Apparatus and process for cryogenic fluid energy recovery

Abstract

An apparatus and process for utilization of the cold provided by a cryogenic fluid so that the energy is not lost via exchange with ambient air etc. Embodiments can be configured for utilization of at least one working fluid and / or thermoelectric generation device for use of such energy extractable from a cryogenic fluid to generate electricity for powering one or more elements. Embodiments can also be configured to provide direct cooling. Embodiments can be utilized in various different environments, such as industrial plants, stationary facilities, or mobile devices (e.g. ships, trains, vehicles, etc.).

Description

[0001] APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR CRYOGENIC FLUID ENERGY RECOVERY

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present innovation relates to processes and systems for processing a cryogenic fluid to recover energy associated with the cold fluid. Embodiments can be configured to use a cryogenic fluid such as liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, or liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic fluid and can be adapted to help avoid wasting energy utilized in conjunction with prior cooling of a fluid to form the cryogenic fluid.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Different systems can be adapted for the generation of electricity for subsequent use of that electricity. For example, direct conversion of heat to electricity can be considered a thermoelectric process. At least one example of thermoelectric processing can be appreciated from U.S. Pat. No. 3,081,363.

[0006] An example of a different type of power generation process that utilizes natural gas to generate electricity can be appreciated from U.S. Pat. No. 8,661,820. An example of an integrated gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) power generation plant that can provide electricity can be appreciated from U.S. Pat. No. 8,528,343.

[0007] Hydrogen fueling stations can provide fuel to a vehicle to help power that vehicle. Examples of hydrogen fueling stations and processes for filing vehicle fuel tanks with hydrogen are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2023 / 0213148 and 2021 / 0199244 as well as Chinese Utility Model CN 219013995 U.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] We determined that there can be situations where refrigeration energy exists in a fluid processing facility (e.g. hydrogen fueling station, liquid natural gas fueling station, cryogenic fluid processing system, melt furnace system, etc.) that uses liquid cryogenic fluid (e.g. a liquid hydrogen (liquid H2) that may be utilized in a hydrogen fueling station, or a cryogenic fluid processing system utilizing liquid nitrogen (N2), liquid oxygen (O2), liquid argon, (Ar), and / or liquid helium (He), etc.). This type of refrigeration energy is typically lost in that it is often rejected to atmosphere via an ambient air vaporizer or other heat exchanger. Energy utilized in the prior cooling of a cryogenic fluid that is rejected in this manner is not recoverable and may create a visible fog when using traditional ambient air vaporizers.

[0010] We have determined that this lost refrigeration energy is wasteful and that a better utilization of such lost energy can be provided. Instead of rejecting this refrigeration energy to ambient atmosphere, embodiments of our process and apparatus can be provided to generate useful power (e.g. generate electricity) and / or useful refrigeration, and also reduce or eliminate any unwanted atmospheric effects associated with rejecting of this refrigeration energy e.g. formation of fog. Embodiments can also be adapted to greatly minimize or avoid formation of the fog that can be formed by the above noted conventional refrigeration rejection methodology that is often employed.

[0011] We determined that embodiments can be configured to facilitate increasing the efficiency of a refueling station and / or reducing its carbon intensity for some embodiments adapted for a fueling station implementation. We also determined that recovered energy can be used in various different ways. For example, the recovered refrigeration capacity can be used for any air conditioning requirements at a retail refueling station in embodiments configured for use in a fueling station environment. As another example, the recovered refrigeration energy that is converted to electricity can be utilized to recharge a battery for use in powering one or more elements or can be used for providing power to one or more elements (e.g. a compressor, a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, an emissions conditioning system, etc.). Some embodiments can be configured for use in a stationary facility. For example, some embodiments can be configured for use in a hydrogen fueling station. As another example, some embodiments can be configured for use in facilities that may utilize at least one furnace (e.g. reverb furnace facilities, metal processing furnace operations, melt furnaces, etc.).

[0012] Other embodiments can be configured for use in mobile devices or vehicles. For example, embodiments can be configured for use in ships (e.g. ocean faring ships, barges, cargo ships, etc.), trains (e.g. locomotives, train engines, etc.), trucks, airplanes or other types of vehicles. For example, an embodiment of our apparatus can be configured for utilization in a vehicle power production system such as, for example, a vehicle fuel tank storing, hydrogen fuel, natural gas, liquid hydrogen fuel or liquid natural gas.

[0013] Embodiments can be adapted to recover energy from cold temperature of a cryogenic liquid that is vaporized in a vaporizer / heat exchanger to convert it to gas to be used downstream of the vaporization (e.g. fueling a vehicle tank, feeding to a burner nozzle, etc.). The recovered energy can include the latent heat of vaporization for the cryogenic liquid as well as any sensible enthalpy change the liquid goes through when being converted from liquid to gas. For example, systems such as hydrogen refueling station where liquid hydrogen is converted to gaseous hydrogen before being dispensed into the vehicle fuel tank, or a furnace application where charge is melted using one or more oxy-fuel flames that use gaseous oxygen that has been generated by converting liquid oxygen to gas passing through a vaporizer heat exchanger can be adapted to utilize an embodiment of our process or apparatus.

[0014] Energy from cold, which can also be referred to herein as cold energy or refrigeration energy, can be used for direct refrigeration and / or cooling purposes at different use points in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the cold energy can be used to cool a downstream process, (e.g. the cold energy recovered from vaporizing liquid oxygen can be used to cool exhaust gases from the furnace before entering the exhaust gas is fed to a bag house for removal of particulates). In another embodiment, the cold energy can be used in a dispensing process, such as using the cold to chill hydrogen being dispensed into a vehicle tank, which can be used to counter heating produced by the reverse Joule Thompson effect as the hydrogen gas expands in the vehicle tank when dispensed. In yet another embodiment, cold energy can be directly used for any auxiliary cooling needs such as refrigeration at a location of use point (e.g. food refrigeration in case the hydrogen refueling station is located at a grocery store location, air conditioning of a convenience store at the location of fueling station, etc.). In another embodiment, the cold can be used to cool down other energy devices to improve their efficiency (e.g. cooling of solar panels to improve their efficiency).

[0015] Embodiments can be configured so that cold energy can be captured in a working fluid that can be used in a power cycle to generate mechanical work and / or electrical power (e.g. electricity generation). For instance, embodiments can be configured so that a working fluid or working fluids can store the energy from the cold either by getting liquified (e.g. liquid hydrogen transfers energy to gaseous nitrogen to convert the gaseous nitrogen into liquid nitrogen) or through a decrease in working temperature. This working fluid then receives heat from another source, raising its temperature and / or pressure. The working fluid can then be expanded in a centrifugal or reciprocating device (e.g. an expander) to produce power. A compression device (e.g. pump or compressor) can be used to increase the pressure of the working fluid to help drive the flow of the working fluid. Some embodiments can be configured for a constant pressure heat addition and rejection cycle (Brayton cycle) or a constant temperature heat addition and rejection cycle (sterling cycle). In embodiments that are configured for use in a fueling station environment, heat addition into these cycles can come from any internal sources in the dispensing system such as heat rejection from hydrogen or natural gas that needs to be chilled before dispensing. Additionally, the heat sources could include heat rejected from onsite fuel cell operation or vehicle on board fuel cell operation. In embodiments configured for use in conjunction with a liquid oxygen installation (e.g. at a furnace site), heat sources can include hot exhaust gases in a furnace operation (e.g. flue gas, etc.). The mechanical work obtained from the power cycles can be converted to electrical power or can be used as shaft power for driving equipment directly, which can be utilized to improve operational efficiency (e.g. recovered electrical / shaft power can be used to drive a compressor and / or other auxiliary equipment having electricity power requirements). Electric energy that is produced can be used in other points of use or can alternatively be transmitted back to the grid. The electric energy produced through cold recovery, can be used alone or in conjunction with another power source such as a fuel cell running on hydrogen to make an installation self-sufficient or more self-sufficient.

[0016] In some other embodiments, cold energy can be captured and converted directly to electricity via thermoelectric generation. The cold side of the thermoelectric generator can be connected to the cryogenic fluid side (e.g. liquid hydrogen, liquid natural gas, etc.) and a hot side can be exposed to either ambient temperature, or any other higher temperature sources to help maximize the electricity generation. Embodiments of the thermoelectric generation based processing can be configured to use temperature differences between the cryogenic fluid and a warmer available source to create a heat flux which, via the Seebeck effect, can generate electrical power (e.g. electricity). Embodiments can be configured so that the thermoelectric generator can be used as a heater in case heating is needed in an embodiment (e.g. heat a fluid being vaporized by feeding electricity into the heater and / or reversing the electric circuit).

[0017] Embodiments can also provide atmosphere control advantages in addition to improved energy utilization or reducing waste of energy. Embodiments can be configured so that the skin temperature of the ambient vaporizer (e.g. temperature of the outer peripheral body of the vaporizer) remains above the dew point, either partially or for the complete length of the vaporizer. This can minimize formation of fog or avoid fog formation. The level of fog control can be different for different embodiments and can be dependent on how much cold energy is recovered in a particular embodiment in accordance with a pre-selected set of design criteria.

[0018] In a first aspect, an apparatus for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid can include a storage vessel configured to store a cryogenic fluid therein and a first heat exchanger positioned to receive the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel to heat the cryogenic fluid and facilitate generation of power.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cryogenic fluid can be hydrogen gas that is formed in a storage tank that stores liquid hydrogen. In other embodiments, the cryogenic fluid can include another type of cryogenic fluid (e.g. oxygen gas within a tank storing liquid oxygen, natural gas within a tank storing liquid natural gas, etc.).

[0020] In a second aspect, the apparatus can include at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the first heat exchanger or integrated into the first heat exchanger to generate electricity from heat flux generated during heating of the cryogenic fluid and / or at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to an output conduit connected to the first heat exchanger to generate electricity from heat flux generated as the cryogenic fluid is passed through the output conduit.

