ABSTRACT
The use of hydrogen as a residential fuel can be justified if hydrogen gas can be produced, delivered to, and utilized by residential customers more economically than can other energy forms. Hydrogen is, thus, a potential alternative to natural gas, oil, or electricity. The substitution of hydrogen for natural gas or oil would come about only if the prices or availability of these fuels dictated the change. This chapter discusses the existing natural gas distribution system, the compatibility of hydrogen in the distribution system, residential use patterns, conversion of existing appliances, and the development of catalytic appliances. The US gas distribution system typically consists of one or more networks of piping that carry the gas to the ultimate consumers from the various sources of supply: city gate station, gas-storage facilities, and gas-manufacturing plants.
