Offshore hydrogen production system

Abstract

The invention relates to an offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200), comprising a plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines (102, 202, 240), in each case comprising a wind turbine (106, 206) and a micro-electrolysis system (104, 204), at least one first central offshore treatment structure (108, 208), comprising at least one water treatment plant (110, 210) designed to treat water for hydrogen production, and at least one interconnected medium network (118, 218) arranged between the plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines (102, 202, 240) and the first central offshore treatment structure (108, 208). The interconnected medium network (118, 218) comprises at least one water supply network (120, 220) designed to supply the micro-electrolysis systems (104, 204) with the treated water.

Description

[0001] Offshore hydrogen production system

[0002] The application relates to an offshore hydrogen production system, a method for operating or controlling an offshore hydrogen production system and a use.

[0003] Hydrogen, especially hydrogen gas, is increasingly being used as an energy carrier these days. Hydrogen can be produced from water through electrolysis. Electrolysis involves the application of electrical energy or power to force a redox reaction, thereby generating hydrogen.

[0004] In order to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during hydrogen production, one goal is to increasingly use so-called renewable energy sources as the energy source(s) to supply the at least one electrolysis plant in the hydrogen production system. A renewable or regenerative energy source is defined in particular as an energy source that is practically inexhaustible and / or regenerates relatively quickly.

[0005] Among the most important renewable energies is wind energy, in which a wind turbine converts the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. Wind farms and wind energy systems are increasingly being built at offshore locations. Compared to onshore locations, wind conditions, particularly the (average) wind speeds and wind frequency, are better at offshore locations.

[0006] An offshore wind farm typically comprises a number of offshore wind turbines connected to at least one offshore substation (also called a "substation") via a power cable network, particularly a number of submarine cables. The offshore substation may, in turn, be connected to an onshore substation via another power cable network with at least one submarine cable (usually at least two submarine cables running in parallel). The generated electrical energy can be fed into a (public) distribution grid via the onshore substation.

[0007] It is known from the state of the art to construct a hydrogen production system near the coast, which is supplied with electrical energy by such an offshore wind farm. This allows the hydrogen production system to be (directly) electrically connected to the onshore substation.

[0008] However, this approach has several disadvantages: For example, there is usually a large distance between the offshore substation or the offshore wind farm site and the onshore substation, which must be bridged using the aforementioned submarine cables. However, submarine cables are significantly more expensive than hydrogen pipelines. Furthermore, the energy losses during electrical energy transmission are greater than when producing hydrogen. Finally, a hydrogen pipeline generally allows for significantly larger energy transmission volumes than a separate power cable network.

[0009] For these reasons, there are increasing considerations for establishing hydrogen production systems at an offshore location. Basically, two approaches are known from the state of the art for an offshore hydrogen production system. In the first, so-called central approach, the offshore hydrogen production system with all production facilities (e.g.

[0010] Electrolysis plant, water treatment plant, nitrogen plant, cooling water plant, hydrogen treatment plant, including a hydrogen drying plant, hydrogen compression plant, etc.) are installed on a central offshore platform. The central offshore platform is located adjacent to the offshore wind farm, in particular to the at least one offshore substation of the offshore wind farm. The hydrogen production system located on a central offshore platform can then be supplied with electrical energy by the adjacent offshore wind farm. This can at least reduce the disadvantages of an offshore wind farm and an onshore hydrogen production system.

[0011] As an alternative to the centralized approach, a so-called decentralized approach is known from the state of the art. In the decentralized approach, the offshore hydrogen production system is divided into numerous decentralized micro-hydrogen production systems, with each micro-hydrogen production system having all production facilities in the form of micro-production plants (e.g., micro-electrolysis plant, micro-water treatment plant, micro-nitrogen plant, micro-cooling water plant, micro-hydrogen treatment plant, such as a micro-hydrogen drying plant, and / or a micro-hydrogen compression plant, etc.). Each micro-hydrogen production system is installed in or on an offshore wind turbine.The advantage of the decentralized approach is that the existing installation space of an offshore wind turbine is used and the respective micro-hydrogen production system is supplied with electrical energy directly by the respective wind turbine.

[0012] Compared to the centralized approach, however, the decentralized approach entails increased maintenance effort. Regular maintenance of the respective micro-hydrogen production systems at each offshore wind turbine is required. Such maintenance requires landing at the respective offshore wind turbine. This requires numerous landing operations and thus a high level of effort. To make matters worse, loading operations are only possible under certain weather and / or sea conditions, which can significantly delay maintenance procedures. This, in turn, can lead to reduced yield. A further disadvantage is that each micro-hydrogen production system must meet stringent safety requirements, particularly with regard to explosion protection. The main reason for this is the risk of explosive atmospheres occurring.

[0013] Therefore, the application is based on the object of providing an offshore hydrogen production system in which the disadvantages of the prior art are at least reduced and, in particular, the maintenance effort of an offshore hydrogen production system can be reduced.

[0014] This object is achieved according to a first aspect of the application by an offshore hydrogen production system according to claim 1. The offshore hydrogen production system comprises a plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines. Each offshore hydrogen production wind turbine comprises a wind turbine and a micro-electrolysis plant. The offshore hydrogen production system comprises at least one first central offshore treatment structure. The first central offshore treatment structure comprises at least one water treatment plant. The water treatment plant is designed to treat water for hydrogen production. The offshore hydrogen production system comprises at least one between the plurality of offshore

[0015] Hydrogen production wind turbines and the first central offshore processing facility are interconnected. The interconnected network includes at least one water pipeline network. The water pipeline network is designed to supply the micro-electrolysis plants with treated water.

[0016] In contrast to the prior art, in an offshore hydrogen production system, the hydrogen production is carried out decentrally by means of respective micro-electrolysis systems of the respective offshore hydrogen production wind turbines and the water treatment for the decentralized hydrogen production is carried out centrally by means of a water treatment system arranged on a central offshore treatment structure, according to the application, the disadvantages of the prior art are at least reduced.

[0017] In particular, the maintenance effort for an offshore hydrogen production system is significantly reduced. According to the application, it has been recognized that a water treatment plant is particularly maintenance-intensive. For example, regular refilling of water treatment chemicals and / or membrane cleaning may be necessary. More frequent repairs may also be required. By locating the particularly maintenance-intensive water treatment plant centrally in the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, while hydrogen production is decentralized through respective micro-electrolysis plants, the advantages of the decentralized approach and the advantages of the centralized approach are combined.

[0018] An offshore hydrogen production system comprises a plurality of offshore structures located at an offshore location (e.g., at sea). Such an offshore structure (e.g., an offshore hydrogen production wind turbine, a central processing facility) can be a floating offshore structure or a non-floating offshore structure. The offshore hydrogen production system according to the application serves, in particular, to produce hydrogen.

[0019] According to the application, the offshore hydrogen production system comprises a plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines. An offshore hydrogen production wind turbine comprises a wind turbine. A wind turbine is configured to convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. A wind turbine may comprise, among other things, a rotor with rotor blades and a generator for the corresponding generation of electrical energy. In addition to the wind turbine, an offshore hydrogen production wind turbine according to the application comprises a micro-electrolysis system or electrolysis system module. In particular, an offshore hydrogen production wind turbine according to the application does not have any other (micro-)systems of the hydrogen production system, at least no water treatment system.