[0021] In a third aspect, the apparatus can be positioned in a vehicle or on a vehicle and the storage vessel can be a fuel tank of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the apparatus can be part of an industrial plant or can be integrated into an industrial facility or a hydrogen fueling station or a natural gas fueling station.

[0022] In a fourth aspect, a fuel cell can be positioned to receive the heated cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the fuel cell can be positioned and configured to output water via a water output conduit to a fuel cell water heat exchanger. The at least one thermoelectric generation device can be connected to the first heat exchanger or integrated into the first heat exchanger can also be connected to the fuel cell water heat exchanger or integrated into the fuel cell water heat exchanger.

[0023] In a fifth aspect, the apparatus can include a converter having an electrical connection with at least one thermoelectric generation device. The converter can also have an electrical connection to an electric storage device positioned to receive electrical current via the converter for storage of electrical power. The electric storage device can have an electrical connection with a motor of the working fluid drive mechanism to transmit electricity to the motor. Examples of an electric storage device can include a battery, an array of batteries, or an electricity storage system.

[0024] In a sixth aspect, the apparatus can include a turbine positioned to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for heating the cryogenic fluid. The turbine can be configured to expand the working fluid to generate work (e.g. rotate a shaft to drive motion for use to power a device or apparatus or rotate a shaft to drive motion of the shaft of a generator to generate electricity, etc.). The first heat exchanger can be positioned and configured to output the working fluid to a working fluid drive mechanism for feeding the working fluid to the turbine for expansion of the working fluid for generation of the power and formation of the expanded working fluid. An example of a working fluid drive mechanism can be a pump or a compressor.

[0025] In a seventh aspect, a turbine can be positioned to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for heating the cryogenic fluid and a working fluid drive mechanism can be positioned to receive the expanded working fluid output from the first heat exchanger to increase pressure of the working fluid for feeding toward the turbine. A second heat exchanger can be positioned to receive the working fluid from the working fluid drive mechanism as a cooling medium and output a heated working fluid as a turbine feed for feeding to the turbine. The turbine can be positioned to receive the turbine feed from the second heat exchanger and configured to expand the working fluid to generate power and form the expanded working fluid. Examples of the generated power include motion via rotation of a shaft that occurs via expansion of the working fluid that can be used to power one or more devices or rotation of a shaft of a generator for generation of electricity.

[0026] In some embodiments, the apparatus can also include an electric storage device positioned to receive electricity generated via the turbine for storage of electrical power. The electric storage device can have an electrical connection with a motor of a working fluid drive mechanism to transmit electricity to the motor.

[0027] In an eighth aspect, the first heat exchanger can be configured to heat the cryogenic fluid to form a vaporized fluid and the apparatus can also include a buffer tank positioned to receive a flow of the vaporized fluid output from the first heat exchanger to store the vaporized fluid (e.g. the vaporized fluid comprises a gas or is a gas). A second heat exchanger can be positioned to receive the vaporized fluid from the buffer tank to cool the vaporized fluid. A turbine can be positioned to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for heating the cryogenic fluid. A working fluid drive mechanism can be positioned to receive the expanded working fluid output from the first heat exchanger to increase pressure of the working fluid for feeding toward the turbine. The second heat exchanger can be positioned to receive the working fluid from the working fluid drive mechanism as a cooling medium for cooling the vaporized fluid and output a heated working fluid as a turbine feed for feeding to the turbine. The turbine can be positioned to receive the turbine feed from the second heat exchanger and can be configured to expand the working fluid to generate power and form the expanded working fluid. The generated power can be, for example, electricity or rotation of a shaft that may mechanically power one or more devices.

[0028] In a ninth aspect, the apparatus can include the dispenser positioned to receive the cooled vaporized fluid to feed to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the apparatus can be configured as a fueling station that can include the dispenser, for example. For instance, the fueling station can be a hydrogen fueling station.

[0029] In a tenth aspect, the first heat exchanger can be configured to heat the cryogenic fluid to form a vaporized fluid. The apparatus can also include an industrial process unit positioned to receive the vaporized fluid and output at least one waste heat stream and a turbine positioned to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for heating the cryogenic fluid. A working fluid drive mechanism can be positioned to receive the expanded working fluid output from the first heat exchanger to increase pressure of the working fluid for feeding toward the turbine.

[0030] There can also be a second heat exchanger positioned to receive the waste heat stream output from the industrial process unit and also receive the working fluid from the working fluid drive mechanism as a cooling medium for cooling the waste heat stream to output a cooled waste heat stream and output a heated working fluid as a turbine feed for feeding to the turbine. The turbine can be positioned to receive the turbine feed from the second heat exchanger and configured to expand the working fluid to generate power and form the expanded working fluid.

[0031] In some embodiments, the cryogenic fluid can be comprised of liquid oxygen or liquid nitrogen and the industrial process unit can include a furnace.

[0032] In an eleventh aspect, it should be understood that embodiments of the apparatus of the first aspect can include one or more features of other aspects and / or other features. Examples of such features can be appreciated from the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0033] In a twelfth aspect, a process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid can include feeding a cryogenic fluid stored in a storage vessel to a first heat exchanger and heating the cryogenic fluid via the first heat exchanger to facilitate generation of electricity via a working fluid or at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the first heat exchanger.

[0034] In some embodiments, the cryogenic fluid can include liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen, liquid natural gas, liquid argon, or liquid helium.

[0035] In a thirteenth aspect, the process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid can be performed on a vehicle and the storage vessel can be a fuel tank of the vehicle.

[0036] In a fourteenth aspect, the process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid can include converting electricity generated via the at least one thermoelectric generation device for transmitting the converted electricity to at least one of an electrical storage device, a battery, a propulsion system , a motor of a fluid flow drive mechanism, and / or an exhaust conditioning mechanism.

[0037] In a fifteenth aspect, the process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid can include expanding the working fluid via a turbine to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for the heating of the cryogenic fluid and outputting the expanded working fluid from the first heat exchanger to a working fluid drive mechanism to increase a pressure of the working fluid for feeding to the working fluid to the turbine.

[0038] In a sixteenth aspect, the process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid can include expanding the working fluid via a turbine to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for the heating of the cryogenic fluid, outputting the expanded working fluid from the first heat exchanger to a working fluid drive mechanism to increase a pressure of the working fluid, feeding the working fluid output from the working fluid drive mechanism to a second heat exchanger as a cooling medium and outputting a heated working fluid as a turbine feed, feeding the turbine feed output from the second heat exchanger to the turbine for expansion of the working fluid to form the expanded working fluid and generate power.

[0039] In a seventeenth aspect, the process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid can be configured so that the power includes electricity and the process also includes transmitting the electricity to an electric storage device and / or other device (e.g. a grid, a motor, etc.).

[0040] For example, in some embodiments, the process can include transmitting the electricity from the electric storage device to a motor of the working fluid drive mechanism, a propulsion system , a battery, and / or an exhaust conditioning mechanism. As another example, the process can also (or alternatively) include transmitting the electricity to a motor of the working fluid drive mechanism, a propulsion system , a battery, and / or an exhaust conditioning mechanism.

[0041] In an eighteenth aspect, the heating of the cryogenic fluid via the first heat exchanger to facilitate generation of electricity via a working fluid or at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the first heat exchanger forms a vaporized fluid from the cryogenic fluid that is outputtable from the first heat exchanger. In such embodiments, the process can also include feeding the vaporized fluid to a buffer tank to store the vaporized fluid, the vaporized fluid comprising a gas and feeding the vaporized fluid from the buffer tank to a second heat exchanger to cool the vaporized fluid. Some embodiments can also include generating electricity via cooling of the vaporized fluid via at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the second heat exchanger. Other embodiments can include expanding the working fluid via a turbine to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for the heating of the cryogenic fluid and outputting the expanded working fluid from the first heat exchanger to a working fluid drive mechanism to increase a pressure of the working fluid for feeding to the working fluid to the turbine. For example, in some embodiments, the process can include expanding the working fluid via a turbine to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for the heating of the cryogenic fluid, outputting the expanded working fluid from the first heat exchanger to a working fluid drive mechanism to increase a pressure of the working fluid, feeding the working fluid output from the working fluid drive mechanism to the second heat exchanger as a cooling medium and output a heated working fluid as a turbine feed, and feeding the turbine feed output from the second heat exchanger to the turbine for expansion of the working fluid to form the expanded working fluid and generate power.

[0042] Some embodiments can also include other steps. For example, the process can also include feeding the cooled vaporized fluid to a dispenser; and / or feeding the cooled vaporized fluid to a fuel tank of a vehicle. In such embodiments, the cryogenic fluid can be comprised of hydrogen or natural gas (e.g. methane).

[0043] In a nineteenth aspect, the process can be configured such that the first heat exchanger is configured to heat the cryogenic fluid to form a vaporized fluid and the process can also include feeding the vaporized fluid to an industrial process to form at least one waste heat stream, expanding the working fluid for feeding the expanded working fluid to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for heating the cryogenic fluid, feeding the expanded working fluid output from the first heat exchanger to a working fluid drive mechanism to increase pressure of the working fluid for feeding toward the turbine, feeding the waste heat stream output from the industrial process unit to a second heat exchanger, and feeding the working fluid output from the working fluid drive mechanism to the second heat exchanger as a cooling medium for cooling the waste heat stream to output a cooled waste heat stream and output a heated working fluid as a turbine feed for feeding to the turbine.

[0044] In some embodiments, the process can be configured or implemented so that the expanding of the working fluid powers generation of electricity. In some embodiments, the cryogenic fluid can be comprised of liquid oxygen or liquid nitrogen, the industrial process can include a melt furnace and the waste heat stream can include a flue gas output from the melt furnace.

[0045] In a twentieth aspect, the process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid can also include feeding the heated cryogenic fluid to a fuel cell. In some embodiments, the process can also include outputting water from the fuel cell to a fuel cell water heat exchanger connected to at least one thermoelectric generation device.

[0046] In a twenty-first aspect, the at least one thermoelectric generation device can be connected to the first heat exchanger can also be connected to an output conduit of the first heat exchanger. The process for such an embodiment can also include adjusting a flow of the heated cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger to pass through the output conduit for generation of electricity via the at least one thermoelectric generation device and further heating of the heated cryogenic fluid.

