U.S. patent application number 10/829434 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-07 for energy distribution network.
Invention is credited to Dong, Charlie, Fairlie, Matthew J., Stewart, William J., Stuart, Andrew T. B., Thorpe, Steven J..
Application Number | 20040199294 10/829434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 4163541 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040199294 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fairlie, Matthew J. ; et
al. |
October 7, 2004 |
Energy distribution network
Abstract
A hydrogen fuel supply system includes a hydrogen generator for
generating hydrogen from an energy source at an outlet pressure. An
outlet conduit feeds the hydrogen to a user. A controller controls
the hydrogen generator to produce hydrogen at the outlet pressure.
An input interface receives user demand data and activates the
controller in accordance with the user demand data.
Inventors: |
Fairlie, Matthew J.;
(Toronto, CA) ; Stewart, William J.; (Toronto,
CA) ; Stuart, Andrew T. B.; (Toronto, CA) ;
Thorpe, Steven J.; (Toronto, CA) ; Dong, Charlie;
(Toronto, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MANELLI DENISON & SELTER
2000 M STREET NW SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-3307
US
|
Family ID: |
4163541 |
Appl. No.: |
10/829434 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10829434 |
Apr 22, 2004 |
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09387828 |
Sep 1, 1999 |
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6745105 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/266 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 60/50 20130101;
C01B 3/00 20130101; C01B 2203/1241 20130101; Y02T 90/40 20130101;
C01B 3/32 20130101; H01M 8/04298 20130101; H01M 8/0612 20130101;
Y02B 90/10 20130101; B60L 58/30 20190201; H01M 8/0656 20130101;
Y02E 60/36 20130101; H01M 8/0438 20130101; C01B 2203/1235 20130101;
H01M 8/04753 20130101; H01M 2250/402 20130101; C01B 3/02 20130101;
B60L 2260/54 20130101; B60L 2260/56 20130101; C01B 2203/025
20130101; B60L 58/34 20190201; C01B 2203/84 20130101; H01M 8/04216
20130101; C01B 2203/0233 20130101; C01B 2203/1223 20130101; Y02P
90/60 20151101; H01M 2250/20 20130101; Y02E 60/32 20130101; Y02P
20/133 20151101; C01B 3/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/266 |
International
Class: |
G05B 021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 12, 1999 |
CA |
2,271,448 |
Claims
1-24 (Canceled)
25. An energy distribution network comprising: (a) at least one
hydrogen generator connected to at least one source of electric
energy; (b) at least one hydrogen storage reservoir for storing at
least some of the hydrogen produced by said at least one hydrogen
generator; (c) a data collector connected to said at least one
source of electric energy for collecting data from said at least
one source of electric energy.
26. An energy distribution network according to claim 25 wherein
said hydrogen generator is a water electrolyser.
27. An energy distribution network according to claim 25, wherein
the data collected from the source of electric energy include
energy price data.
28. An energy distribution network according to claim 25 wherein
the data collected from the source of electric energy include
availability of electric energy.
29. An energy distribution network according to claim 28 wherein
the electric energy availability data include availability of
electric energy from renewable energy resources.
30. An energy distribution network according to claim 25 wherein
the data collected from the source of electric energy include the
presence of an emergency.
31. An energy distribution network according to claim 25 wherein
the data collected from the source of electric energy include the
presence of an interruption of electric energy.
32. An energy distribution network according to claim 25, wherein
the data collected from the source of electric energy include price
data and availability data.
33. An energy distribution network according to claim 25, further
comprising a device for converting hydrogen into electric
energy.
34. An energy distribution network according to claim 33 wherein
said conversion device is a fuel cell.
35. An energy distribution network according to claim 33 wherein
said conversion device is a hydrogen powered internal combustion
engine.
36. An energy distribution network according to claim 25, wherein
the data collected from the source of electric energy includes
information on electric energy availability, said information being
selected from the group consisting of the amount of energy
available, the nature of power available, the time of availability
of the energy, the type of energy source available, the unit price
per increment of energy available, the duration of delivery of said
energy resource, and combinations thereof.
37. An energy distribution network according to claim 25, wherein
the data collector further collects data relating to the demand for
hydrogen.
38. An energy distribution network according to claim 25, further
comprising a hydrogen delivery system for delivering hydrogen to a
hydrogen user.
39. An energy distribution network according to claim 25, further
comprising a compressor operably connected to at least one of said
hydrogen generator and said hydrogen storage reservoir for
compressing hydrogen to a desired pressure.
40. An energy distribution network according to claim 39 further
comprising a controller for activating at least one of said
hydrogen generator and said compressor when the hydrogen pressure
falls below a selected minimum value.
41. An energy distribution network according to claim 25 further
comprising a controller for activating said hydrogen generator to
generate hydrogen when the amount of stored hydrogen falls below a
predetermined amount.
42. An energy distribution network according to claim 25, wherein
said hydrogen generator generates hydrogen at a minimum desired
pressure.
43. An energy distribution network according to claim 38, further
comprising a user activation interface for receiving data
concerning a demand for hydrogen.
44. An energy distribution network according to claim 25, wherein
said data collector collects data comprising information on user
demand, energy resource availability, and hydrogen production
status.
45. An energy distribution network according to claim 44, wherein
information on user demand, energy resource availability, and
hydrogen production status are selected from the group consisting
of: a. the amount of hydrogen required by said hydrogen user; b.
time of delivery of electrical energy to said hydrogen generator;
c. duration of period said energy is to be delivered to said
hydrogen generator; d. energy level to be sent to said hydrogen
generator; e. hydrogen pressure; f. rate of change in hydrogen
pressure; g. volume of hydrogen storage reservoir; h. price of
electricity and price forecast; and i. combinations thereof.
46. A network according to claim 45, wherein said group further
comprises: a. rate of energy level or the type of modulation of
said energy source to said hydrogen generator; and b. types of
electrical energy selected from fossil fuels, hydro, nuclear, solar
and wind generated.
47. A network according to claim 25, further comprising a hydrogen
user.
48. A network according to claim 47, wherein the hydrogen user
comprises a device for converting hydrogen into electricity.
49. A network according to claim 25, wherein said at least one
source of electric energy includes electrical conduits of a local
area, wide area, or national area electricity distribution
network.
50. A network according to claim 47, wherein the hydrogen user
comprises a device for converting hydrogen into thermal energy.
51. A network according to claim 47, wherein said hydrogen user is
an internal combustion engine.
52. A network according to claim 47, wherein said hydrogen user is
an electricity generating fuel cell.
53. A network according claim 47, wherein said hydrogen user serves
at least one of a plurality of geographic zones associated with at
least one building.
54. A network according claim 53 wherein said building is selected
from the group consisting of an office, plant, factory, warehouse,
shopping mall, apartment, and linked, semi-linked, or detached
residential dwelling.
55. A network according claim 53 wherein at least one of said
geographic zones has a zone controller linked to said data
collector.
56. A network according to claim 47, wherein said hydrogen user is
selected from the group consisting of a fuel cell, boiler, furnace,
steam generator, turbine/motor generator, catalytic converter, and
hydrogen storage facility.
57. A network according to claim 47 wherein there is an exchange of
data flow between said data collector and each of said source of
electric energy, said hydrogen generator and said hydrogen
user.
58. A network according to claim 25, wherein a plurality of said
hydrogen generators are provided in said network, and wherein each
of said hydrogen generators are linked to said data collector.
59. A network according to claim 25, wherein a plurality of
electric energy sources are provided in said network, and wherein
each of said electric energy sources are linked to said data
collector.
60. A network according to claim 25, wherein a plurality of
hydrogen users are provided in said network, and wherein each of
said hydrogen users are linked to said data collector.