[0020] A micro-electrolysis plant is particularly designed to produce or manufacture hydrogen. A micro-electrolysis plant is, in particular, a device that operates with electrical energy. The electrical energy required by an offshore hydrogen production wind turbine is provided, in particular, by the wind turbine of the offshore hydrogen production wind turbine.

[0021] The micro-electrolysis system can comprise at least one electrolyzer or electrolyzer stack, for example, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. It is understood that in variants of the application, the at least one electrolyzer can alternatively or additionally be of a different type, such as a high-temperature electrolyzer or the like.

[0022] A micro-electrolysis system can be arranged on and / or in a tower of the offshore hydrogen production wind turbine. For example, at least one platform can be arranged on and / or in the tower of the offshore hydrogen production wind turbine to support the micro-electrolysis system.

[0023] According to the application, the offshore hydrogen production system comprises a first central offshore processing structure. In this case, a central offshore processing structure means, in particular, that the offshore processing structure provides at least one processing process required in or for a hydrogen production process for the majority of the decentralized micro-electrolysis plants. This makes it possible to dispense with a corresponding micro-processing plant in the decentralized offshore hydrogen production wind turbines. A central offshore processing structure is, in particular, an offshore structure with a processing plant. The first central offshore processing structure is, in particular, located remotely from the majority of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines.

[0024] According to the application, the first central offshore treatment structure comprises at least one water treatment plant. The water treatment plant is configured to treat the water so that it can be used in a micro-electrolysis plant for hydrogen production. In particular, the water treatment plant can treat seawater for electrolysis.

[0025] The water treatment plant can preferably be a seawater desalination plant with membrane-based pressure filtration. Such a seawater desalination plant can, in particular, perform reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, and / or electrodialysis (also called electrodeionization (EDI)) to treat the water, or treat the seawater accordingly. Such treatment can be used, particularly in an energy-efficient manner, to treat seawater that can be used for water electrolysis in a micro-electrolysis plant. The treated water can also be referred to as ultrapure water or "demine water."

[0026] According to the application, it has been recognized that the membranes used in water treatment, in particular, are very maintenance-intensive. By carrying out the water treatment centrally in the offshore hydrogen production system, the maintenance effort can be significantly reduced compared to the maintenance effort of a large number of decentralized micro-water treatment systems. The number of landing operations can be significantly reduced. In order to supply the decentralized micro-water treatment systems of the offshore hydrogen production system with the treated water, i.e., in particular, the ultrapure water, the hydrogen production system according to the application comprises a medium network with at least one water pipe network. A water pipe network can be formed from at least one pipe and / or at least one hose.

[0027] The interconnected medium network is arranged or laid at least between the majority of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines and the first central offshore treatment structure. This means, in particular, that at least the respective micro-electrolysis plants are connected or coupled to the water treatment plant of the first central offshore treatment structure via the interconnected medium network.

[0028] In one embodiment, at least two offshore

[0029] Hydrogen production wind turbines (and e.g. a maximum of 100) should be connected to the first central offshore processing structure, preferably between 5 and 30 offshore hydrogen production wind turbines.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, the first central offshore processing structure can comprise a wind turbine. In other words, the first central offshore processing structure can be a first central offshore processing and wind turbine. By having the first central offshore processing structure comprise at least the water treatment plant and a wind turbine, the water treatment plant can be supplied with electrical energy in a simple and reliable manner. In other variants of the application, alternatively or additionally, the first central offshore processing structure can be supplied with electrical energy from at least some of the offshore hydrogen production wind turbines (or from another offshore wind turbine or the like).In particular, the first central offshore processing structure (alternatively or in addition to the wind turbine) can comprise a substation, in particular in the form of at least one (electrical) transformer device. In such an embodiment, the substation can form a grid connection point to an onshore electrical grid, in particular with an onshore substation of the offshore hydrogen production system interposed.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, the first central offshore processing structure can comprise an inert gas generation plant. The inert gas generation plant can be configured to generate an inert gas. The medium network can comprise at least one inert gas pipeline network. The inert gas pipeline network can, in particular, be configured to supply the respective micro-electrolysis plants with the generated inert gas. In particular, at least the respective micro-electrolysis plants are connected or coupled to the inert gas generation plant of the first central offshore processing structure via the inert gas pipeline network. For example, the inert gas generation plant can comprise a gas storage facility, in particular in the form of a pressure accumulator, configured for the (intermediate) storage of the generated inert gas.

[0032] The inert gas generated and supplied via the inert gas pipeline network is used in a micro-electrolysis system, for example, to flush (all) gas-laden system components of the product gases hydrogen and oxygen. The instrument air or compressed air, which may be required, for example, for valve operation, can also be replaced with the generated inert gas. Preferably, a nitrogen generation system configured to generate nitrogen can be provided as the inert gas generation system. It is understood that, in variants of the application, other inert gas generation systems can also be provided alternatively or additionally. By generating inert gas centrally, maintenance costs can be reduced even further.

[0033] Furthermore, the first central offshore processing structure can include a hydrogen processing plant. In principle, a central hydrogen processing plant can further reduce maintenance requirements.

[0034] According to a particularly preferred (independently inventive) embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, the offshore hydrogen production system can comprise a second central offshore processing structure. The second central offshore processing structure (located remotely from the first central offshore processing structure) can comprise a hydrogen processing plant. The (central) hydrogen processing plant can be configured to process (produced) hydrogen. The medium network can comprise at least one hydrogen pipeline network. The hydrogen pipeline network can be configured to conduct the hydrogen produced by the micro-electrolysis systems of the offshore hydrogen production wind turbines to the hydrogen processing plant.In particular, the second central offshore processing structure can be combined and, in particular, coupled with the majority of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines independently of the first central offshore processing structure.

[0035] The medium network is arranged at least between the plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines and the second central offshore processing structure (and in particular, the first central offshore processing structure). This means, in particular, that at least the respective micro-electrolysis systems are connected or coupled to the hydrogen processing system of the second central offshore processing structure via the medium network. In particular, the hydrogen produced by the respective micro-electrolysis systems is transferred to the hydrogen processing system for processing. In particular, an offshore hydrogen production wind turbine according to the application has no further (micro) systems of the hydrogen production system, at least no hydrogen processing system (and in particular also no water processing system and / or inert gas generation system).

[0036] A micro-electrolysis system may include a pre-cooling module configured to cool the produced hydrogen (e.g., to 3°C). In particular, the cooling may include partially condensing and separating the condensed water. Such a pre-cooling module is not to be understood as a hydrogen processing system as described above.

[0037] Centralizing hydrogen processing on a central offshore processing structure further reduces maintenance requirements. Furthermore, it has been recognized that a separate second central offshore processing structure, which is spatially separated from both the first central offshore processing structure described above and the offshore hydrogen production wind turbines, can significantly reduce the safety requirements, particularly with regard to explosion protection, for the entire offshore hydrogen production system. For the other offshore structures, such as the offshore hydrogen production wind turbines, the first central offshore processing structure, etc., the safety standards regarding explosion protection do not have to be met. The effort and costs of constructing and operating an offshore hydrogen production system can be reduced.To enable centralized hydrogen processing, according to a preferred embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, the first hydrogen pipeline network (e.g., comprising at least one thermoplastic line or at least one thermoplastic composite pipe) can be configured to conduct pre-dried hydrogen, i.e., in particular, to conduct a hydrogen gas with a dew point below the minimum sea temperature. The produced hydrogen can be transferred to the central hydrogen processing plant via the first hydrogen pipeline network.

