Method and system for emergency backup power

Abstract

A controller, method, and apparatus may be configured to provide backup electrical power to various equipment for hydrogen and / or ammonia production in response to a detected power loss condition. Power loss may be due to the failure to obtain power from renewable sources (e.g., cloudy, windless conditions) or due to other power transfer issues. The backup electrical power may be provided in a manner that may reduce the carbon intensity associated with providing the backup power. Backup power may also be provided to help avoid equipment degradation that may occur due to sudden loss of electrical power. In some embodiments, a hydrogen power turbine, a hydrogen fuel cell, a biofuel generator, and / or a hydrogen power engine may be used to provide backup power.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 532,735 filed on August 15, 2023. Technical Field

[0003] The present innovation relates to systems, devices and controllers and methods of manufacture and use thereof, which are configured to facilitate the provision of backup power (e.g., a backup power source) in response to a sufficient power loss from a main power source that is generally expected to provide electrical power to a facility or an element of a facility to maintain the operation of a plant or facility configured to prepare hydrogen and / or ammonia. The embodiment may also (or alternatively) be configured to allow an orderly shutdown of a hydrogen production operation and / or an ammonia production operation. For example, some embodiments may be configured to facilitate an orderly shutdown of equipment so that when power from the main power source is available again, a restart operation may occur more quickly. In some embodiments, the backup power that is expected to be provided may be sufficient to facilitate relatively low levels of ammonia and / or hydrogen production in at least a preselected time period before the orderly shutdown of the equipment. Background Art

[0004] Hydrogen production can be provided by using one or more electrolyzers. The electrolyzer can produce hydrogen from water via electrolysis. U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2022 / 0290309 and 2022 / 0033983 disclose examples of producing hydrogen via one or more electrolyzers. Hydrogen production powered by using a renewable power source can be considered green hydrogen production.

[0005] Green ammonia production can be provided so that ammonia is produced by using electricity from a renewable power source (e.g., solar or wind power). For example, an example of ammonia production that can be provided by a renewable power source can be understood from European Patent Application Publication No. EP 3 957 772 A1. Summary of the invention

[0006] We have determined that conventional plants designed to produce hydrogen typically utilize distributed diesel generators that have a relatively long transition time after a failure in the normal supply of power (e.g., electricity) generated by a fuel source with a high carbon intensity (e.g., a fossil fuel-based generation source, such as a natural gas or coal-fired generation system). These decentralized, distributed backup power systems utilizing decentralized diesel-powered generators are typically designed with the understanding that a lack of power is unexpected and rare.

[0007] We have determined that due to the intermittent nature of renewable power sources (e.g., wind and / or solar), the power system will not typically remain stable for certain operating conditions (e.g., cloudy days, low wind weather conditions, electrical faults, etc.). This may be the case even if battery-based backup systems and / or grid and load shedding support are provided. Under such low generation conditions, an orderly and safe shutdown of the facility may be an important feature to help protect sensitive assets (e.g., alkaline electrolyzer batteries) and avoid accelerated degradation of such equipment so that the life of such equipment can be preserved.

[0008] To help address these identified shortcomings, we have developed methods, apparatus, and control systems that can be adapted to provide centralized emergency backup power for hydrogen production and / or ammonia production facilities. Embodiments can utilize one or more power generation equipment that can be powered by no carbon intensity fuels or low carbon intensity fuels, such as green hydrogen (e.g., hydrogen made from renewable power), blue hydrogen (e.g., hydrogen made using carbon capture technology to provide hydrogen with a low carbon footprint and low carbon intensity), or biofuels (e.g., biodiesel or other biofuels made from non-fossil fuel sources having biological origin, such as animal fats, fish oils, and / or vegetable oils, etc.). For example, embodiments may be configured such that one or more of at least one hydrogen fuel cell, at least one hydrogen turbine, at least one hydrogen engine, and / or at least one biofuel generator (e.g., a biodiesel generator) is provided and configured to be activated in response to a detected low power condition (e.g., power loss, power loss resulting in no power available or available power level below a preselected minimum level, etc.) for providing emergency backup power so that the equipment for producing hydrogen and / or ammonia can receive sufficient power levels to allow an orderly shutdown of the equipment (e.g., avoiding sudden or immediate shutdowns, which may cause processing or equipment problems or increase wear on the equipment, which may reduce equipment life, etc.) in response to a low power condition available from a primary power supply source, which may also be considered a primary power supply source (e.g., a source based on renewable power, such as solar energy via solar cells and / or wind energy via wind turbines). The orderly shutdown may be according to a predetermined shutdown scheme, which is configured to prevent immediate cessation of equipment operation to help preserve the life of the equipment and avoid equipment degradation. In some cases, contemplated embodiments may be configured to help avoid having to shut down equipment for at least a preselected power loss operation period in response to a low power condition available from a primary power supply source (e.g., a source based on renewable power, such as solar energy via solar cells and / or wind energy via wind turbines). In other embodiments, backup power may be provided to facilitate an orderly shutdown of equipment to help avoid equipment degradation that may occur due to a sudden cessation of operation.

[0009] Some embodiments may be adapted so that the hydrogen and / or ammonia produced during backup power conditions can maintain green environmental standards by avoiding the use of carbon-based power (e.g., fossil fuel-based fuels for power generation). In addition, embodiments may be provided to help avoid equipment degradation that may occur due to sudden cessation of operations caused by unexpected power outages, which may negatively impact the life of the equipment.

[0010] For example, embodiments of our methods, control systems, and apparatus can be configured to help eliminate damage or reduce degradation damage to various production units (e.g., electrolyzers, etc.) that may occur due to power loss conditions or low power conditions, while also helping to ensure faster restart times. Embodiments can also be configured to avoid the use of carbon-intensive fuels or avoid the use of carbon-based fuels all together while performing limited hydrogen production and / or ammonia production via emergency backup power. For example, by using green hydrogen and / or biofuel sources to power the generation of emergency backup power, some embodiments can be configured as green solutions with short transition times.

[0011] Some embodiments may be configured so that power restoration is provided to different equipment within a preselected or predefined process intrusion time (PIT). Such actions may help avoid downtime, or allow an orderly shutdown of certain equipment to occur according to a predefined priority schedule that may take into account equipment requirements and operator preferences.

[0012] In addition, embodiments can avoid the poor reliability associated with distributed generators. For example, electrolyzer emergency loads may be associated with high harmonic content, and we have found that centralized generation that provides greater backup power (or electricity) for such loads can help reduce harmonic mitigation requirements (e.g., lower source impedance compared to distributed generation).

