Apparatus and method for utilizing hydrogen output from trailer

Abstract

A method for utilizing hydrogen output from at least one trailer may include forming hydrogen from liquid hydrogen stored within the at least one trailer and feeding hydrogen from the trailer to a conduit, a turbine, a liquefaction unit for subsequent liquefaction of hydrogen, a fuel cell, and / or a compression system for compressing hydrogen, and the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system is subsequently liquefied through a liquefaction unit connected to the compression system. An apparatus for utilizing hydrogen output from at least one trailer may be configured to implement an embodiment of the method.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 446,909, filed on February 20, 2023. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to methods and systems for utilizing hydrogen gas exported from at least one trailer configured to store liquefied hydrogen. Hydrogen may also be referred to herein as H2 or H2. Background Art

[0004] Hydrogen can be formed from fossil fuels. Examples of hydrogen production systems can be understood from U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2022 / 0397119, 2022 / 0397118, 2022 / 0033983 and U.S. Patent Nos. 3,375,076 and 7,275,569. The transportation of hydrogen can be provided via a transportable hydrogen storage container. Examples of containers for storing cryogenic liquids and transportation systems for hydrogen transportation can be understood from European Patent No. 3249282B1, U.S. Patent Nos. 10,508,770 and 7,581,405 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2015 / 006822 and 2011 / 0169269. Summary of the Invention

[0005] We have determined that conventional hydrogen production systems that feed liquefied hydrogen into tanks for storage will typically include a conduit arrangement for venting gaseous hydrogen to the atmosphere. This venting is typically provided to avoid overpressure conditions that may occur, for example, due to hydrogen vaporization over time when stored in a container. Conventionally, excess vapor is vented to the atmosphere to avoid this and ensure that the container avoids leaking or experiencing another type of problem that may be caused by overpressure. In smaller-scale systems, the amount of hydrogen ultimately vented is typically small, and venting hydrogen is generally considered an effective method for addressing hydrogen vaporization that may occur when liquid hydrogen is in a storage container.

[0006] We determined that in hydrogen production systems designed to produce large quantities of hydrogen for transport of compressed hydrogen to off-site locations via a transport vehicle (e.g., via a trailer moved by a truck, a tube trailer transported via a road vehicle such as a truck, a rail vehicle such as a train, and / or a water vehicle such as a ship), venting of hydrogen can result in hydrogen losses. We determined that this can be an even greater problem when transporting liquid hydrogen, as liquid hydrogen can often vaporize during filling and / or transport to the point where venting may be necessary to avoid overpressurization or other problems. Such venting can result in hydrogen losses.

[0007] We determined that this may be true for "green hydrogen" systems designed to form hydrogen via renewable energy and non-carbon-based feeds (e.g., water, ammonia, etc.). We determined that this may also be the case in so-called "blue hydrogen" systems, which may utilize carbon capture technology to reduce the carbon footprint associated with producing hydrogen from more conventional sources (e.g., so-called "grey hydrogen" sources). In some embodiments, a green hydrogen or blue hydrogen production facility may be configured to form 2-10 times more liquid hydrogen than a conventional system for distribution into shipping containers for transport to off-site locations. In yet other embodiments, the amount of liquefied hydrogen expected to be fed into the shipping containers may be even higher.

[0008] We believe that we have recognized the unexpected problems that may arise from this type of system, because the conventional method of discharging the vaporized hydrogen in such a system may produce significant hydrogen losses on a larger scale. However, we have determined that discharging hydrogen into the atmosphere in a conventional manner may be a major problem. We believe that this is especially true for large-scale green hydrogen liquefaction systems or blue hydrogen liquefaction systems, which can be designed to supply liquid hydrogen to transport containers for subsequent transportation to various off-site hydrogen refueling stations and / or liquefied hydrogen storage containers, where the hydrogen is retained as a fuel for powering industrial operations. It has been surprisingly found that the scale that such a system may have can lead to serious problems with hydrogen losses, which may be caused by hydrogen vapor (or hydrogen gas) discharged from a storage container (e.g., a trailer) that will be filled with liquid hydrogen for subsequent transportation to other locations (e.g., off-site locations, refueling stations, off-site liquid hydrogen storage containers, etc.).

[0009] In addition to economic reasons, minimizing losses can help maximize the energy efficiency of green and blue hydrogen production, creating a more sustainable solution. In addition, we determined that avoiding or minimizing any hydrogen emissions can provide environmental improvements, as hydrogen emissions can have environmental impacts (for example, hydrogen can be considered an indirect greenhouse gas).

[0010] We have developed embodiments of apparatus and methods for hydrogen vapor utilization that can allow emissions of hydrogen to be avoided (e.g., completely eliminated or at least substantially eliminated, where such emissions may only occur in rare circumstances involving safety conditions due to, for example, accidental and extreme overpressurization of a container). In contrast to conventional approaches, embodiments of our methods and apparatus can be configured such that hydrogen formed in one or more trailers filled with or storing liquid hydrogen can be output from the trailers and provided to a compression system and / or liquefaction unit for undergoing liquefaction so that the hydrogen is not lost to the atmosphere. In addition, or as an alternative, the hydrogen output from the trailers can be fed to a turbine (e.g., a hydrogen turbine) for power generation, or can be fed to a pipeline for injection into the pipeline. For example, hydrogen can be injected into a natural gas pipeline to reduce the carbon intensity of the fluid flowing through the pipeline (e.g., to reduce the carbon footprint of the fluid flowing through the pipeline). As another example, it is also contemplated that hydrogen can be fed into a hydrogen pipeline for transportation via the pipeline, rather than being injected into a natural gas pipeline. Additionally (or as another alternative), the hydrogen can be used in hydrogen fuel cells to generate back-up power for the facility.

[0011] In such systems, the hydrogen produced for liquefaction can be hydrogen produced by one or more electrolyzers, one or more ammonia dissociation units (e.g., ammonia dissociators, etc.) or other hydrogen production units. The hydrogen output from hydrogen production can be fed to a compression system for compressing hydrogen, and the compressed hydrogen is then fed to a liquefaction unit, which may include one or more liquefiers. The hydrogen formed by the liquid hydrogen stored in one or more trailers can be fed to a compression system or a liquefaction unit for being returned to the liquefaction unit for liquefaction, so that hydrogen is not lost to the atmosphere. In other embodiments, the hydrogen output from the trailer can be used to help cool the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system that is fed to the liquefaction unit before the hydrogen from the trailer is fed to a pipeline or a turbine. In yet other embodiments, it is expected that the hydrogen output from one or more trailers can be used for two or more applications in these applications (e.g., injected into a pipeline, cooling the compressed hydrogen feed gas before feeding it to the liquefaction unit, feeding hydrogen to a compression system and / or feeding hydrogen to a turbine).