61. A network according to claim 44 wherein said information on
user demand, energy resource availability and hydrogen production
status are received and processed by said data collector on an
ongoing basis as said data collector controls the production of
hydrogen.
62. A network according to claim 61 wherein said data collector
processes said information of user demand, energy resource
availability, and hydrogen production status to facilitate the
production of hydrogen.
63. A network according to claim 25, wherein the production of
hydrogen is dynamically controlled by said data collector.
64. A network according to claim 25, wherein a plurality of
hydrogen generators are disposed at remote locations from one
another and wherein said plurality of hydrogen generators are
linked to said network through said data collector.
65. A network according to claim 25, wherein said data collector
receives and processes information relating to user demand and
hydrogen production status.
66. A network according to claim 25 further comprising a system for
delivering hydrogen as fuel to a vehicle.
67. A network according to claim 25 wherein the hydrogen generator
is an electrolyser, said network further comprising a hydrogen
user, and a controller linked to each of the data collector, the
electrolyser, and the hydrogen user to control the production of
hydrogen by said electrolyser.
68. A network according to claim 67 wherein said controller
controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including
energy resource availability.
69. A network according to claim 67, wherein said controller
controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including user
demand
70. A network according to claim 67, wherein said controller
controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including
hydrogen production status.
71. A network according to claim 67, wherein said controller
controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including
hydrogen storage status.
72. A network according to claim 67, wherein said controller
controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs selected from
the group consisting of: data pertaining to the nature of the
energy resources, data pertaining to the availability of energy
from the energy resources, data pertaining to the cost of energy
from the energy resources, data pertaining to the operating status
of the hydrogen generator, data pertaining to demand criteria
specified by said hydrogen user and combinations thereof.
73. A network according to claim 25 wherein the hydrogen generator
is an electrolyser, said network further comprising a hydrogen
delivery system and a controller linked to the data collector, the
electrolyser, and the hydrogen delivery system to control the
production of hydrogen by said electrolyser.
74. A network according to claim 73 wherein said controller
controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including
energy resource availability of electric energy.
75. A network according to claim 73, wherein said controller
controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including user
demand
76. A network according to claim 73, wherein said controller
controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including
hydrogen production status.
77. A network according to claim 73, wherein said controller
controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including
hydrogen storage status.
78. A network according to claim 73, wherein said controller
controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs selected from
the group consisting of: data pertaining to the nature of the
energy resources, data pertaining to the availability of energy
from the energy resources, data pertaining to the cost of energy
from the energy resources, data pertaining to the operating status
of the hydrogen generator, data pertaining to demand criteria
specified by said hydrogen user and combinations thereof.
79. A network according to claim 25, wherein said data collector
receives and processes information relating to user demand,
hydrogen production status and hydrogen storage status.
80. A network according to claim 25 wherein said data collector
comprises: a. an energy resource processor for processing data
concerning energy resources; b. a hydrogen supply processor for
processing data concerning hydrogen supply; and c. a user demand
processor for processing data concerning user demand for
hydrogen.
81. A network according to claim 80, wherein the data collector
controls the production of hydrogen according to data from at least
one of said energy resource processor, said hydrogen supply
processor, and said user demand processor.
82. A network according to claim 25 wherein said hydrogen storage
reservoir comprises at least one hydride storage chamber.
83. A network according to claim 25 wherein said hydrogen storage
reservoir comprises at least one container for storing pressurized
hydrogen.
84. A network as claimed in claim 25 wherein said at least one
electric energy source includes an electricity grid.
85. A network as claimed in claim 84 wherein electricity for said
electricity grid is produced by at least one primary energy
resource.
86. A network as claimed in claim 85 wherein said at least one
primary energy resource includes one of the following renewable and
non-renewable resources: fossil fuels, nuclear, wind, solar and
hydro.
87. A network as claimed in claim 85 wherein said at least one
primary energy resource includes one of the following renewable
resources: wind, solar and hydro.
88. A network as claimed in claim 84 wherein said energy source
data includes real time data.
89. A network as claimed in claim 84 wherein said energy source
data includes historical data.
90. A network as claimed in claim 84 wherein said energy source
data includes forecasted data.
91. A network as claimed in claim 84 wherein said energy source
data includes energy cost data.
92. A network as claimed in claim 84 wherein said controller
modulates the generation of hydrogen by said hydrogen generator
based on data including said energy source data.
93. A network as claimed in claim 84 further comprising a device
for converting hydrogen into electricity.
94. A network as claimed in claim 93 wherein said controller
modulates the generation of electricity by said hydrogen conversion
device based on data including said energy source data.
95. A network as claimed in claim 94 wherein at least some of said
electricity generated by said hydrogen conversion device is
transmitted to said electricity grid.
96. A network according to claim 84 wherein said at least one
electric energy source further includes at least one non-grid
source of electric energy.
97. A network as claimed in claim 96 wherein electricity for said
at least one non-grid source of electric energy is produced by at
least one primary energy resource.
98. A network as claimed in claim 97 wherein said at least one
primary energy resource includes one of the following renewable and
non-renewable resources: fossil fuels, nuclear, wind, solar and
hydro.
99. A network as claimed in claim 97 wherein said at least one
primary energy resource includes one of the following renewable
resources: wind, solar and hydro.
100. A network as claimed in claim 96 wherein said controller
selects said electric energy source based on data including said
energy source data.
101. A network as claimed in claim 100 further comprising a device
for converting hydrogen into electricity.
102. A network as claimed in claim 101 wherein said controller
modulates the generation of electricity by said hydrogen conversion
device based on data including said energy source data.
103. A network as claimed in claim 102 wherein at least some of
said electricity generated by said hydrogen conversion device is
transmitted to said electricity grid.
104. A process for controlling a hydrogen energy system comprising
the steps of: a. processing data concerning a demand for hydrogen;
b. processing data concerning the status of at least one hydrogen
storage apparatus; c. processing data concerning the status of at
least one hydrogen generator; d. processing data concerning at
least one energy source for said hydrogen generator; and e.
controlling the generation, storage and delivery of hydrogen in
accordance with desired parameters to meet said demand for
hydrogen.
105. A process as claimed in claim 104 wherein said energy source
data includes data pertaining to the cost of said energy.
106. A process as claimed in claim 104 wherein said energy source
data includes data pertaining to the emissions associated with said
energy source.
107. A process as claimed in claim 104 wherein said step of
controlling the generation, storage and delivery of hydrogen is
carried out in order to meet said hydrogen demand at the lowest
available cost.
108. A process as claimed in claim 104 wherein said step of
controlling the generation, storage and delivery of hydrogen is
carried out in order to meet said hydrogen demand using energy
having the lowest available emissions.
109. A process as claimed in claim 104 wherein said step of
controlling the generation of hydrogen includes the step of
modulating the amount of hydrogen generated by said hydrogen
generator.
110. A process as claimed in claim 104 further comprising the steps
of processing data concerning the status of at least one device for
converting hydrogen into electricity and controlling the generation
of electricity in accordance with desired parameters to meet a
demand for electricity.
111. A process as claimed in claim 104 wherein one or more of said
process steps are performed simultaneously.
112. A process as claimed in claim 104 wherein said data for at
least one of said process steps is real time data.
113. A process as claimed in claim 104 wherein said data for at
least one of said process steps is historical data.
114. A process as claimed in claim 104 wherein said data for at
least one of said process steps is forecasted data.
115. A process for meeting a demand for hydrogen comprising the
steps of: a. determining the nature of the hydrogen demand; b.
determining the availability of energy from at least one energy
source; c. determining the status of hydrogen supply; and d.
controlling the generation and delivery of hydrogen as required in
accordance with desired parameters to meet the hydrogen demand.