[0013] Large induction motors previously required soft starting with distributed generation. In contrast, embodiments of our apparatus, controllers, and methods may allow the load to be handled directly online (e.g., due to overall lower source impedance), which we have found may allow for faster response times to power loss conditions.

[0014] We have also found that embodiments of our apparatus, methods, and controllers can be adapted to provide improved operational flexibility while also reducing the capital costs associated with implementation. For example, the use of decentralized generators may be cost-prohibitive compared to embodiments of our apparatus because the total cost of decentralized generators may be significantly higher due to the additional costs associated with a larger number of decentralized generators compared to the reduced number of centralized generators that can be used in the use of embodiments of our apparatus and embodiments of our methods. As another example, an embodiment can provide reduced maintenance. For example, an embodiment can be configured so that there is a common location for routine maintenance and fuel supply. In contrast, decentralized generators typically require a large amount of maintenance (a larger number of generators) in geographically distributed areas (e.g., multiple locations where different generators need maintenance and / or are provided with fuel, etc.).

[0015] Some embodiments may utilize control schemes for detecting power loss or low power conditions and responding to such conditions. For example, embodiments may be configured to detect total loss of main power and / or other low power conditions that affect hydrogen production and / or ammonia production. For example, a low power or no power condition may be detected at the main voltage switchboard (e.g., via undervoltage detection and / or a start signal from an upstream system that is used to predict a low power condition that will occur in the future). In response, a battery-based system may be connected to provide electrical power to avoid low power conditions from significantly affecting operation during the initial startup phase of a low power condition (e.g., within the first few minutes or first 1-2 hours of a low power condition). One or more emergency backup power generation devices may be activated and provide power to compensate for the low power condition while the battery-based system is actuated, so that the power generation device may be started, and before the battery system loses its stored power, the power generated by the operation of those systems may be brought online in a staggered order. Doing so may help limit the amount of power provided by the battery system to help extend the effectiveness of the battery system to subsequently stop using the battery-based system before the battery system loses all its stored power. When bringing the backup generator equipment online, the battery system can be ramped down in operation until it is at zero power output.

[0016] For example, a battery system may be initially brought online to ramp up power based on incoming line measurements during an initial loss of power, and then seamlessly transfer load to one or more emergency generator devices after the one or more emergency generator devices are started and brought online. The initial power supplied from the battery system may allow for rapid re-acceleration of pre-defined critical loads of certain equipment (e.g., electrolyzers, auxiliary equipment, etc.) or to be brought online in a manner that avoids any operational stoppage due to low power conditions to help minimize equipment degradation and reduce required maintenance and downtime, which may increase productivity and reduce operating expenses. An embodiment may allow for a power transfer scheme to be employed such that a rapid transfer to emergency backup power may be achieved to allow hydrogen production and / or ammonia production critical loads to have minimal delay or deceleration due to a power loss condition, and also avoid equipment degradation, and also avoid the use of carbon intensive fuel sources.

[0017] Some embodiments may be configured and implemented so that under normal operating conditions, the power system may have a grid connection for stability support. In the event of a disconnection from the grid, the power system or microgrid may operate in island mode. We determined that even with the support of grid-connected inverters, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and static synchronous compensators (STATCOM), renewable power system designs may not be able to maintain all loads in island operation. By utilizing load shedding and / or load ramping when necessary, the loads can remain operational as much as possible. In the absence of sufficiently stable renewable power for long-term operation, the BESS can be used to supply power to confirmed loads. After additional ramping or load shedding of non-emergency loads (if applicable), a makebefore break auto transfer can be initiated to transfer the emergency bus from the normal incoming line to the emergency incoming line. In some cases, the makebefore break transfer can also be initiated from the normal supply at the centralized generation substation to the BESS supply (e.g., to allow non-emergency BESS feeders to be isolated and only dedicated feeders to be fed to the centralized generation / emergency distribution substation). A seamless transfer from BESS supply to power generation can be initiated before unacceptable loss of the BESS. The transfer control can be adapted to take into account multiple generators. Under certain fault conditions, stability of the power system cannot be achieved and it is not possible to follow this sequence. In these cases, a shutdown sequence can be followed.

[0018] In a first aspect, a method for controlling the provision of backup electrical power for hydrogen and / or ammonia production may include detecting a power loss condition of a primary power system that meets a preselected power loss threshold. In response to detecting the power loss condition, backup power may be provided via a battery energy storage system (BESS) and / or operating at least one backup emergency power generation device according to a preselected priority power scheme. The at least one backup emergency power generation device may be configured to generate the backup power using hydrogen or biofuel.

[0019] In some embodiments, providing backup power can provide backup power for hydrogen production and / or ammonia production to facilitate an orderly shutdown of such production and / or operations of such production during the backup power period. In embodiments where the backup power facilitates continuous operation of hydrogen production and / or ammonia production, such operations can be scaled down prior to shutdown to facilitate an orderly shutdown of the equipment to account for the power loss, according to a predefined power loss schedule.

[0020] In a second aspect, providing backup power may include adjusting a BESS connection of a main voltage distribution system to a transmission position. Providing backup power may also include operating at least one backup emergency power generation device. Operating at least one backup emergency power generation device may include initiating operation of at least one backup emergency power generation device to initiate at least one backup emergency power generation device for generating backup power.

[0021] In a third aspect, the method may further include, after bringing at least one backup emergency power generation device online, ramping down power provided by the BESS for transmitting the backup power to the main voltage distribution system. In some embodiments, this ramping down may occur when bringing different backup emergency power generation devices online in a staggered manner for providing backup power.

[0022] In a fourth aspect, providing backup power may include transmitting the backup power from the BESS and / or at least one backup emergency power generation device to an electrolyzer room of the plant. The electrolyzer room may have an electrolyzer operated via the backup power to produce hydrogen via electrolysis of water.

[0023] In a fifth aspect, providing backup power may include transmitting backup power from the BESS and / or at least one backup emergency power generation device to an ammonia production plant and / or an air separation unit (ASU) of the plant.

[0024] In a sixth aspect, providing backup power can include transmitting backup power from the BESS and / or at least one backup emergency power generation device to a utility of the plant, support equipment of the plant, and / or process fluid driven equipment of the plant. Examples of types of process fluid driven equipment can include pumps and / or compressors.

[0025] In a seventh aspect, detecting a power loss condition can include detecting a main power loss via an upstream sensor of a main voltage distribution system, a main power system, and / or a renewable power generation system that provides power to the main power system as a primary power source. In some embodiments, the renewable power generation system can include a solar power generation system and / or a wind power generation system.

[0026] In an eighth aspect, detecting a main power loss can include detecting an undervoltage condition, wherein the voltage from the main power system is at or below a first preselected low power threshold. In some embodiments, such detection can occur when the threshold is met, or when the threshold is met within a preselected power loss time period.