[0012] We have determined that embodiments of our method and apparatus can provide dramatic improvements in efficiency and flexible operation. Embodiments can also be configured to help avoid venting hydrogen from trailers to the atmosphere as they are filled with liquid hydrogen and / or stored on-site before leaving to deliver the liquid hydrogen to a remote, off-site location.

[0013] In a first aspect, a device for utilizing the hydrogen exported from at least one trailer is provided. In some embodiments, the device can be used as equipment (plant), can be incorporated into equipment, or can be modified into pre-existing equipment. The device may include at least one trailer, which may be positioned to receive liquefied hydrogen and store liquefied hydrogen therein, so that when liquefied hydrogen is stored in the trailer, a part of the liquid hydrogen is gasified into hydrogen. The at least one trailer may be connected to a turbine, pipeline, fuel cell, storage unit, liquefaction unit and / or compression system for feeding the hydrogen formed in the trailer storing liquefied hydrogen to liquefaction unit, compression system, fuel cell, storage unit, turbine and / or pipeline.

[0014] Embodiments may be configured to provide connections that a trailer may have for transporting hydrogen gas formed within the trailer while the trailer is being filled with liquefied hydrogen or while the trailer is storing liquefied hydrogen and has not yet left a facility to transport the liquid hydrogen to another location.

[0015] In a second aspect, the apparatus may further include a heat exchanger positioned between the liquefaction unit and the at least one trailer to cool the hydrogen feed output from the compression system via the hydrogen gas output from the at least one trailer before the hydrogen output from the compression system is fed to the liquefaction unit. The hydrogen gas output from the at least one trailer and fed to the heat exchanger may be output from the heat exchanger as a warm hydrogen stream.

[0016] The heat exchanger can be positioned so that the warm hydrogen stream output from the heat exchanger can be fed to a turbine, injected into a pipeline, fed to a storage unit, fed to a fuel cell, and / or fed to a compression system. In embodiments where at least a portion of the warm hydrogen output from the heat exchanger can be fed to a pipeline, the pipeline can be a natural gas pipeline, and the portion of the warm hydrogen stream output from the heat exchanger for injection into the pipeline can be injected into the pipeline to reduce the carbon intensity of the fluid within the pipeline. Alternatively, the pipeline receiving the warm hydrogen can be a hydrogen pipeline.

[0017] In a third aspect, the apparatus may be configured such that at least one trailer is connectable to a liquefaction unit for feeding hydrogen formed within the trailer storing liquefied hydrogen to the liquefaction unit. The liquefaction unit may include at least one liquefier. In some embodiments, the liquefaction unit may include a first liquefier and at least one second liquefier, and the at least one trailer may be connected to the liquefaction unit such that hydrogen is fed only to the first liquefier. In some embodiments, the first liquefier may be a larger liquefier than one or more other second liquefiers.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first liquefier can be configured as a trailer hydrogen reliquefier, so that the first liquefier can be dedicated to the reliquefaction of hydrogen exported from the trailer, while one or more second liquefiers of the liquefaction unit can liquefy the hydrogen received from the compression system. This type of arrangement can allow the liquefaction unit to have a simpler design and allow the first liquefier to have a simpler design (for example, the reliquefaction of the trailer hydrogen may not require the use of an orthohydrogen to parahydrogen conversion element to liquefy the trailer hydrogen). Such embodiments can be configured so that the liquefaction train of the liquefaction unit can utilize simpler load management. For example, decoupling the reliquefaction of the trailer hydrogen via a dedicated first liquefier can reduce the operational swing on the liquefaction unit and minimize any contamination effects on other liquefiers of the liquefaction unit. It is expected that this type of embodiment can also help provide higher operating efficiency and / or operational flexibility.

[0019] In a fourth aspect, the apparatus can be configured such that at least one trailer is connectable to a compression system for feeding hydrogen gas formed within the trailer storing liquefied hydrogen to the compression system for compression prior to being fed to the liquefaction unit. The compression system can be connected to the liquefaction unit to feed the compressed fluid containing hydrogen gas to the liquefaction unit. In some embodiments, the compression system can include a first compressor.

[0020] In a fifth aspect, the apparatus may be configured such that at least one trailer is connectable to a turbine, a pipeline, a fuel cell, a storage unit, a liquefaction unit and / or a compression system such that a first portion of the liquid hydrogen fed to the at least one trailer for storage therein, greater than 0% and less than 15%, is vaporized and subsequently fed to the liquefaction unit, the compression system, the fuel cell, the storage unit, the turbine and / or the pipeline as hydrogen gas formed within the trailer storing the liquefied hydrogen, and a second portion of the liquid hydrogen fed to the at least one trailer, less than or equal to 85% and less than 100%, is retained and stored in the at least one trailer.

[0021] In a sixth aspect, the apparatus of the first aspect may include two or more of the second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects. In some configurations, the apparatus of the first aspect may include all of the features of the second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects as well as other features. In other configurations, only a subset of such features of these aspects may be provided, with or without other features.

[0022] In a seventh aspect, a method for utilizing hydrogen output from at least one trailer is provided. In some embodiments, the method may be adopted when at least one trailer is filled with liquid hydrogen or is storing liquid hydrogen for subsequent transportation to a remote location. The method may include forming hydrogen from liquid hydrogen stored in at least one trailer. In some embodiments, the formation of hydrogen may occur when at least one trailer is filled with liquid hydrogen and / or when the at least one trailer is storing liquid hydrogen. The method may also include feeding hydrogen from at least one trailer to a pipeline, a storage unit, a fuel cell, a turbine, a liquefaction unit for subsequent liquefaction of hydrogen, and / or a compression system for compressing hydrogen, for subsequent liquefaction of the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system via a liquefaction unit connected to the compression system.

[0023] In embodiments where at least a portion of the hydrogen may be fed into a pipeline, the pipeline may be a natural gas pipeline, and the portion of the hydrogen may be injected into the pipeline to reduce the carbon intensity of the fluid within the pipeline.