116. A process as claimed in claim 115 wherein said step of
determining the status of hydrogen supply comprises the steps of
determining the status of hydrogen storage and determining the
status of hydrogen generation.
117. A process as claimed in claim 116 wherein said step of
controlling the generation and delivery of hydrogen as required
further comprises the step of controlling the storage of hydrogen
as required.
118. A process as claimed in claim 116 wherein hydrogen is
delivered from at least one of hydrogen storage and hydrogen
generation.
119. A process as claimed in claim 115 wherein said step of
determining the availability of energy from at least one energy
source includes the step of determining the cost of said
energy.
120. A process as claimed in claim 115 wherein said step of
determining the availability of energy from at least one energy
source includes the step of determining the emissions associated
with said energy source.
121. A process as claimed in claim 117 wherein said step of
controlling the generation, storage and delivery of hydrogen is
carried out in order to meet said hydrogen demand at the lowest
available cost.
122. A process as claimed in claim 117 wherein said step of
controlling the generation, storage and delivery of hydrogen is
carried out in order to meet said hydrogen demand using energy
having the lowest available emissions.
123. A process as claimed in claim 117 wherein said step of
controlling the generation, storage and delivery of hydrogen
includes the step of modulating the amount of hydrogen generated as
required.
124. A process as claimed in claim 115 further comprising the step
of controlling the generation and delivery of electricity as
required in accordance with desired parameters to meet a demand for
electricity.
125. A process as claimed in claim 115 wherein one or more of said
process steps are performed simultaneously.
126. A process as claimed in claim 115 wherein said step of
determining the availability of energy from at least one energy
source includes real time data.
127. A process as claimed in claim 115 wherein said step of
determining the availability of energy from at least one energy
source includes historical data.
128. A process as claimed in claim 115 wherein said step of
determining the availability of energy from at least one energy
source includes forecasted data.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an energy network for providing
hydrogen generated at a production site, particularly by one or
more water electrolysers, for use particularly, as a fuel for
vehicles or energy storage. The invention further relates to the
use of hydrogen as a fuel for a fuel cell wherein hydrogen is
converted into electrical energy, for combustion as an auxiliary
energy source and for the generation of electricity, particularly,
as part of an electrical distribution system.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] In planning the production capacity of a large chemical
plant, for example, for methanol production or a large electricity
production site, correct knowledge of expected demand of the
product is critical with regard to the optimization of capital
deployment and certainty of a return on investment in the large
facility. Most often millions of dollars are required to finance
the construction. Thus, measuring and predicting the supply and
demand for the end product is highly desirable. Applying techniques
to predict future demand on a real time, short, medium or long term
basis, commercially, is extremely important, particularly for
maximizing asset utilization, reducing inventory, and minimizing
risk.
[0003] Currently, the widespread deployment of a network of
hydrogen supply systems for hydrogen-fueled vehicles does not
exist. At present, there is a widespread network of
hydrocarbon-fueled vehicles complete with an optimized fuel supply
infrastructure network based on the limits of known technology,
society's standards and consumer acceptance. Many believe to put a
widespread, geographic network of hydrogen vehicles with a network
of hydrogen supply encompassing production, storage, transportation
and delivery would involve such a large investment and be so
challenging, that the task is believed essentially impossible to do
in any economic method. Although, there are numerous examples of
hydrogen production from electricity close to where it can be used
to fuel a vehicle, such individual sites are not interconnected so
as to optimize performance and asset deployment.
[0004] There are a number of shortcomings of the current
hydrocarbon-fueled vehicle distribution networks, which
shortcomings include a finite resource of the hydrocarbon fuel per
se and an uneven distribution of the world's resources. In fact,
much of the world's hydrocarbon resources are focused in just a few
geographical areas, such that many nations do not have a
substantive supply of indigenous fuel. This has led to global and
regional conflict. In addition, there is uncertainty about the
impact of greenhouse gas emissions on health and climate change.
Furthermore, the very use of hydrocarbon fuels, or the processing
for use of hydrocarbon fuels, leads to ground level pollution of
smog and ozone as well as regional environmental challenges, such
as acid rain. Airborne pollutants, either directly or indirectly
formed due to the combustion or processing of hydrocarbon fuels,
lead to reduced crop output, potentially reduced lifespan and other
health issues for all living beings.
[0005] A network of fuel supply systems which could provide as
good, if not better, consumer service and reduce or eliminate fuel
resource disparity, negative environmental aspects of hydrocarbon
fuels and their combustion or processing which can be introduced in
a manner which mitigates the investment risk, optimizes the
capacity factor of all equipment in the system and encourages the
use of non-carbon energy sources is highly desirable. Hydrogen
fuel, produced from energy sources which are lower in carbon
content than conventional coal and oil, or hydrogen fuel produced
from coal and oil in which the carbon is sequestered below the
surface of the earth, would be an ideal fuel for this network.
[0006] One aspect of the delivery of a product from a production
site to a utilization site involves the use of storage. Storage of
the product, sometimes a commodity, can efficiently allow for
supply and demand to meet in a manner which optimizes the
utilization of production. Two examples of this is the supply of
hydrogen produced
[0007] (a) from methanol on board a vehicle and used in a car,
where on board it is reformed into a hydrogen containing gas;
and
[0008] (b) by electricity off-board a vehicle and used to fill a
compressed gas storage tank either on the vehicle or on the ground
for subsequent transfer to the vehicle.
[0009] In latter case (b), the hydrogen is produced off-board the
vehicle and is stored in a compressed gas tank, or similar
container. The accumulation of hydrogen disconnects the production
of electricity for hydrogen production with the real-time demand
for hydrogen. This load shifting effect on electricity production,
enabled by storage of hydrogen, enables better and more predictable
utilization of electricity--particularly when the hydrogen demand
is of some significant percentage, say 1% to 100% with regard to
the electricity being produced. This enables decisions to be made
on a real time basis as to where to direct the electricity, for
example, to hydrogen production by electrolysis or other uses. This
is only part of the equation as it enables measurement of the
supply of electricity, i.e. at times where incremental production
of electricity is available or advantageous and includes many
aspects of operating an electrical generator, transmission, and
distribution system which creates improved asset utilization for
hydrogen production in addition to meeting immediate real time
electrical demand. The second half of the equation is the
measurement of hydrogen demand in essentially real time. This
involves planning for the production of hydrogen. When the hydrogen
production is from electrolysis sources and the hydrogen is
transferred to the storage tank on board the vehicle from a storage
tank or directly from an electrolyser base to meet the need
demanded by the market place for hydrogen, measurement on a moment
by moment basis is possible of the hydrogen demand. The demand can
be understood by those familiar in the art by techniques such as
temperature/pressure measurements as well as electrical energy
consumption. In addition, measurement of the amount of hydrogen
energy on board the vehicle can enable information to be provided
to the controller for hydrogen supply from electricity production
and can be equated to stored energy/electrical resources. These
measurements complete the equation for supply and demand with
detailed measurement. This enables the following:
[0010] (a) real time predictions of the amount of electricity
required in the following time periods: instantaneous and, when
combined with previous data, the rate of growth of demand for
electricity for hydrogen production;
[0011] (b) the deferred use of electricity for hydrogen production
and the supply of electricity to a demand of a higher priority
(economic or technical);
[0012] (c) the safe curtailment of electricity supply for the use
of hydrogen production as sufficient storage exists in the `system
network` of storage tanks; and
[0013] (d) the ability to develop `virtual` storage reservoirs
where by priority/cost/manner of supply of electricity can be
determined based on the status of the storage reservoir.