[0027] In a ninth aspect, detecting a loss of primary power may include receiving a low power detection signal from a sensor or detector of the renewable power generation system.

[0028] In a tenth aspect, providing backup power via a BESS and / or operating at least one backup emergency power generation device according to a preselected priority power scheme may include operating at least one backup emergency power generation device to facilitate shutdown of hydrogen production and / or ammonia production via a predefined shutdown scheme. In some embodiments, such a predefined shutdown scheme may be defined to facilitate an orderly shutdown that takes into account power loss to try and minimize equipment degradation that may occur due to sudden power loss and sudden operational shutdown.

[0029] In the eleventh aspect, the at least one backup emergency power generation device may include a plurality of backup emergency power generation devices. Examples of backup power generation devices may include biofuel generators, hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen turbines, and / or hydrogen engines.

[0030] In some embodiments, bringing the backup emergency generating devices online via the primary voltage distribution system may be performed in a staggered schedule such that each backup emergency generating device is brought online at a different time after backup power has begun to be provided via the BESS.

[0031] In a twelfth aspect, the method of the first aspect can be combined with one or more features of the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, the sixth aspect, the seventh aspect, the eighth aspect, the ninth aspect, the tenth aspect and / or the eleventh aspect for an embodiment of the method. Therefore, it should be understood that for other embodiments, other additional features can be included in the method. For example, examples of such additional features can be understood from the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0032] In a thirteenth aspect, a device for providing backup electrical power for hydrogen and / or ammonia production is provided. The device may include a main power system, a battery energy storage system (BESS), at least one backup emergency power generation device configured to generate electricity using hydrogen or biofuel, and a main voltage distribution system connected to the main power system via at least one main power system electrical connection. The main voltage distribution system may be connected to the BESS via at least one BESS electrical connection, and the BESS electrical connection may be adjusted from a non-transmission position to a transmission position. The main voltage distribution system may be connected to at least one backup emergency power generation device via at least one power generation device connection, and the power generation device connection may be adjusted from a non-transmission position to a transmission position. The main control device may be positioned and configured to detect a power loss condition of the main power system that meets a pre-selected power loss threshold, and in response to detecting a power loss condition, start to provide backup power via the BESS and / or operate at least one backup emergency power generation device according to a pre-selected priority power scheme.

[0033] Embodiments of the apparatus may be configured to implement embodiments of a method for controlling the provision of backup electrical power for hydrogen and / or ammonia production.The master control device may be a machine and may include, for example, a processor and / or at least one transceiver connected to a non-transitory memory.

[0034] In a fourteenth aspect, the master control device may be configured to initiate adjustment of at least one BESS electrical connection from a non-transmitting position to a transmitting position in response to detecting a power loss.

[0035] In a fifteenth aspect, the master control device may be configured to initiate adjustment of at least one generating device connection from a non-transmitting position to a transmitting position after at least one standby generating device is activated for operation.

[0036] In the sixteenth aspect, at least one backup power generation equipment may include at least one hydrogen fuel cell, at least one hydrogen turbine, at least one hydrogen engine and / or at least one biofuel generator. In some embodiments, one or more backup power generation equipment may include multiple backup power generation equipment. Some embodiments may include multiple biofuel generators. Other embodiments may include a combination of two or more of at least one hydrogen fuel cell, at least one hydrogen turbine, at least one hydrogen engine and / or at least one biofuel generator. Still other embodiments may include different combinations of multiple different types of such equipment.

[0037] In a seventeenth aspect, the device of the thirteenth aspect may include one or more features of the fourteenth aspect, the fifteenth aspect, and / or the sixteenth aspect. Therefore, it should be understood that for other embodiments, other additional features may be included in the device. For example, examples of such additional features can be understood from the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0038] In an eighteenth aspect, a main control device for controlling how to provide backup electrical power for hydrogen production and / or ammonia production is provided. The main control device may include a processor connected to a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The main control device may be configured to monitor the operation of a device for providing backup electrical power for hydrogen and / or ammonia production, and the main control device is configured to: detect a power loss condition of a main power system that meets a pre-selected power loss threshold, and in response to detecting a power loss condition, start to provide backup power via a battery energy storage system (BESS) and / or operate at least one backup emergency power generation device according to a pre-selected priority power scheme. At least one backup emergency power generation device may be configured to utilize hydrogen or biofuel for generating electricity. The main power system may be configured to facilitate the transmission of electricity generated via a renewable power generation system.

[0039] In a nineteenth aspect, at least one backup emergency power generation device may include multiple backup emergency power generation devices, and the main control device may be configured to start the backup emergency power generation devices online via the main voltage distribution system in a staggered scheme, so that each backup emergency power generation device is brought online at a different time after the backup power has begun to be provided via the BESS.

[0040] In a twentieth aspect, detecting a power loss condition provided by the master control device can include detecting an undervoltage condition, wherein a voltage from the master power system is at or below a first preselected low power threshold, or receiving a low power detection signal from a sensor or detector of the renewable power generation system. In some embodiments, the renewable power generation system can include a wind turbine and / or a solar cell.

[0041] In a twenty-first aspect, the master control device of the eighteenth aspect may include one or more features of the nineteenth aspect and / or the twentieth aspect. Therefore, it should be understood that for other embodiments, other additional features may be included in the master control device. For example, examples of such additional features may be understood from the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0042] Additional details, objects, and advantages of our controllers, systems, apparatus, and methods, and methods of making and using the same, will become apparent as the following description of certain exemplary embodiments thereof proceeds, wherein the controllers, systems, apparatus, and methods are configured to facilitate providing backup electrical power for hydrogen production and / or ammonia production. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Exemplary embodiments of our controllers, systems, devices and methods, and methods of making and using the same, are shown in the accompanying drawings, which are configured to facilitate providing backup electrical power for hydrogen production and / or ammonia production. It should be understood that like reference characters used in the drawings may identify like components.

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus configured to facilitate providing backup electrical power for hydrogen and / or ammonia production. Some optional elements that may be included in the first exemplary embodiment are Figure 1 Shown by dotted lines.

[0045] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a computer device 10 that may be used in a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus configured to facilitate providing backup electrical power for hydrogen and / or ammonia production.