[0038] According to a further preferred embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, the hydrogen processing plant can comprise at least one hydrogen drying plant. The hydrogen drying plant can be configured to dry the resulting pre-dried hydrogen. For example, an adsorption drying plant (in particular a TSA (temperature swing adsorption) plant) can be provided as the hydrogen drying plant, configured to dry the wet hydrogen by means of a (suitable) adsorber, in particular silica spheres. The hydrogen drying plant can be configured to cool the wet hydrogen to a temperature of at least less than 5°C. It is understood that, in variants of the application, other hydrogen drying plants (e.g., a cold drying plant) can be used alternatively or additionally.

[0039] Preferably, according to a further embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, the hydrogen processing plant can additionally comprise at least one hydrogen compression plant. The hydrogen compression plant can be configured to compress the processed hydrogen, in particular the dried hydrogen. The hydrogen compression plant can comprise at least one hydrogen compressor. According to a further embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, the second central offshore processing structure can comprise a wind turbine. In other words, the second central offshore processing structure can be a second central offshore processing and wind turbine.By having the second central offshore processing structure comprise at least the hydrogen processing plant and a wind turbine, the hydrogen processing plant can be supplied with electrical energy in a simple and reliable manner.

[0040] In other variants of the application, the second central offshore processing structure can alternatively or additionally be supplied with electrical energy from at least some of the offshore hydrogen production wind turbines (or by another offshore wind turbine or the like). In particular, the second central offshore processing structure (alternatively or in addition to the wind turbine) can comprise a substation, in particular in the form of at least one (electrical) transformer device. In particular, in such an embodiment, the substation can form a grid connection point to an onshore electrical grid, in particular with the interposition of an onshore substation of the offshore hydrogen production system.

[0041] According to a further embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, the offshore hydrogen production system can comprise at least a second central offshore

[0042] Processing structure and a hydrogen target structure. The second hydrogen pipeline network (with at least one hydrogen pipeline, in particular made of steel (e.g., carbon steel)) can be configured to conduct or transport the processed hydrogen, in particular the compressed (and dried) hydrogen, from the hydrogen processing plant to the hydrogen target structure. The hydrogen target structure can be an offshore structure and / or an onshore structure. The at least one hydrogen target structure can be a chemical processing plant, a (public) gas network, a hydrogen storage facility, a ship terminal, and / or the like.

[0043] Furthermore, according to a further embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, the medium interconnected network can comprise at least one first electrical power cable network arranged between the plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines and the first central offshore processing structure. The at least one first electrical power cable network (with at least one power cable) is particularly configured to exchange electrical energy between the offshore hydrogen production wind turbines and / or between the offshore hydrogen production wind turbines and the first central offshore processing structure (and / or the second central offshore processing structure). In particular, this allows electrical energy to be exchanged between the aforementioned structures (particularly depending on the energy requirements of the respective system(s) of these structures).

[0044] Furthermore, (surplus) electrical energy can preferably be fed into a distribution grid via an offshore substation. In particular, a second electrical power cable network can be arranged between a (described) offshore substation and a (described) onshore substation, in particular for exchanging electrical energy between the offshore hydrogen production system and a (public) distribution grid. Surplus electrical energy refers in particular to the electrical energy that is not (currently) required by an electrically operated system of the offshore hydrogen production system.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the medium interconnection network can comprise at least one data cable network arranged between the plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines and the first central offshore processing structure. The data cable network is configured, in particular, for exchanging data, such as sensor data, control data, etc. Preferably, the data cable network can be integrated into the first electrical power cable network. For example, an electrical power cable network can comprise at least one power cable with at least one (e.g., three) phase conductors for transmitting electrical power and with a fiber optic cable for transmitting data.

[0046] According to a further embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, the medium-voltage interconnected network can comprise at least one low-voltage electrical cable network and one medium-voltage or high-voltage electrical network. In other words, two separate first electrical power cable networks can preferably be provided in the form of a low-voltage cable network (e.g., 400 V cable) and a medium-voltage network (e.g., 66 kV cable) or high-voltage network.

[0047] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, the offshore hydrogen production system can comprise at least a first string with at least two first offshore hydrogen production wind turbines and a second string with at least two second offshore hydrogen production wind turbines. Preferably, three or more strings can be provided. For example, a string can comprise between 1 and 20 offshore hydrogen production wind turbines, preferably between 2 and 20 offshore hydrogen production wind turbines.

[0048] A first end of a first medium interconnected network line of the medium interconnected network of the first line can be connected to the first central offshore treatment structure. A first end of a second medium interconnected network line of the medium interconnected network of the second line can be connected to the first central offshore treatment structure. The further end of the first medium interconnected network line can be connectable to the further end of the second medium interconnected network line. In particular (in a normal operating mode), the treated water can be conveyed or pumped via the first medium interconnected network line to the first offshore hydrogen production wind turbines and conveyed or pumped via the second medium interconnected network line to the second offshore hydrogen production wind turbines. The same applies in particular to any other networks of the medium interconnected network that may be present.

[0049] If a second central offshore processing structure is provided, it can be provided, for example, that a medium interconnection network string comprises two first ends, wherein one of the first ends is connected to the first central offshore processing structure and the further first end is connected to the second central offshore processing structure.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, a medium interconnected network can be formed from two sub-networks. A first sub-network can comprise at least the water pipeline network and optionally, for example, an inert gas pipeline network and / or a first energy cable network and / or a data cable network. A further sub-network can comprise at least the first hydrogen pipeline network and optionally, for example, a (further) first energy cable network and / or a (further) data cable network. The first sub-network can be arranged between the first central processing structure and the first or second offshore hydrogen production wind turbines, and the further sub-network can be arranged between the second central processing structure and the first or second offshore hydrogen production wind turbines.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, the water supply network can comprise a plurality of adjustable valves (and in particular arranged distributed within the water supply network). A valve can be controlled, in particular, by a controller of the offshore hydrogen production system. The plurality of adjustable valves can be configured such that (if required) a fluid connection can be established from the water treatment plant via the first medium interconnection network line, via the further end of the first medium interconnection network line, and via the further end of the second medium interconnection network line (as well as the second medium interconnection network line) to a micro-electrolysis system of a second offshore hydrogen production wind turbine of the second line.

[0052] For example, a fault may occur in the water supply network in the second medium interconnection network, preventing the delivery of treated water to the at least one second micro-electrolysis plant located downstream of the fault in the water supply network (from the perspective of the first central offshore treatment structure). Preferably, in this case (and in similar cases), the valves of the second medium interconnection network and the first medium interconnection network can be adjusted so that treated water is directed via the first medium interconnection network, via the further end of the first medium interconnection network, and via the further end of the second medium interconnection network to the at least one second micro-electrolysis plant. Even in the event of a fault, a reliable supply of the decentralized micro-electrolysis plants from a first central offshore treatment structure can be ensured.

