The Role of Industrial Piping in the Transition to Renewable Energy
Luís Corisco
Senior Piping Designer | Mechanical | Expertise in Industrial Project Engineering at AFRY
The pursuit of sustainable and clean energy sources has become a global priority, and the technologies and practices of industrial piping play a fundamental role in the development and expansion of these renewable energy sources. Industrial piping encompasses the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of piping systems that transport essential fluids and gases across various industrial sectors, including those dedicated to solar, wind, biomass, green hydrogen, and other forms of clean energy.
In this article, we explore how knowledge and application in industrial piping can enhance the efficiency and economic viability of renewable energies, contributing to a more sustainable future.
1. Supporting Solar Thermal Energy
One of the main applications of industrial piping is in solar thermal power plants, where piping systems transfer the heat collected by solar panels to a fluid (usually water or oil) that then generates steam to drive a turbine and produce electricity. In this context, pipe design is crucial to optimize heat transfer, minimizing thermal losses and maximizing energy efficiency. The choice of piping materials, thermal insulation, and layout play key roles in the system’s performance.
Industrial piping directly contributes to the construction of high-performance systems by:
2. Transporting Biomass and Biofuels
In the biomass and biofuels sector, industrial piping is essential for transporting raw materials and finished products, such as bioethanol and biodiesel. Well-designed piping systems enable the efficient and safe movement of these fuels, often in liquid form, ensuring they reach production or distribution locations without leaks or contamination.
Applying rigorous standards in the installation and maintenance of pipelines that transport these products minimizes the risk of accidents and leaks, promoting safety and sustainability. Additionally, using advanced technologies such as monitoring sensors enables quick problem detection, preventing waste and ensuring more efficient operations.
3. Piping for Wind and Hydropower
In wind energy, although the turbines themselves do not require extensive piping, support facilities and maintenance operations in offshore areas (at sea) rely on piping systems to move hydraulic fluids and transport cooling water. Industrial piping ensures that these systems are designed to withstand adverse environmental conditions, such as pressure and corrosion from saltwater, which extends equipment life and reduces operational costs.
In hydropower plants, pipes known as "penstocks" carry water from dams to turbines. The engineering of these pipes needs to consider high-pressure forces and abrasion to ensure efficiency and safety. Here, industrial piping focuses on selecting robust materials and controlling flows to ensure maximum efficiency in the hydropower system.
4. Production and Distribution of Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen, produced from water electrolysis using renewable electricity, is one of the most promising clean energy sources for the future. However, transporting and storing hydrogen presents significant challenges, as it is highly flammable and can seep into many metallic materials, making standard pipes unsuitable.
Industrial piping applies specific methods to safely transport and store hydrogen, such as:
Furthermore, careful design of compression and expansion systems in hydrogen transportation contributes to making hydrogen a viable fuel, facilitating its integration with existing energy infrastructure.
5. Challenges and Future Prospects
The industrial piping field faces challenges in applying these technologies to renewable energy projects, mainly due to the need to adapt materials and processes to environmental and safety requirements for each energy source. However, new technologies such as automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) allow for more efficient monitoring and operation of piping systems, detecting faults and improving renewable energy system performance.
Moreover, advances in piping materials, such as high-strength polymers and new metal alloys, help address the challenges of corrosion and high pressure, especially in offshore environments and hydrogen installations.
Conclusion
Industrial piping is an essential ally for the effective development and implementation of renewable energy systems. From the safe transportation of biofuels to the storage of green hydrogen, and heat conduction in solar plants, this technical discipline offers solutions that promote the efficiency and sustainability of clean energy projects.
By investing in specialization and innovation in industrial piping, the renewable energy industry can reduce operational costs, minimize environmental impact, and ensure operational safety, contributing significantly to the global energy transition. In short, industrial piping is a technical pillar that supports building a more sustainable and efficient future in the energy sector.