[0024] In an eighth aspect, the method may include feeding hydrogen from at least one trailer to a heat exchanger positioned between the compression system and the liquefaction unit to cool the feed of compressed hydrogen output from the compression system via the hydrogen output from the at least one trailer before the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system is fed to the liquefaction unit. The method may also include the heat exchanger outputting the hydrogen received from the at least one trailer as a warm hydrogen stream for feeding to a pipeline, a fuel cell, a storage unit, a turbine, or the compression system.

[0025] Embodiments of this aspect can be implemented such that the warm hydrogen stream output from the heat exchanger is fed to a turbine, a pipeline, a fuel cell, a storage unit, and / or a compression system. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the warm hydrogen stream output from the heat exchanger can be fed to a pipeline. The pipeline can be a natural gas pipeline, and the warm hydrogen stream output from the heat exchanger can be injected into the pipeline to reduce the carbon intensity of the fluid within the pipeline.

[0026] In a ninth aspect, the method may be implemented such that hydrogen is fed from at least one trailer to a pipeline, a fuel cell, a storage unit, a turbine, a liquefaction unit for the subsequent liquefaction of hydrogen, and / or a compression system for compressing hydrogen, for subsequent liquefaction of the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system via a liquefaction unit connected to the compression system, comprising: feeding the hydrogen formed in the trailer storing the liquefied hydrogen to the compression system for compression before being fed to the liquefaction unit. In some embodiments, the compression system may include a first compressor and at least one second compressor connected to the first compressor. In other embodiments, the compression system may include only a first compressor or may include more than two compressors.

[0027] In a tenth aspect, the method can be implemented so that hydrogen is fed from at least one trailer to a pipeline, a storage unit, a fuel cell, a turbine, a liquefaction unit for subsequent liquefaction of hydrogen, and / or a compression system for compressing hydrogen, for subsequent liquefaction of the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system via a liquefaction unit connected to the compression system, comprising: feeding hydrogen from at least one trailer to the liquefaction unit for liquefaction of hydrogen. In some embodiments, the liquefaction unit may include a first liquefier and at least one second liquefier, and the hydrogen from at least one trailer may be fed only to the first liquefier for liquefaction. In other embodiments, the liquefaction unit may have only a first liquefier or may have a plurality of liquefiers, and hydrogen may be fed to all liquefiers of the liquefaction unit or at least two or more of the liquefiers.

[0028] In some embodiments of the method, the first liquefier can be configured as a trailer hydrogen reliquefier, so that the first liquefier can be dedicated to the reliquefaction of hydrogen exported from the trailer, while one or more second liquefiers of the liquefaction unit can liquefy the hydrogen received from the compression system. As described above, this type of arrangement can allow the liquefaction unit to have a simpler design and allow the first liquefier to have a simpler design (for example, the reliquefaction of the trailer hydrogen may not require the use of a conversion element from orthohydrogen to parahydrogen to liquefy the trailer hydrogen). Such embodiments can be configured so that the liquefaction sequence of the liquefaction unit can utilize simpler load management. For example, decoupling the reliquefaction of the trailer hydrogen via a dedicated first liquefier can reduce the operational swing on the liquefaction unit and minimize any contamination effects on other liquefiers of the liquefaction unit. It is expected that this type of embodiment of the method can also help provide higher operating efficiency and / or operational flexibility.

[0029] In an eleventh aspect, the method may be implemented such that formation of hydrogen gas from liquid hydrogen stored within at least one trailer occurs such that a first portion of the liquid hydrogen fed to the at least one trailer for storage therein, greater than 0% and less than 15%, is vaporized and subsequently fed as hydrogen gas formed within the trailer storing the liquefied hydrogen to a liquefaction unit, a compression system, a fuel cell, a storage unit, a turbine and / or a pipeline, and a second portion of the liquid hydrogen fed to the at least one trailer, less than or equal to 85% and less than 100%, is retained and stored in the at least one trailer.

[0030] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of the method may also include providing embodiments of the apparatus for use in equipment or facilities, or modifying equipment or facilities to include embodiments of the apparatus.

[0031] In a thirteenth aspect, feeding hydrogen from the at least one trailer can be performed in response to determining that the availability of renewable power for producing hydrogen is at or below a preselected threshold. For example, feeding hydrogen from the at least one trailer can be performed at night when renewable power via solar energy available for hydrogen production may be absent or very low.

[0032] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of the apparatus discussed above or otherwise discussed herein can be provided to implement embodiments of a method for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer.

[0033] In the fifteenth aspect, the method of the seventh aspect can be combined with one or more of the eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth aspects. Some embodiments of the fifteenth aspect can include the seventh aspect combined with two or more of these aspects, only one of these aspects, or all of these aspects. Other embodiments of the fifteenth aspect can be provided such that sub-portions of one or more of these aspects can be combined with the seventh aspect to provide embodiments of the method.

[0034] It should be understood that embodiments of the methods and apparatuses may utilize a variety of conduit devices and process control elements. These embodiments may utilize sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors, concentration sensors, etc.), controllers, valves, piping, and other process control elements. For example, some embodiments may utilize automated process control systems and / or distributed control systems (DCS). A variety of different conduit devices and process control systems may be utilized to meet a specific set of design criteria.

[0035] Additional details, objects, and advantages of our method for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer, apparatus for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer, and methods of making and using the same will become apparent as the following description of certain exemplary embodiments thereof proceeds. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of a method for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer, an apparatus for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer, and a system for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer, as well as methods of making and using the same, are shown in the accompanying drawings included herein. It should be understood that like reference numerals used in the drawings may identify like components.

[0037] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 1 for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer. Figure 1Also shown is a first exemplary embodiment of a method for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer.

[0038] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer. Figure 1 and Figure 3-Figure 9 The exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be suitable for implementing Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of the method shown in .

[0039] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 1 for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer.

[0040] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1 for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer.

[0041] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary embodiment of the device 1 for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer.

[0042] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1 for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer.

[0043] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1 for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer.

[0044] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1 for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer.

