Hydrogen production device for wind turbine, wind turbine device and method for operating hydrogen production device for wind turbine

Abstract

Disclosed is a hydrogen production device (11) for a wind turbine (2), comprising: an electrolytic hydrogen production unit (18) for producing a hydrogen gas (12) using electrical energy generated by the wind turbine (2); a compressor unit (19) for compressing the produced hydrogen gas (12); and a sensor unit (20) fluidly connected to the compressor unit (19) for detecting oil contamination (H) of the compressed hydrogen gas (12). Thus, oil contamination of hydrogen gas produced by a hydrogen production plant can be continuously monitored. In addition, oil contamination of the hydrogen gas can be detected before the hydrogen gas is discharged by the hydrogen production device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a hydrogen production device for a wind turbine, a wind turbine arrangement having such a hydrogen production device and a method for operating a hydrogen production device for a wind turbine. Background Art

[0002] Hydrogen gas produced by renewable energy such as wind power provides green hydrogen that can be used in hydrogen fuel cells and replaces fossil fuels. For example, green hydrogen gas can be used in fuel cell vehicles. For use in hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen fuel quality must meet international standards (e.g., ISO 14678) regarding gas impurities. In particular, the oil contaminants of hydrogen gas may affect other components of fuel cell catalysts, fuel cell power systems, and fuel cells. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the impurities of produced hydrogen to comply with regulations and avoid damage to the fuel cell of end users. In addition, in recent years, PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell technology has shown significant progress, such as reduced platinum content, thinning of electrolyte membranes, operation with high current density, and operation under low humidity. This has led to recent improvements in international standard ISO 14678 to hydrogen impurity tolerances.

[0003] KR 20160031485 A discloses a method for filling at least one buffer container of a hydrogen filling station, wherein the current concentration of at least one impurity in the hydrogen of the buffer vessel is determined.

[0004] WO 2019 / 210961 Al discloses a hydrogen production system, which includes at least one electrolysis device and at least one compressor system, which is arranged downstream of the electrolysis device and is used to compress the produced hydrogen.

[0005] CN 114405263 A discloses a protective device for catalytic degreasing equipment, which includes catalytic degreasing equipment, a delayed air intake duct and an intake detector. The air intake port of the delayed air intake duct is connected to the outside of the compressed gas source, and the air outlet of the delayed air intake duct is connected to the air inlet of the catalytic degreasing equipment. In addition, the intake air detector is arranged at the intake end of the delayed air intake duct, and the intake air detector is used to detect the oil content of the compressed gas before the compressed gas enters the delayed air intake duct. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hydrogen production plant for a wind turbine.

[0007] Therefore, a hydrogen production device for a wind turbine is provided. The hydrogen production device comprises:

[0008] a hydrogen electrolysis unit for producing hydrogen gas using electricity generated by a wind turbine,

[0009] a compressor unit for compressing the produced hydrogen gas, and

[0010] A sensor unit is fluidly connected to the compressor unit for detecting oil contamination of the compressed hydrogen gas.

[0011] By means of the sensor unit of the hydrogen production device, oil contamination of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device can be easily detected. For example, oil contamination of hydrogen gas can be continuously monitored. In addition, oil contamination of hydrogen gas can be detected, for example, before the hydrogen gas is discharged from the hydrogen production device.

[0012] In particular, oil contamination caused by a compressor unit of a hydrogen production plant can be detected. The compressor unit compresses hydrogen gas to achieve a more efficient transport of the gas. Oil contaminants such as lubricants and hydraulic fluids can be introduced into the compressed hydrogen gas by the compressor unit. For example, hydraulic oil from a piston compressor can leak into the hydrogen gas. With the aid of a sensor unit arranged downstream of the compressor unit, contamination caused by the compressor unit can be displayed.

[0013] A wind turbine is a device for converting the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy. A wind turbine comprises, for example, a rotor having one or more blades each connected to a hub, a nacelle comprising a generator, and a tower holding the nacelle at its top end. The tower of the wind turbine may be connected to a base of the wind turbine, such as a concrete foundation or a monopile in the seabed, via a transition piece.

[0014] The wind turbine is for example an onshore wind turbine. However, the wind turbine may also be an offshore wind turbine. Offshore includes marine environments as well as lakes and other open waters.