[0014] A system which connects electricity production decision
making to stored hydrogen, either on board a vehicle or on the
ground to hydrogen markets enables better decision making with
regard to when, where, and how much electricity to provide. This
information, available on essentially an instantaneous basis
through measurement, is critical to asset deployment and increase
asset utilization and risk mitigation. It can also be used to
better schedule electrical generators. By acting as an
"interruptible load" it can provide operating reserves for the
electrical utility to meet reliability requirements. By collecting
this information through appropriate means a novel and inventive
measurement system is created which incorporate the features
incorporating one or more of a, b, c and d above.
[0015] It can, thus, be seen that the decisions concerning a
chemical plant for, say, methanol production which then is used for
many applications including on-board or off-board reforming of
methanol can not provide instantaneous and daily information to
influence production decisions.
[0016] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an
energy distribution network incorporating hydrogen which provides
for effective deployment and utilization of electrical generation,
transmission and distribution capacity and enhanced economic
performance of such assets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The invention in its general aspect embodies a network
having:
[0018] (a) primary energy sources transmitted from their production
sources to a hydrogen production site;
[0019] (b) hydrogen production and delivery equipment with or
without by-product sequestration equipment, with or without
on-ground hydrogen storage equipment; and
[0020] (c) collection, storage and supply controllers for the
communication of data.
[0021] The term controller comprises central processing means and
computing means for receiving, treating, forwarding and,
optionally, storing data.
[0022] The practice of the invention involves use of algorithmic
manipulations within the controller(s) to utilize and determine
information data relating to, inter alia, the amount of hydrogen
required from an electrolyser(s) by the user(s), the time of
delivery of electrical energy to the electrolyser, duration of
period the energy is to be delivered to the electrolyser(s), the
energy level to be sent to the electrolyser(s), the hydrogen
pressure of the user storage, real time price of electricity and
price forecast, rate of energy level or the type of modulation of
the energy resource(s) to the electrolyser(s); and the types of
electrical energy selected from fossil fuels, hydro, nuclear, solar
and wind generated.
[0023] The algorithmic manipulations within the controller(s)
further determine the control stages operative in the practice of
the invention, such as, inter alia, the operation of the energy
resources(s), electrolytic cell(s), compressor valves, user
activation units, and the like as hereafter described.
[0024] By combining the above elements together, a network that
measures real-time and computed expected demand for hydrogen fuel
and provides product hydrogen accordingly is realized. This network
may be linked with standard projection models to predict future
demand requirements by geographic location. A preferred feature of
this hydrogen network is that it does not rely on the construction
of large scale hydrogen production facilities of any kind. Instead,
preferred hydrogen production facilities provided herein are as
small as technically/commercially feasible and include scaled-down
apparatus to meet the needs of a single consumer or a plurality of
customers from a single commercial, retail or industrial site.
[0025] Accordingly, in its broadest aspect, the invention provides
an energy distribution network for providing hydrogen fuel to a
user comprising: hydrogen fuel production means; raw material
supply means to said production means; hydrogen fuel user means;
and information and supply control means linked to said production
means, said raw material supply means and user means.
[0026] The term `hydrogen fuel user means` in this specification
means a recipient for the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen
production means. It includes, for example, but is not limited
thereto: hydrogen storage facilities--which may be above or below
ground, in a vehicle and other transportation units; direct and
indirect hydrogen consuming conversion apparatus and equipment,
such as fuel cell, electrical and thermal generating apparatus; and
conduits, compressors and like transmission apparatus. The demand
may also be initiated by the energy supply, which may need to
"dump" power and thus offer an opportunity to produce cheaper
hydrogen.
[0027] The raw material(s) may include, for example, natural gas, a
liquid hydrocarbon or, in the case of an electrolyser, electrical
current and water.
[0028] With reference to the practice of the invention relating to
natural gas, natural gas from a remote field, is put in a pipeline
and transported to a retail outlet or fuel supply location for a
hydrogen fuel. At or near the retail outlet or fuel supply
location, the natural gas is steam/methane reformed with
purification to produce hydrogen gas. The carbon dioxide by-product
is vented or handled in another manner that leads to its
sequestration. The hydrogen produced may be fed, for example, into
a vehicle's compressed hydrogen gas storage tank through use of
compression. Alternatively, the compressor may divert the flow to a
storage tank, nominally on the ground near the steam methane
reformer/compressor system. The amount of hydrogen produced in a
given day is determined in many ways familiar in the art and
includes natural gas consumption, hydrogen production, storage
pressure, rate of change, and the like. This information is
electronically or otherwise transferred to the operator of the
network according to the invention. This information over time
constitutes demand information for hydrogen from which supply
requirements can be foreseen as well as future demand predicted. As
the demand for hydrogen grows, the network operator may install a
larger natural gas reformer or add more storage tanks to make
better use of the existing generator when demand is low. The
ability to measure and store hydrogen, enables better decisions to
be made than with the current liquid hydrocarbon (gasoline)
infrastructure. The measuring ability enables predictions for the
raw material (natural gas in this case) to be determined. If the
natural gas comes from a pipeline, the supply/demand
characteristics provides useful information on how to better manage
the pipeline of natural gas as well as plan for purchases
expansion, trunk extensions, maintenance, amortization of capital
assets, and even discoveries of natural gas. The measuring ability
of the system also provides key information on predictions for
vehicle demand as the growth rate of hydrogen demand for vehicle
use may be a significant leading indicator.
[0029] With reference to a network according to the invention based
on the current popular fuels, gasoline and diesel, produced from a
network of oil wells, and refineries, this fuel is shipped to a
retail outlet or fuel supply location. As needed, the
gasoline/diesel is reformed or partially oxidized, or other
chemical steps taken to produce hydrogen. After sufficient
purification, the hydrogen is either stored directly on to the
vehicle or at off-vehicle storage sites for latter on-vehicle
transfer. The amount of hydrogen produced in a given day is
determined by those knowledgeable in the art based on
gasoline/diesel consumption, hydrogen production, storage levels or
pressures of gas storage, rates of change, and the like. This
information is electronically or otherwise transferred to the
operator of the network according to the invention. This
information over time constitutes demand information for hydrogen
from which supply requirements are foreseen as well as future
demand predicted. As the demand for hydrogen grows, the network
operator may install a larger gasoline/diesel reformer or add more
storage tanks to make better use of the existing generator when
demand is low. The ability to measure and store hydrogen, enables
better decisions to be made with regard to deployment of assets,
such as storage tanks and more hydrogen production equipment, than
with the current liquid hydrocarbon (gasoline/diesel)
infrastructure. The measuring ability enables predictions for the
raw material to be determined. This is particularly important if
the gasoline/diesel is specifically produced for low pollution or
zero emission vehicles in regards to octane, additives, detergents,
sulphur content, and the like and there is a unique capital
structure to the assets used to produce, transport and distribute
this special grade of gasoline/diesel. The measuring ability of the
system according to the invention also provides key information on
predictions for vehicle demand as the growth rate of hydrogen
demand for vehicle use is a very significant leading indicator.
[0030] With reference to a network according to the invention based
on a liquid hydrocarbon, such as methanol, methanol produced from a
network of generating plants spread locally or globally, is shipped
to a retail outlet or fuel supply station location. As needed, the
methanol is reformed, partially oxidized, or other chemical steps
taken to produce hydrogen. After sufficient purification, the
hydrogen may be stored directly on to the vehicle or non-vehicle
storage for later vehicle transfer. The amount of hydrogen produced
in a given day could be determined as described hereinabove with
reference to natural gas and gasoline.
[0031] However, a most preferred network is based on using
electricity for water electrolysis. Electricity travelling in a
conductor, produced from a network of generating plants spread
locally or globally, is fed to a residence, home and the like, a
commercial or industrial retail outlet or other fuel supply
location. As needed, the electricity is used in an electrolysis
process that produces hydrogen and oxygen that is of value. After
sufficient purification and compression if required, the hydrogen
may be stored directly on to a vehicle or fed to non-vehicle
storage.