[0045] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a seventh exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1 for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] As mentioned above, Figure 1 Exemplary embodiments of our apparatus 1 for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer are shown. These exemplary embodiments of the apparatus 1 can utilize exemplary embodiments of our method for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer. Figure 3-Figure 9 Shown Figure 1An exemplary embodiment of an embodiment of the apparatus shown in . Embodiments of apparatus 1 may be configured to practice or implement embodiments of our method for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer. Figure 2 An example of a method for utilizing hydrogen output from at least one trailer may also be obtained from Figure 1 and Figure 3-Figure 9 Chinese understanding.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3-Figure 9 , the apparatus 1 may include a unit 3 for hydrogen production, which may be referred to as a hydrogen production unit (H2 production). The unit 3 for hydrogen production may include one or more electrolyzers or at least one ammonia dissociator (e.g., for use in a green hydrogen production manufacturing embodiment). It is also contemplated that the unit 3 for hydrogen production may include at least one methane reformer or other hydrogen production equipment, which includes a carbon capture device to remove carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide from the emissions of the H2 production process, thereby minimizing the carbon footprint of hydrogen production (e.g., a blue hydrogen type hydrogen production device).

[0048] The hydrogen output from the unit 3 for hydrogen production can be fed to the compression system 5 via a compression system feed conduit 4 positioned between the unit 3 for hydrogen production and the compression system 5. For example, the compression system feed conduit 4 can feed the hydrogen output from the unit 3 for hydrogen production to a first compressor 5a (e.g., a low pressure (LP) compressor) of the compression system 5. When the first pre-selected pressure is the desired pre-selected compression system output pressure, the first compressor 5a can compress the hydrogen to the first pre-selected pressure for outputting the hydrogen. In embodiments where additional compression may be required to pressurize the hydrogen to the pre-selected compression system output pressure, the compressed hydrogen output from the first compressor 5a can be fed from the first compressor 5a to at least one second compressor 5b (shown in dashed lines) for further compression to the pre-selected compression system output pressure.

[0049] The preselected compression system output pressure can be a suitable pressure for feeding hydrogen to the liquefaction unit. Examples of preselected compression system output pressures can include, for example, a pressure of 2-20 MPa, a pressure of 2-30 MPa, a pressure of 5-20 MPa, or a pressure of 2-45 MPa. Other pressures or pressure ranges can also be utilized alternatively, depending on a preselected set of design and operating criteria.

[0050] The compression system 5 can output compressed hydrogen at a preselected compression system output pressure for feeding to the liquefaction unit 9 via a liquefaction feed conduit 9a positioned between the liquefaction unit 9 and the compression system 5. In some cases, a portion of the hydrogen can also be output for use in the hydrogen storage device 7 (H2 storage device) for storage and subsequent use. For example, a portion of the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system 5 can be fed to at least one hydrogen storage container of the hydrogen storage device 7 via a hydrogen storage device feed conduit 7a positioned between the hydrogen storage device 7 and the compression system 5.

[0051] Hydrogen may be stored in at least one container of a hydrogen storage unit for hydrogen storage device 7 so that hydrogen from the storage unit can be output to compression system 5 for compression back to a preselected compression system output pressure for feeding to liquefaction unit 9 to accommodate different situations. For example, hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device may be fed to compression system 5 via a hydrogen storage device output conduit positioned between hydrogen storage device 7 and compression system 5 so that hydrogen can be compressed for feeding to liquefaction unit 9 when hydrogen production from unit 3 for hydrogen production has unexpectedly slowed (e.g., due to low availability of renewable energy due to weather conditions, etc.) or in situations where demand for liquefaction unexpectedly increases and production is to be increased to accommodate the increased demand.

[0052] The liquefaction unit 9 may include at least one liquefier L. In some embodiments, the liquefaction unit may include a plurality of liquefiers, including a first liquefier L and at least one second liquefier L (shown in dotted lines). The liquefier may liquefy the compressed hydrogen received from the compression system 5 to produce at least one liquefied hydrogen stream 9p. The liquefied hydrogen stream 9p may be considered a hydrogen product stream. The liquefied hydrogen stream 9p may be fed to at least one trailer 11 and / or provided to other units for storage for subsequent feeding to at least one trailer 11.

[0053] At least one trailer 11 can receive the liquefied hydrogen output from the liquefaction unit 9 via the liquefied hydrogen stream 9p. Each trailer 11 can be a tube trailer or other type of trailer suitable for transporting liquid hydrogen. Liquefied hydrogen can be provided via at least one liquefied hydrogen trailer feed conduit positioned between the trailer 11 and the liquefaction unit 9. In some embodiments, the liquefied hydrogen can be stored in an intermediate product storage device (not shown) before being fed to the trailer 11. When the trailer 11 is filled with liquefied hydrogen and / or stores liquefied hydrogen before the liquefied hydrogen is transported off-site, a portion of the liquefied hydrogen can be gasified into gaseous hydrogen. The gaseous hydrogen can be output from the trailer 11 via the trailer hydrogen output conduit 11v of the device 1 for subsequent use.

[0054] Trailer 11 may also be a trailer that was previously used to transport liquid hydrogen and has returned to the site to be refilled with liquid hydrogen, but may also retain some depressurized hydrogen gas, which may be present due to emptying the trailer to transport liquid hydrogen. For example, this hydrogen gas can be considered depressurized hydrogen. Trailer 11 can provide this residual hydrogen vapor, so that it can be evacuated from the trailer for use before the trailer is filled with liquid hydrogen for subsequent transportation. This gaseous hydrogen can also be output from trailer 11 via trailer hydrogen output conduit 11v of device 1 for subsequent use.