[0015] In the case of an onshore wind turbine, a hydrogen production device including an electrolytic hydrogen production unit, a compressor unit and a sensor unit is, for example, arranged on the ground next to the wind turbine. The hydrogen production device is, for example, arranged at a distance of 1000 meters or less, 500 meters or less, 200 meters or less, 100 meters or less and / or 50 meters or less from the base of the wind turbine. Additionally or alternatively, for safety reasons, the hydrogen production device is, for example, arranged at a distance of at least 200 meters, at least 300 meters and / or at least 500 meters from the base of the wind turbine.

[0016] In the case of an offshore wind turbine, the hydrogen production device including the hydrogen electrolysis unit, the compressor unit and the sensor unit is arranged, for example, on an external platform of the tower of the wind turbine.

[0017] The electrolytic hydrogen production unit converts water into hydrogen gas, for example, by using the electric current generated by the generator of the wind turbine.Thus, water is separated into hydrogen and oxygen by the electrolysis process in the hydrogen production unit.

[0018] The hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production unit has a pressure of, for example, 100 bar or less, 50 bar or less and / or 30 bar or less. The hydrogen gas produced is, for example, compressed to a pressure of 100 bar or more, 200 bar or more, 300 bar or more and / or 400 bar or more by the compressor unit. The compressor unit compresses the hydrogen gas by reducing the volume of the hydrogen gas. Compressing the gas allows a larger volume of gas to be transported each time, and therefore, allows a more efficient and faster transport of gas. Compressed gas is, for example, transported by means of a pressure vessel (such as a tube trailer) on the road. Compressed gas can also, for example, be transported by means of a gas pipeline.

[0019] The compressor unit is, for example, configured to be fluidly connected to a discharge unit of the hydrogen production plant. The discharge unit can, for example, be used to feed a distributor or a transport pipeline.

[0020] The hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production plant is used, for example, in fuel cells and / or fuel cell systems, such as fuel cell vehicles or fuel cell power systems (stationary fuel cells for power generation).

[0021] A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel (eg, hydrogen gas) and an oxidant into electrical energy (direct current), heat, or other reaction products.

[0022] Oil contaminants are impurities that may adversely affect components of a fuel cell system, a fuel cell vehicle, a fuel cell power system, and / or a hydrogen storage system. The adverse effects may include reversible effects or irreversible effects.

[0023] The sensor unit comprises in particular a quality sensor for determining the quality (such as purity) of the hydrogen gas. The sensor unit is for example configured to detect oil contaminants and / or hydrocarbons in the compressed hydrogen gas. The sensor unit is for example configured to sample the hydrogen gas downstream of the compressor unit for analysis.

[0024] The hydrogen production device, for example, comprises a connecting pipe that fluidly connects the hydrogen production unit and the compressor unit, and is used to transport the gas produced by electrolysis in the hydrogen production unit to the compressor unit. In addition, the hydrogen production device, for example, comprises another connecting pipe that fluidly connects the compressor unit to the sensor unit and the exhaust unit. The pipe is particularly a gas pipe (e.g., a gastight pipe).

[0025] According to an embodiment, the hydrogen production apparatus is configured to simultaneously compress the produced hydrogen gas by the compressor unit and detect oil contamination of the compressed hydrogen gas by the sensor unit.

[0026] Thus, oil contamination of the compressed hydrogen gas caused by the compressor unit can be detected immediately after it occurs.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the hydrogen production device comprises a discharge unit fluidly connected to the compressor unit for discharging compressed hydrogen gas, wherein the gas sampling point of the sensor unit is arranged between the compressor unit and the discharge unit with respect to a downstream direction of the hydrogen gas.

[0028] Thus, oil contamination of the compressed hydrogen gas can be detected between the compressor unit and the discharge unit with respect to the downstream direction of the hydrogen gas. Thus, in the event of oil contamination of the compressed hydrogen gas, said oil contamination can be detected before the contaminated hydrogen gas is discharged. The discharge unit is in particular arranged downstream of the compressor unit.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the hydrogen production apparatus includes a connection pipe fluidly connecting the compressor unit and the discharge unit, the connection pipe including a branch portion for providing a sampling point of the sensor unit.

[0030] The branch portion is, for example, a T-shaped pipe portion. The T-shaped pipe portion includes a pipe portion having a 90° branch, a 45° branch, or a branch having another angle. The branch portion includes, for example, an inlet fluidly connected to the compressor unit, a first outlet (main outlet) fluidly connected to the discharge unit, and a second outlet (branch outlet) fluidly connected to the sensor unit.