[0047] In a twenty-second aspect, an embodiment of the process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid can be implemented using an apparatus for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid.

[0048] In a twenty -third aspect, an apparatus for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid can include a storage vessel configured to store a cryogenic fluid therein, a first heat exchanger positioned to receive the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel to heat the cryogenic fluid, and a refrigeration system heat exchanger positioned to output a warmed heat transfer fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium to heat the cryogenic fluid.

[0049] In a twenty -fourth aspect, the apparatus for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid can include a buffer tank positioned so heated cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger is feedable to the buffer tank. The heated cryogenic fluid can include a gas formed from heating of the cryogenic fluid. A second heat exchanger can be positioned downstream of the buffer tank such that the buffer tank is positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger can be positioned to receive cooled heat transfer fluid output from the first heat exchanger as a cooling medium to cool the cryogenic gas passable from the buffer tank to the second heat exchanger.

[0050] In some embodiments, the refrigeration system heat exchanger can be positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid output from the second heat exchanger to function as a heat sink for the refrigeration system heat exchanger. A heat transfer fluid drive mechanism can be positioned to facilitate passing of the heat transfer fluid between the refrigeration system heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger. The heat transfer fluid drive mechanism can include a pump positioned between the refrigeration system heat exchanger and the first heat exchanger in some embodiments.

[0051] In a twenty-fifth aspect, the apparatus for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid can include an electricity generation facilitating output conduit can be positioned between the first heat exchanger and the buffer tank. At least one thermoelectric generation device can be connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit for generation of electricity via the cryogenic gas being warmed as the cryogenic gas passes through the electricity generation facilitating output conduit.

[0052] In a twenty-sixth aspect, a process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid can include feeding a cryogenic fluid stored in a storage vessel to a first heat exchanger, heating the cryogenic fluid via the first heat exchanger utilizing a warmed heat transfer fluid output from a refrigeration system heat exchanger as a heating medium in the first heat exchanger so that the warmed heat transfer fluid is cooled during the heating of the cryogenic fluid, and outputting the cooled heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to pass the cooled heat transfer fluid toward the refrigeration system heat exchanger for use as a heat sink in the refrigeration system heat exchanger. In a twenty-seventh aspect, the process can also include outputting the heated cryogenic fluid from the first heat exchanger so that heated cryogenic fluid passes through an electricity generation facilitating output conduit positioned between the first heat exchanger and the buffer tank for generation of electricity via at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit. The heated cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger can be passed through the electricity generation facilitating output conduit for feeding the heated cryogenic fluid to a buffer tank in some embodiments.

[0053] In a twenty-eighth aspect, the outputting of the cooled heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to pass the cooled heat transfer fluid toward the refrigeration system heat exchanger for use as the heat sink in the refrigeration system heat exchanger can include feeding the cooled heat transfer fluid output from the first heat exchanger to a second heat exchanger positioned downstream of the buffer tank, cooling cryogenic gas output from the buffer tank via cooled heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchanger, and feeding the heat transfer fluid output from the second heat exchanger to the refrigeration system heat exchanger for use as the heat sink in the refrigeration system heat exchanger.

[0054] In a twenty-ninth aspect, the process can also include increasing a pressure of the heat transfer fluid via a heat transfer fluid drive mechanism positioned to facilitate passing of the heat transfer fluid between the refrigeration system heat exchanger and the first heat exchanger.

[0055] In a thirtieth aspect, the heating of the cryogenic fluid via the first heat exchanger utilizing the warmed heat transfer fluid output from the refrigeration system heat exchanger as the heating medium in the first heat exchanger so that the warmed heat transfer fluid is cooled during the heating of the cryogenic fluid and the outputting of the cooled heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to pass the cooled heat transfer fluid toward the refrigeration system heat exchanger for use as the heat sink in the refrigeration system heat exchanger can be performed so that the heat transfer fluid is passed between the first heat exchanger and the refrigeration system heat exchanger in a closed loop arrangement.

[0056] In some embodiments, the cryogenic fluid can be comprised of hydrogen and the heat transfer fluid can be comprised of D-limonene or another type of refrigerant.

[0057] In a thirty -first aspect, an apparatus for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid can include a storage vessel configured to store a cryogenic fluid therein, a first heat exchanger positioned to receive the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel to heat the cryogenic fluid, and a buffer tank positioned so heated cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger is feedable to the buffer tank. The heated cryogenic fluid can include a gas formed from heating of the cryogenic fluid. A second heat exchanger can be positioned downstream of the buffer tank such that the buffer tank is positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger can be positioned to receive cooled heat transfer fluid output from the first heat exchanger as a cooling medium to cool the cryogenic gas passable from the buffer tank to the second heat exchanger and output the heat transfer fluid as warmed heat transfer fluid for feeding to at least one system positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger for further heating of the warmed heat transfer fluid before the warmed heat transfer fluid is fed to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for heating the cryogenic fluid.

[0058] In a thirty-second aspect, the at least one system can include a refrigeration system heat exchanger positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid output from the second heat exchanger to function as a heat sink for the refrigeration system heat exchanger and at least one other system.

[0059] In a thirty-third aspect, a heat transfer fluid drive mechanism can be positioned to facilitate passing of the heat transfer fluid between the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the at least one system. In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid drive mechanism can include a pump positioned between the second heat exchanger and the first heat exchanger.

[0060] In a thirty-fourth aspect, an electricity generation facilitating output conduit can be positioned between the first heat exchanger and the buffer tank and at least one thermoelectric generation device can be connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit for generation of electricity via the cryogenic gas being warmed as the cryogenic gas passes through the electricity generation facilitating output conduit.

[0061] In a thirty -fifth aspect, a process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid can include feeding a cryogenic fluid stored in a storage vessel to a first heat exchanger, heating the cryogenic fluid via the first heat exchanger utilizing a warmed heat transfer fluid output from at least one system as a heating medium in the first heat exchanger so that the warmed heat transfer fluid is cooled during the heating of the cryogenic fluid, and outputting the cooled heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to pass the cooled heat transfer fluid toward the at least one system for use as a heat sink in the at least one system.

[0062] In some embodiments, the process can also include other steps. For example, the process can also include outputting the heated cryogenic fluid from the first heat exchanger so that heated cryogenic fluid passes through an electricity generation facilitating output conduit positioned between the first heat exchanger and the buffer tank for generation of electricity via at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit. The heated cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger can be passed through the electricity generation facilitating output conduit for feeding the heated cryogenic fluid to a buffer tank.

[0063] In a thirty-sixth aspect, the outputting of the cooled heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to pass the cooled heat transfer fluid toward the at least one system for use as the heat sink in the at least one system can include feeding the cooled heat transfer fluid output from the first heat exchanger to a second heat exchanger positioned downstream of the buffer tank, cooling cryogenic gas output from the buffer tank via cooled heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchanger, and feeding the heat transfer fluid output from the second heat exchanger to the at least one system for use as the heat sink in the at least one system. The at least one system can include, a compressor, a heat transfer fluid to air heat exchanger, a thermoelectric generation system, and / or a refrigeration system.

[0064] In a thirty-seventh aspect, the process can also include increasing a pressure of the heat transfer fluid via a heat transfer fluid drive mechanism positioned to facilitate passing of the heat transfer fluid between the at least one system and the first heat exchanger.

[0065] In a thirty-eighth aspect, the above mentioned processes and apparatuses can include yet other features. Examples of additional features can be appreciated from the different embodiments discussed herein.

[0066] It should be appreciated that different embodiments of an apparatus can be configured to implement different embodiments of our process. Also, different embodiments of our process can include different embodiments of our apparatus or be configured to utilize different embodiments of our apparatus.

[0067] It should be appreciated that embodiments of the process and apparatus can utilize various conduit arrangements and process control elements. The embodiments may utilize sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow rate sensors, concentration sensors, etc.), controllers, valves, piping, and other process control elements. Some embodiments can utilize an automated process control system and / or a distributed control system (DCS), for example. Various different conduit arrangements and process control systems can be utilized to meet a particular set of design criteria. Other details, objects, and advantages of our process for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids, apparatuses for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids, electricity generation systems, and methods of making and using the same will become apparent as the following description of certain exemplary embodiments thereof proceeds.

[0068] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] Exemplary embodiments of our process for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids, apparatuses for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids, electricity generation systems, and methods of making and using the same are shown in the drawings included herewith. It should be understood that like reference characters used in the drawings may identify like components.

[0070] Figure l is a block diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids, which includes a first exemplary embodiment of an electricity generation system. Figure 1 also illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of our process for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids.

[0071] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids, which includes a second exemplary embodiment of an electricity generation system. Figure 2 also illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of our process for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids.

[0072] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids, which includes a third exemplary embodiment of an electricity generation system. Figure 3 also illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of our process for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids.

[0073] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a fourth exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids, which includes a fourth exemplary embodiment of an electricity generation system. Figure 4 also illustrates a fourth exemplary embodiment of our process for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids. It should be appreciated that the exemplary on-vehicle embodiment shown in Figure 4 can be utilized in the vehicle 13 of the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, and / or 3.

[0074] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a fifth exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids, which includes a fifth exemplary embodiment of an electricity generation system. Figure 5 also illustrates a fifth exemplary embodiment of our process for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids. It should be appreciated that the exemplary on-vehicle embodiment shown in Figure 5 can be utilized in the vehicle 13 of the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, and / or 3.

[0075] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a sixth exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids, which includes a sixth exemplary embodiment of an electricity generation system. Figure 6 also illustrates a sixth exemplary embodiment of our process for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids.

[0076] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid. Exemplary embodiments of our apparatus shown in Figures 1-6 and 8 can be adapted to implement the exemplary embodiment of the process shown in Figure 7.

[0077] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a seventh exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids, which includes an optional seventh exemplary embodiment of an electricity generation system illustrated in broken line. Figure 8 also illustrates another exemplary embodiment of our process for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids.

