable energy.
Angela leads and directs strategic planning initiatives to create long term value opportunities for company growth with a focus on safety, developing people, best in class customer service, and leading the energy transition to a low carbon energy economy with a focus on Hydrogen.
Angela has a proven record of expedient problem solving and opportunity capitalization. She has published several industry articles; developed, implemented, and managed significant regulatory programs; and has received several industry awards, including the “New Mexico Women in Technology" award and was named as one of Albuquerque's “Top Forty Professionals under 40” by Albuquerque Business First Journal. She is an active member of the American Gas Association and the Western Energy Institute, an Academy of CAGE member for New Mexico State University, and on the Board of Directors for the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, New Mexico Technology Council, and the New Mexico North Central Hispanic Philanthropic Society.
Angela is a 2001 Alumnus of New Mexico State University, spending her last year of school as an exchange student at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver Canada. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering with a minor in Environmental Engineering.
Passion Statement for Growing the Technology Footprint In New Mexico:
With passion and purpose, I am the ultimate champion of energetic outstanding professionals; dedicated to connecting people and ideas by promoting and strengthening collaboration among business, education, and research organizations to enrich the steady progress of technological advancement in the Land of Enchantment.