[0031] According to further embodiments, the compressor unit comprises a positive displacement compressor, a piston compressor, a rotary compressor and / or a screw rotary compressor.

[0032] In a positive displacement compressor, a certain inlet volume of produced hydrogen gas is confined in a given space and is then compressed by reducing this confined volume or space so that its pressure increases. The compressed gas is then discharged from the compressor unit.

[0033] According to further embodiments, the sensor unit comprises a flame ionization detector, a gas chromatograph and / or a mass spectrometer.

[0034] Flame ionization detectors measure analytes in a gas stream. The operation of a flame ionization detector is based on the detection of ions formed during the combustion of organic compounds in a hydrogen flame. The generation of these ions is proportional to the concentration of organic species in the sample gas stream.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the sensor unit is configured for detecting oil contamination of the compressed hydrogen gas by measuring the amount of oil, in particular the amount of hydrocarbons, in the compressed hydrogen gas.

[0036] The sensor unit can be configured to measure the total amount of hydrocarbons present in the hydrogen gas. Hydrocarbons include, for example, aromatic hydrocarbons, alkanes, etc. Although methane is also a hydrocarbon, methane is not the result of water electrolysis. Therefore, it is not required that the sensor unit can distinguish methane from other hydrocarbons. However, the sensor unit can also be configured to detect the total amount of hydrocarbons other than methane.

[0037] The amount of oil and / or hydrocarbons is measured, for example, in moles, which is the SI base unit for amount of substance. The amount of hydrocarbons is measured, for example, in micromoles of hydrocarbons per mole of hydrogen gas (ie, in parts per million of hydrocarbons, ppmv).

[0038] According to a further embodiment, the hydrogen generation device comprises a control unit configured for detecting oil contamination of the compressed hydrogen gas by comparing an amount of oil in the compressed hydrogen gas measured by the sensor unit with a predetermined threshold value.

[0039] The control unit receives, for example, measurement data (measurement results) of the sensor unit and processes the measurement data. The control unit comprises, for example, a storage device for storing predetermined threshold values.

[0040] For example, when the amount of oil, in particular the amount of hydrocarbons (eg hydrocarbons other than methane) measured in the hydrogen gas exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control unit determines that oil contamination is present.

[0041] The predetermined threshold value of the amount of total hydrocarbons (e.g., excluding methane) is, for example, 10 μmol / mol, 5 μmol / mol, 4 μmol / mol, 3 μmol / mol, 2 μmol / mol, 1 μmol / mol and / or 0.5 μmol / mol. Thus, 1 μmol / mol is equal to 1 ppmv (parts per million). Thus, for example, when the amount of total hydrocarbons or the amount of total hydrocarbons excluding methane exceeds 10 μmol / mol, 5 μmol / mol, 4 μmol / mol, 3 μmol / mol, 2 μmol / mol, 1 μmol / mol and / or 0.5 μmol / mol, the control unit determines that oil contamination is present.

[0042] For example, the control unit determines that there is oil contamination when the amount of oil measured in the hydrogen gas does not comply with current regulations for hydrogen gas quality and / or hydrogen fuel quality. An example of such regulations is the specification set by the international standard ISO 14687 on "Hydrogen fuel quality" (ISO 14687:2019, Hydrogen fuel quality - Product specification, International Organization for Standardization, https: / / www.iso.org / standard / 69539.html; hereinafter referred to as: ISO 14687).

[0043] For example, according to said standard ISO 14687, for hydrogen gas grade D (applicable to gaseous hydrogen and / or PEM fuel cells for road vehicles), the threshold value for the total amount of hydrocarbons other than methane is 2 μmol / mol.

[0044] The control unit may be part of the main control equipment of the hydrogen plant, or may be a separate entity.

[0045] According to a further embodiment, the hydrogen production device comprises a control unit configured to:

[0046] determining one or more characteristic parameters of the time development of the amount of oil in the compressed hydrogen gas measured within a predetermined time span, wherein the characteristic parameters include a minimum value, a maximum value, a mean value, a median value and / or a mode, and

[0047] One, some or all of these determined characteristic parameters are compared with predetermined threshold values.

[0048] Analyzing the temporal development of the amount of oil (eg, the amount of hydrocarbons) in hydrogen gas allows for higher precision oil contamination detection. The reason is that by repeated measurements over time, the influence of outliers and measurement uncertainty (measurement noise) on the final measurement result can be reduced.

