Research scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMI, are developing a hydraulic simulation tool to assist with the planning of a resilient hydrogen infrastructure designed to safeguard energy supply. Resilient infrastructure is critical for stable hydrogen supply. Simulation tools developed at Fraunhofer EMI analyse network reactions to disruptions and help mitigate risks due to extreme events.

Green hydrogen, produced from surplus wind and solar energy, is a fossil-free energy source that can be stored locally and transported to consumers via supply networks. However, storage and transportation are vulnerable to risk: natural disasters, sabotage or political sanctions. The careful planning of resilient hydrogen infrastructures is therefore essential to safeguard energy supply, especially for international networks.

Researchers at Fraunhofer EMI are developing a hydraulic simulation tool with a special focus on analyses of dynamic reactions of hydrogen networks with storage systems to disruptions. It facilitates what-if analyses, helps identifying weak points such as critical system components, classifying them by severity of impact and evaluating the resilience of the entire system.