[0055] Figure 1 Various flow path arrangements are shown for supplying hydrogen from the trailer 11 to one or more devices (e.g., the turbine 15, the storage unit of the hydrogen storage device 7, the pipeline 13, the compression system 5, the liquefaction unit 9, the first liquefier L of the liquefaction unit 9, the fuel cell 17, etc.). Various flow paths for utilizing the hydrogen output from the trailer 11 via the trailer hydrogen output conduit 11v are shown in FIG. Figure 1 It should be understood that Figure 3-Figure 9 The solid line shows Figure 1 Various different embodiments are shown in dashed lines, Figure 1 The exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 provides yet further illustrative examples of various implementation options. As can be understood from the disclosure provided herein, in addition to Figure 3-Figure 9 In addition to the exemplary embodiments shown in Figure 1 There are other implementation options for the embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] As from Figure 1 and Figure 3-Figure 9 As can be best understood in the accompanying drawings, when liquid hydrogen is fed to the trailer 11 and / or when the liquid hydrogen is stored in the trailer 11, hydrogen vapor or hydrogen gas formed from the liquefied hydrogen stored in the trailer 11 can be output from the trailer 11 via at least one trailer hydrogen output conduit 11v. The hydrogen output from the trailer 11 can be fed to the liquefaction unit 9 via a liquefaction feed conduit 11c, which can be connected to the trailer hydrogen output conduit 11v, and / or can be fed to a first liquefier L of a plurality of liquefiers L of the liquefaction unit via a first liquefier feed conduit 11b, which can be connected to the trailer hydrogen output conduit 11v.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first liquefier L can be configured as a trailer hydrogen reliquefier, such that the first liquefier can be dedicated to reliquefying hydrogen exported from the trailer 11, while one or more second liquefiers L of the liquefaction unit 9 can liquefy hydrogen received from the compression system 5. This type of arrangement can allow the liquefaction unit 9 to have a simpler design and allow the first liquefier L to have a simpler design (for example, the reliquefaction of the trailer hydrogen may not require the use of an orthohydrogen to parahydrogen conversion element to liquefy the trailer hydrogen). Such embodiments can be configured so that the liquefaction sequence of the liquefaction unit 9 can utilize simpler load management to reliquefy the trailer hydrogen and provide other operational benefits. For example, decoupling the reliquefaction of the trailer hydrogen via a dedicated first liquefier L can reduce operational swings on the liquefaction unit 9 and minimize any contamination effects on other liquefiers of the liquefaction unit 9. It is expected that this type of embodiment can also help provide higher operational efficiency and / or operational flexibility.

[0058] In addition, (or alternatively), hydrogen fed to the trailer hydrogen output conduit 11v via the trailer 11 can be fed to the storage unit of the hydrogen storage device 7 via the hydrogen storage device feed conduit 7a connected to the trailer hydrogen output conduit 11v, and / or can be fed to the compression system 5 via the trailer hydrogen compression system feed conduit 11a connected to the trailer hydrogen output conduit 11v. The feed of hydrogen output from the trailer 11 can be via the trailer hydrogen compression system feed conduit 11a to provide a more direct connection between the trailer 11 and the compression system 5, or can be via a less direct connection, wherein the hydrogen 11 output from the trailer is first used as a cooling medium in the first heat exchanger HX1 to cool the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system 5, thereby cooling the compressed hydrogen to a preselected liquefaction feed temperature before the compressed hydrogen is fed to the liquefaction unit 9.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger HX1 may be positioned downstream of the second heat exchanger HX2 (in Figure 1 and Figure 3-Figure 9 1 is shown in dashed lines). The second heat exchanger HX2 can be, for example, an ambient heat exchanger that uses air or cooling water as a cooling medium to cool the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system 5. When the second heat exchanger HX2 is also used, the first heat exchanger HX1 can be used downstream of the second heat exchanger HX2 to provide additional cooling, so that the first heat exchanger HX1 can provide additional pre-cooling before liquefaction of the compressed hydrogen. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the first heat exchanger HX1 can be positioned and configured such that the second heat exchanger HX2 may not be required.

[0060] The preselected liquefaction feed temperature can be a temperature within a preselected liquefaction feed temperature range that is selected to meet a preselected set of design and / or operational criteria. Examples of preselected feed temperatures can include temperatures within the range of -10°C to 0°C, -25°C to 20°C, or -20°C to 25°C. Of course, as described herein, other temperatures can also be utilized.

[0061] For example, hydrogen output from trailer 11 may be fed to first heat exchanger HX1 via heat exchanger conduit arrangement 11d, which may be positioned to feed hydrogen output from trailer 11 to first heat exchanger HX1, and also to feed warm trailer hydrogen cooling medium output from first heat exchanger HX1 to compression system 5 via warm trailer hydrogen transfer conduit 11e connected between heat exchanger conduit arrangement 11d and compression system 5.

[0062] Alternatively (or in addition), warm trailer hydrogen output from the first heat exchanger HX1 can be fed into pipeline 13 via pipeline feed conduit 13a connected between heat exchanger conduit arrangement 11d and pipeline 13 for injection into the pipeline. Pipeline 13 can be a hydrogen pipeline, through which trailer hydrogen can be fed for distribution, or it can be a natural gas pipeline. In the case where pipeline 13 is a natural gas pipeline, trailer hydrogen can be injected into it to help reduce the carbon intensity of the natural gas passing through the pipeline, thereby helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the natural gas.

[0063] Additionally (or as yet another alternative), the warm trailer hydrogen output from the first heat exchanger HX1 can be fed to a turbine 15 (e.g., a hydrogen turbine) for combustion or expansion therein via a turbine feed conduit 15a connected between the heat exchanger conduit arrangement 11d and the turbine 15. For example, the turbine 15 can utilize the hydrogen from the trailer 11 as a source for, for example, power generation or electricity production.

[0064] Additionally, (or as yet another alternative), the warm trailer hydrogen output from the first heat exchanger HX1 may be fed to a fuel cell 17 (e.g., a hydrogen fuel cell) via a fuel cell feed conduit 17a connected between the heat exchanger conduit arrangement 11d and the fuel cell 17. The fuel cell may be configured to receive hydrogen for use as a fuel source for providing backup power to the apparatus or equipment having the apparatus.

[0065] A compressor may be included in the trailer hydrogen conduit to facilitate the flow of hydrogen to one or more components from the trailer 11. Such a compressor may be provided as a dedicated trailer / flash gas compressor to recover hydrogen with or without refrigeration recovery.

[0066] As mentioned above, Figure 3-Figure 9 Different implementations of the options discussed above are shown. For example, Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 1 , wherein a first heat exchanger HX1 is utilized, and heat exchanger conduit arrangement 11d is positioned such that warm trailer hydrogen output from first heat exchanger HX1 is fed via conduit feed conduit 13a to conduit 13 for injection therein. In this embodiment, trailer hydrogen can cool compressed hydrogen output from compression system 5 at a preselected compression system output pressure to cool the gas to a preselected liquefaction unit feed temperature for feeding to liquefaction unit 9 for liquefaction of the hydrogen.