[0049] Comparing one, some or all of the determined characteristic parameters with a predetermined threshold value means in particular that a determined minimum value, a determined maximum value, a determined mean value, a determined median value and / or a determined mode of the amount of hydrocarbons are compared with a predetermined threshold value.

[0050] In several embodiments, other parameters regarding the temporal development of the amount of oil in the compressed hydrogen may also be determined, such as the time elapsed since the last impurity warning, the time elapsed since the last laboratory analysis sampling and / or the status of the sensor unit.

[0051] According to a further embodiment, the hydrogen generation assembly comprises a control unit for controlling the discharge of the compressed hydrogen gas from the hydrogen generation assembly depending on the detected oil contamination of the compressed hydrogen gas and / or the measured amount of oil in the compressed hydrogen gas.

[0052] Thus, when oil contamination is detected, the discharge of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen generation assembly may be controlled (eg, stopped).

[0053] According to further embodiments, the control unit is configured for controlling a hydrogen production unit, a compressor unit and / or an exhaust unit.

[0054] For example, the control unit may control the hydrogen production unit so that it stops producing hydrogen gas. In addition, the control unit may control the compressor unit so that it stops compressing the produced hydrogen gas. In addition, the control unit may control the discharge unit so that it stops discharging the compressed hydrogen gas.

[0055] In addition, the hydrogen production device may include one or more valves, which are arranged at the pipeline of the hydrogen production device to adjust the flow rate of hydrogen gas. In this case, the control unit can be configured to control the one or more valves so that one or more of the valves are closed.

[0056] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the discharge of compressed hydrogen gas from the hydrogen production device so that the discharge is stopped when the amount of oil in the compressed hydrogen gas measured by the sensor unit is greater than a predetermined threshold value, and / or when one, some or all of the determined characteristic parameters are greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0057] Therefore, in case the recorded impurities exceed the threshold value, the discharge of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen generation device is stopped.

[0058] According to another embodiment, the hydrogen production device includes an HMI unit. In addition, the control unit is configured to control the HMI unit to output:

[0059] The measured amount of oil in the compressed hydrogen gas,

[0060] One, some or all of the determined characteristic parameters, and / or

[0061] When the amount of oil in the compressed hydrogen gas detected by the sensor unit is greater than a predetermined threshold value, and / or when one, some or all determined characteristic parameters are greater than predetermined threshold values, a warning message is output.

[0062] The HMI unit is a human-machine interface such as a display unit or a speaker.

[0063] According to another aspect, a wind turbine device is provided, which comprises a wind turbine and the above-mentioned hydrogen production device.

[0064] In an embodiment of the wind turbine arrangement, the wind turbine comprises a hydrogen production arrangement.

[0065] According to another embodiment, a method for operating a hydrogen production device for a wind turbine is provided. The method comprises the following steps:

[0066] a) producing hydrogen gas by electrolysis using electricity generated by wind turbines,

[0067] b) compressing the produced hydrogen gas by means of a compressor unit, and

[0068] c) Detecting oil contamination of the compressed hydrogen gas by means of a sensor unit fluidly connected to the compressor unit.

[0069] In an embodiment of the method, steps b) and c) are performed simultaneously.

[0070] The control unit and main control unit described above and / or below may be implemented in hardware and / or software. If the respective unit is implemented in hardware, it may be implemented as a device, for example as a computer or a processor or as part of a system such as a computer system. If the respective unit is implemented in software, it may be implemented as a computer program product, a function, a routine, a program code or an executable object.

[0071] The embodiments and features described with reference to the hydrogen production plant of the invention apply mutatis mutandis to the wind turbine plant and method of the invention.

[0072] Other possible embodiments or alternative solutions of the present invention also include combinations of features described above or below with respect to the embodiments not explicitly mentioned herein. A person skilled in the art may also add individual or isolated aspects and features to the most basic form of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Further embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and dependent claims considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0074] Figure 1 A wind turbine arrangement according to a first embodiment is shown;

[0075] Figure 2 A wind turbine arrangement according to a second embodiment is shown;

[0076] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 or Figure 2Schematic diagram of a hydrogen production device for a wind turbine;

[0077] Figure 4 Shown by Figure 3 measurement data measured by a sensor unit of a hydrogen production device, the measurement data reflecting oil contamination of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device; and

[0078] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating a method for operating according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 or Figure 2 Flow chart of a method for a hydrogen production device for a wind turbine.