[0053] In particular, at least one valve can be arranged in the water pipe network in the region of the further end of the first medium interconnection network line and / or in the region of the further end of the second medium interconnection network line. In normal operating mode (i.e., in particular in the fault-free and / or maintenance-free operating state of the offshore hydrogen production system), the at least one valve can shut off or block a fluid connection in the water pipe network between the first medium interconnection network line and the second medium interconnection network line. In a fault and / or maintenance operating mode, the said valve can be (controlled and) adjusted in such a way that a fluid connection is established in the water pipe network between the first medium interconnection network line and the second medium interconnection network line.

[0054] Alternatively, the valves mentioned may not be present and the connection between the lines may be open at all times.

[0055] Preferably, the inert gas pipeline network can comprise a plurality of adjustable valves (and in particular arranged distributed within the inert gas pipeline network), which are in particular configured (and in particular controllable) such that (if required) a fluid connection can be established from the water treatment plant via the first medium interconnection network line, via the further end of the first medium interconnection network line, and via the further end of the second medium interconnection network line to a micro-electrolysis system of a second offshore hydrogen production wind turbine of the second line. In particular, the previous statements regarding the water pipeline network can be transferred to the inert gas pipeline network or the inert gas generation plant.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the first hydrogen pipeline network can comprise a plurality of adjustable valves (and in particular arranged distributed within the first hydrogen pipeline network), which are in particular configured (and in particular controllable) such that (if required) a fluid connection can be established from a micro-electrolysis system of a second offshore hydrogen production wind turbine via the second medium interconnection network line, via the further end of the second medium interconnection network line, via the further end of the first medium interconnection network line, and via the first medium interconnection network line to the second central offshore processing structure. In particular, the previous statements regarding the water pipeline network can be transferred to the hydrogen pipeline network.Alternatively or additionally, the first energy cable network can comprise a plurality of adjustable (and in particular distributed in the first energy cable network) switching devices, which are in particular configured (and in particular controllable) such that (if required) an electrical connection can be established from a wind turbine of a second offshore hydrogen production wind turbine via the second medium interconnected network line, via the further end of the second medium interconnected network line, via the further end of the first medium interconnected network line and via the first medium interconnected network line to a first offshore hydrogen production wind turbine and / or to the first central offshore processing structure and / or to the second central offshore processing structure.

[0057] A fluid line of a fluid pipeline network (e.g. water pipeline network, hydrogen pipeline network, inert gas pipeline network) can preferably be led up and down each offshore structure (e.g. first and / or second central offshore processing structure, offshore hydrogen production wind turbine) or can be connected via an underwater connection.

[0058] As already described, a medium-to-medium network can be composed of a number of subnetworks. Alternatively or additionally, the lines / cables of the various networks within a medium-to-medium network can be laid independently of one another.

[0059] According to a further embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, the medium interconnected network can comprise at least one medium interconnected network line with an outer sheath. The outer sheath of the medium interconnected network line can enclose at least one water line of the water supply network and at least one further line. The at least one further line can be selected from the group comprising: a data line of a data cable network, a power line of a power cable network, such as a low-voltage cable and / or a medium-voltage cable or high-voltage cable, an inert gas line of an inert gas supply network, and a hydrogen line of a first hydrogen supply network.

[0060] Preferably, all of the aforementioned lines (except for the hydrogen lines of the first hydrogen pipeline network) can be integrated into a common medium network line and enclosed by a common outer jacket. This reduces the effort involved in implementing and maintaining the aforementioned networks of the medium network. The first hydrogen pipeline network can preferably be laid separately.

[0061] According to a further embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system, the water treatment plant can be formed from at least two (preferably at least three) micro-water treatment plants. At least one of the at least two micro-water treatment plants can be provided as a reserve micro-water treatment plant. In other words, the water treatment plant can be formed from a plurality of (interconnectable) water treatment modules in the form of micro-water treatment plants. The micro-water treatment plants can be designed such that one of the at least two micro-water treatment plants can treat sufficient water for all connected micro-electrolysis plants. Preferably, at least one reserve micro-water treatment plant is provided.In particular, it has been recognized that in the event of a failure of a micro-water treatment plant due to its offshore location, a long period of time may pass before the failed micro-water treatment plant can be repaired and / or replaced with a new micro-water treatment plant. By providing a backup micro-water treatment plant, the operation of the offshore hydrogen production system can be fully maintained even in the event of a failure of a micro-water treatment plant. Particularly preferably, the water treatment plant can be formed from four micro-water treatment plants, with two of the four micro-water treatment plants being provided as backup micro-water treatment plants. In other words, a redundancy of at least 3 x 50%, preferably 4 x 50%, can be provided.

[0062] According to a further embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system, the hydrogen processing plant can be formed from at least two (preferably at least three) micro-hydrogen processing plants. One of the at least two micro-hydrogen processing plants can be provided as a reserve micro-hydrogen processing plant. In other words, the hydrogen processing plant can be formed from a plurality of (interconnectable) hydrogen processing modules in the form of micro-hydrogen processing plants. The micro-hydrogen processing plants can be designed such that one of the at least two micro-hydrogen processing plants is sufficient for all connected micro-electrolysis plants, i.e., in particular, has sufficient capacity to process the hydrogen produced by these micro-electrolysis plants. Preferably, at least one reserve micro-hydrogen processing plant is provided.In particular, it has been recognized that in the event of a micro-hydrogen processing plant failure due to its offshore location, a long period of time can pass before the failed micro-hydrogen processing plant can be repaired and / or replaced with a new micro-hydrogen processing plant. By providing a backup micro-hydrogen processing plant, the operation of the offshore hydrogen production system can be fully maintained even in the event of a micro-hydrogen processing plant failure.

[0063] Particularly preferably, the hydrogen processing plant can be formed from four micro-hydrogen processing plants, with two of the four micro-hydrogen processing plants being provided as reserve micro-hydrogen processing plants. In other words, a redundancy of at least 3 x 50%, preferably 4 x 50%, can be provided.

[0064] According to a further embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system, the inert gas processing plant can be formed from at least two (preferably at least three) micro inert gas processing plants, wherein one of the at least two micro inert gas processing plants can be provided as a reserve micro inert gas processing plant. In particular, the inert gas processing plant can be formed from three micro inert gas processing plants. One of the at least two micro inert gas processing plants can be provided as a reserve micro inert gas processing plant. In other words, the inert gas processing plant can be formed from a plurality of (interconnectable) inert gas processing modules in the form of micro inert gas processing plants.The micro inert gas processing systems can be designed such that one of the at least two micro inert gas processing systems can process sufficient water for all connected micro electrolysis systems. Preferably, at least one backup micro inert gas processing system is provided. In particular, it has been recognized that in the event of a failure of a micro inert gas processing system, due to the offshore location, a long period of time may pass before the failed micro inert gas processing system can be repaired and / or replaced with a new micro inert gas processing system. By providing a backup micro inert gas processing system, the operation of the offshore hydrogen production system can be fully maintained even in the event of a failure of a micro inert gas processing system.

[0065] Particularly preferably, the inert gas processing plant can be formed from four micro inert gas processing plants, with two of the four micro inert gas processing plants being provided as reserve micro inert gas processing plants. In other words, a redundancy of at least 3 x 50%, preferably 4 x 50%, can be provided.