[0067] Figure 4 Shown Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of apparatus 1 is shown, wherein a first heat exchanger HX1 is utilized, and heat exchanger conduit arrangement 11d is positioned such that warm trailer hydrogen output from first heat exchanger HX1 is fed to turbine 15 via turbine feed conduit 15a for combustion or expansion therein for power generation. In this embodiment, trailer hydrogen can cool compressed hydrogen output from compression system 5 at a preselected compression system output pressure to a preselected liquefaction unit feed temperature for feeding to liquefaction unit 9 via liquefaction feed conduit 9a for liquefaction of the hydrogen.

[0068] Figure 5 Shown Figure 1 1 , wherein a first heat exchanger HX1 is utilized, and heat exchanger conduit means 11 d is positioned so that warm trailer hydrogen output from the first heat exchanger HX1 is fed into the compression system 5 via a hydrogen feed conduit 11 e connected between the heat exchanger conduit means 11 d and the compression system 5. In this embodiment, the trailer hydrogen can cool the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system 5 at a preselected compression system output pressure so that it can be cooled to a preselected liquefaction unit feed temperature for feeding to the liquefaction unit 9 via liquefaction feed conduit 9 a for liquefaction of the hydrogen.

[0069] Figure 6 Shown Figure 1An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 1 is shown, in which hydrogen output from a trailer 11 is fed to a first liquefier L of a liquefaction unit 9 via a first liquefier feed conduit 11b connected between the trailer 11 and the first liquefier L of the liquefaction unit 9. This type of arrangement can be particularly advantageous for a liquefaction unit 9 that can utilize multiple liquefiers L operating in parallel to liquefy hydrogen. For example, the added hydrogen from the trailer 11 can be provided such that the first liquefier L receiving the trailer hydrogen is sized larger than the other liquefiers L of the liquefaction unit 9. This can allow the use of other smaller liquefiers in the series of liquefiers in the liquefaction unit 9, with only a single liquefier L being sized to accommodate the added hydrogen available via the trailer 11. This type of arrangement of the liquefiers can allow for lower investment costs associated with the liquefiers than having multiple liquefiers, all sized larger, and can also allow for more flexible processing operations by providing a single liquefier with greater liquefaction capacity.

[0070] As described above, in some embodiments of this exemplary embodiment in which hydrogen from trailer 11 is fed only to first liquefier L, first liquefier L can be configured as a trailer hydrogen reliquefier, such that first liquefier L can be dedicated to reliquefying hydrogen exported from trailer 11, while one or more second liquefiers L of liquefaction unit 9 can liquefy hydrogen received from compression system 5. This type of arrangement can allow for a simpler design of liquefaction unit 9 and a simpler design of first liquefier L (e.g., reliquefaction of trailer hydrogen may not require the use of an orthohydrogen to parahydrogen conversion element to liquefy trailer hydrogen). Such embodiments can be configured so that the liquefaction train of liquefaction unit 9 can utilize simpler load management for reliquefying trailer hydrogen and provide other operational benefits. For example, decoupling trailer hydrogen reliquefaction via a dedicated first liquefier L can reduce operational swings on liquefaction unit 9 and minimize any contamination effects on other liquefiers of liquefaction unit 9. It is expected that this type of embodiment may also help provide greater operational efficiency and / or operational flexibility.

[0071] Figure 7 Shown Figure 1 1 , wherein hydrogen output from a trailer 11 is fed to a compression system 5 via a trailer hydrogen compression system feed conduit 11 a connected between the compression system 5 and the trailer 11. In this embodiment, the hydrogen output from the trailer 11 may be compressed via the compression system 5 before returning to the liquefaction unit 9 to be liquefied via the at least one liquefier L of the liquefaction unit 9.

[0072] Figure 8 Shown Figure 11 , wherein hydrogen output from a trailer 11 is fed to the liquefaction unit 9 via a trailer hydrogen liquefaction feed conduit 11 c connected between the liquefaction unit 9 and the trailer 11. In this embodiment, the hydrogen output from the trailer 11 can be fed to the liquefaction unit 9 to be liquefied via at least one liquefier L of the liquefaction unit 9.

[0073] Figure 9 Shown Figure 1 1 , wherein hydrogen output from a trailer 11 is fed to at least one fuel cell 17 via a trailer hydrogen feed conduit connected between a fuel cell feed conduit 17a and the trailer 11. In this embodiment, the hydrogen output from the trailer 11 can be fed to one or more hydrogen fuel cells for generating backup power for equipment or facility operations.

[0074] As from Figure 1 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 9 It will be appreciated that the hydrogen output from the trailer 11 may also (or alternatively) be fed to the storage unit of the hydrogen storage device 7 via a hydrogen storage device feed conduit 7a (shown in dashed lines) connected between the storage unit of the hydrogen storage device 7 and the trailer 11. In this embodiment, the hydrogen output from the trailer 11 may be stored for subsequent feeding to the compression system 5 to undergo compression via the compression system 5 before returning to the liquefaction unit 9 to be liquefied via the at least one liquefier L of the liquefaction unit 9. In such an embodiment, feeding the hydrogen to the storage device may occur in combination with or as an alternative to feeding the hydrogen to one or more other elements, such that all of the hydrogen output from the trailer 11 may be fed to the storage unit for hydrogen storage and later use.

[0075] Embodiments of the apparatus 1 may also utilize at least one controller. The controller may be communicatively connected to concentration sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors, valves, and / or other elements to facilitate automated process control of the apparatus 1. For example, in some embodiments, the controller may be a workstation running automated process control software via a processor and may be communicatively connected to sensors and other elements to facilitate monitoring and control of the operation of the apparatus 1. In other cases, the controller may be part of a DCS system suitable for monitoring and controlling the operation of the apparatus 1. It should be understood that the controller may be a computer device comprising a processor connected to a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., non-transitory memory) and at least one transceiver unit for communicatively connecting to other process control elements (e.g., sensors, detectors, valves).

[0076] In some embodiments, the composition of the trailer hydrogen can be analyzed before it is sent back to the compression system 5 and / or hydrogen storage device 7, so that the hydrogen gas stream can be analyzed to verify that the hydrogen may not have impurities or other elements that may contaminate the hydrogen liquefaction process or cause other unexpected problems. In some embodiments, such analysis can also be performed before the hydrogen is fed to the fuel cell 17, turbine 15, or pipeline 13. The composition analysis can be performed by a composition analyzer, sample extraction and subsequent testing or other composition detection and analysis schemes. The composition analysis can also or alternatively be performed by using one or more detectors that are configured to detect one or more undesirable impurities (e.g., water) to ensure that the trailer hydrogen does not have such impurities and / or the content of such impurities does not meet or exceed a pre-selected impurity threshold.