[0079] In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate similar or functionally equivalent elements unless otherwise indicated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] Figure 1 A wind turbine arrangement 1 according to a first embodiment is shown. The wind turbine arrangement 1 is an onshore wind turbine arrangement comprising a wind turbine 2. The wind turbine 2 comprises a rotor 3 having one or more blades 4 connected to a hub 5. The hub 5 is connected to a generator 6 arranged inside a nacelle 7. During operation of the wind turbine 2, the blades 4 are driven to rotate by the wind, and the kinetic energy of the wind is converted into electrical energy by the generator 6 in the nacelle 7. The nacelle 7 is arranged at the upper end of a tower 8 of the wind turbine 2. The tower 8 is erected on a foundation 9, such as a concrete foundation. The foundation 9 is anchored in the ground 10.

[0081] The wind turbine arrangement 1 further comprises a hydrogen production arrangement 11 for converting the electrical energy generated by the generator 6 into hydrogen gas 12 .

[0082] Furthermore, the wind turbine device 1 comprises, for example, a power cable 13 for transmitting the electric current generated by the generator 6 of the wind turbine 2 to the hydrogen production device 11. Furthermore, the wind turbine device 1 comprises, for example, a gas pipeline 14 for transporting the produced hydrogen gas 12 from the hydrogen production device 11 to another onshore device (not shown).

[0083] Figure 2 A wind turbine installation 1 ' according to a second embodiment is shown. The wind turbine installation 1 ' is an offshore wind turbine installation comprising a wind turbine 2'. Figure 1 Similar to the wind turbine 2 of FIG. 1 , the wind turbine 2' comprises a rotor 3' having one or more blades 4' connected to a hub 5'. The hub 5' is connected to a generator 6' arranged inside a nacelle 7'. The nacelle 7' is arranged at the upper end of a tower 8' of the wind turbine 2'. The tower 8' is erected on a base 9' such as a monopile driven into the seabed 15. Reference numeral 16 denotes the sea level.

[0084] The offshore wind turbine arrangement 1' further comprises a hydrogen production arrangement 11' for converting the electrical energy generated by the generator 6' into hydrogen gas 12'. The hydrogen production arrangement 11' of the offshore wind turbine 2' is for example arranged on an outer platform 17 of the tower 8'.

[0085] Furthermore, the wind turbine device 1' comprises a power cable 13' (only partially shown in the figure) for transmitting the electric current generated by the generator 6' to the hydrogen production device 11'. Furthermore, the wind turbine device 1 comprises, for example, a gas pipeline 14' for transporting the produced hydrogen gas 12' from the hydrogen production device 11' to another offshore or onshore device (not shown).

[0086] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 A wind turbine device 1 or Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a hydrogen production device 11, 11' of a wind turbine device 1'.

[0087] The hydrogen production device 11, 11' includes an electrolytic hydrogen production unit 18 for converting the electric energy generated by the generator 6, 6' and water into hydrogen gas 12 (12a) by electrolysis.

[0088] The hydrogen production device 11, 11' also includes a compressor unit 19 for compressing the produced hydrogen gas 12 (12a). The compressor unit 19 includes, for example, a hydraulically driven piston (not shown) for reducing the volume of the incoming hydrogen gas 12 (12a). The hydraulic oil H of the compressor unit 19 may leak into the hydrogen gas 12 (12b) during compression and may thus contaminate the hydrogen gas 12 (12b). Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the oil contamination H is schematically drawn in an exaggerated manner for illustration purposes only.

[0089] In order to detect oil contamination H of the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b), the hydrogen production device 11, 11' includes a sensor unit 20. The sensor unit 20 is fluidly connected to the compressor unit 19 for sampling the hydrogen gas 12 (12b) discharged from the compressor unit 19.

[0090] Furthermore, the hydrogen production device 11 , 11 ′ comprises a discharge unit 21 , which is fluidly connected to the compressor unit 19 for discharging the compressed hydrogen gas 12 to the transport pipeline 14 , 14 ′ or to an off-taker (not shown) via a distributor.

[0091] The hydrogen production device 11 , 11 ′ further comprises a control unit 22 configured to detect oil contamination H of the compressed hydrogen gas 12 ( 12 b ) and to control discharge of the hydrogen gas 12 from the hydrogen production device 11 , 11 ′ according to the detected oil contamination H.