[0078] Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid. Exemplary embodiments of our apparatus shown in Figures 1-6, 8 and 10 can be adapted to implement the exemplary embodiment of the process shown in Figure 9.

[0079] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an eighth exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids, which includes an optional seventh exemplary embodiment of an electricity generation system illustrated in broken line. Figure 10 also illustrates another exemplary embodiment of our process for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids.

[0080] In Figures 1-6, 8 and 10, electrical connections between different elements are illustrated in a dash dot dash (' ' ') style of broken line. The electrical connections illustrate connections that can permit electricity to be transmitted between different elements. Different optional elements that can be included in exemplary embodiments of the apparatus 1 are shown in a dashed line ( - ) style of broken line in Figures 1-6, 8 and 10.

[0081] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] Figures 1-6, 8 and 10 illustrate exemplary embodiments of our apparatus 1 for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids. Each of these embodiments can include an electricity generation system la. Embodiments of the apparatus and system can be adapted to utilize an exemplary embodiment of our process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid. Exemplary embodiments of our process can be appreciated from Figures 7 and 9 as well as the schematic illustrations of Figures 1-6, 8 and 10.

[0083] Embodiments of our apparatus 1 can be configured so that a stored cryogenic fluid can be fed to one or more heat exchangers and / or at least one cooling device so that the warming of the cryogenic fluid that may occur in use of that fluid can result in recovery of the energy previously utilized to cool that fluid (e.g. the refrigeration energy) to generate electricity that can be used by one or more other elements of the apparatus 1. In some embodiments (e.g. exemplary embodiments of Figures 1, 5, and 6), the recovery can be provided via a working fluid (e.g. a refrigerant, a heat transfer fluid, a fluid comprised of nitrogen or any other pure gas, a mixture of multiple gases, or any thermal fluid that can efficiently store and transfer refrigeration). In other embodiments (e.g. embodiments of Figures 2, 3, and 4), the recovery can be provided via one or more thermoelectric generation devices G that can be integrated into heat exchangers and / or cooling devices or otherwise attached to such devices so that a temperature change of the cryogenic fluid that results in warming of the fluid can facilitate generation of electricity for use by one or more other elements of the apparatus 1. Options for utilization of thermoelectric generation in addition to use of a working fluid can also be appreciated from the exemplary embodiments of Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 10. Examples of a thermoelectric generation device G can include a Seebeck generator or other type of thermoelectric generator. Some types of thermoelectric generator devices G can be configured as a solid state device that is configured to convert heat flux directly into electrical energy through a phenomenon called the Seebeck effect, which is type of thermoelectric effect. The heat flux that can be utilized by the thermoelectric generator device G can be driven by a temperature difference between fluids involved in a heat transfer process, for example.

[0084] Embodiments of our apparatus 1 can also be configured so that a stored cryogenic fluid can be fed to one or more heat exchangers and / or at least one cooling device so that the warming of the cryogenic fluid that may occur in use of that fluid can result in recovery of the energy previously utilized to cool that fluid (e.g. the refrigeration energy) for use as a heat sink for other refrigeration systems to improve the operational efficiency and performance of that refrigeration system. An example of such an embodiment is illustrated in Figure 8.

[0085] Embodiments of our apparatus 1 can also be configured so that a stored cryogenic fluid can be fed to one or more heat exchangers and / or at least one cooling device so that the warming of the cryogenic fluid that may occur in use of that fluid can result in recovery of the energy previously utilized to cool that fluid (e.g. the refrigeration energy) for use as a heat sink for other systems or devices to improve the operational efficiency and performance of a plant or different systems of at least one industrial plant. An example of such an embodiment is illustrated in Figure 10.

[0086] The cryogenic fluid utilized in the apparatus 1 can be any of a number of potential options, which can include cryogenically cooled hydrogen gas, cryogenically cooled oxygen gas, cryogenically cooled nitrogen gas, liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, liquid argon, liquid helium, liquid natural gas, other cryogenic liquids and / or other cryogenically cooled gases that may be stored for subsequent use in which the cryogenic fluid is to be warmed for its subsequent use after being output from storage so that the previously utilized energy applied for cooling of the fluid can be used instead of being lost, or wasted, via venting etc. As discussed above, such embodiments can also be adapted to minimize or avoid fog formation. Referring to Figure 1, an embodiment of our apparatus 1 can include a storage vessel 3 (Storage) that can be connected to a first heat exchanger 7 (HX1) for feeding a cryogenic fluid stored in the vessel 3 to the first heat exchanger 7. The cryogenic fluid stored in the storage vessel 3 can include cryogenic liquid or a mixture of cryogenic liquid and cryogenic gas. The storage vessel 3 can include one or more storage tanks, a storage unit of storage vessels, or other type of storage vessel 3.

[0087] The apparatus 1 can also include an electricity generation system la. The electricity generation system can include a turbine 23 and a working fluid conduit arrangement connected to the turbine to facilitate a flow of a working fluid to the turbine that can be utilized for generation of electricity via the turbine 23 that can occur via expansion of the working fluid. The working fluid can be routed via the conduit arrangement to pass through at least one heat exchanger and pass through at least one fluid flow drive mechanism (e.g. a pump or compressor).

[0088] For example, a first flow driving mechanism 5 (FDM1) can be positioned to facilitate the feeding of the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel 3 to the first heat exchanger 7. The first flow driving mechanism 5 (FDM1) can be considered a cryogenic fluid flow driving mechanism. The first flow driving mechanism 5 can be a pump or a compressor, for example. The first flow driving mechanism 5 can be positioned so that a storage output conduit 3a is connected between the storage vessel 3 and the first flow driving mechanism 5 for feeding the cryogenic fluid to the first flow driving mechanism 5 and a first flow driving mechanism output conduit 5a can be positioned between the first flow driving mechanism 5 and the first heat exchanger 7 for feeding the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel 3 to the first heat exchanger 7. Alternatively, a first heat exchanger feed conduit can be positioned between the storage vessel 3 and the first heat exchanger 7 and the first flow driving mechanism 5 can be positioned and connected to that conduit to facilitate the flow of the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel

[0089] 3 to the first heat exchanger 7.

[0090] The first flow driving mechanism 5 can be connected to a first motor (EMI). The first motor 5M can be connected to the first flow driving mechanism 5 or can be integrated into the first flow driving mechanism 5 via a power connection PC so that electricity provided to the first motor 5M can be utilized to power operations of the first flow driving mechanism 5. The electricity can be provided via an electricity storage device 25 (ES) that can be electrically connected to the first motor 5 and / or other electricity providing element (e.g. a connection with the grid to receive electricity from the grid to power operation of the motor).

[0091] The first heat exchanger 7 can be configured to receive a flow of an expanded working fluid flow 23 C output from a turbine 23 as a heating medium used to warm the cryogenic fluid output from the storage vessel 3 to output a vaporized fluid flow 7a. The vaporized fluid flow 7a output from the first heat exchanger 7 can be entirely gas (e.g. be hydrogen gas when the cryogenic fluid that is fed to the first heat exchanger to be warmed is liquid hydrogen, be natural gas when the cryogenic fluid that is fed to the first heat exchanger to be warmed is liquid natural gas, etc.). The vaporized fluid flow 7a can be output from the first heat exchanger 7 via at least one heat exchanger output conduit connected to the first heat exchanger for being passed to other downstream elements.

[0092] The working fluid used as the heating medium to heat the cryogenic fluid in the first heat exchanger 7 can be cooled via heat transfer that occurs in the first heat exchanger 7 with the cryogenic fluid being warmed and can be output as a cooled flow of working fluid 21C for being fed to a second flow driving mechanism 21 (FDM2). The second flow driving mechanism 21 (FDM2) can be considered a working fluid flow driving mechanism. The second flow driving mechanism 21 can be a pump or compressor in some embodiments. The second flow driving mechanism 21 can receive the cooled flow of working fluid 21C output from the first heat exchanger 7 and increase the pressure of the fluid for outputting a warmed and higher pressure flow of the working fluid 21H for driving that fluid toward the turbine 23 so that the working fluid can subsequently be expanded and cooled via the turbine 23.

[0093] The second flow driving mechanism 21 can be connected to a second motor 21a (EM2). The second motor can be integrated into the second flow driving mechanism 21 or be otherwise connected to it via a power connection PC to power operation of the second flow driving mechanism 21. The second motor 21a can be powered via electricity and can have an electrical connection with an electricity storage device 25 and / or an electrical grid to receive electricity to power the motor.

[0094] In some embodiments, the warmed and higher pressure flow of the working fluid 21H output from the second flow driving mechanism (FDM2) can be fed to a second heat exchanger 10 (HX2) to be a refrigerant for being further warmed therein. The second heat exchanger 10 can be a chiller in some embodiments and the warmed and higher pressure flow of the working fluid 21H can be the chilling medium of the chiller. The heated working fluid can be output from the second heat exchanger 10 as an electricity generating working fluid flow 23H for feeding to the turbine 23 for being expanded therein to rotate a shaft for generation of electricity. The expanded working fluid can be output from the turbine 23 as the expanded working fluid flow 23C. The electricity generated via the turbine’s expansion of the working fluid can be fed to at least one electricity storage device 25 (ES). Such a device can be a battery, an array of batteries, or other type of device configured to store electricity. Alternatively, the electricity can be directly fed to one or more other devices and / or the electrical grid. For example, there can be a first electrical connection 23a between the turbine 23 and the first motor 5M for providing electricity directly from the turbine 23 to the first motor 5M and there can be a second electrical connection 23b between the second motor 21a and the turbine 23 for providing electricity directly from the turbine 23 to the second motor 21a without utilization of an intermediate electricity storage device 25.

[0095] The electricity storage device 25 can be positioned to output electricity via a first electrical connection 31 A between the electricity storage device 25 and the first motor 5M for providing electricity to power that motor and operation of the first fluid flow driving mechanism 5. The electricity storage device 25 can also be positioned to output electricity via a second electrical connection 3 IB between the electricity storage device 25 and the second motor 21a for providing electricity to power that motor and operation of the second fluid flow driving mechanism 21. The electricity storage device 25 can also be positioned to output electricity to the grid or at least one other electrically powered appliance (e.g. an HVAC system, a refrigeration system of a facility near the apparatus, etc.) via a third electrical connection 31C between one or more of these elements and the electricity storage device 25.