[0077] Embodiments of the apparatus 1 may be configured to perform exemplary embodiments of a method for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer 11 . Figure 2 An embodiment of such a method is shown that includes an optional step S3 and steps S1 and S2. It should be understood that other embodiments of the method may use other steps or fewer steps (e.g., step S3 may not be used, additional steps with or without step S3 may be used, etc.).

[0078] As can be understood from the above, in the first step S1, hydrogen gas from within the trailer 11 can be exported from the trailer 11 (e.g., via at least one trailer hydrogen export conduit 11v). The exported hydrogen gas can be hydrogen gas formed by vaporizing a first portion of the liquid hydrogen within the trailer 11 into a gas while the trailer is being filled with liquid hydrogen and / or storing liquid hydrogen before being transported off-site. The vaporized first portion of the liquid hydrogen exported from the trailer 11 can be a relatively small portion of the liquid hydrogen within the trailer 11, or can be fed into the trailer for storage therein (e.g., greater than 0% to less than 15% of the liquid hydrogen fed into the trailer 11 is vaporized into a gas, etc.). A second portion of the liquefied hydrogen fed into the trailer 11 for storage and subsequent transport can remain in a liquid state and remain within the trailer 11. This second portion can be between greater than or equal to 85% and less than 100% of the liquid hydrogen fed into the trailer 11 for storage therein.

[0079] In a second step S2, the trailer hydrogen output from the trailer 11 may be sent to (a) the compression system 5, (b) the liquefaction unit 9 for liquefaction, (c) the storage unit of the hydrogen storage device 7, (d) the pipeline 13 for injection therein, (e) the turbine 15 for power generation, and / or (f) the fuel cell 17 for use as a fuel source for backup power for equipment or facilities that may be provided by the fuel cell 17. This sending of the hydrogen output from the trailer 11 may be considered as feeding the hydrogen from the trailer 11 to the compression system 5, the liquefaction unit 9, the storage unit of the hydrogen storage device 7, the pipeline 13, the turbine 15, and / or the fuel cell 17.

[0080] In some embodiments, sending hydrogen from the trailer 11 to (a) the compression system 5, (b) the liquefaction unit 9 for liquefaction, (c) the storage unit of the hydrogen storage device 7, (d) the pipeline 13 for injection therein, (e) the turbine 15 for electricity generation, and / or (f) the fuel cell 17 can be performed in response to determining that the availability of renewable power for producing hydrogen is at or below a preselected threshold. For example, sending hydrogen from the trailer 11 can be performed at night when renewable power via solar energy available for hydrogen production may be absent or very low. This type of processing can help manage the load of the liquefaction unit 9 and / or provide improved operating efficiency or flexibility.

[0081] The sending of hydrogen from trailer 11, which may occur at night or during periods of low renewable power availability, may be performed in conjunction with determining when to load trailer 11 with liquid hydrogen from liquefaction unit 9. For example, in some embodiments, loading trailer 11 via feeding liquid hydrogen from liquefaction unit 9 may be performed at night or at times when the availability of renewable power for hydrogen production is determined to be at or below a preselected threshold. The sending of hydrogen from trailer 11, which may occur as a result of loading trailer 11 and / or a trailer storing liquid hydrogen, may also occur around the same time or during the same period of low renewable power availability.

[0082] In a third optional step S3, the trailer hydrogen output from the trailer 11 can be used to cool the hydrogen fluid stream (e.g., hydrogen gas) fed to the liquefaction unit 9 (e.g., compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system 5 for feeding to the liquefaction unit 9) before the trailer hydrogen gas is fed to the compression system 5, the hydrogen storage device 7, the pipeline 13, the turbine 15, and / or the at least one fuel cell 17. For example, the trailer hydrogen gas can be fed to the first heat exchanger HX1 as a cooling medium for cooling the compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system 5 at a preselected compression system output pressure. The cooling provided by the trailer hydrogen can help cool the compressed hydrogen gas to a preselected liquefaction unit feed temperature for feeding to the liquefaction unit 9, e.g., via the liquefaction feed conduit 9a, for liquefaction of the hydrogen. For example, as discussed above, the warm trailer hydrogen output from the first heat exchanger HX1 may then be fed to the compression system 5 , the hydrogen storage device 7 , the pipeline 13 , the at least one fuel cell 17 , and / or the turbine 15 .

[0083] As described above, in some embodiments of the method, the composition of the trailer hydrogen can be analyzed before it is sent back to the compression system 5 and / or hydrogen storage device 7, so that the hydrogen gas stream can be analyzed to verify that the hydrogen may not have impurities or other elements that may contaminate the hydrogen liquefaction process or cause other unexpected problems. In some embodiments, such analysis can also be performed before the hydrogen is fed to the fuel cell 17, turbine 15, or pipeline 13. The composition analysis can be performed by a composition analyzer, sample extraction, or other composition detection and analysis scheme. The composition analysis can also or alternatively be performed by using one or more detectors that are configured to detect one or more undesirable impurities (e.g., water) to ensure that the trailer hydrogen does not have such impurities and / or the content of such impurities does not meet or exceed a preselected impurity threshold.

[0084] It should be understood that embodiments of the method may also utilize other steps. For example, the method may further include installing an embodiment of apparatus 1 at a facility to facilitate reliquefaction of hydrogen output from at least one trailer 11 or otherwise utilize hydrogen output from at least one trailer 11. It should be understood that such steps may be performed so that an embodiment of apparatus 1 can be retrofitted into a pre-existing facility, such that apparatus 1 can be added to the facility. Such steps may also be performed so that apparatus 1 is included in a new facility to be constructed.

[0085] Should be understood that the embodiment clearly shown and discussed herein can be modified to meet specific one group of design goals or specific one group of design standards.For example, for the different units of device being interconnected for the valve, pipeline and other conduit elements (for example, conduit connection mechanism, pipeline, seal etc.) that the fluid of fluid flow is communicated between different elements (for example, heat exchanger, storage equipment, compressor etc.) can be arranged to meet specific equipment or device 1 layout design, and this layout design has considered the available area of ​​equipment, the equipment size of equipment and other design considerations.As another example, the flow rate, pressure and temperature of the fluid through various devices or system elements can change, to adapt to different design configurations and other design standards.