[0092] If used Figure 3 As indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 1 , the hydrogen production device 11, 11' may further include a main control device 23. In this case, the control unit 22 may be a part of the main control device 23, or may be separated from the main control device 23 and connected to the main control device 23 for data transmission.

[0093] like Figure 3 As shown in , the hydrogen production device 11, 11' may further include an HMI unit (human-machine interface unit) 24 for outputting, for example, the amount M of oil H in the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b) measured by the sensor unit 20. The HMI unit 24 includes, for example, a display 31 of a computer, a laptop, a tablet computer and / or a smart phone. The HMI unit 24 may also include a speaker (not shown).

[0094] During operation of the hydrogen production device 11, 11', the hydrogen production unit 18 is connected to the power supply cable 13 ( Figure 1 ) or 13'( Figure 2 ) receives electric current from the generator 6, 6' of the wind turbine 2, 2'. The hydrogen production unit 18 also receives water (not shown). The hydrogen production unit 18 includes an electrolysis device (not shown) for producing hydrogen gas 12 (12a) from water by using the electric current. The hydrogen gas 12 (12a) produced by the hydrogen production unit 18 has a pressure of, for example, 30 bar.

[0095] The hydrogen production unit 18 is fluidly connected to the compressor unit 19 by means of a connecting gas pipeline 25 for conveying the produced hydrogen gas 12 (12a) to the compressor unit 19. The compressor unit 19 compresses the hydrogen gas 12 (12a), for example, to a pressure of 100 to 200 bar. The compressor unit 19 is fluidly connected to the discharge unit 21 by means of a further connecting gas pipeline 26 for conveying the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b) to the discharge unit 21. The downstream direction of the hydrogen gas 12 (12a, 12b) from the hydrogen production unit 18 via the compressor unit 19 to the discharge unit 21 is indicated by the reference symbol R.

[0096] The further connecting gas conduit 26 comprises a branching portion 27 such as a T-shaped conduit portion. The branching portion 27 is configured to branch out a portion 12c of the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b) towards the sensor unit 20. The branching portion 27 provides a sampling point S of the sensor unit 20 for sampling the portion 12c of the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b) for analysis. The gas sampling point S of the sensor unit 20 is arranged between the compressor unit 19 and the discharge unit 21, in particular with respect to the downstream direction R of the hydrogen gas 12.

[0097] Therefore, the oil contamination H of the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b) can be detected between the compressor unit 19 and the discharge unit 21 with respect to the downstream direction R of the hydrogen gas 12. Therefore, the oil contamination H of the hydrogen gas 12 caused by the compressor unit 19 can be detected before the contaminated hydrogen gas 12 is discharged through the discharge unit 21. The discharge unit 21 includes, for example, a connection to the transport pipeline 14, 14' ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) connection and / or a distributor unit for discharging the hydrogen gas 12.

[0098] The sensor unit 20 comprises, for example, a flame ionization detector, a gas chromatograph and / or a mass spectrometer. The sensor unit 20 is particularly configured to detect oil contamination H of the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b) by measuring the amount of oil, in particular the amount of hydrocarbons, in the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b). The measurement result A (measurement data A) is transmitted, for example, via a data line 28 ( Figure 3 ) or wirelessly transmitted to the control unit 22.

[0099] The control unit 22 is configured for detecting oil contamination H of the compressed hydrogen gas 12 ( 12 b ) by comparing a measurement result A of the sensor unit 20 , in particular a measured amount M of oil H and / or hydrocarbons H, with a predetermined threshold value T.

[0100] Figure 4 An example of measurement data A measured by the sensor unit 20 is shown. In this figure, a time development 30 of the amount M of oil H in the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b) measured within a predetermined time span Δt is shown.

[0101] The measurement data A may include a single measurement point, such as the amount M1 of hydrocarbons at a single time t1. However, preferably, the measurement data A includes a plurality of measurement points of the amounts M1 - M7 of hydrocarbons at respective times t1 - t7 within the time span Δt, such as Figure 4 For illustration purposes, Figure 4 In the figure, only the measuring points M1, M2, M3, M7 are indicated by reference numerals.

[0102] The control unit 22 may implement various analysis procedures based on the received measurement data A. For example, when the measurement data A comprises the time development 30 of the amount M of oil H in the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b), the control unit 22 may be configured to determine one or more characteristic parameters N of the time development 30, such as a minimum value N min , maximum value N max , average value N mean , median and / or mode.