[0066] According to a further preferred embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, a plurality of first line sections of a corresponding plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines can be connected to the second line section via a respective valve arrangement (arranged below the water surface). At least one valve of the valve arrangement can be connected to a (described) inert gas line network such that the at least one valve is adjustable between a closed state and an open state based on an inert gas pressure applied to the at least one valve.

[0067] According to a further embodiment of the offshore hydrogen production system according to the application, a micro-hydrogen treatment plant and / or a micro-water treatment plant can have the dimensions of a 20-foot container, in particular, can be integrated into a 20-foot container. Such a container can be arranged on an offshore structure in a space-saving and simple manner. Furthermore, such a container can be easily transported.

[0068] It should be noted that an offshore hydrogen production wind turbine can be equipped with double isolation and venting (for safe work on the turbine) and / or a valve station (manifold) can be located at the second central processing structure. Furthermore, each offshore hydrogen production wind turbine can be equipped with non-redundant (MV) and LV transformer(s), switchgear(s), cable(s), and power line(s).

[0069] In addition, mitigating the risk of production downtime for an entire string can be achieved through nl-safety for medium lines and / or electrical cables. For example, a star-shaped design with loops connecting the ends of the strings can be provided, as described. Dedicated power lines can also be provided from each offshore hydrogen production wind turbine to a central processing plant.

[0070] A further aspect of the application is a method for operating (or controlling) an offshore hydrogen production system, in particular an offshore hydrogen production system as described above. The method comprises:

[0071] Treating, by a water treatment plant of a first central offshore treatment structure of the offshore hydrogen production system, water (in particular seawater) for hydrogen production, supplying the treated water via a medium network comprising at least one water pipe network to a plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines, each comprising a micro-electrolysis plant and a wind turbine, and

[0072] Produce, through the respective micro-electrolysis plant, hydrogen, at least based on the treated water and the electrical energy generated by the respective wind turbine.

[0073] The procedure is used to operate or control an offshore

[0074] Hydrogen production system, in particular the offshore hydrogen production system described above.

[0075] A further aspect of the application is a computer program comprising program instructions that cause a processor to execute and / or control the method described above when the computer program is executed by the processor.

[0076] Yet another aspect of the application is a data processing device configured to control the method described above or comprising respective means for controlling the steps of the method described above. The means of the disclosed data processing device can comprise hardware and / or software components. The means can, for example, comprise at least one memory with program instructions of a computer program (e.g., the computer program according to the invention) and at least one processor configured to execute program instructions from the at least one memory.Accordingly, according to the application, at least one data processing device is to be understood as being disclosed, which comprises at least one processor and at least one memory with program instructions, wherein the at least one memory and the program instructions are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the data processing device to control the method according to the application.

[0077] The data processing device according to the application is in particular part of a (central) control system of the offshore hydrogen production system.

[0078] Yet another aspect of the application is a use of a first central offshore treatment structure, comprising at least one water treatment plant, connected via a medium network to a plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines (of a previously described offshore hydrogen production system), each comprising a micro-electrolysis plant and a wind turbine, for supplying the respective micro-electrolysis plants of the plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines with treated water via a water pipe network of the medium network.

[0079] A previously described module, arrangement, device, etc. may at least partially comprise hardware elements (e.g., processor, memory means, etc.) and / or at least partially comprise software elements (e.g., executable code). It should also be noted that terms such as "first," "second," "further," etc., do not indicate a sequence, but rather serve, in particular, to distinguish between two elements (e.g., processing structure, train, etc.). The features of the offshore hydrogen production systems, methods, and uses may be freely combined with one another. In particular, features of the description and / or the dependent claims may be independently inventive, even if they completely or partially circumvent features of the independent claims, either alone or freely combined with one another.

[0080] There are now numerous possibilities for designing and further developing the offshore hydrogen production system, the process, and the use according to the application. Reference is made, on the one hand, to the patent claims subordinate to the independent patent claims and, on the other hand, to the description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0081] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an offshore hydrogen production system according to the present application,

[0082] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an offshore hydrogen production system according to the present application, and

[0083] Fig. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present application.

[0084] In the following, similar reference numerals are used for similar elements.

[0085] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an offshore hydrogen production system 100 according to the present application. The offshore hydrogen production system 100 comprises a plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 102 and a first central offshore processing structure 108 for the decentralized offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 102. For the sake of clarity, only two offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 102 are shown here. An offshore hydrogen production system 100 can preferably comprise between 5 and 30 offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 102.

[0086] Furthermore, each offshore hydrogen production wind turbine 102 can preferably be formed substantially identically. In particular, each offshore hydrogen production wind turbine 102 according to the application comprises a wind turbine 106 and a micro-electrolysis system 104 or a micro-electrolysis module.

[0087] A wind turbine 106 may include a tower, a nacelle, a rotor, rotor blades, a generator, etc. A wind turbine 106 is particularly configured to generate electrical energy by converting the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. The electrical energy generated by a respective wind turbine 106 is, in particular, made available to the respective micro-electrolysis system 104.

[0088] As can be seen, a respective micro-electrolysis system 104 can be arranged on a respective platform 126 of a respective offshore hydrogen production wind turbine 102. A micro-electrolysis system 104 (e.g., a PEM electrolyzer with multiple stacks) is configured to produce or generate hydrogen.

[0089] In particular, the respective offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 102 do not have any processing facilities implemented on the first central offshore processing structure 108.

[0090] The first central offshore treatment structure 108 comprises a (central) water treatment plant 110. By way of example, the water treatment plant 110 is arranged on a platform 128 of the first central offshore treatment structure 108. The water treatment plant 110 is configured to treat water for hydrogen production by the micro-electrolysis plants 104 of the offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 102. In particular, the water treatment plant 110 can be configured to extract seawater from the sea 130. The extracted seawater can be treated in the water treatment plant 110 (e.g., a seawater desalination plant with membrane-based pressure filtration) and, in particular, subjected to reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and / or electrodialysis. The water treated or treated in this way is, in particular, made available to all micro-electrolysis plants 104 for hydrogen production.

[0091] Preferably, as shown in Figure 1, the water treatment system 110 can be formed from at least three micro water treatment systems 112 or three water treatment modules. The capacity of the at least three micro water treatment systems 112 can be designed such that two of the three micro water treatment systems 112 already have sufficient capacity to supply all micro electrolysis systems 104 with (sufficient) treated water. In particular, at least one reserve micro water treatment system 112 can be arranged, which can (fully) compensate for the failure of another micro water treatment system 112. In particular, a micro water treatment system 112 can be integrated into a 20-foot container.

[0092] In addition, the offshore hydrogen production system 100 comprises a medium interconnection network 118. The medium interconnection network 118 comprises at least one water pipe network 120, for example, formed by at least one water pipe in the form of a tube, a hose, or the like. As can be seen from Figure 1, the medium interconnection network 118 is laid at least between the offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 102 and the first central processing structure 108. In other words, the offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 102 are connected at least to the first central processing structure 108 via the medium interconnection network 118.

[0093] The treated water is conveyed or pumped from the water treatment plant 110 via the water supply network 120 to the respective micro-electrolysis plants 104. The treated water can be conveyed, for example, under pressure.