[0086] Embodiments of the apparatus for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer, the method for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer, and / or the system for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer can each be configured to include process control elements positioned and configured to monitor and control operations (e.g., temperature and pressure sensors, flow sensors, an automated process control system having at least one workstation including a processor, non-transitory 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 at the workstation and / or another computer device of the device, etc.). It should be understood that embodiments can also utilize a distributed control system (DCS) to implement one or more processes and / or control the operation of the apparatus 1.

[0087] 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. Thus, the elements and actions of the various embodiments described herein may be combined to provide additional embodiments. Thus, while certain exemplary embodiments of methods, devices, systems, and methods of making and using the same have been shown and described above, it should be clearly understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise variously implemented and practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer, comprising: at least one trailer positioned to receive the liquefied hydrogen and to store the liquefied hydrogen therein such that a portion of the liquid hydrogen vaporizes into hydrogen gas while the liquefied hydrogen is stored in the trailer; and The at least one trailer can be connected to a turbine, a pipeline, a fuel cell, a storage unit, a liquefaction unit and / or a compression system for feeding the hydrogen gas formed in the trailer storing the liquefied hydrogen to the liquefaction unit, the compression system, the fuel cell, the storage unit, the turbine and / or the pipeline.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a heat exchanger positioned between the liquefaction unit and the at least one trailer to cool the feed of hydrogen output from the compression system via the hydrogen output from the at least one trailer before the hydrogen output from the compression system is fed to the liquefaction unit, the hydrogen output from the at least one trailer fed to the heat exchanger being output from the heat exchanger as a warm hydrogen stream.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, comprising the turbine, wherein the heat exchanger is positioned so that the warm hydrogen gas stream output from the heat exchanger can be fed to the turbine.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the heat exchanger is positioned so that the warm hydrogen stream output from the heat exchanger can be injected into the conduit.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the pipeline is a natural gas pipeline, and the warm hydrogen stream output from the heat exchanger can be injected into the pipeline to reduce the carbon intensity of the fluid in the pipeline.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one trailer is connectable to the liquefaction unit for feeding the hydrogen gas formed in the trailer storing the liquefied hydrogen to the liquefaction unit.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one trailer is connectable to the compression system for feeding the hydrogen gas formed in the trailer storing the liquefied hydrogen to the compression system for being subjected to compression before being fed to the liquefaction unit.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the liquefaction unit comprises at least one liquefier.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the compression system comprises a first compressor.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the compression system is connected to the liquefaction unit such that a compressed fluid comprising hydrogen is fed to the liquefaction unit.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one trailer is connectable to the turbine, the pipeline, the fuel cell, the storage unit, the liquefaction unit and / or the compression system such that a first portion of the liquid hydrogen fed to the at least one trailer for storage therein, which is greater than 0% and less than 15%, is vaporized and subsequently fed to the liquefaction unit, the compression system, the fuel cell, the storage unit, the turbine and / or the pipeline as the hydrogen gas formed within the trailer storing the liquefied hydrogen, and a second portion of the liquid hydrogen fed to the at least one trailer, which is less than or equal to 85% and less than 100%, remains and is stored in the at least one trailer.

12. A method for utilizing hydrogen exported from at least one trailer, comprising: forming hydrogen gas from liquid hydrogen stored in at least one trailer; The hydrogen is fed from the at least one trailer to a pipeline, a storage unit, a fuel cell, a turbine, a liquefaction unit for subsequent liquefaction of the hydrogen and / or a compression system for compressing the hydrogen for subsequent liquefaction of the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system via a liquefaction unit connected to the compression system.

13. The method according to claim 12, comprising: feeding the hydrogen from the at least one trailer to a heat exchanger positioned between the compression system and the liquefaction unit to cool the feed of the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system via the hydrogen output from the at least one trailer before the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system is fed to the liquefaction unit, and The heat exchanger outputs the hydrogen received from the at least one trailer as a warm hydrogen stream for feeding the pipeline, the fuel cell, the storage unit, the turbine, or the compression system.

14. The method according to claim 13, comprising: The warm hydrogen stream output from the heat exchanger is fed to the turbine.

15. The method according to claim 13, comprising: The warm hydrogen stream output from the heat exchanger is fed to the pipeline.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the pipeline is a natural gas pipeline and the warm hydrogen stream output from the heat exchanger is injected into the pipeline to reduce the carbon intensity of the fluid in the pipeline.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein feeding the hydrogen from the at least one trailer to the pipeline, the fuel cell, the storage unit, the turbine, the liquefaction unit for subsequent liquefaction of the hydrogen and / or the compression system for compressing the hydrogen for subsequent liquefaction of the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system via the liquefaction unit connected to the compression system comprises: The hydrogen gas formed within the at least one trailer storing liquefied hydrogen is fed to the compression system for being subjected to compression before being fed to the liquefaction unit.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the compression system comprises a first compressor and at least one second compressor connected to the first compressor.

19. The method according to claim 12, wherein feeding the hydrogen from the at least one trailer to the pipeline, the fuel cell, the storage unit, the turbine, the liquefaction unit for subsequent liquefaction of the hydrogen and / or the compression system for compressing the hydrogen for subsequent liquefaction of the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system via the liquefaction unit connected to the compression system comprises: The hydrogen is fed from the at least one trailer to the liquefaction unit for liquefaction of the hydrogen.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the liquefaction unit comprises a first liquefier and at least one second liquefier, and the hydrogen from the at least one trailer is fed only to the first liquefier for liquefaction.

21. The method of claim 12, wherein the forming of the hydrogen gas from the liquid hydrogen stored in the at least one trailer occurs such that a first portion of the liquid hydrogen, greater than 0% and less than 15%, fed to the at least one trailer for storage therein, vaporizes and is subsequently fed to the liquefaction unit, the compression system, the fuel cell, the storage unit, the turbine, and / or the pipeline as the hydrogen gas formed in the trailer storing the liquefied hydrogen, and a second portion of the liquid hydrogen, less than or equal to 85% and less than 100%, fed to the at least one trailer remains and is stored in the at least one trailer.

22. The method of claim 12, wherein the feeding of the hydrogen from the at least one trailer is performed at night.

23. The method of claim 12, wherein said feeding said hydrogen from said at least one trailer is performed in response to determining that availability of renewable power for producing hydrogen is at or below a preselected threshold.

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