[0096] As noted above, in alternative embodiments, these types of electrical connections can be provided directly between the turbine 23 and the different equipment for providing electricity to that equipment and / or the grid. In such embodiments, no electricity storage device 25 may be used or an electrical connection for providing some electricity produced via the generator of the turbine 23 to the electricity storage device 25 can also be utilized. For instance, such a connection can be provided via a first electrical connection 23a and / or a second electrical connection 23b that can be provided between the turbine 23 and that other equipment (e.g. an electrical connection between the turbine 23 and the working fluid drive mechanism motor 22a and / or an electrical connection between the turbine 23 and other equipment, etc.).

[0097] In some embodiments, the apparatus 1 can be configured so that the warmed cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger 7 as the vaporized fluid flow 7a can be fed to a buffer tank system 9 (BT Sys,), which is shown in broken line in Figures 1-3 as an optional element. The buffer tank system 9 can include at least one buffer tank for storage of gas formed via the first heat exchanger 7 and can also include a flow control manifold (FCM) for distribution of the stored fluid so that fluid in the buffer tank(s) of the buffer tank system 9 can be distributed to one or more downstream units.

[0098] When utilized, the buffer tank system 9 can be positioned to store the vaporized fluid flow for feeding toward the second heat exchanger 10 for being cooled prior to being output for subsequent use of the gas. Cooling of the vaporized fluid stored in the buffer tank system 9 or output from the first heat exchanger 7 may be needed to account for heating that is produced from the reverse Joule-Thompson effect that can occur when the gaseous fluid output as the vaporized fluid flow 7a is fed to a vehicle fuel tank, for example, or when gas spends a long enough time in a storage tank to warm up. Such a condition can occur in embodiments of the apparatus configured as a hydrogen fueling station or a natural gas fueling station, for example.

[0099] In embodiments that utilize a buffer tank system 9, a buffer tank feed conduit can be positioned between the first heat exchanger 7 and a buffer tank for feeding the vaporized fluid flow 7a to the buffer tank and a second heat exchanger feed conduit can be connected between the buffer tank and the second heat exchanger 10 to feed the vaporized fluid from the buffer tank to the second heat exchanger 10 for being cooled therein via warmed and higher pressure flow of the working fluid 21H output from the second flow driving mechanism (FDM2) or via another flow of fluid that can function as a cooling medium in the second heat exchanger 10.

[0100] The cooled vaporized fluid flow output from the second heat exchanger 10 can be entirely gaseous or substantially gaseous for being output for subsequent use. For example, the cooled vaporized fluid flow can be output as a dispenser feed flow 15a for feeding to a dispenser 15 for providing the fluid as a dispenser feed flow to the dispenser 15 for filling a fuel tank of a vehicle 13 via a vehicle fuel tank connection mechanism 16a of the dispenser 15. The cooled vaporized fluid flow that can be output from the second heat exchanger 10 can be fed to a dispenser 15 for being provided to a vehicle fuel tank via a vehicle fuel tank connection mechanism 16a of the dispenser 15.

[0101] The electricity generation system la of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 can include the turbine 23, the second fluid flow drive mechanism 21, and the working fluid conduit arrangement that facilitates the flow of the working fluid between the turbine and the second fluid flow drive mechanism 21 (e.g. from the turbine 23, through the first heat exchanger 7 and back to the turbine 23 via the second fluid flow drive mechanism 21). The electricity produced by the electricity generation system can permit refrigeration energy of the cryogenic fluid stored in the storage vessel 3 to be utilized instead of wasted. This type of configuration can also avoid formation of fog or mitigate fog formation that may be generated via the operation of the apparatus.

[0102] Embodiments of the apparatus 1 can alternatively utilize an electricity generation system la configured to utilize one or more thermoelectric generator devices G. For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 a first flow driving mechanism 5 (FDM1) can be positioned to facilitate the feeding of the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel 3 to the first heat exchanger 7. The first flow driving mechanism 5 can be positioned so that a storage output conduit 3a is connected between the storage vessel 3 and the first flow driving mechanism 5 for feeding the cryogenic fluid to the first flow driving mechanism 5 and a first flow driving mechanism output conduit 5a can be positioned between the first flow driving mechanism 5 and the first heat exchanger 7 for feeding the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel 3 to the first heat exchanger 7. Alternatively, the first heat exchanger feed conduit can be positioned between the storage vessel 3 and the first heat exchanger 7 and the first flow driving mechanism 5 can be positioned and connected to that conduit to facilitate the flow of the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel 3 to the first heat exchanger 7. The first flow driving mechanism 5 can be connected to a first motor (EMI). The first motor 5M can be connected to the first flow driving mechanism 5 or can be integrated into the first flow driving mechanism 5 via a power connection PC so that electricity provided to the first motor 5M can be utilized to power operations of the first flow driving mechanism 5. The electricity can be provided via an electricity storage device 25 (ES) that can be electrically connected to the first motor and / or other electricity providing element (e.g. a connection with the grid to receive electricity from the grid to power operation of the motor).

[0103] The first heat exchanger 7 can be configured to receive a flow of a heating medium (HMI) to warm the cryogenic fluid output from the storage vessel 3 to output a vaporized fluid flow 7a. The heating medium can be ambient air, a flow of water, or a fluid flow from a plant process, for example. The vaporized fluid flow 7a output from the first heat exchanger 7 can be entirely gas (e.g. be hydrogen gas when the cryogenic fluid that is fed to the first heat exchanger to be warmed is liquid hydrogen, be natural gas when the cryogenic fluid that is fed to the first heat exchanger to be warmed is liquid natural gas, etc.).

[0104] The heating medium used to heat the cryogenic fluid in the first heat exchanger 7 can be cooled via heat transfer that occurs in the first heat exchanger 7 with the cryogenic fluid being warmed and can be output as a cooled flow of the heating medium (HMO).

[0105] The first heat exchanger 7 can include at least one thermoelectric generation device G that can generate electricity from the temperature differential, or heat flux, that can be formed via the heat transfer between the heating medium and the cryogenic fluid fed to the first heat exchanger 7 for warming the cryogenic fluid for forming the vaporized fluid flow 7a. Each thermoelectric generation device G can be integrated into the heat exchanger or can be coupled to the heat exchanger for generation of electricity via the heat flux that occurs via the heat transfer that takes place in the heat exchanger. As discussed above, a buffer tank system 9 (BT Sys.) can be optionally utilized to store the vaporized fluid before feeding that fluid to a second heat exchanger 10 for cooling of that fluid to account for the reverse Joule Thompson effect or ambient heating or the vaporized fluid flow 7a can be fed directly to the second heat exchanger 10. An example of such a configuration is illustrated in Figure 2.

[0106] As may be appreciated from the broken line illustration of optional elements in Figures 1 and 2, embodiments can also be adapted to utilize thermoelectric generation for the heated cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger HX1. For example, an electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E of the first heat exchanger can be connected to the first heat exchanger 7 to provide an adjustable flow path for the vaporized fluid flow 7a output from the first heat exchanger 7. Such adjustability can be provided via a valve, for example. The valve can be positioned so that when the valve is in a first position, the vaporized fluid flow output from the first heat exchanger is passable to a downstream element such as a buffer tank of a buffer tank system 9 or second heat exchanger 10 without electricity generation occurring via the passing of the cryogenic fluid through the conduit. When the valve is in a second position, the vaporized fluid flow 7a can be routed through an electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E connected to the first heat exchanger 7 so that adjustment of the valve to the second position can adjust the flow of the vaporized fluid flow 7a so it passes through the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E as it passes from the first heat exchanger 7 to a downstream element (e.g. buffer tank 9, second heat exchanger 10, or other downstream element). At least one thermoelectric generation device G can be connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E so that the cryogenic fluid can undergo warming as it passes through the conduit and the flux of heat transfer from such warming can facilitate the generation of electricity via the thermoelectric generation device G. Adjustment of the flow of the vaporized fluid flow 7a to use the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E can be triggered based on a temperature of the cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger 7. In situations where that vaporized fluid is too cold for being fed to a buffer tank 9, for example, the valve of the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E can be adjusted to its second position for electricity generation, which can also help further warm the cryogenic fluid for passing to the buffer tank 9. In some embodiments, such a triggering can occur for actuation of valve adjustment between the first and second positions based on a detected temperature of the cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger being at or below a first pre-selected temperature threshold. It is contemplated that this type of optional electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E can help facilitate the capture and use of additional cold energy from the prior cooling of the cryogenic fluid into a liquid so that energy efficiency improvements can be further enhanced.

[0107] The electricity that can be generated via the one or more thermoelectric generation devices G connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E can be passed to the converter 29 via an electrical connection 25E between the thermoelectric generation device(s) G and the converter 29. The converter 29 can convert the current and transmit the current to first motor 5M, energy storage device 25, the grid or to another element that may utilize electricity (e.g. second motor EM2, etc. via at least one electrical connection 29E between the converter and one or more of these elements or via a converter electrical connection 29C between the converter 29 and the electricity storage device 25.

[0108] In embodiments that utilize the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E, this conduit and the one or more thermoelectric generation devices (and converter 29) can be considered components of the electricity generation system la for that embodiment. The electricity produced by the electricity generation system la can permit refrigeration energy of the cryogenic fluid stored in the storage vessel 3 to be utilized instead of wasted. This type of configuration can also avoid formation of fog or mitigate fog formation that may be generated via the operation of the apparatus.