[0046] Figure 3 is a flow chart showing a first exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling the provision of backup electrical power for hydrogen and / or ammonia production. The optional steps of the first exemplary embodiment of the method are Figure 3 . A first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus configured to facilitate providing backup electrical power for hydrogen and / or ammonia production may implement this exemplary embodiment of the method. When the method is implemented by the apparatus 1, the main control device 2 of the apparatus 1 may be used to supervise, monitor and / or control the utilization of this exemplary embodiment of the method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] refer to Figures 1 to 3, the apparatus 1 configured to facilitate the provision of backup electrical power for hydrogen and / or ammonia production may include a plurality of units positioned and configured to provide backup power to different equipment of a plant for producing hydrogen and / or ammonia. The equipment to be provided with backup power may include utilities U (e.g., lighting, computerized equipment, such as controllers, sensors, operating equipment, etc.), building equipment B (e.g., security systems for buildings of the plant, heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) equipment, etc.), support equipment SE, such as an air separation unit (ASU) device, which may be positioned to provide nitrogen or other process streams to the plant, softened and / or purified water equipment for providing water to an electrolyzer E to produce hydrogen via electrolysis of water, and other equipment that may support the operation of the electrolyzer E for forming hydrogen and / or ammonia production 14 (NH3), for forming ammonia from the hydrogen output from the electrolyzer E and the nitrogen provided by the ASU. Backup power can be provided to these elements to facilitate orderly shutdown of the equipment, thereby helping to minimize or avoid equipment degradation that might otherwise occur due to an immediate or sudden power outage-related shutdown. The orderly shutdown can be based on a predetermined shutdown plan that is configured to prevent immediate cessation of equipment operation to help preserve the life of the equipment and avoid equipment degradation. In some other embodiments, the expected backup power can provide backup power to the equipment to help support the operation of the equipment until the available power increases to a preselected minimum level within a preselected backup power time period.

[0048] The equipment to be provided with standby power may also include process fluid driven equipment FD. Examples of such equipment may include, for example, pumps and auxiliary compressors.

[0049] The equipment receiving the backup power may also include an electrolyzer chamber 13, which may include an electrolyzer and electrolyzer support equipment, which may include, for example, polarization rectifiers, coolers, electrolyzer battery support equipment and other electrolyzer equipment for supporting an orderly shutdown, for subsequent startup (after normal power has been restored) of the electrolyzer E to form hydrogen from water via electrolysis and / or further process the hydrogen formed so that the hydrogen has a suitable purity level for storage and subsequent use, and / or for providing to ammonia production 14 for use in producing ammonia.

[0050] Equipment that can receive backup power may also include equipment for ammonia production 14 when the plant also provides ammonia production (for example, in embodiments where the plant is to produce not only hydrogen but also ammonia or primarily uses hydrogen from electrolyzer E to produce ammonia, etc.).

[0051] The device 1 may include a main power system 3, which is positioned and configured to provide power to different equipment of the factory. The power provided may be electricity generated by a renewable source such as solar energy or wind energy. For example, the main power system 3 may include solar cells and / or wind turbines, which are connected to provide power generated via solar cells or wind turbines, for feeding power (or electricity) to the main power system 3 for distribution to different elements of the factory. The main power system 3 may be configured so that the factory is designed to operate mainly using electricity generated from renewable power generation equipment of the main power system 3 and / or renewable power generation equipment connected to the main power system 3. An embodiment configured to operate mainly using a renewable power source may be configured as a green manufacturing facility or factory, which is designed and configured to produce green hydrogen and / or green ammonia without using a carbon-based fuel source (e.g., fossil fuels such as natural gas, diesel or coal, etc.).

[0052] In other less preferred embodiments, the plant for hydrogen and / or ammonia production can be configured to use a fossil fuel-based power source. In such embodiments, the primary power system can receive power from the grid or from an on-site fossil fuel-based power generation facility configured to generate electricity from a fossil fuel-based fuel (e.g., coal, natural gas, etc.).

[0053] The main power system 3 can be connected to the main voltage distribution system 8 for distributing power via at least one main power system electrical connection 3a between the main power system 3 and the main voltage distribution system 8. The transmission of electric power or power that can be provided by the main voltage distribution system 8 can be used for a distribution voltage of a pre-selected distribution voltage range. In some embodiments, such a pre-selected distribution voltage range can be, for example, 33 kV or less (e.g., between 33 kV and greater than 0 kV) or other suitable ranges.

[0054] The main voltage distribution system 8 may include electrical connections to other equipment. Such electrical connections may include at least one utility electrical connection 8u for connecting the main voltage distribution system 8 to different utilities U, at least one building electrical connection 8b for connecting the main voltage distribution system 8 to different building equipment B, at least one support equipment electrical connection 8se for connecting the main voltage distribution system 8 to different support equipment SE, and at least one flow device connection 8fd for connecting the main voltage distribution system 8 to different process fluid driven equipment FD. Each of these connections may be an electrical connection that facilitates the transmission of power from the main voltage distribution system 8 to different equipment. The power transmitted via the main voltage distribution system 8 may be power provided to the main voltage distribution system 8 via a renewable power source (e.g., a solar cell and / or a wind turbine), a backup battery energy storage system (BESS) 5, and / or at least one backup power generation device G of a centralized backup power generation system 7.

[0055] The main voltage distribution system 8 may also have electrical connections to the electrolyzer room 13 for providing power to different devices of the electrolyzer room 13, including the electrolyzer E and other electrolyzer operation support equipment (coolers, etc.). For example, the main voltage distribution system 8 may have at least one electrolyzer electrical connection 9 to each electrolyzer room 13 for transmitting power to the electrolyzer room 13 and / or their electrolyzers E. The power that may be transmitted to the electrolyzer room 13 and / or the electrolyzer E via the main voltage distribution system 8 may be the power provided to the main voltage distribution system 8 via a renewable power source (e.g., solar cells and / or wind turbines), a BESS 5 and / or at least one backup power generation device G of a centralized backup power generation system 7.

[0056] The main voltage distribution system 8 may also have an electrical connection to the ammonia production 14 for an embodiment of a plant suitable for ammonia production (e.g. using nitrogen from an ASU and hydrogen from an electrolyzer to form ammonia (NH3)), for providing power to different equipment of the electrolyzer room 13, which includes the electrolyzer E and other electrolyzer operation support equipment (coolers, etc.). For example, the main voltage distribution system 8 may have at least one ammonia production electrical connection 15 to the equipment for ammonia production 14, for transmitting power to the equipment for ammonia production, for transmitting power to the equipment for ammonia production 14. The power that can be transmitted via the main voltage distribution system 8 can be electricity provided to the main voltage distribution system 8 via a renewable power source (e.g. solar cells and / or wind turbines), a BESS 5 and / or at least one backup power generation device G of a centralized backup power generation system 7.

[0057] The device 1 may also include backup power generation equipment and / or backup power providing equipment. These backup equipment may include a battery energy storage system 5 and a backup power generation system 7. A backup battery energy storage system (BESS) may include one or more batteries, battery arrays, or other types of power storage systems that can provide power via stored energy. The BESS 5 may be connected to the main voltage distribution system 8 via a BESS electrical connection 5a between the BESS and the main voltage distribution system 8.