[0032] Electricity can come from many different types of primary
energies, each with their own characteristics and optimal ways and
means of production. Once electricity is produced, it is difficult
to store effectively and must be transmitted through some form of
distribution/transmission system. Such systems must respond to many
different circumstances of users, multiple users more so than from
a natural gas pipeline, time of use variation, load density,
primary electrical input source, status of primary electrical input
source, weather conditions, unique aspects of dealing with the
nature of electricity, versus a gas or a liquid.
[0033] An electrolysis unit, particularly an appropriately designed
water electrolysis system, has unique advantages in how it can be
connected to electricity supplies and does not have to operate
continuously. An electrolyser can be made to start, stop or
modulate in partial load steps more readily than the typical
methods to produce hydrogen from hydrocarbons. This factor is a key
element in that electricity may be dynamically "switched" from
hydrogen production to other electrical loads based on a priority
schedule. This feature enables an electrolyser to obtain lower cost
electricity than higher priority electrical loads. Further, since
electrolysis is a very scalable technology from 1<kW to over
100,000 kW, the same system, variant only in size, has the
potential to be distributed, as needed. Thus, it can provide
control activation for meeting changes in electrical demand
dynamically.
[0034] In the practice of the present invention in a preferred
embodiment, the wires that deliver the electrical energy to the
electrolyser are used to communicate useful information about the
state of the electrolysis process to related devices. This
eliminates the need for an additional connection or a "telemetry
device" to collect necessary information in an electronic
fashion.
[0035] Thus, a hydrogen fuel network incorporating electricity and
electrolysis offers useful opportunities with intermittent
renewable energy sources, e.g. photovoltaics and wind turbines,
even though these may be located hundreds of miles away from a
network of electrolysis-based hydrogen generators. The hydrogen
generators can be sequenced to produce hydrogen at a rate
proportional to the availability of renewable energy sources. In
addition, by measuring price signals, the electrolysers can be
reduced or shut down if the market price for electricity from a
particular generation source is beyond a tolerance level for fuel
supply. The electrolysis system can also be readily shut down in
the case of emergency within the electrical system. In view of the
speed of data communications, control actions which can be taken in
less than one second can be uses to dynamically control the grid as
well as replace spinning reserves to meet reliability
requirements.
[0036] Only a natural gas distribution system is close to an
electricity system in the concept of a continuous trickle supply of
the energy source to the hydrogen generator. When gasoline or
methanol arrives at a hydrogen production and fuel supply site, it
is generally by large shipment and the gasoline or methanol would
be stored in a tank of some 50,000 gallons size. The trickle charge
is a critical feature of the hydrogen fuel network and is clearly
preferred. The distributed storage of hydrogen--either on the
vehicle which itself may be trickle charged or for an on ground
storage tank which can be trickle charged, accumulate sufficient
hydrogen and then deliver that hydrogen to a car at a power rate
measured in GW. The ability to take a kW trickle charge and convert
it to a GW rapid fuel power delivery system through effective
storage is a key element in building an effective fuel supply
service as a product of the network.
[0037] The ability to measure hydrogen supply and demand as well as
estimate the total hydrogen stored in the network, including ground
storage or storage on board vehicles, provides a most useful
benefit of the network of the invention. The integrated whole of
the network is analogous to a giant fuel gauge and, thus,
predictions of the amount of electricity required to fuel the
system and the rate of fueling required can be made. This provides
electricity power generators/marketers information from which they
can help better predict supply and demand real time. Uniquely, the
location as to where the fuel is most needed can also be determined
on a near continuous basis.
[0038] In addition, distributed hydrogen storage, a consequence of
the network according to the invention, is similar to distributed
electricity storage or, if integrated together, a large
hydroelectric storage reservoir. The hydrogen storage reservoir,
may optionally, be converted back to electricity for the grid using
an appropriate conversion device such as a fuel cell. Most
objectives of energy management obtained with hydroelectric water
reservoirs may be practiced with hydrogen reservoirs. Given the
distributed network of hydrogen reservoirs, the priority of
practicing a particular energy management technique can be
performed. This prioritization capability is unique to the network
of the invention.
[0039] As a network incorporating distributed electrolysis-based
hydrogen supply systems with distributed reservoirs is developed,
the planning for the addition of new electricity generation systems
can be made based on information from the network. The uniqueness
of knowing the supply, demand and energy storage aspects of the
network provides information about the optimal specification of new
electrical generating systems. The creation of large scale energy
storage capability encourages selection of electrical generators
previously challenged by the lack of energy storage. Such
generators including wind turbines and photovoltaic panels may be
encouraged. This should optimize the ability to implement these
types of generators which may be mandated by governments as
necessary to combat perceived environmental challenges.
[0040] The hydrogen network in the further preferred embodiments
enables money payments to be made for services provided in real
time as for preferred forms of energy sources based on
environmental impact.
[0041] Thus, the network of energy sources of use in the practice
of the invention produces hydrogen through various techniques, such
as steam methane reforming, partial oxidation or water
electrolysis, at, or very near, the intended user site so that no
further processing beyond appropriate purification and
pressurization for the specific storage tank/energy application. In
the case where the hydrogen energy comes directly or indirectly
from a carbon source which is deemed by society to be too high in
carbon content (CO.sub.2 production) or where other pollutants may
exist, these are captured at source and sequestered to the extent
society deems necessary. In addition, a method to measure, or
reasonably estimate the flow of hydrogen into storage (compressed
gas, liquid H.sub.2, hydrides, etc.) in or on the ground or an
appropriate storage system on board a vehicle is helpful to obtain
information which can lead to decisions as to when, where and how
to produce fuel as well as when to deploy more assets in the
process of producing fuel or on board a vehicle measurements.
[0042] Thus, the invention in one most preferred embodiment
provides a hydrogen fuel vehicle supply infrastructure which is
based on a connected network of hydrogen fuel electrolysers. The
electrolysers and control associated means on the network
communicate current electrical demand and receive from the
electrical system operator/scheduler the amount of hydrogen fuel
needed to be produced and related data such as the time period for
refueling. For example, based on the pressure of the storage volume
and the rate at which the pressure rises, the storage volume needed
to be filled can be calculated. The time period for fueling may
also be communicated to the fuel scheduler, for example, by the
setting of a timer on the electrolyser appliance and/or the mode of
operation, e.g. to be a quick or slow fuel fill. The electrical
system operator/fuel delivery scheduler may preferably aggregate
the electrical loads on the network and optimize the operation of
the electrical system by controlling the individual operation of
fuel appliance, using `scheduled` hydrogen production as a form of
virtual storage to manage and even control the electrical system;
and employ power load leveling to improve transmission and
generating utilization, and dynamic control for controlling line
frequency.
[0043] It is, therefore, a most preferred object of the present
invention to provide a real time hydrogen based network of multiple
hydrogen fuel transfer sites based on either primary energy sources
which may or may not be connected in real time.
[0044] There is preferably a plurality of such electrolysers on the
energy network according to the invention and/or a plurality of
users per electrolysers on the system.
[0045] In a preferred aspect, the network of the invention
comprises one or more hydrogen replenishment systems for providing
hydrogen to a user, said systems comprising
[0046] (i) an electrolytic cell for providing source hydrogen;
[0047] (ii) a compression means for providing outlet hydrogen at an
outlet pressure;
[0048] (iii) means for feeding said source hydrogen to said
compressor means;
[0049] (iv) means for feeding said outlet hydrogen to said
user;
[0050] (v) control means for activating said cell to provide said
hydrogen source when said outlet pressure fall to a selected
minimum value; and
[0051] (vi) user activation means for operably activating said
control means.