[0109] As yet another alternative, the second heat exchanger 10 may not be utilized and only the first heat exchanger 7 may be utilized. An example of such an arrangement is illustrated in Figure 3. For example, in a situation where the formed vaporized fluid output from the first heat exchanger 7 can have a suitable temperature for feeding to a downstream use for providing to a fuel tank of a vehicle 13 for a fueling station embodiment the second heat exchanger 10 may not be utilized. As discussed above, the formed vapor output from the first heat exchanger 7 in such a configuration can be fed as an output flow 7c for feeding to a downstream unit. For example, the output flow 7c can be fed to a dispenser 15 for feeding to a vehicle in a fueling station configuration. As yet another option, the formed vaporized fluid provided as the output flow 7c can be fed to another type of device for use by that device.

[0110] It should be appreciated that the above discussed optional electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E and one or more thermoelectric generation devices G connected to that first heat exchanger output conduit can also be included in such embodiments. As discussed above, this conduit can be utilized in an adjustable fashion based on the temperature of the cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger 7 to facilitate feeding the cryogenic fluid to the buffer tank 9, for example.

[0111] In embodiments that utilize the second heat exchanger 10, the second heat exchanger 10 can also include at least one thermoelectric generation device G that can generate electricity from the temperature differential, or heat flux, that can be formed via the heat transfer between the vaporized fluid fed to the second heat exchanger 10 for cooling that fluid and a flow of refrigerant (RI) fed to the second heat exchanger as a cooling medium. The warmed refrigerant can be output from the second heat exchanger 10 as a warmed refrigerant flow RO. The refrigerant can be ambient air, chilling water, or other suitable refrigerant (e.g. a process gas from another plant process, etc.).

[0112] The one or more thermoelectric generator devices G of the first heat exchanger 7 can be electrically connected to a converter 29 via a first electrical connection 24E between the thermoelectric generator device(s) G and the converter 29. When utilized, the one or more thermoelectric generator devices G of the second heat exchanger 10 can be electrically connected to a converter 29 via a second electrical connection 26E between the thermoelectric generator device(s) G and the converter 29. The converter can be an inverse converter or other type of suitable converter for converting the electricity output from the one or more thermoelectric generator devices Gto form an electricity for providing to the electricity storage device 25 via a converter electrical connection 29C between the converter 29 and the electricity storage device 25. For example, the converter 29 can be configured to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) or be configured to convert DC to AC. The converter 29 can include a single converter unit or multiple converter units.

[0113] The electricity storage device 25 can be electrically connected to the first motor 5M via a first electrical connection 31A between the electricity storage device 25 and the first motor 5M for providing electricity to power that motor and operation of the first fluid flow driving mechanism 5. The electricity storage device 25 can also be positioned to output electricity to the grid or at least one other electrically powered appliance (e.g. an HVAC system, a refrigeration system of a facility near the apparatus, etc.) via a second electrical connection 3 ID between one or more of these elements and the electricity storage device 25.

[0114] The electricity generation system la of the exemplary embodiments of Figure 2 and Figure 3 can include the thermoelectric generator device(s) G, and the converter 29. The electricity produced by the electricity generation system la can permit refrigeration energy of the cryogenic fluid stored in the storage vessel 3 to be utilized instead of wasted. This type of configuration can also avoid formation of fog or mitigate fog formation that may be generated via the operation of the apparatus.

[0115] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, embodiments of the apparatus 1 for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids can be configured for utilization in a vehicle. Such embodiments can be mobile and be on-board the vehicle, for example. The vehicle 13 can be a type of vehicle 13 that can be configured to receive hydrogen or natural gas fuel in embodiments of the apparatus 1 shown in Figures 1-3 that can be configured as a hydrogen or natural gas fueling station.

[0116] The vehicle 13 can include a fuel tank 13a (tank). The fuel tank 13a can store a cryogenic fluid, such as, for example, liquid hydrogen, liquid natural gas, methane gas, or hydrogen gas. Alternatively, the fuel tank 13a can storage a cryogenic fluid that is partially gaseous and partially liquid. The cryogenic fluid stored in the fuel tank 13a can be fed to a vehicle heat exchanger 13b (HXV) to be subsequently fed to a fuel cell 13f for being utilized therein for generation of electricity to power the operation of the vehicle 13. A heat exchanger feed conduit 14a can be positioned between the fuel tank 13a and the vehicle heat exchanger 13b for providing the fluid to the heat exchanger.

[0117] The vehicle heat exchanger 13b (HXV) can include a vaporizer or can include a combination of a vaporizer for heating the fluid and subsequent cooler to cool the fluid so that the fuel cell feed 14b output from the vehicle heat exchanger 13b is at a pre-selected fuel cell feed temperature. The fuel cell feed 14b can be fed to the fuel cell 13f via a fuel cell feed conduit positioned between the vehicle heat exchanger 13b and the fuel cell 13f

[0118] The vehicle heat exchanger 13b can utilize different types of heating mediums or refrigerants for the heat exchanger 13b. For example, ambient air can be utilized as a heating medium for the vaporizer of the heat exchanger 13b. The ambient air can be passed into the heat exchanger from the air surrounding the vehicle, for example. As another example, cooling water from fuel cell 13f can be utilized as a heating medium for the vaporizer of the heat exchanger 13b for cooling the cooling water for use in the fuel cell as part of a cooling water fluid circuit of the fuel cell 13f

[0119] One or more thermoelectric generator devices G can be attached to the vehicle heat exchanger 13b to convert the heat flux of the heat exchanger to electricity for providing the electricity to a converter 13c via a converter electrical connection 14c between the thermoelectric generator device G and the converter 13c. The converter 13c can convert that electricity from DC to AC or AC to DC as may be needed for providing to a vehicle battery 13bat via a battery electrical connection 14d between the converter 13c and the battery 13bat. The converter 13c can also be configured to increase or decrease the voltage (e.g. convert DC at a first voltage to DC of a second voltage that is lower or higher than the first voltage).

[0120] The converter 13c can also (or alternatively) convert that electricity from DC to AC or AC to DC as may be needed for providing to a propulsion system (Propulsion Sys.) 13 str of the vehicle via a propulsion system electrical connection 14e between the converter 13c and the propulsion system 13 str of the vehicle (e.g. drive motion of wheel via the electricity, drive motion of a propeller or other propulsion system to help drive motion of the vehicle, etc.). The converter 13c can also (or alternatively) convert that electricity from DC to AC or AC to DC as may be needed for providing to an exhaust conditioning mechanism 13ex (exhaust conditioning) of the vehicle via an exhaust conditioning electrical connection 14f between the converter 13c and the exhaust conditioning mechanism 13ex. The exhaust conditioning mechanism 13ex can be configured to condition emissions of the vehicle for outputting of the emissions to vent it from the vehicle, for example. As noted above, the converter 13c can also be configured to increase or decrease the voltage (e.g. convert DC at a first voltage to DC of a second voltage that is lower or higher than the first voltage) for providing electricity to the propulsion system 13str and / or exhaust conditioning mechanism 13ex. The electricity generation system la of the embodiment of Figure 4 can include the thermoelectric generator device(s) G, and the converter 13 c. The electricity produced by the electricity generation system la can permit refrigeration energy of the cryogenic fluid stored in the fuel tank 13a to be utilized instead of wasted. This type of configuration can also avoid formation of fog or mitigate fog formation that may be generated via the operation of the apparatus.

[0121] The electricity generation system la of the embodiment of Figure 4 can also include other elements. For example, the vehicle heat exchanger 13b (HXV) can include an output conduit that has an electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x can be connected to the fuel cell feed conduit positioned between the vehicle heat exchanger 13b and the fuel cell 13f so that vaporized fluid output from the vehicle heat exchanger 13b can be fed to the fuel cell 13f and also generate additional electricity. In some configurations, the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x can be an output conduit of the vehicle heat exchanger 13b to provide an adjustable flow path for the fuel cell feed 14b output from the vehicle heat exchanger 13b. Such adjustability can be provided via a valve, for example. The valve can be positioned so that when the valve is in a first position, the vaporized fluid flow output from the vehicle heat exchanger 13b is passable to the fuel cell 13f without electricity generation occurring via the passing of the vaporized cryogenic fluid through the conduit. When the valve is in a second position, the fuel cell feed 14b can be routed through the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x connected to the vehicle heat exchanger 13b so that adjustment of the valve to the second position can adjust the flow of the vaporized fluid flow for the fuel cell feed 14b so it passes through the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x as it passes from the vehicle heat exchanger 13b to the fuel cell 13f. At least one thermoelectric generation device G can be connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x so that the cryogenic fluid can undergo warming as it passes through the conduit and the flux of heat transfer from such warming can facilitate the generation of electricity via the thermoelectric generation device G.

[0122] Adjustment of the flow of the fuel cell feed 14b to use the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x can be triggered based on a temperature of the cryogenic fluid output from the vehicle heat exchanger 13b. In situations where that vaporized fluid is too cold for being fed to fuel cell 13f, for example, the valve of the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x can be adjusted to its second position for electricity generation, which can also help further warm the cryogenic fluid for passing to the fuel cell 13f. In some embodiments, such a triggering can occur for actuation of valve adjustment between the first and second positions based on a detected temperature of the cryogenic fluid output from the vehicle heat exchanger 13b being at or below a first pre-selected temperature threshold. It is contemplated that this type of optional electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x can help facilitate the capture and use of additional cold energy from the prior cooling of the cryogenic fluid into a liquid so that energy efficiency improvements can be further enhanced.

[0123] The electricity that can be generated via the one or more thermoelectric generation devices G connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x can be passed to the converter 13c via an electrical connection 14s between the thermoelectric generation device(s) G and the converter 13c. The converter 13c can convert the current and transmit the current to the battery 13bat, propulsion system 13str, or exhaust conditioning 13ex.

[0124] In embodiments that utilize the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x this conduit and the one or more thermoelectric generation devices G connected to that conduit can be considered components of the electricity generation system la for that embodiment. The electricity produced by the electricity generation system la can permit refrigeration energy of the cryogenic fluid stored in the fuel tank 13a to be better utilized and may also help avoid formation of fog or mitigate fog formation that may be generated via the operation of the apparatus.