[0058] The BESS electrical connection 5a may be configured so that it may switch from a transmission position for transmitting power from the BESS to the main voltage distribution system 8 to a non-transmission position in which the BESS cannot transmit power to the main voltage distribution system 8. When in the non-transmission position, the BESS may not be sufficiently connected to the main voltage distribution system 8 for transmitting power to the main voltage distribution system 8. When in the transmission position, the BESS 5 may be sufficiently connected to the main voltage distribution system 8 for transmitting power from the BESS 5 to the main voltage distribution system 8.

[0059] The backup power generation system 7 may include one or more power generation equipment G. Each power generation equipment G may be a hydrogen fuel cell, a hydrogen fuel engine, a hydrogen turbine or a biofuel generator. The hydrogen fuel engine, the hydrogen fuel cell and / or the hydrogen turbine may be powered by a hydrogen source made via the electrolysis of renewable power and water, so that the fuel used to generate electricity via the backup power generation system 7 has no carbon intensity and is a green solution for backup power generation. The biofuel generator may be configured to operate with biofuels made from non-fossil fuel sources, and also does not have the carbon intensity associated with the processing of biological source materials for forming biofuels or has a minimum amount of carbon intensity. One or more power generation equipment G may be a combination of (i) one or more hydrogen fuel cells, (ii) one or more hydrogen fuel engines, (iii) one or more hydrogen turbines and / or (iv) one or more biofuel generators for the backup power generation system 7. Such a combination may include each of items (i) to (iv), two of items (i) to (iv), or three of items (i) to (iv). Alternatively, one or more power generation devices G may all be the same type of power generation device (e.g., they may all be fuel cells, may all be biofuel generators, may all be hydrogen turbines, etc.). The total number of power generation devices G that may be utilized may be based on the size and configuration of the devices and the size and power requirements of the plant to which the backup power generation system 7 is connected.

[0060] The backup power generation system 7 may be connected to the main voltage distribution system 8 via at least one power generation device connection 7a between the backup power generation system 7 and the main voltage distribution system 8. In some embodiments, one or more power generation device connections 7a may be provided so that there is a separate electrical connection between each power generation device G and the main voltage distribution system 8. In other embodiments, another type of connection arrangement may be used to provide an electrical connection between the power generation device G and the main voltage distribution system 8 via at least one power generation device connection 7a.

[0061] Each generating device connection 7a may be configured such that it may switch from a transmission position for transmitting power from one or more generating devices G to the main voltage distribution system 8 to a non-transmission position in which no power (or electricity) may be transmitted to the main voltage distribution system 8. When in the non-transmission position, the generating device G may not be sufficiently connected to the main voltage distribution system 8 for transmitting power to the main voltage distribution system 8. For example, the non-transmission position may be a standby mode or a shutdown position such that the generating device G is offline and not connected for transmitting power or electricity to the main voltage distribution system 8. When in the transmission position, at least one generating device G may be sufficiently connected to the main voltage distribution system 8 for transmitting power from the generating device G to the main voltage distribution system 8 via at least one generating device connection 7a.

[0062] In some embodiments, the main voltage distribution system 8 may include at least one primary electrical connection 8p for transmitting power from the main voltage distribution system 8 to one or more elements of the hydrogen and / or ammonia manufacturing plant. The main voltage distribution system 8 may also include at least one redundant electrical connection 8r for transmitting power from the main voltage distribution system to one or more elements of the hydrogen and / or ammonia manufacturing plant. The number and arrangement of such connections may be based on a pre-selected set of design criteria to help provide sufficient redundancy for power transmission of electricity from the main power system 3, the BESS 5, and / or the backup power generation system 7.

[0063] The apparatus 1 may also include a main control device 2, which may be communicatively connected to the main power system 3, the BESS 5, and the backup power generation system 7. The main control device 2 may also be communicatively connected to elements of the electrolyzer E, the electrolyzer room 13, the ammonia production 14, the utility U, the building equipment B, the support equipment SE, and the process fluid drive equipment FD. For example, the main control device 2 may have a communication connection CC with different sensors, switches, distributed local controllers, or other elements of the equipment. The main control device 2 may also have a communication connection CC with other equipment (e.g., renewable power generation equipment, equipment of a renewable energy supply system, etc.) to receive data from such equipment or data on the availability of power to be transmitted to the main power system 3 for subsequent distribution via the main voltage distribution system 8.

[0064] The master control device 2 may be configured as a central controller that may monitor and / or supervise the implementation of a backup power control scheme in response to detection of a low power condition and initiate the provision of power from the BESS 5 and / or the backup power generation system 7 according to a predefined control scheme. A lower power condition may be, for example, a detected loss of power or a detected reduction in available power, which results in the available power being below a preselected minimum power level. It should be understood that the master control device 2 is a computer device 10. The master control device 2 is a machine that includes hardware elements.

[0065] As from Figure 2 It can be best understood that the main control device 2 can be a computer device (e.g., a controller, a main controller, etc.), which includes, for example, a processor and at least one transceiver connected to a non-transitory memory. In some embodiments, the main control device 2 can be considered to be, for example, an automated process control main controller or a distributed control system main controller, or a power management system. The memory (Memory) of the main control device can have at least one application (App) and at least one data storage (DS), such as files, databases, tables, lists and / or other data storage. The application can be defined by the code run by the processor (Processor). For example, the code can define at least one emergency power generation control scheme to be run by the main control device 2. The main control device 2 can also have one or more transceivers (Transceiver(s)) connected to the processor for communication connection with other computer devices (e.g., operator device 4, etc.); and one or more input device IDs, one or more output devices OD and / or multiple sensors (Sensors). The sensor can include, for example, one or more of the following: a detector, a sensor related to power transmission, a temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, etc. The example of input device ID can include button, keypad, keyboard, stylus, microphone or touch screen. The example of output device OD can include display, printer and / or loudspeaker. The transceiver of main control device 2 can include at least one local area network connection transceiver, at least one wide area network connection transceiver and / or at least one near field communication transceiver. The transceiver can be configured to be used for the communication that can be facilitated via wireless communication and / or hard wired communication connection.

[0066] The master control device 2 may also have a communication connection CC with at least one operator device 4 to receive input from the device for updating the control scheme and / or adjusting the control scheme supervised and / or implemented by the master control device 2. For example, an operator may use the operator device 4 to provide set point adjustments, control parameter adjustments, or operator override inputs to the master control device 2 for adjusting how the control scheme is implemented by the master control device 2. It should be understood that the operator device 4 is a computer device 10. The operator device 4 is a machine that includes hardware elements. For example, the operator device 4 may be a laptop computer, a personal computer, or other type of computer device. The operator may use the operator device 4 to provide input to the master control device and receive output generated via the operator device based on data received by the operator device from the master control device. The operator device 4 may also be a component of an automated process control system for a hydrogen and / or ammonia manufacturing facility.