[0052] The aforesaid replenishment system may comprise wherein said
electrolytic cell comprises said compression means whereby said
outlet hydrogen comprises source hydrogen and said step (iii) is
constituted by said cell and, optionally, wherein a hydrogen fuel
appliance apparatus comprising the system as aforesaid wherein said
means (iv) comprises vehicle attachment means attachable to a
vehicle to provide said outlet hydrogen as fuel to said
vehicle.
[0053] The invention in a further broad aspect provides a network
as hereinbefore defined further comprising energy generation means
linked to the user means to provide energy from the stored hydrogen
to the user.
[0054] The energy generation means is preferably one for generating
electricity from the stored hydrogen for use in relatively small
local area electricity distribution networks, e.g. residences,
apartment complexes, commercial and industrial buildings or sites,
or for feeding the auxiliary generated electrical power back into a
wide area electricity distribution network, like national, state or
provincial grids, on demand, when conventional electricity power
supply is provided at peak periods. The energy generation means
using hydrogen as a source of fuel can utilize direct energy
conversion devices such as fuel cells to convert hydrogen directly
to electricity, and can utilize indirect energy conversion devices
such as generators/steam turbine to produce electricity, and can
utilize the hydrogen directly as a combustible fuel as in
residential heating/cooking etc.
[0055] Accordingly, in a further aspect, the invention provides an
energy distribution network for providing hydrogen fuel to a user
comprising
[0056] (a) energy resource means;
[0057] (b) hydrogen production means to receive said energy from
said energy resource means;
[0058] (c) hydrogen fuel user means to receive hydrogen from said
hydrogen production means; and
[0059] (d) data collection, storage, control and supply means
linked to said energy resource means, said hydrogen production
means and said hydrogen fuel user means to determine, control and
supply hydrogen from said hydrogen production means;
[0060] wherein said hydrogen fuel user means comprises a plurality
of geographic zones located within or associated with at least one
building structure selected from the group consisting of an office,
plant, factory, warehouse, shopping mall, apartment, and linked,
semi-linked or detached residential dwelling wherein at least one
of said geographic zones has zone data control and supply means
linked to said data collection, storage, control and supply means
as hereinbefore defined to said geographic zones.
[0061] The invention further provides a network as hereinbefore
defined wherein each of at least two of said geographic zones has
zone data control and supply means, and a building data control and
supply means linked to (i) said data collection, storage, control
and supply means, and (ii) each of at least two of said geographic
zone data control and supply means in an interconnected network, to
determine, control and supply hydrogen from said hydrogen
production means to said geographic zones.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] In order that the invention may be better understood,
preferred embodiments will now be described by way of example,
only, wherein
[0063] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment
according to the invention;
[0064] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C represent block diagrams of the data
flow interrelationships between the users and controller network of
use in alternative embodiments according to the invention;
[0065] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment
according to the invention.
[0066] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the major features of a
hydrogen fuel refurbishment system of use in the practice of a
preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0067] FIG. 4 is a logic block diagram of a control and supply data
controller of one embodiment according to the invention;
[0068] FIG. 5 is a logic block diagram of the control program of
one embodiment of the system according to the invention;
[0069] FIG. 6 is a logic block diagram of a cell block control loop
of the control program of FIG. 5;
[0070] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the
invention representing interrelationships between embodiment of
FIG. 1 and a further defined user network; and wherein the same
numerals denote like parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT ACCORDING TO THE
INVENTION
[0071] FIG. 1 represents an embodiment providing a broad aspect of
the invention having a hydrogen production source 10, supplied by
energy source 12 which may be an electricity generating power
plant, or a natural gas, gasoline or methanol reforming plant or
combinations thereof. A control unit 14 and users 16 are suitably
linked by hardware input and output distribution conduits 18, 20,
respectively, and electrical data transmission lines 22.
[0072] Users 16 define demands for hydrogen transmitted by means
of, for example (i) use of a credit card, (ii) use of a smart card,
(iii) use of a voice activation system, (iv) manual activation via
front panel control, (v) use of a electronic, electric, or wireless
infrared data transmission system to register a hydrogen demand on
the network. Upon receipt of the demand, controller 14 determines
the natures of the demand with respect to the quantity of hydrogen
requested, the time to deliver the hydrogen, the conditions under
which to deliver the hydrogen with respect to the temperature,
pressure, purity and the like and the rate of delivery of hydrogen
requested. Such initial definition of the hydrogen demand may be
performed by a single controller 14 as illustrated in this
embodiment or by a plurality of controllers 14 interconnected in a
network, having a configuration in the form of, for example, a
backbone (FIG. 1A), hub/star (FIG. 1B), or ring (FIG. 1C) in such a
way as to permit intercommunication between all the users.
[0073] Upon receiving a demand, controller 14 determines the
availability of energy resources 12, to which it is interconnected,
with respect to the amount of energy available, the nature of the
power available, the time availability of the energy, the type of
energy source available, the unit prices per increment of energy
and compares this to the energy required to generate the hydrogen
demanded by users 16.
[0074] Upon receipt of the demand, controller 14 further determines
the status of all hydrogen producing source(s) 10 on the network.
The initial checks include the current status of the hydrogen
source as a % use of rated capacity, rated capacity to produce
hydrogen of a known quantity, and the amount of energy consumption.
The initial checks further include monitoring of the process
parameters for starting the hydrogen producing source and process
valve and electrical switch status.
[0075] After controller 14 determines the initial status of
hydrogen producing source 10, the hydrogen demand by users 16, and
the nature and availability of the energy sources 12 on the
network, controller 14 then initiates the starting sequence for
hydrogen producing source(s) 10 to meet the demands of users 16
subject to the availability of energy resource(s) 12 at the lowest
possible cost. Controller 14 secures energy from source(s) 12 at a
preferred cost to user 16 to permit hydrogen to flow through
conduits 20. Energy is consumed by unit 10 in the generation of
hydrogen which are supplied to users 16 along conduits 20.
[0076] Any incorrect noted status in any of the operational
parameters noted above or in the quality/purity of the product
gases will result in controller 14 to alter or interrupt the
operation of hydrogen source 10 until an appropriate status has
been reached. Controller 14 also can modulate on or off a plurality
of hydrogen producing sources on the network to meet the demands of
users 16 so as to successfully complete the hydrogen demand of
users 16 to provide the minimum quantity of hydrogen at the minimum
rate of delivery over the minimum amount of time as specified at
the minimum purity at the minimum cost to the user.
[0077] Upon receiving notification from users 16 that their
requirements have been successfully met, controller 14 instructs
hydrogen producing source 10 to cease operation and informs energy
source(s) 12 of the revised change in electrical demand.
[0078] With reference also to FIG. 1A, which illustrates the data
flow relationship between a plurality of users 16 along conduit 22
linking hydrogen production means 10 users 16 and to energy source
12 under the direction of controller 14. FIG. 1A defines a
"backbone" for the communication of data from controller 14 to each
of said users 16.
[0079] Alternate embodiments of the interrelation between users 16
and controller 14 are shown as a star/hub in FIG. 1B and in FIG. 1C
a ring, and combinations, thereof. Backbones, star/hubs, and rings
are also possible to complete a networking environment for the flow
and interchange of data as noted in FIG. 1 above.
[0080] With reference now to FIG. 2, in an analogous manner as
herein described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1, users
16 define a demand for hydrogen, provided by a plurality of
individual electrolysers 10 under the control of controller 14,
from electrical energy source 22.