[0125] The vehicle 13 can also include another feature that may help further enhance efficiency and operation of the electricity generation system la. For instance, water output from the fuel cell 13f (e.g. via use of hydrogen gas to generate electricity) can be output to a fuel cell water heat exchanger HXW via a fuel cell water output conduit 14w connected between the fuel cell 13f and the fuel cell water heat exchanger HXW. The one or more thermoelectric generation devices G connected to the vehicle heat exchanger 13b can also be connected to the fuel cell water heat exchanger HXW for enhancing electricity generation. The water output from the fuel cell water heat exchanger HXW can be output as a water output flow 14r, which can be passed to a radiator of the vehicle or other vehicle element.

[0126] The embodiment of Figure 4 can be sized and configured for utilization in automobiles, trucks, or other types of vehicles. As noted above, such a vehicle 13 can also be configured to receive fuel from an embodiment of our apparatus 1 configured as a fueling station.

[0127] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus 1 for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids can be configured for utilization in a vehicle 13 that may be suitable for utilization in larger types of vehicles such as ships, large water faring ships (e.g. container ships, barges, etc.), or train engines (e.g. locomotives) that may pull or push numerous rail cars via a railway to transport the rail cars along the railway.

[0128] The apparatus 1 can include a fuel tank 13a that can store a cryogenic fluid therein. The cryogenic fluid can be liquid hydrogen, liquid natural gas, gaseous hydrogen, or gaseous natural gas, for example. The fuel tank 13a can store a cryogenic fluid, such as liquid hydrogen or liquid natural gas. Alternatively, the fuel tank 13a can storage a cryogenic fluid that is gaseous or partially gaseous and partially liquid. The cryogenic fluid stored in the fuel tank 13a can be fed to a vehicle heat exchanger 13b (HXV) via a heat exchanger feed conduit 14a connected between the fuel tank 13a and the vehicle heat exchanger 13b. The fluid fed to the vehicle heat exchanger 13b can be heated therein via a working fluid heating medium flow 18C provided to the vehicle heat exchanger via a turbine 13T of the vehicle.

[0129] The heated cryogenic fluid output from the vehicle heat exchanger 13b can be fed as a fuel cell feed 14b to a vehicle fuel cell 13f for use therein for generation of electricity for the vehicle’s use as well. For example, the fuel cell feed 14b output from the vehicle heat exchanger 13b can be output at a pre-selected fuel cell feed temperature. The fuel cell feed 14b can be fed to the fuel cell 13f via a fuel cell feed conduit positioned between the vehicle heat exchanger 13b and the fuel cell 13f

[0130] The working fluid heating medium flow 18C can be further cooled as it functions as a heating medium in the vehicle heat exchanger 13b and can subsequently be output as a cooled working fluid flow 16C for being fed to a working fluid drive mechanism 13F (FDMV) of the vehicle 13. The working fluid drive mechanism 13F can be a pump or a compressor, for example. The working fluid drive mechanism 13F can be connected to a working fluid drive mechanism motor (EMV). The working fluid drive mechanism motor 13M (EMV) can be connected to the working fluid drive mechanism 13F or can be integrated into the working fluid drive mechanism 13F via a power connection PC so that electricity provided to the working fluid drive mechanism motor (EMV) can be utilized to power operations of the working fluid drive mechanism 13F. The electricity can be provided via a turbine 13T that can be electrically connected to the working fluid drive mechanism motor 13M and / or other element of the vehicle 13 (e.g. battery 13bat, propulsion system 13str, exhaust conditioning mechanism 13ex, etc.).

[0131] The working fluid drive mechanism 13F can output a working fluid flow 16H that can also be at a higher pressure for feeding to the turbine 13T. The output working fluid of the working fluid flow 16H can also be at a higher temperature due to the compression of the fluid that may occur via the working fluid drive mechanism 13F. The heated working fluid flow 16H can be fed to a cooling device 13d (CD) for being used as a cooling medium therein for cooling another fluid of the vehicle. For example, a vehicle fluid input flow (VFI) can be fed to the cooling device 13d for being cooled therein via the heated working fluid flow 16H and being output as a cooled vehicle fluid output flow VFO for use in the vehicle 13 and / or for being vented at a cooler temperature suitable for exhaust. The heated working fluid can be output from the cooling device 13d as a hotter working fluid flow 18H as the vehicle fluid input flow can transport heat to the working fluid via the cooling device 13d. The hotter working fluid flow 18H can be fed to the inlet of a turbine 13T for being expanded therein for outputting the working fluid heating medium flow 18C that is to be fed to the vehicle heat exchanger 13b. The expansion of the working fluid via the turbine 13T can rotate at least one shaft of the turbine for electricity generation.

[0132] The electricity generated via the operation of the turbine 13T can be provided to different elements of the vehicle 13. For example, a battery electrical connection 14d between the turbine 13T and the battery 13bat can provide electricity generated via the turbine 13T to the battery 13bat for storage therein and subsequent use. The turbine 13T can also (or alternatively) provide the generated electricity to a propulsion system 13 str of the vehicle via a propulsion system electrical connection 14e between the turbine 13T and the propulsion system 13str. The turbine 13T can also (or alternatively) provide the generated electricity to an exhaust conditioning mechanism 13ex (exhaust conditioning) of the vehicle via an exhaust conditioning electrical connection 14f between the turbine 13T and the exhaust conditioning mechanism 13ex. The exhaust conditioning mechanism 13ex can be configured to condition emissions of the vehicle for outputting of the emissions to vent it from the vehicle, for example. The turbine 13T can also (or alternatively) provide electricity to the working fluid drive mechanism motor 13M via a drive motor electrical connection 14M between the turbine and the motor or that is provided via the battery 13bat that can be electrically connected to the working fluid drive mechanism motor 13M via a drive motor electrical connection 14M connected between the battery 13bat and the working fluid drive mechanism motor 13M.

[0133] The working fluid conduit arrangement for the electrical generation system la of this embodiment can include the conduits positioned between the turbine 13T and the vehicle heat exchanger 13b, and the turbine 13T and the cooling device 13d for providing the flow of the working fluid within a cycle of cooling and heating provided via the heat exchanger 13b, cooling device 13d, turbine 13T and working fluid drive mechanism 13F. The working fluid conduit arrangement can also include conduits positioned between the heat exchanger 13b and the working fluid drive mechanism 13F and the cooling device and the working fluid drive mechanism 13F.

[0134] The electricity generation system la of this embodiment of Figure 5 can include the turbine 13T and the working fluid conduit arrangement. For example, the electricity generation system la can include the turbine 13T, the working fluid flow drive mechanism 13F, and the working fluid conduit arrangement that facilitates the flow of the working fluid between the turbine 13T and the working fluid flow drive mechanism 13F (e.g. from the turbine 13T, through the vehicle heat exchanger 13b and back to the turbine 13T via the working fluid flow drive mechanism 13F). The electricity produced by the electricity generation system la can permit refrigeration energy of the cryogenic fluid stored in the storage vessel 3 to be utilized instead of wasted. This type of configuration can also avoid formation of fog or mitigate fog formation that may be generated via the operation of the apparatus 1 on the vehicle.

[0135] The electricity generation system la of the embodiment of Figure 5 can also include other elements. For example (and as discussed above as well), the vehicle heat exchanger 13b (HXV) can include an output conduit that has an electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x can be connected to the fuel cell feed conduit positioned between the vehicle heat exchanger 13b and the fuel cell 13f so that vaporized fluid output from the vehicle heat exchanger 13b can be fed to the fuel cell 13f and also generate additional electricity. In some configurations, the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x can be an output conduit of the vehicle heat exchanger 13b to provide an adjustable flow path for the fuel cell feed 14b output from the vehicle heat exchanger 13b. Such adjustability can be provided via a valve, for example. The valve can be positioned so that when the valve is in a first position, the vaporized fluid flow output from the vehicle heat exchanger 13b is passable to the fuel cell 13f without electricity generation occurring via the passing of the vaporized cryogenic fluid through the conduit. When the valve is in a second position, the fuel cell feed 14b can be routed through the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x connected to the vehicle heat exchanger 13b so that adjustment of the valve to the second position can adjust the flow of the vaporized fluid flow for the fuel cell feed 14b so it passes through the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x as it passes from the vehicle heat exchanger 13b to the fuel cell 13f. At least one thermoelectric generation device G can be connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x so that the cryogenic fluid can undergo warming as it passes through the conduit and the flux of heat transfer from such warming can facilitate the generation of electricity via the thermoelectric generation device G.

[0136] Adjustment of the flow of the fuel cell feed 14b to use the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x can be triggered based on a temperature of the cryogenic fluid output from the vehicle heat exchanger 13b. In situations where that vaporized fluid is too cold for being fed to fuel cell 13f, for example, the valve of the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x can be adjusted to its second position for electricity generation, which can also help further warm the cryogenic fluid for passing to the fuel cell 13f. In some embodiments, such a triggering can occur for actuation of valve adjustment between the first and second positions based on a detected temperature of the cryogenic fluid output from the vehicle heat exchanger 13b being at or below a first pre-selected temperature threshold. It is contemplated that this type of optional electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x can help facilitate the capture and use of additional cold energy from the prior cooling of the cryogenic fluid into a liquid so that energy efficiency improvements can be further enhanced.

[0137] The electricity that can be generated via the one or more thermoelectric generation devices G connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x can be passed to the converter 13c via an electrical connection 14s between the thermoelectric generation device(s) G and the converter 13c. The converter 13c can convert the current and transmit the current to the battery 13bat, propulsion system 13str, or exhaust conditioning 13ex via at least one electrical connection 49E the converter 13c can have to those elements.

[0138] Referring to Figure 6, other embodiments of the apparatus 1 for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids can be configured for utilization in industrial processing operations. For example, embodiments can be utilized in conjunction with providing an oxidant flow to a furnace of an industrial process (PRC) for use therein for combustion of a fuel to heat material and / or melt material (e.g. aluminum, steel, other metal) or an inert gas flow for use in an industrial process (PRC). In embodiments in which the industrial process is to melt a material, the industrial process (PRC) can include a melt furnace for example and the cryogenic fluid that is stored for use can be liquid oxygen. In other embodiments, the cryogenic fluid can be an inert fluid (e.g. liquid nitrogen, liquid argon, liquid helium) and be utilized in an industrial process to control an atmospheric condition of the industrial process or to control a particular desired concentration of an active element (e.g. oxygen for an oxidant flow, an active constituent of a reactor feed, etc.) in a flow of fluid to be utilized in the industrial process (PRC).