[0094] Optionally and preferably, the first central processing structure 108 can have a (central) inert gas generation system 114. For example, the inert gas generation system 114 can generate nitrogen as the inert gas. The inert gas generation system 114 can be arranged on the platform 128. Preferably, the inert gas generation system 114 can be integrated into a 20-foot container. In variants of the application, at least two micro inert gas generation systems can also be provided here for redundancy reasons, with at least one reserve micro inert gas generation system.

[0095] The medium network 118 can optionally comprise an inert gas line network 122, for example, formed by at least one inert gas line in the form of a pipe, a hose, or the like. In this case, the generated inert gas is conveyed or transported from the inert gas generation system 114 via the inert gas line network 122 to the respective micro-electrolysis systems 104. The generated inert gas can be conveyed, for example, under pressure.

[0096] Optionally and preferably, the medium interconnected network 118 can comprise an electrical power cable network 132 arranged at least between the plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 102 and the first central offshore processing structure 108. In particular, the power cable network 132 can be a medium-voltage network, for example, formed from at least one medium-voltage cable. Electrical energy can preferably be exchanged bidirectionally via the electrical power cable network 132. In the present case, the electrical power cable network 132 preferably makes it possible to dispense with a separate energy supply in the form of another wind turbine on the first central processing structure 108. In particular, the electrical systems 110, 114 of the first central processing structure 108 can be supplied with electrical energy by the wind turbines 106.

[0097] Optionally, the first central processing structure 108 can comprise a substation 116, in particular in the form of at least one (electrical) transformer device. In particular, the substation 116 can form a grid connection point to an onshore electrical grid (not shown), in particular with the interposition of an onshore substation (not shown) of the offshore hydrogen production system 100. A second electrical power cable network 124 can be configured to exchange electrical energy with the onshore electrical grid. For example, excess electrical energy can be fed into the onshore electrical grid or electrical energy can be drawn from the onshore electrical grid (for example, to start or power up the wind turbines 106).

[0098] In variants of the application, a corresponding grid connection can also be dispensed with for an offshore hydrogen production system 100 (particularly if the wind turbines 106 or the entire offshore hydrogen production system are designed to be capable of black start).

[0099] In further variants of the application, the first central offshore processing structure can have at least one further processing plant, such as a hydrogen processing plant. In this exemplary embodiment, this can also be installed decentrally as a respective micro-hydrogen processing plant on the offshore hydrogen production wind turbines. Produced hydrogen can, for example, be fed into corresponding transport ships and / or pipelines (e.g., made of steel) towards the coast. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a further exemplary embodiment of an offshore hydrogen production system 200 according to the present application. To avoid repetition, essentially only the differences from the previous exemplary embodiment are described below, and otherwise reference is made to the explanations for Figure 1.

[0100] The offshore hydrogen production system 200 includes a plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 202, 240, a first central offshore processing structure 208, and a second central offshore processing structure 242.

[0101] In the present exemplary embodiment, the first central offshore processing structure 208 comprises, in addition to the water treatment plant 210, the inert gas generation plant 214, and the transformer station 216 (which may alternatively or additionally be arranged on the second central processing structure 242), a (central) controller 274 and a wind turbine 206. The controller 274, in particular in the form of a data processing device, is particularly configured to control the offshore hydrogen production system 200, for example, to control the method according to Figure 3. The wind turbine 206 of the first central offshore processing structure 208 serves, in particular, to supply electrical energy to the electrical systems 210, 214, 274 of the first central offshore processing structure 208.

[0102] Preferably, the first central offshore processing structure 208 comprises only facilities 210, 214, and 274 where no explosive atmospheres can arise. Accordingly, such an offshore processing structure 208 is not required to meet the high safety standards regarding explosion protection.

[0103] In the preferred embodiment shown, the offshore hydrogen production system 200 comprises a second central offshore processing structure 242 with systems 244 where explosive atmospheres may arise. The second central offshore processing structure 242 may comprise a hydrogen processing plant 244 configured to process the (pre-dried) hydrogen produced by the micro-electrolysis plants. For example, the produced hydrogen can be cooled to approximately 3 to 5°C using a pre-cooling module (or a corresponding refrigeration machine) (not shown). Essentially no additional water condenses on its way through the hydrogen pipeline network to the central processing plant (therefore, no risk of water hammer).In particular, a hydrogen processing plant 244 may comprise a hydrogen drying plant 276 (TSA), configured to dry the obtained (pre-dried) hydrogen, in particular to -40°C. Furthermore, the hydrogen processing plant 244 may comprise a hydrogen compression plant 278, configured to compress the processed hydrogen, in particular the hydrogen dried by the hydrogen drying plant 276.

[0104] Preferably, as shown in Figure 2, the hydrogen processing system 244 can be formed from at least three micro-water processing systems 246 or three water processing modules. The capacity of the at least three micro-hydrogen processing systems 246 can be designed such that two of the three micro-hydrogen processing systems 246 have sufficient capacity to process the hydrogen produced by all micro-electrolysis systems 204. In particular, at least one reserve micro-hydrogen processing system 246 can be arranged, which (fully) compensates for the failure of another micro-hydrogen processing system 246 in the event of this failure. Preferably, a micro-hydrogen processing system 246 can be integrated into a 20-foot container.

[0105] In addition, the offshore hydrogen production system 200 comprises a medium interconnection network 218 which connects or couples the offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 202, 240 to the first central offshore processing structure 208 and the second central offshore processing structure 242.

[0106] Preferably, the offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 202, 240 are organized or arranged in a plurality of strings 248, 250. By way of example and in particular for better clarity, (only) a first string 248 and a second string 250 are shown here. The first string 248 comprises two first offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 202, and the second string 250 comprises two second offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 240. In other variants of the application, a string can also comprise more or fewer offshore hydrogen production wind turbines.

[0107] The first line 248 comprises a first medium interconnection network line 252 of the medium interconnection network 218, which connects at least the first offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 202 to the first central processing structure 208. The second line 250 comprises a second medium interconnection network line 258 of the medium interconnection network 218, which connects at least the second offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 240 to the first central processing structure 208.

[0108] In the present case, by way of example, the second processing structure 242 is connected to the second medium interconnected network line 252 and connected to the first offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 202 via a connection 286 between the first end 254 of the first medium interconnected network line 252 and the first end 260 of the second medium interconnected network line 258. In variants of the application, the second and / or the first central processing structure can be connected differently. For example, the medium interconnected network can be divided into sub-networks. The second central processing structure can be directly connected only to the first central processing structure via a further sub-network. In other words, the second central processing structure can be connected to the at least two lines via the first central processing structure.Alternatively, a respective medium interconnection network strand may comprise two first ends, wherein a first end is connected to the first central processing structure and a further first end is connected to the second central processing structure.

[0109] As can be seen, a first end 254 of the first medium interconnection network strand 252 and a first end 260 of the second medium interconnection network strand 258 can each be connected to the first central processing structure 208, while the respective further ends 256, 262 can be connectable to one another (and in particular form a loop).

[0110] In this case, the medium network 218 comprises, in addition to the water pipe network 220, an inert gas pipe network 222, a first electrical power cable network 232 in the form of a medium-voltage electrical network, a further first electrical power cable network 266 in the form of a low-voltage electrical cable network, a hydrogen pipe network 268, and a data cable network 270. In particular, sensor data, status data, control data, etc. can be transmitted via the data cable network 270, for example between the controller 274 and valves (not shown) and / or sensors (not shown) of the individual systems 204, 206, 210, 214, 244 and / or local controllers (not shown) of the individual systems 204, 206, 210, 214, 244. Detection, prediction, communication, and comprehensive control for production management can be provided in this way.