[0067] As from Figure 2 As best understood, the operator device 4 may include a processor connected to a non-transitory memory, on which a plurality of applications (Apps) are stored and on which a plurality of data stores (DS) are stored. The operator device may also include one or more transceivers for communicating with an input device (ID), an output device (OD), a sensor, and / or other computer devices (e.g., a master control device 2, etc.). The transceiver may include at least one local area network connection transceiver, at least one wide area network connection transceiver, and / or at least one near field communication transceiver. The transceiver may be configured for communication that may be facilitated via wireless communication and / or hardwired communication connections.

[0068] It should be understood that at least some communication connections CC may utilize other elements for connection. For example, some wireless communication connections CC may involve the use of access points, routers or intermediate nodes.

[0069] Examples of input devices ID that may be connected to the operator device 4 may include buttons, keypads, keyboards, styluses, microphones, or touch screens. Examples of output devices OD that may be connected to the operator device 4 may include displays, printers, and / or speakers. For example, the operator device 4 may be configured to show a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display to facilitate a user providing input to the operator device 4 for transmission to the main control device 2 via the operator's interaction with the GUI via a touch screen display, a pointer device, and / or a keyboard input device.

[0070] The master control device 2 can be configured to communicate with different elements of the equipment of the plant and the main voltage transmission system 8 and local control elements to detect a low power condition and start providing emergency backup power from the BESS and / or the backup power generation system 7 according to a predefined control scheme. The predefined control scheme may include at least one preselected low power threshold and at least one emergency backup prioritization scheme. In the case where there are multiple emergency backup prioritization schemes and multiple different low power thresholds, the master control device 2 can be configured so that each emergency backup prioritization scheme is assigned to a corresponding low power threshold. Each low power threshold can be defined for different situations (e.g., the type of low power condition, the reason for the existence of the low power condition, etc.). For example, for a first predefined low level of power, there may be a first low power threshold, where less than a preselected minimum amount of power can be obtained from the main power system 3, and where there is also at least some power that can be provided via the main power system 3; and for a second predefined low level of power, there may be a second low power threshold, where power may not be provided by the main power system 3. Each low power threshold condition may be assigned a different type of pre-defined emergency standby prioritization scheme, or the same pre-defined emergency standby prioritization scheme may be applied in response to each detected low power condition.

[0071] Embodiments of the apparatus 1 may be configured to utilize a ring topology which may deploy a semi-ring topology allowing for continuous supply to critical equipment. Figure 1 An example of such an arrangement is shown. The apparatus 1 may also be configured to utilize a power distribution scheme (or power distribution scheme) that may incorporate a transfer scheme at each emergency load switchboard to transfer power from a normal supply switchboard for power provided via the primary power system 3 to at least one emergency switchboard for power from the BESS and / or backup power generation system 7. The transfer of power from the primary power system 3 to one or more backup power systems may be configured to occur automatically after the primary power system 3 loses power.

[0072] The transfer from power provided via the main power system 3 to power provided via the BESS and / or the backup power generation system 7 can be defined via a predefined emergency backup prioritization scheme. An example of such a scheme can include detection of a loss of main power detected by an upstream sensor of the main voltage distribution system 8, the main power system 3, and / or a renewable power generation system that can provide power via the main power system 3. An example of such a detection can be detection of an undervoltage condition, wherein the voltage from the main power system is at or below a first preselected low power threshold. Another example of detection of such a low power condition can be receiving a low power detection signal from a sensor or detector of a renewable power generation system that can provide power to the main power system 3 for distribution to the device 1.

[0073] In response to the detected low power condition, the BESS electrical connection 5a can be adjusted to a transfer position for transferring power from the BESS to the main voltage distribution system 8. This adjustment can be provided so that the BESS can supply power to power static loads (e.g., utilities such as lighting, computer equipment, controllers, sensors, etc.). The main control device 2 can also communicate with the backup power generation system so that the backup power generation devices G are activated and started so that they can start running and are in a position to generate electricity. In some embodiments, such devices can have a startup time of 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Other embodiments of the backup power generation device G can have other startup times (e.g., up to five minutes, 10 seconds to 2 hours, from more than 0 seconds to 10 minutes, etc.).

[0074] Each generating device G may be started simultaneously and subsequently brought online at different times in a staggered online connection scheme. Alternatively, each generating device G may be started at different times so as to be brought online in a staggered, continuous order. Such staggered online connections or staggered starts may be configured to help minimize load instabilities that may occur when new generating devices are brought to the main voltage distribution system 8, so that the system is not overloaded due to connections with different generating devices G. After each device has been started and is available for online, each generating device connection 7a of each generating device G may be adjusted to a transmission state. The adjustment of the transmission state of different generating device connections 7a may occur in a staggered manner to avoid all devices being online at the same time. Alternatively, a single generating device connection 7a may be adjusted to its transmission position, and each device may be brought online in a staggered manner to manage the power provided via the connection, thereby helping to minimize the flux associated with the increase in power transmission from different generating devices G, which may be brought online to address low power conditions.

[0075] When different generating equipment G is brought online (e.g., sequentially), the BESS 5 can be ramped down so that it provides less power when different generating equipment G is brought online. After sufficient power is provided by the generating equipment G, the BESS 5 can be deactivated and / or the BESS connection 5a can be adjusted to a non-transmitting position so that the BESS 5 no longer provides power and only the backup generating equipment G provides power to the main voltage distribution system 8 for the remaining low power condition. When a low power condition exists, the main control device 2 can continue to monitor power availability and usage.

[0076] The BESS 5 can be configured and controlled in response to a low power condition so that during the initial power loss, the power is ramped up from the incoming line measurements, and then when the generator G of the backup power generation system 7 is started and connected via the transfer location of at least one generator connection 7a, the load is seamlessly transferred to the backup power generation system for power transfer to the main voltage distribution system 8. The initial power supplied from the BESS 5 can allow the main control device 2 to start the re-acceleration of the critical load to minimize damage to the sensitive electrolytic cell equipment (e.g., electrolytic cell E, etc.) of the electrolytic cell room 13 to reduce equipment degradation and reduce the required maintenance and downtime. This can help reduce operating expenses and restart time, which can also help improve productivity.