[0103] exist Figure 4In the example shown in , the measured amount M1 - M7 of hydrocarbons in the gas 12 is above a predetermined threshold value T at each measuring point M1 - M7 . In addition, the minimum value N min , maximum value N max and the mean value N mean They are also all higher than a predetermined threshold value T (eg, 2 μmol / mol). Therefore, this is an example in which the oil contamination H of the hydrogen gas 12 is clearly detected.

[0104] The control unit 22 is configured to control the discharge of the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b) from the hydrogen production device 11, 11' according to the detected oil contamination H of the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b) and / or the measured amount M of oil H in the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b). In particular, when the amount M of oil in the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b) measured by the sensor unit 20 is greater than a predetermined threshold value T, the discharge of the hydrogen gas 12 (12d) from the hydrogen production device 11, 11' can be stopped.

[0105] For example, the control unit 22 can control the hydrogen production unit 18 by sending (wireless or wired) control data B to the hydrogen production unit 18 to stop the production of the hydrogen gas 12 (12a). In addition, the control unit 22 can control the compressor unit 19 by sending (wireless or wired) control data C to the compressor unit 19 to stop the compression of the hydrogen gas 12 (12a). In addition, the control unit 22 can control the discharge unit 21 by sending (wireless or wired) control data D to the discharge unit 21 to stop the discharge of the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b).

[0106] The hydrogen production device 11, 11' may also include one or more valves 29, which are arranged at the pipelines 25, 26 of the hydrogen production device 11, 11' to adjust the flow rate of the hydrogen gas 12 (12a, 12b, 12c). In addition, the control unit 22 may be configured to control the one or more valves 29 by sending (wireless or wired) control data E to the corresponding valve 29, so that the corresponding valve 29 is closed to interrupt the flow of the hydrogen gas 12.

[0107] The control unit 22 can also control the HMI unit 24 by sending (wireless or wired) control data F to the HMI unit 24 to output information on the display 31 of the HMI unit 24. For example, the HMI unit 24 can output the measurement data A, the measured amount M of oil H in the compressed hydrogen gas 12 (12b), and / or other parameters N, N2 derived based on the measurement data A. min 、N max 、N meanIn addition, when the amount M of oil H in the compressed hydrogen gas 12 ( 12 b ) detected by the sensor unit 20 is greater than a predetermined threshold value T, the control unit 22 may also instruct the HMI unit 24 to output a warning message 32 on the display 31 .

[0108] Based on the measurement data A obtained by the sensor unit 20 and the analysis performed by the control unit 22, stakeholders including off-takers of the hydrogen gas 12 can be informed, for example, in case of detection of high impurities. This has the advantage that the off-taker can quickly adjust logistics, for example the tube trailer fleet, to optimize the hydrogen transport. The off-taker can then also evaluate the risk of oil contamination in previous hydrogen gas shipments and assess the necessity of further analysis in a laboratory.

[0109] Furthermore, based on the measurement data A obtained by the sensor unit 20 and the analysis performed by the control unit 22 , a gas quality certificate may be issued to an off-taker or another stakeholder.

[0110] Furthermore, based on the measurement data A obtained by the sensor unit 20 and the analysis performed by the control unit 22 , the production of the hydrogen gas 12 by the hydrogen electrolysis unit 18 may be controlled (eg scaled down).

[0111] In the following, reference Figure 5 A method for operating a hydrogen production plant 11 , 11 ′ for a wind turbine 2 , 2 ′ is described.

[0112] In a first step S1 of the method, hydrogen gas 12 (12a) is produced by electrolysis using electrical energy generated by the wind turbines 2, 2'.

[0113] In the second step S2 of the method, the produced hydrogen gas 12 ( 12 a ) is compressed by a compressor unit 19 .

[0114] In a third step S3 of the method, oil contamination H of the compressed hydrogen gas 12 ( 12 b ) is detected by a sensor unit 20 fluidly connected to the compressor unit 19 .

[0115] Although the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications are possible in all embodiments.

Claims

1. A hydrogen production device (11) for a wind turbine (2), comprising: an electrolytic hydrogen production unit (18) configured to produce hydrogen gas (12) using the electrical energy generated by the wind turbine (2), a compressor unit (19) for compressing the produced hydrogen gas (12), and A sensor unit (20) is fluidly connected to the compressor unit (19) for detecting oil contamination (H) of the compressed hydrogen gas (12).