[0111] The produced wet hydrogen can be transported from the respective micro-electrolysis plants 204 to the hydrogen processing plant 244 via the hydrogen pipeline network 268.

[0112] For example, all lines of the aforementioned networks 220, 222, 232, 266, 268, 270 can be arranged at least partially in a common medium network line 264 with a (common) outer jacket 290. In a preferred variant of the application (not shown), at least the hydrogen line network 268 or the corresponding lines can not be integrated into the medium network line.

[0113] In normal operating mode, a medium flow of the various media (e.g., treated water, wet hydrogen, electrical energy, data, etc.) via the other ends 256, 262 can be blocked, for example by corresponding valves, switching devices, etc. If necessary, a corresponding medium flow can be enabled, for example by the controller 274. Alternatively, the valves can also be absent and the connection between the strands can be open at all times.

[0114] For example, a medium interconnection network fault can occur in region 288. Then, valves, switching devices, etc. of the medium interconnection network 218 can be adjusted such that a respective medium flow, preferably of all media, between the two first offshore hydrogen production wind turbines 202 (located directly adjacent to the fault) is blocked (if only one network 220, 222, 232, 266, 268, 270 is affected by the fault, only this one medium flow can be blocked). Furthermore, in the region of the further ends 256, 262 of the medium interconnection network 218, the valves, switching devices, etc. of the medium interconnection network 218 can be adjusted such that a respective medium flow, preferably of all media, between the two further ends 256, 262 is enabled.For example, the water supply network 220 may include a plurality of adjustable valves, so that a fluid connection is established from the water treatment plant 210 via the second interconnected medium network line 258, via the further end 262 of the second interconnected medium network line 258, and via the further end 256 of the first interconnected medium network line 252 to a micro-electrolysis system 204 of the first offshore hydrogen production wind turbine 202 of the first line 248. A similar procedure can be followed for the further networks 222, 232, 266, 268, 270.

[0115] As previously described, electrical energy may be exchanged via a second electrical power cable network 224 with an electrical distribution network 284 via an onshore substation 282 of the offshore hydrogen production system 200.

[0116] Furthermore, the offshore hydrogen production system 200 may comprise at least a second hydrogen pipeline network 272 arranged between the second central offshore processing structure 242 and a hydrogen target structure 280 (for example, an onshore target structure), configured to conduct the processed hydrogen, in particular the compressed hydrogen, from the hydrogen processing plant 244 to the hydrogen target structure 280.

[0117] Figure 3 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present application. In particular, the method can be used for operating, in particular controlling, an offshore hydrogen production system as shown in Figure 1 and / or Figure 2.

[0118] In a first step 301, a (previously described) treatment of water, in particular seawater, for hydrogen production takes place by a water treatment plant of a first central offshore treatment structure of the offshore hydrogen production system.

[0119] In a step 303, the treated water is (previously described) conveyed via a medium network, comprising at least one water pipe network, to a plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines, each comprising a micro-electrolysis plant and a wind turbine.

[0120] In a step 305, hydrogen is produced (as described above) by the respective micro-electrolysis plant, at least based on the treated water and the electrical energy generated by the respective wind turbine. In a step 307, the produced (pre-dried) hydrogen can be conveyed from the micro-electrolysis plants via the interconnected medium network, comprising a hydrogen pipeline network, to a hydrogen processing plant, which can be arranged, in particular, on a second central processing structure of the offshore hydrogen production system.

[0121] In a step 309, the hydrogen obtained can be processed (as described above) by the hydrogen processing plant.

[0122] In a step 311, the processed hydrogen can be passed from the hydrogen processing plant via a second hydrogen pipeline network to a hydrogen target structure.

[0123] It is understood that the aforementioned steps 301 to 311 can be carried out essentially in parallel and in particular continuously.

[0124] Particularly in larger offshore hydrogen production systems, it is advantageous to centralise the production of ultrapure water and inert gas on the one hand and the hydrogen processing on the other hand in two spatially separated units (in particular the first and second central processing structures), as described, with one of these units being an Ex zone and the other a non-Ex zone with better safety and accessibility.

[0125] Instrument air or compressed air, which may be required, for example, for valve operation, can be replaced by nitrogen and routed in common pipes or a medium network, as described.

[0126] At least one, ideally both units (in particular the first and second central processing structures) are installed together with a wind turbine that produces electricity and / or hydrogen, as described. A further improvement of this application provides, in particular, a previously described closed loop and a bypass for hydrogen flow lines and auxiliary media, as described.

[0127] Ideally (as described), the medium lines can be bundled together with the electrical cables and the data cable, e.g., using suitable clamps and spacers. The bundle can optionally be protected by a relatively simple and inexpensive outer conduit or a suitable outer jacket (e.g., made of PE). Alternatively, a composite flowline or medium network line can be used, similar to umbilicals in the oil and gas industry. The first hydrogen network, with its higher design pressure and potential for movement and hydrogen leakage, can preferably be laid separately.

[0128] A hydrogen pipeline and / or cable can run from the seabed to the respective micro-electrolysis plant. On the platform, valves / switching devices connect these pipes and / or cables to the electrolyzer system or micro-electrolysis plants. In addition, another hydrogen pipeline and / or cable can be connected, leading to the nearest offshore hydrogen production wind turbine.

[0129] The media pipe and cable bundle to a neighboring wind turbine or platform can be isolated with valves on the platform so that this bundle can be replaced in case of damage while all electrolyzers are in operation (loop concept).

[0130] In summary, individual embodiments of the present application have the following advantages in particular: Reduced total number of parts and individual failure points; Savings in particular on each offshore hydrogen production wind turbine of the following plants:

[0131] 1) Ultrapure water production unit (pre-purification, desalination, etc.)

[0132] 2) Inert gas generators

[0133] 3) Instrument air generators

[0134] 4) H2 conditioning (especially only in conjunction with flow lines that can tolerate a "wet" hydrogen flow).

[0135] Increased overall availability due to:

[0136] 1) fewer locations that must be accessed in the event of a failure of the first and second central processing structures

[0137] 2) Loop concept for redundancy in case of failures of the H2 supply lines or the multi-utility supply lines.

[0138] Fewer steel structures required on the platform to support electrolysis-related equipment at each offshore hydrogen production wind turbine.

[0139] Avoiding environmental impacts:

[0140] 1) central use / discharge of chemicals (biocides) instead of at several offshore hydrogen production wind turbines

[0141] 2) central extraction of the brine instead of several offshore hydrogen production wind turbines.