[0077] The master control device 2 may be configured to start the BESS 5 and utilize a transfer scheme between the BESS 5 and the backup power generation system 7 so that faster power transfer may be provided to predefined critical equipment so that the equipment has reduced downtime and / or avoids shutdown due to power loss from the main power system 3. The backup power generation system 7 may be configured to provide sufficient power from green hydrogen fuel and / or biofuel so that a sustained period of low power conditions can be taken into account to provide sufficient power for an orderly shutdown of the ammonia production operation and / or the hydrogen production operation.

[0078] In some embodiments, an orderly shutdown can be provided so that hydrogen production and / or ammonia production can be operated at a reduced level for an extended period of time, so that shutdown of the plant due to low power conditions can be avoided, and hydrogen and / or ammonia production can continue while the plant operates using backup electric power from the backup power generation system 7 and / or BESS 5. For example, the power generation equipment G of the backup power generation system 7 can be arranged to provide significant levels of electricity via green hydrogen fuel and / or biofuel for tens of hours (e.g., more than 10 hours, 20 hours or more hours, etc.), days or weeks to support critical loads before operation of the electrolyzer E and other equipment (e.g., ASU equipment or other support equipment, such as pumps and compressors, ammonia production equipment, etc.) is resumed.

[0079] The fuel type of the power generation equipment G used for the backup power generation system 7 can be hydrogen fuel for hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen-powered engines, or hydrogen-powered gas turbines. The fuel type of the power generation equipment G used for the backup power generation system 7 can be biodiesel or other types of biofuels for the power generation equipment G configured as a biofuel generator. These types of power generation equipment G can be configured so that they can achieve 100% hydrogen combustion without blending with natural gas, so that no carbon can be used in conjunction with the operation of the backup power generation equipment G. For biofuel generators, biofuels can allow such carbon reductions in operation. However, some biofuel generators may not be completely non-carbon and may utilize a small amount of carbon-based fuels, but can still provide a 90% reduction in fossil fuel-based utilization compared to conventional diesel generators that only use fossil fuel-based diesel fuel.

[0080] In some embodiments, hydrogen fuel cells may be used as some or all of the power generation equipment G. For example, such fuel cells may be used in smaller scale embodiments where there are less than 50 electrolyzers operated to produce hydrogen for a plant configured to produce hydrogen via electrolysis of water powered by one or more renewable power sources (e.g., solar and / or wind).

[0081] Figure 3 An exemplary method that can be monitored, supervised and / or controlled by a master control device 2 is shown. The method may include a first step S1, in which power availability from a primary power providing resource may be monitored for detecting a power loss condition that satisfies a pre-selected power loss threshold. In some embodiments, the primary power providing resource may include solar power generation via solar cells and / or power generation from wind turbines, such that the primary power supply is entirely from renewable power. For example, such power supply may be provided via a primary power system 3.

[0082] In a second step S2, in response to the detected power loss, supplemental emergency backup power (e.g., electricity) may be provided from the BESS 5. Additionally (or alternatively), activation of one or more backup emergency power generation devices G may be provided for providing backup power or electricity to replace the power loss occurring due to the power loss of the primary power providing resource.

[0083] In some cases, detection of a power loss may indicate that a low level of power availability may be occurring at one or more renewable power sources. One or more backup emergency power generation devices G may be activated in response to such detection to provide supplemental backup power to supplement the low level of renewable electricity that may be provided consistent with such detection. Such detection of future low power availability may be made so that involvement of the BESS is not required to provide supplemental backup power to address such low power conditions.

[0084] In other cases, the detected power loss may be large and may occur more suddenly, or may be an unexpected event (e.g., unexpected weather conditions and / or equipment failure). In such cases, the BESS may be utilized to provide a rapid response to the power loss, and one or more backup emergency power generation devices G may also be activated to provide backup power, so that extended backup power may be provided.

[0085] The implementation of the method can be adjusted so that the second step S2 can be implemented in different ways to deal with different predefined low power conditions. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be other implementations for the second step S2, which can be performed according to a predefined control scheme defined for a specific type of detected power loss condition.

[0086] In a third step S3 (which is shown in dashed lines because it may be optional in some embodiments or in some cases), after bringing one or more standby generators G online, the BESS may be ramped down so that supplemental power from the BESS is reduced because power is available from the generators G online in a staggered manner. The BESS may be ramped down sufficiently so that after sufficient power is available via the online standby generators G, it no longer provides power.

[0087] In a fourth step S4 (which is shown in dashed lines because it may be optional in some embodiments or in some cases), the power available from the primary power providing resources may be monitored to initiate a shutdown of the backup power generating device G after the power available from the primary power providing resources has recovered to a pre-selected minimum power availability threshold. For example, such power availability may be monitored at the primary power system 3. After sufficient power is available via the primary power providing resources of the primary power system 3, the backup power generating device G may be shut down and taken offline so that the plant resumes operation using the primary power source (e.g., solar cells and / or wind turbines, etc.). The shutdown of the power generating device G may occur so that power via the primary power providing resources may be brought online.

[0088] Embodiments of our apparatus 1 can be configured to utilize a master control device 2 so that a backup electrical power approach can be utilized to provide improved performance with greater flexibility and also avoid reliance on fossil fuels to reduce the carbon footprint of the backup power system. Embodiments can allow restoration of electrical power to critical and essential equipment within the process intrusion time (PIT) of an orderly shutdown. Embodiments can also avoid the poor reliability associated with decentralized diesel generator solutions.

[0089] In addition, electrolyzer emergency loads, which may be associated with high harmonic content, may be addressed via larger centralized generation provided via the backup generation system 7, providing a lower source impedance than distributed generation via conventional diesel-powered distributed generators. For example, large induction motors previously required soft starting with distributed generation. Since the backup generation system 7 may provide an overall lower source impedance, these loads may now be started directly online using an embodiment of the backup generation system. Reduced maintenance may also be achieved using a common location for routine maintenance and fuel supply, as compared to distributed generators (e.g., a larger number of generators located in a decentralized manner at multiple different geographically spaced areas of a plant) that may require extensive maintenance.

[0090] In addition, we have discovered that for some situations, the total capital cost of implementation of embodiments of our apparatus and embodiments of our method can be lower than that of a decentralized diesel generator arrangement. For example, a decentralized arrangement requires the purchase of a large number of generators for a distributed generator array at different locations to address local power loss situations. This type of approach can result in a large capital cost due to the large number of generators that may need to be purchased. In contrast, embodiments utilizing our centralized backup generation method can result in less capital cost because fewer generators may be required, even though such generator-type equipment in embodiments of our apparatus 1 may have a higher cost because they can be specifically designed to use non-fossil fuel-based fuel sources (e.g., biofuels or green hydrogen, etc., as discussed herein).