2. The hydrogen production device according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen production device (11) is configured to simultaneously compress the produced hydrogen gas (12) through the compressor unit (19) and detect oil contamination (H) of the compressed hydrogen gas (12) through the sensor unit (20).

3. The hydrogen production device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a discharge unit (21), which is fluidly connected to the compressor unit (19) for discharging the compressed hydrogen gas (12), wherein the gas sampling point (S) of the sensor unit (20) is arranged between the compressor unit (19) and the discharge unit (21) relative to the downstream direction (R) of the hydrogen gas (12).

4. The hydrogen production device according to claim 3, comprising a connecting pipe (26) fluidly connecting the compressor unit (19) and the discharge unit (21), and the connecting pipe (26) includes a branch portion (27) for providing a sampling point (S) of the sensor unit (20).

5. The hydrogen production plant according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the compressor unit (19) comprises a positive displacement compressor, a piston compressor, a rotary compressor and / or a screw rotary compressor.

6. The hydrogen generation device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor unit (20) comprises a flame ionization detector, a gas chromatograph and / or a mass spectrometer.

7. A hydrogen production device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sensor unit (20) is configured to detect oil contamination (H) of the compressed hydrogen gas (12) by measuring the amount (M) of oil (H), in particular the amount (M) of hydrocarbons (H), in the compressed hydrogen gas (12).

8. The hydrogen production device according to claim 7 comprises a control unit (22), which is configured to detect oil contamination (H) of the compressed hydrogen gas (12) by comparing the amount (M) of oil (H) in the compressed hydrogen gas (12) measured by the sensor unit (20) with a predetermined threshold value (T).

9. The hydrogen production device according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a control unit (22) or the control unit (22), the control unit (22) being configured to: Determining one or more characteristic parameters (N, N) of the time development (30) of the amount (M) of oil (H) in the compressed hydrogen gas (12) measured within a predetermined time span (Δt) min 、N max 、N mean ), wherein the characteristic parameter (N) includes a minimum value (N min ), maximum value (N max ), average value (N mean ), median and / or mode, and The determined characteristic parameters (N, N min 、N max 、N mean ) is compared with a predetermined threshold value (T).

10. A hydrogen production device according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a control unit (22) for controlling the discharge of the compressed hydrogen gas (12) from the hydrogen production device (11) depending on the detected oil contamination (H) of the compressed hydrogen gas (12) and / or the measured amount (M) of oil (H) in the compressed hydrogen gas (12).

11. The hydrogen production device according to claim 10, wherein the control unit (22) is configured to control the hydrogen production unit (18), the compressor unit (19) and / or the discharge unit (21).

12. The hydrogen generation device according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the control unit (22) is configured to control the discharge of the compressed hydrogen gas (12) from the hydrogen generation device (11) so that when the amount (M) of oil (H) in the compressed hydrogen gas (12) measured by the sensor unit (20) is greater than the predetermined threshold value (T), and / or when the determined characteristic parameters (N, N min 、N max 、N mean ) when one, some or all of the characteristic parameters are greater than the predetermined threshold value (T), the emission is stopped.

13. The hydrogen production device according to one of claims 8 to 12, comprising a human-machine interface unit (24), wherein the control unit (22) is configured to control the human-machine interface unit (24) to output: the measured amount (M) of oil (H) in the compressed hydrogen gas (12), The determined characteristic parameters (N, N min 、N max 、N mean ), and / or When the amount (M) of oil (H) in the compressed hydrogen gas (12) detected by the sensor unit (20) is greater than the predetermined threshold value (T), and / or when the determined characteristic parameters (N, N min 、N max 、N mean ) is greater than the predetermined threshold value (T), a warning message (32) is output.

14. A wind turbine arrangement (1) comprising a wind turbine (2) and a hydrogen production arrangement (11) according to one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for operating a hydrogen production device (11) for a wind turbine (2), comprising the steps of: a) producing (S1) hydrogen gas (12) by electrolysis using the electrical energy generated by the wind turbine (2), b) compressing (S2) the produced hydrogen gas (12) by means of a compressor unit (19), and c) detecting (S3) oil contamination (H) of the compressed hydrogen gas (12) by means of a sensor unit (20) fluidly connected to the compressor unit (19).

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