[0142] List of reference symbols:

[0143] 100 hydrogen production systems

[0144] 102 Offshore hydrogen production wind turbines

[0145] 104 Micro-electrolysis plant

[0146] 106 wind turbines

[0147] 108 first central processing structure

[0148] 110 Water treatment plant

[0149] 112 Micro water treatment plant

[0150] 114 inert gas generation system

[0151] 116 substation

[0152] 118 Medium interconnected network

[0153] 120 water supply network

[0154] 122 Inert gas pipeline network

[0155] 124 second energy cable network

[0156] 126 Platform

[0157] 128 Platform

[0158] 130 Sea

[0159] 132 first energy cable network

[0160] 200 hydrogen production system

[0161] 202 first offshore hydrogen production wind turbine

[0162] 204 Micro-electrolysis plant

[0163] 206 wind turbines

[0164] 208 first central processing structure

[0165] 210 Water treatment plant

[0166] 214 inert gas generation system

[0167] 216 substation

[0168] 218 Medium interconnected network

[0169] 220 water supply network

[0170] 222 inert gas pipeline network 224 second energy cable network

[0171] 232 first energy cable network

[0172] 240 offshore hydrogen production wind turbines

[0173] 242 second central processing structure

[0174] 244 Hydrogen processing plant

[0175] 246 Micro Hydrogen Purification Plant

[0176] 248 first strand

[0177] 250 second strand

[0178] 252 first medium interconnected network line

[0179] 254 first end

[0180] 256 second end

[0181] 258 second medium interconnected network line

[0182] 260 first end

[0183] 262 second end

[0184] 264 Medium interconnected network line

[0185] 266 further first energy cable network

[0186] 268 first hydrogen pipeline network

[0187] 270 data cable network

[0188] 272 second hydrogen pipeline network

[0189] 274 Control

[0190] 276 Hydrogen drying plant

[0191] 278 Hydrogen compression plant

[0192] 280 Hydrogen target structure

[0193] 282 substation

[0194] 284 distribution network

[0195] 286 connection

[0196] 288 Area

[0197] 290 outer jacket

Claims

Patent claims 1. An offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200), comprising: a plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines (102, 202, 240), each comprising a wind turbine (106, 206) and a micro-electrolysis plant (104, 204), at least one first central offshore treatment structure (108, 208), comprising at least one water treatment plant (110, 210) configured to treat water for hydrogen production, and at least one medium network (118, 218) arranged between the plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines (102, 202, 240) and the first central offshore treatment structure (108, 208), wherein the medium network (118, 218) comprises at least one water pipe network (120, 220) configured to supply the micro-electrolysis plants (104, 204) with the treated water.

2. Offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first central offshore processing structure (108, 208) comprises a wind turbine (106, 206).

3. Offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first central offshore processing structure (108, 208) comprises an inert gas generation plant (114, 214) arranged to generate an inert gas, and the medium network (118, 218) comprises at least one inert gas line network (122, 222) arranged to supply the micro-electrolysis systems (104, 204) with the generated inert gas.

4. Offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) comprises a second central offshore processing structure (242), wherein the second central offshore processing structure (242) comprises a Hydrogen processing plant (244) configured to process hydrogen, and the medium network (118, 218) comprises at least one hydrogen pipeline network (268) configured to conduct the hydrogen produced by the micro-electrolysis plants (104, 204) of the offshore hydrogen production wind turbines (102, 202, 240) to the hydrogen processing plant (244).

5. Offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first hydrogen pipeline network (268) is arranged to conduct pre-dried hydrogen.

6. Offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to claim 4, characterized in that the hydrogen processing plant (244) comprises a hydrogen drying plant (276) configured to dry the obtained pre-dried hydrogen.

7. Offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the hydrogen processing plant (244) comprises a Hydrogen compression plant (278) equipped for Compressing the processed hydrogen, especially the dried hydrogen.

8. Offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the second central offshore processing structure (242) comprises a wind turbine (106, 206).

9. Offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) comprises at least a second hydrogen pipeline network (272) arranged between the second central offshore processing structure (242) and a hydrogen target structure (280), configured to conduct the processed hydrogen, in particular the compressed hydrogen, from the hydrogen processing plant (244) to the hydrogen target structure (280).

10. Offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the medium interconnected network (118, 218) comprises at least one electrical power cable network (132, 232, 266) arranged between the plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines (102, 202, 240) and the first central offshore processing structure (108, 208), and / or the medium interconnected network (118, 218) comprises at least one data cable network (270) arranged between the plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines (102, 202, 240) and the first central offshore processing structure (108, 208).

11. Offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to claim 10, characterized in that the medium interconnected network (118, 218) comprises at least one low-voltage electrical cable network (266) and one medium-voltage electrical network (132, 232) or high-voltage electrical network.

12. Offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) comprises at least a first string (248) with at least two first offshore hydrogen production wind turbines (102, 202, 240) and a second string (250) with at least two second offshore hydrogen production wind turbines (102, 202, 240), wherein a first end (254) of a first medium interconnection network string (252) of the medium interconnection network (118, 218) of the first string (250) is connected to the first central offshore processing structure (108, 208), wherein a first end (260) of a second medium interconnection network string (258) of the medium interconnection network (118, 218) of the second string (250) is connected to the first central offshore processing structure (108, 208),and wherein the further end (256) of the first medium interconnection network strand (250) is connectable to the further end (262) of the second medium interconnection network strand (258).

13. Offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to claim 12, characterized in that the water pipe network (120, 220) comprises a plurality of adjustable valves, so that a fluid connection can be established from the water treatment plant (110, 210) via the first medium interconnection network line (252), via the further end (256) of the first medium interconnection network line (252) and via the further end (262) of the second medium interconnection network line (258) to a micro-electrolysis plant (104, 204) of a second offshore hydrogen production wind turbine (106, 206) of the second line (258).

14. Offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to one of the previous Claims, characterized in that the medium network (118, 218) comprises at least one medium network line (264) with an outer jacket (290), wherein the outer jacket (290) encloses at least one water line of the water line network (120, 220) and at least one further line selected from the group comprising: Data line of a data cable network (270), Energy line of an energy cable network (132, 232, 266), inert gas line of an inert gas line network (122, 222), and hydrogen line of a first hydrogen line network (268).

15. Offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to one of the previous Claims, characterized in that the water treatment plant (110, 210) consists of at least two micro- Water treatment plants (112), wherein one of the at least two micro water treatment plants (112) is provided as a reserve micro water treatment plant (112).

16. Offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to one of the previous Claims 3 to 15, characterized in that the hydrogen processing plant (244) is formed from at least two micro-hydrogen processing plants (246), wherein one of the at least two micro-hydrogen processing plants (246) is provided as a reserve micro-hydrogen processing plant (246).

17. A method for operating an offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200), in particular an offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: Treating water for hydrogen production by a water treatment plant (110, 210) of a first central offshore treatment structure (108, 208) of the offshore hydrogen production system (100, 200), Conveying the treated water via a medium network (118, 218), comprising at least one water pipe network (120, 220), to a plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines (102, 202, 240), each comprising a micro-electrolysis plant (104, 204) and a wind turbine (106, 206), and producing, by the respective micro-electrolysis plant (104, 204), hydrogen, at least based on the treated water and the electrical energy generated by the respective wind turbine (106, 206).

18. Use of a first central offshore treatment structure (108, 208) connected via a medium network (118, 218) to a plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines (102, 202, 240), each comprising a micro-electrolysis system (104, 204) and a wind turbine (106, 206), comprising at least one water treatment system (110, 210), for supplying the respective micro-electrolysis systems (104, 204) of the plurality of offshore hydrogen production wind turbines (102, 202, 240) with treated water via a water pipe network (120, 220) of the medium network (118, 218).

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