The atomic symbol of methane (natural gas) is CH4 or one molecule of carbon and four molecules of hydrogen. It is essentially 80% hydrogen so blending hydrogen with natural gas simply increases the existing hydrogen content.  This process has been used extensively in the transportation industry for some time. Many municipalities such as Las Cruces, New Mexico, Seattle, Washington and Thousand Palms, California all have city buses running on “HCNG” or “Hythane”. Other U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) projects used a blend of 20% hydrogen to 80% natural gas.

The process

The process used by TN Labs hydrogen fuel cell technology is to place a “T” in the natural gas line on the customer side of the gas meter where the hydrogen is then blended in a controlled manner. Sensors that monitor natural gas flow rates and pressure can safely control hydrogen input to insure the blend always stays within acceptable parameters. These sensors are extremely accurate and reliable. The process is seamless and requires no modification of gas consuming equipment or processes. If the hydrogen source discontinues producing hydrogen, all equipment continues to operate as usual.

Why is the process of blending hydrogen with natural gas not more popular? Because historically the availability and cost of producing, transporting and storing hydrogen has made it economically unfeasible. 

The onsite energy system by TN Labs hydrogen power company eliminates the cost barrier by providing hydrogen fuel cell technology that produces hydrogen on site and on demand making it cost effective for commercial and industrial applications to reap cost savings of up to 40%