[0091] It should be understood that the embodiments explicitly shown and discussed herein can be modified to meet a specific set of design goals or a specific set of design standards. For example, the arrangement of electrical connections, sensors, controllers, communication connection elements (e.g., wiring, intermediate network nodes, network layout, etc.) and other elements can be arranged, sized and designed to meet a specific plant layout design, which takes into account the available area of ​​the plant, a specific sensor array, controller hardware and other design considerations. It should be understood that the embodiments of the device can be configured to include various process control elements, which are positioned and configured to monitor and control the operation of hydrogen production and / or ammonia production (e.g., temperature sensors, pressure sensors, flow sensors, target element concentration sensors, automated process control systems with at least one workstation, the workstation including a processor, a non-temporary memory and at least one transceiver for communicating with sensor elements, valves and controllers, for providing a user interface for an automated process control system that can be run on a workstation and / or another computer device, etc.).

[0092] As another example, it is contemplated that a particular feature described individually or as part of an embodiment may be combined with other individually described features or parts of other embodiments. Therefore, the elements and actions of the various embodiments described herein may be combined to provide additional embodiments. Therefore, although certain exemplary embodiments of controllers, devices, systems, and methods of making and using them have been shown and described above, it should be clearly understood that the present invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise embodied and practiced differently within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the provision of backup electrical power for hydrogen production and / or ammonia production, comprising: detecting a power loss condition on the primary power system that satisfies a preselected power loss threshold; as well as In response to detecting the power loss condition, backup power is provided via a battery energy storage system (BESS) and / or operating at least one backup emergency power generation device according to a preselected priority power scheme, the at least one backup emergency power generation device being configured to utilize hydrogen or biofuel to generate the backup power.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the backup power comprises adjusting a BESS connection to a main voltage distribution system to a transmission position, and providing the backup power further comprises operating at least one backup emergency power generation device, operating the at least one backup emergency power generation device comprises initiating operation of the at least one backup emergency power generation device to initiate the at least one backup emergency power generation device for generating the backup power.

3. The method according to claim 2, comprising: After bringing the at least one backup emergency power generating device online for transmitting the backup power to the primary voltage distribution system, power provided by the BESS is ramped down.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein providing the backup power comprises: The backup power is transmitted from the BESS and / or the at least one backup emergency power generation device to an electrolyzer room of a plant, the electrolyzer room having an electrolyzer operated via the backup power to produce hydrogen via electrolysis of water.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein providing the backup power further comprises: The backup power is transmitted from the BESS and / or the at least one backup emergency power generation device to an ammonia production plant of the plant and / or an air separation unit (ASU) of the plant.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein providing the backup power further comprises: The backup power is transmitted from the BESS and / or the at least one backup emergency power generation device to utilities of the plant, support equipment of the plant, and process fluid driven equipment of the plant.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein providing the backup power further comprises: The backup power is transmitted from the BESS and / or the at least one backup emergency power generation device to utilities of the plant, support equipment of the plant, and process fluid driven equipment of the plant.

8. The method of claim 4, wherein detecting the power loss condition comprises: The main power loss is detected via upstream sensors of a main voltage distribution system, the main power system and / or a renewable power generation system providing power to the main power system as a primary power source.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein detecting the main power loss comprises detecting an undervoltage condition, wherein a voltage from the main power system is at or below a first preselected low power threshold.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein detecting the primary power loss comprises receiving a low power detection signal from a sensor or detector of the renewable power generation system.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein providing backup power via the BESS and / or operating the at least one backup emergency power generation device according to a preselected priority power scheme comprises: The at least one backup emergency power generation device is operated to facilitate shutdown of hydrogen and / or ammonia production via a predefined shutdown plan.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one backup emergency power generation device comprises a plurality of backup emergency power generation devices, and the method comprises: The backup emergency power generation devices are brought online via the primary voltage distribution system in a staggered scheme such that each backup emergency power generation device is brought online at a different time after the backup power is provided via the BESS.

13. An apparatus for providing backup electrical power for hydrogen production and / or ammonia production, comprising: Main power system; Battery Energy Storage System (BESS); at least one backup emergency power generation device configured to utilize hydrogen or biofuel for generating electricity; a main voltage distribution system connected to the main power system via at least one main power system electrical connection; the main voltage distribution system is connected to the BESS via at least one BESS electrical connection, the at least one BESS electrical connection being adjustable from a non-transmitting position to a transmitting position; and the primary voltage distribution system being connected to the at least one backup emergency generator via at least one generator connection, the at least one generator connection being adjustable from a non-transmitting position to a transmitting position; and a primary control device positioned and configured to detect a power loss condition with respect to the primary power system that satisfies a preselected power loss threshold and, in response to detecting the power loss condition, initiate provision of backup power via the BESS and / or operation of the at least one backup emergency power generation device in accordance with a preselected priority power scheme.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the master control device is configured to initiate adjustment of the at least one BESS electrical connection from the non-transmitting position to the transmitting position in response to detecting the power loss.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the master control device is configured to initiate adjustment of the at least one generating device connection from the non-transmitting position to the transmitting position after the at least one standby generating device is started for operation.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one backup power generation device comprises at least one hydrogen fuel cell, at least one hydrogen turbine, at least one hydrogen engine and / or at least one biofuel generator.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one backup power generation device comprises a plurality of biofuel generators.

18. A main control device for controlling how to provide backup electric power for hydrogen production and / or ammonia production, comprising: A processor connected to a non-transitory computer readable medium, the master control device configured to monitor the operation of an apparatus for providing backup electrical power for hydrogen and / or ammonia production, the master control device configured to: detecting a power loss condition with respect to a primary power system that satisfies a preselected power loss threshold, and in response to detecting the power loss condition, initiating provision of backup power via a battery energy storage system (BESS) and / or operating at least one backup emergency power generation device according to a preselected priority power scheme, the at least one backup emergency power generation device being configured to utilize hydrogen or a biofuel for generating electricity; and Wherein the primary power system is configured to facilitate transmission of electricity generated via a renewable power generation system.

19. The master control device of claim 18, wherein the at least one backup emergency power generation device comprises a plurality of backup emergency power generation devices, and the master control device is configured to initiate bringing the backup emergency power generation devices online via a main voltage distribution system in a staggered scheme such that each backup emergency power generation device is brought online at a different time after the backup power begins to be provided via the BESS.

20. A master control device according to claim 19, wherein detecting the power loss condition includes detecting an undervoltage condition, wherein a voltage from the main power system is at or below a first preselected low power threshold, or receiving a low power detection signal from a sensor or detector of the renewable power generation system, the renewable power generation system comprising a wind turbine and / or a solar cell.

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