[0081] FIG. 2 thus shows generally as 200, an energy network
according to the invention having a plurality of hydrogen fuel
generating electrolysers 10 connected to corresponding user
facilities, above or below ground or vehicle storage 16. Electrical
energy is provided to cells 10 by lead 18 on demand, individually
or collectively from power grid source 22 under the control of
controller 14, and supplies hydrogen through conduits 20 to users
16. Control and supply controller 14 receives information from
cells 10 and user facilities 16, as the fuel requirement and
loading situation requires. Controller 14 further effects
activation of the required electrical feed to cell 10 for hydrogen
generation as required. The time of commencement, duration and
electric power levels to a cell are also controlled by central
controller 14. Information as to volume of hydrogen fuel container,
hydrogen pressure therein and rate of pressure change on
refurbishment are measured in real-time. Controller 14 further
comprises data storage means from which information may be taken
and read or added. Iteration and algorithmic treatment of real time
and stored data can be made and appropriate process control can be
realized by acting on such data in real time.
[0082] With reference to FIG. 2 in more detail, user 16 defines a
demand for hydrogen and may transmit the demand by (i) use of a
credit card, (ii) use of a smart card, (iii) use of a voice
activation system, (iv) manual activation via front panel control,
(v) use of an electronic, electric, or wireless infrared data
transmission system to register a hydrogen demand on the
network.
[0083] Upon receipt of the demand, network controller 14 determines
the nature of the demand with respect to the quantity of hydrogen
requested, the time to deliver the hydrogen, the conditions under
which to deliver the hydrogen with respect to temperature,
pressure, purity and the like, and the rate of delivery of hydrogen
requested. Such initial definition of the hydrogen demand may be
performed by a single controller 14 as illustrated in this
embodiment or by a plurality of controllers 14 interconnected, for
example, in a "hub/star", "backbone" or "ring" configuration in
such a way as to permit intercommunication between all controllers
14.
[0084] Upon receipt of the demand, controller 14 determines the
availability of electrical energy resources 22 to which it is
interconnected with respect to the amount of energy available, the
nature of the power available, in regard to current and voltage,
the time availability of the energy, the type of electrical energy
source available, the unit price per increment of electrical energy
and compares this to the power required to generate the hydrogen
demanded by users 16.
[0085] Controller 14 further determines the status of all hydrogen
producing electrolyser source(s) 10 on the network. The initial
checks include the current status of the hydrogen source, % use of
rated capacity, rated capacity to produce hydrogen of a known
quantity, for a known amount of electrical consumption. The initial
checks further include monitoring of the process parameters for
starting electrolyser(s) 10, and in particular, the temperature,
pressure, anolyte and catholyte liquid levels, electrical bus
continuity, KOH concentration and process valve and electrical
switch status.
[0086] After controller 14 determines the initial status of
electrolyser(s) 10, the hydrogen demand by users 16 and the nature
and availability of the electrical sources on the network,
controller 14 then initiates the starting sequence for
electrolyser(s) 10 to meet the demands of users 16 subject to the
availability of electrical energy resource(s) 22 at the lowest
possible cost.
[0087] Controller 14 secures a quantity of electrical energy from
the electrical source(s) 22 at the most preferred cost to user 16
to permit hydrogen to flow down conduits 20. Power is then applied
to hydrogen producing electrolyser appliances 10 and the aforesaid
process parameters monitored and controlled in such a fashion as to
permit safe operation of hydrogen producing electrolyser appliances
10 for the generation of hydrogen supplied to users 16 along
conduits 20. Oxygen may be, optionally, provided to users 20 or
other users (not shown) by conduits (not shown).
[0088] Any incorrect noted status in any of the operational
parameters noted above or in the quantity/purity of the product
gases causes controller 14 to alter or interrupt the operation of
electrolyser 10 until an appropriate status has been reached.
Controller 14 also can modulate one or a plurality of electrolysers
on the network to meet the demands of users 16 so as to
successfully complete the hydrogen demand by providing the minimum
quantity of hydrogen at the minimum rate of delivery over the
minimum amount of time as specified at the minimum purity at the
minimum cost to user 16.
[0089] Upon receiving notification from users 16 that their
requirements have been successfully met, controller 14 instructs
electrolyser(s) 10 to cease operation and informs electrical energy
source(s) 22 of the revised change in electrical demand.
[0090] With reference to FIG. 3, this shows a system according to
the invention shown generally as 300 having an electrolyser cell 10
which produces source hydrogen at a desired pressure P.sub.1 fed
through conduit 24 to compressor 26. Compressor 24 feeds compressed
outlet hydrogen through conduit 28 to user 16 at pressure P.sub.2,
exemplified as a vehicle attached by a fitting 30. Cell 10,
compressor 26 and user 16 are linked to a controller 14.
[0091] With reference also now to FIG. 4, a pair of hydrogen
fueller and generator, with or without storage, slave controllers
(HFGS) 40, receives data input from users 16. This input may
include at least one of user fuel needs, user fuel available, user
storage facilities available, level of fuel available in any
storage facility, available input power, type of input power,
status and percent utilization of input power source. The HFGS
controllers 40 verify the integrity of the data and transmit this
data along conduits 42 via modems 44 and, if necessary, with the
aid of repeater 46 to a master network controller 48. Data may also
be transmitted in other embodiments, for example, via wireless
transmission, via radio, infrared, satellite or optical means from
HFGS slave controller 40 to master network controller 48 and onto
control network hub 50.
[0092] In real time, or at some later time as desired by users 16,
the status of the energy source 52 as to the type of power
available, amount of power available, instantaneous and trend of
power usage, instantaneous demand and predicted demand, nature and
type of peak load demands and reserve capacity and percentage
utilization of energy source assets can be transmitted in a similar
fashion as described herein above along data conduit 54 to control
network hub 50.
[0093] In real time, or at some later time as desired by users 16,
control network hub 50 analyses the status and needs of the users
via master network controller 48 and the status of energy sources
52 and provides an optimized algorithm to meet the needs of the
users, while providing plant load shifting, plant operation
scheduling, plant outage/maintenance, all at a documented minimal
acceptable cost to the user. Energy sources 52 can access the
status of the network and transmit data along data conduit 56 by
means as described above to an administrative center 58 where data
analysis of asset utilization, costing, and the like, can be
performed and dynamically linked back to control network hub 50,
which manages both users 16 demand and sources 52 supply in an
optimized fashion. Security barrier 60 may be present at various
locations in the network to ensure confidentiality and privileged
data exchange flow to respective users 16, sources 52 and
administrative centers 58 so as to maintain network security.
[0094] With reference to FIG. 5 this shows the logic control steps
effective in the operation of the system as a whole, and in FIG. 6
the specific cell control loop, sub-unit wherein a logical block
diagram of the control program of one embodiment of the system
according to the invention; wherein
[0095] P.sub.MS--Compressor start pressure;
[0096] P.sub.L--Compressor stop pressure;
[0097] P.sub.LL--Inlet low pressure;
[0098] P.sub.MO--Tank full pressure;
[0099] .DELTA.P--Pressure switch dead band;
[0100] P.sub.MM--Maximum allowable cell pressure; and
[0101] L.sub.L--Minimum allowable cell liquid level.
[0102] In more detail, FIG. 5 shows the logic flow diagram of the
control program for the operation. Upon plant start-up, cell 10
generates hydrogen gas at some output pressure, P.sub.HO. The
magnitude of such pressure, P.sub.HO, is used to modulate the
operation of a start compressor. If P.sub.HO is less than some
minimum pressure related to the liquid level in 10, P.sub.LL, a low
pressure alarm is generated and a plant shutdown sequence is
followed. If the output pressure, P.sub.HO, is greater than
P.sub.LL, then a further comparison is made. If the output
pressure, P.sub.HO, is greater than P.sub.MS, the minimum input
pressure to the start compressor, the latter begins a start
sequence. If the output pressure is less than some minimum value,
P.sub.L, then start compressor remains at idle (stopped) until such
time as the magnitude of P.sub.HO exceeds P.sub.MS to begin
compressor operation.
[0103] Upon starting the compressor, the hydrogen gas is compressed
in one or more stages to reach an output pressure, P.sub.C, from
the exit of the compressor. If the output pressure, P.sub.C,
exceeds a safety threshold, P.sub.MO, then operation of the
compressor is terminated. If the output, P.sub.C, is less than some
desired minimum, P.sub.MO-.DELTA.P, the compressor runs to supply
and discharge hydrogen.
[0104] FIG. 6 comprises a block diagram of the hydrogen fuel
replenishment apparatus shown generally as 600 used to supply
hydrogen and/or oxygen gas at a minimum desired pressure. Apparatus
600 includes a rectifier 210 to convert an a.c. signal input to a
desired d.c. signal output, a bus bar 212, electrolytic cell(s) 10,
means of measuring oxygen 214 and hydrogen 216 pressure in conduits
218 and 220, respectively, valve means for controlling the flow of
oxygen 222 and hydrogen 224, respectively, and a process/instrument
controller 226 to ensure desired operation of electrolytic cell(s)
10 with suitable plant shutdown alarms 228.
[0105] FIG. 6 also comprises a process flow diagram for the cell
block of FIG. 5. Upon plant start-up, rectifier 210 establishes a
safe condition by examining the status of plant alarm 228 with
respect to pressure and level controls. If the alarm indicates a
safe status, current and voltage (power) are transmitted along cell
bus bar 212 from rectifier 210 to electrolytic cell 10. With the
application of a suitable current/voltage source, electrolysis
takes place within electrolytic cell(s) 10 with the resultant
decomposition of water into the products of hydrogen gas and oxygen
gas. The oxygen gas is transported along conduit 218 in which
oxygen pressure means 214 monitors oxygen pressure, P.sub.O, at any
time, and to control oxygen pressure via modulation of back
pressure valve 222. Similarly, the hydrogen gas is transported
along conduit 220 in which means 216 monitors hydrogen pressure,
P.sub.H, at any time, and to control hydrogen pressure via control
valve 224. In the operation of electrolytic cell(s) 10, the anolyte
level of the cell on the oxygen side, L.sub.O, and the catholyte
level on the hydrogen side, L.sub.H, are detected via P/I
controller 226 to provide a control signal to valve 224 to
facilitate the supply of hydrogen and/or oxygen gas at some desired
pressure.
[0106] With reference now to FIG. 7 users 716 are defined as being
at least one geographic zone 718 within a building whose tenancy
may be residential, as in an apartment, semi-attached, detached
dwelling, and the like, or industrial/commercial, as in an office,
plant, mall, factory, warehouse, and the like, and which defines a
demand for hydrogen. Such user 716 may transmit its demand by (i)
use of a credit card, (ii) use of a smart card, or (iii) use of an
electronic, electric, or wireless data transmission, to register a
hydrogen demand to a zone controller 720 exemplifying zone data
control and supply means.
[0107] Upon receipt of the demand, zone controller 720 determines
the nature of the demand with respect to the quantity of hydrogen
requested, the time to deliver the hydrogen, the conditions under
which to deliver the hydrogen with respect to temperature,
pressure, purity and the like, the end utilization purpose of the
hydrogen, and the rate of delivery of the hydrogen requested. Such
initial definition of this hydrogen demand may be performed by a
single or a plurality of zone controller(s) 720 interconnected in a
network configured as a "hub", "star", "ring" or "backbone" as
exemplified in FIGS. 1A-1C, in such a way as to permit
intercommunication between all controllers 720 to a unit controller
721 exemplifying a building data and control supply means via bus
722.
[0108] Upon receipt of the demand by unit controller 721 from the
network of zone controllers 720, unit controller 721 determines the
availability of all energy resources 12 available to units 716 by
polling the status from a network controller 14 to which it is
interconnected with respect to the amount of energy available, the
nature of the power available, the time availability of the energy,
the type of energy source available, the unit price per increment
of energy and compares this to the energy required to generate the
energy, the type of energy source available, the unit price per
increment of energy and compares this to the energy required to
generate the hydrogen demanded by all units 716 and subsequent
zones 718.
[0109] Upon receipt of the demand, network controller 14 further
determines the status of all hydrogen producing sources 10 on the
network. Initial checks include the current status of the hydrogen
source, percentage use of rated capacity, rated capacity to produce
hydrogen of a known quantity for a know amount of energy
consumption and monitoring of the process parameters for starting
the hydrogen production source(s), process valves and electrical
switch status network controller 14 then initiates the starting
sequence for hydrogen producing source(s) 10 to meet the demands of
users 716 and subsequent zones 718 subject to the availability of
energy resource(s) 12 at the lowest possible cost.
[0110] Network controller 14 secures a quantity of energy from
energy source(s) 12 at the most preferred cost to user 718 and
updates unit controller 721 and zone controller 720 to permit
hydrogen to flow through conduits 724. Energy is then consumed from
energy source 12 to produce hydrogen via hydrogen production
source(s) 10 for the generation of hydrogen and oxygen gases which
are supplied to the users through units 716 and 718 zones.
[0111] Hydrogen flowing in conduit 724 to unit 716 is monitored by
unit controller 721 which further controls the distribution of
hydrogen within unit 716. Hydrogen may flow so as to enter storage
unit 726 for later use by a zone 718, and may flow along conduit
728 to a direct conversion device 730 for conversion of hydrogen
into electricity via a fuel cell and the like (not shown) for a
further central distribution within unit 716. It may further be
converted into heat and/or electricity by an indirect conversion
device 732, such as a boiler, furnace, steam generator, turbine and
the like for further central distribution within unit 716 and may
be further passed along conduit 728 directly to a zone 718.
[0112] Hydrogen flowing in conduit 728 to zone 718 is further
monitored by unit controller 721, zone controller 720 and zone
controller 734 along data bus 736 which further controls the
distribution of hydrogen within zone 718. Hydrogen within the zone
may flow so as to enter a direct 738 or indirect 740 conversion
device within zone 718 for conversion into electricity or heat via
a furnace, stove and the like (not shown).
[0113] In a further embodiment, network controller 722 selects a
specific type of energy source 12 to buy electricity which can be
transmitted along conduits 742, 724, 726 so as to arrive directly
at zone 718 where conversion into hydrogen occurs within the zone
by means of an electrolyser 744 for generation of hydrogen within
the geographic domains of zone 718 for use by direct 738 or
indirect 740 conversion devices as noted above, all under the
direction of zone controller 720.
[0114] Any incorrect noted status in any of the operational
parameters noted above or in the quality/purity of the product
gases, will result in network controller 14, unit controller 721
and zone controller 720 to alter or intercept the operation of
hydrogen source(s) 10 and 744, along with hydrogen conversion
devices 730, 732, 738, 740 until an appropriate status has been
reached. Controllers 14, 721 and 734 also can act to modulate one
or a plurality of hydrogen producing sources on the network to meet
the demands of users 716, 718 so as to successfully complete the
hydrogen demand of users 716, 718 to provide the minimum quantity
of hydrogen at the minimum rate of delivery over the minimum amount
of time as specified at the minimum purity at the minimum cost to
users 716, 718, and optionally, schedules hydrogen demand.
[0115] Upon receiving notification from users 716, 718 that their
requirements have been successfully met, controllers 14, 721 and
720 instruct hydrogen producing sources 10, 744 to cease operation
and informs energy sources 12 of the revised change in energy
demand and, optionally, schedules hydrogen demand.
[0116] Line 746 denotes the direct energy source for self-contained
individual zone electrolyser.
[0117] Although this disclosure has described and illustrated
certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be
understood that the invention is not restricted to those particular
embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which
are functional or mechanical equivalence of the specific
embodiments and features that have been described and
illustrated.
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