[0139] The cryogenic fluid stored in a storage vessel 3 (Storage) can be liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, or other cryogenic fluid. The fluid can be a liquid or be partially liquid and partially gaseous in different embodiments. The cryogenic fluid can be output from the storage vessel 3 to a first heat exchanger 7 via a storage output conduit 3b connected between the storage vessel 3 and the first heat exchanger 7. The cryogenic fluid may be heated via the heat exchanger and be output as a gaseous fluid flow 3c that is at a suitable temperature for being fed toward the industrial process (PRC). For example, the output heated fluid can be at a pre-selected oxidant feed temperature for feeding to a furnace or for being mixed with other gas for being fed to the furnace. The furnace can be a melt furnace or other type of furnace in such an embodiment.

[0140] The industrial process can output a waste heat stream WH. The waste heat stream can be a flue gas or other type of combustion gas in embodiments in which the industrial process (PRC) includes a furnace or a combustor, for example. The waste heat stream WH can be a hot fluid and can be cooled via a second heat exchanger 10 (HX2) before the fluid is vented via at least one vent conduit (Vent). The vent conduit (Vent) can provide the hot fluid to a bag house or other emission control device prior to venting of the hot gas in some embodiments.

[0141] A working fluid can be passed between the first heat exchanger 7 and a turbine 23 via a working fluid conduit arrangement for being utilized as a heating medium in the first heat exchanger 7 and a cooling medium in the second heat exchanger 10 for use in generation of electricity to recover refrigeration duty from the cryogenic fluid that is being heated for feeding to the industrial process (PRC).

[0142] For example, a working fluid can be output from the turbine 23 as an expanded working fluid flow 23 C to be fed to the first heat exchanger 7 as a heating medium for heating the cryogenic fluid fed to the first heat exchanger 7. The cooled working fluid can be output from the first heat exchanger 7 as a cooled working fluid flow 21C for being fed to a working fluid drive mechanism 22 (FDMF). The working fluid drive mechanism can be a pump or a compressor in some embodiments. The working fluid can be increased in pressure and / or heated and output from the working fluid drive mechanism 22 as a heated and increased pressure working fluid flow 21H that can be fed to the second heat exchanger 10 as a cooling medium for cooling the waste heat stream WH. The working fluid can be further warmed by receiving the heat from the waste heat stream WH as it functions as a cooling medium in the heat transfer between the waste heat stream WH and the working fluid and be output as an electricity generating working fluid flow 23H for feeding to a turbine 23. The turbine 23 can expand this heated and pressurized working fluid to generate electricity and output the expanded working fluid flow 23 C.

[0143] The working fluid drive mechanism 22 can be connected to a working fluid drive mechanism motor 22a (EMF). The working fluid drive mechanism motor 22a (EMF) can be connected to the working fluid drive mechanism 22 or can be integrated into the working fluid drive mechanism 22 via a power connection PC so that electricity provided to the working fluid drive mechanism motor (EMF) can be utilized to power operations of the working fluid drive mechanism 22. The electricity can be provided via a turbine 23 that can be electrically connected to the working fluid drive mechanism motor 22a and / or other element (e.g. electrical grid, etc.).

[0144] For example, the turbine 23 can have an electrical connection with at least one electricity storage device 25 (e.g. a battery, etc.). The electricity storage device 25 can have a first electrical connection 3 IE with the electrical grid for providing the electricity to the grid. The electricity storage device 23 can have a second electrical connection 3 IF with the working fluid drive mechanism motor 22a (EMF) for providing electricity to this motor. The electricity storage device 25 can have a third electrical connection 31G with one or more other elements for providing electricity to those elements. Such elements can include other electrically powered equipment of a plant running the industrial process PRC or other electrically powered equipment. The electricity generation system la of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 6 can include the above discussed turbine 23, the working fluid flow drive mechanism 22, and the working fluid conduit arrangement that facilitates the flow of the working fluid between the turbine 23 and the working fluid flow drive mechanism 22 (e.g. from the turbine 23, through the first heat exchanger 7, through the second heat exchanger 10, and back to the turbine 23 via the working fluid flow drive mechanism 22).

[0145] The working fluid conduit arrangement of the electricity generation system la can include an expanded working fluid conduit positioned between the turbine 23 and the first heat exchanger 7 and a cooled working fluid conduit positioned between the first heat exchanger 7 and the working fluid drive mechanism 22. The working fluid conduit arrangement can also include a heated work fluid feed conduit positioned between the working fluid drive mechanism and the second heat exchanger 10 and a turbine feed conduit positioned between the second heat exchanger 10 and the turbine 23.

[0146] The electricity produced by the electricity generation system la can permit refrigeration energy of the cryogenic fluid stored in the storage vessel 3 to be utilized instead of wasted. This type of configuration can also avoid formation of fog or mitigate fog formation that may be generated via the operation of the apparatus.

[0147] An exemplary process for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids that can be utilized in the different embodiments of our apparatus 1 discussed herein is illustrated in Figure 7. In a first step SI of this process, stored cryogenic fluid stored in a storage vessel can be fed to a heat exchanger to be heated. The storage vessel can be stationary (e.g. storage tank or storage unit located at a plant that is stationary and supported on the ground or in a building) or be mobile (e.g. a fuel tank of a vehicle). The stored fluid can be a cryogenic liquid or be a cold cryogenic fluid that can be partially liquid and partially gaseous or can be a cryogenic gas. In a second step S2, the cold from the stored fluid to be heated via the heat exchanger can be utilized to power work via a working fluid or thermoelectric generation (e.g. via one or more thermoelectric generation devices G). This utilization can occur in a plant, facility, and / or system integrated into a vehicle 13 (e.g. train, ship, truck, etc.). In an optional third step S3, cold from the fluid to be heated can be used for thermo-electric generation when the heated fluid output from a heat exchanger (e.g. as a vaporized cryogenic liquid) can be at or below a pre-selected temperature. Examples of such a use can be appreciated via use of electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E of the first heat exchanger 7 or electricity generation facilitating output conduit 14x of a vehicle heat exchanger 13b as discussed above. The utilization of the cold to power work can be the generation of electricity that can be provided to one or more devices to power the operation of those devices or through direct refrigeration. Examples of the generation of electricity and transmission of that electricity to one or more devices either directly or indirectly via at least one intermediate battery or other type of electricity storage device 25 can be appreciated from the above discussion of the exemplary embodiments of Figures 1-6 and below discussion of the exemplary embodiments of Figures 8 and 10.

[0148] Referring to Figure 8, an embodiment of our apparatus 1 can include a storage vessel 3 (Storage) that can be connected to the first heat exchanger 7 (HX1) for feeding a cryogenic fluid (e.g. liquid hydrogen) stored in the vessel 3 to the first heat exchanger 7 for undergoing heating and / or vaporization in the heat exchanger. The cryogenic fluid stored in the storage vessel 3 can include cryogenic liquid or a mixture of cryogenic liquid and cryogenic gas. The storage vessel 3 can include one or more storage tanks, a storage unit of storage vessels, or other type of storage vessel 3.

[0149] A first flow driving mechanism 5 (FDM1) can be positioned to facilitate the feeding of the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel 3 to the first heat exchanger 7. The first flow driving mechanism 5 (FDM1) can be considered a cryogenic fluid flow driving mechanism. The first flow driving mechanism 5 can be a pump or a compressor, for example. The first flow driving mechanism 5 can be positioned so that a storage output conduit 3a is connected between the storage vessel 3 and the first flow driving mechanism 5 for feeding the cryogenic fluid to the first flow driving mechanism 5 and a first flow driving mechanism output conduit 5a can be positioned between the first flow driving mechanism 5 and the first heat exchanger 7 for feeding the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel 3 to the first heat exchanger 7. Alternatively, a first heat exchanger feed conduit can be positioned between the storage vessel 3 and the first heat exchanger 7 and the first flow driving mechanism 5 can be positioned and connected to that conduit to facilitate the flow of the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel 3 to the first heat exchanger 7.

[0150] A warmed cryogenic fluid can be output from the first heat exchanger 7 as vaporized fluid flow 7a. The vaporized fluid flow 7a can be fed to a buffer tank of a buffer tank system 9. The buffer tank of the buffer tank system 9 can be positioned between the first heat exchanger 7 and a second heat exchanger 10 so the buffer tank is positioned to store the vaporized fluid flow for feeding toward the second heat exchanger 10 for being cooled prior to being output for subsequent use of the gas. The buffer tank system 9 can also include a flow control manifold that can facilitate the feeding of the fluid from the buffer tank to the second heat exchanger 10 and / or other downstream elements.

[0151] Cooling of the vaporized fluid stored in the buffer tank of the buffer tank system 9 or output from the first heat exchanger 7 may be needed to account for heating that is produced from the reverse Joule-Thompson effect that can occur when the gaseous fluid output as the vaporized fluid flow 7a is fed to a vehicle fuel tank, for example, or when gas spends a long enough time in a storage tank to warm up. Such a condition can occur in embodiments of the apparatus configured as a hydrogen fueling station or a natural gas fueling station, for example. A buffer tank feed conduit can be positioned between the first heat exchanger 7 and the buffer tank of the buffer tank system 9 for feeding the vaporized fluid flow 7a to the buffer tank and a second heat exchanger feed conduit can be connected between the buffer tank and the second heat exchanger 10 to feed the vaporized fluid from the buffer tank to the second heat exchanger 10 for being cooled therein. The cooled vaporized fluid flow output from the second heat exchanger 10 can be entirely gaseous or substantially gaseous for being output for subsequent use. For example, the cooled vaporized fluid flow can be output as a dispenser feed flow 15a for feeding to a dispenser 15 for filling a fuel tank of a vehicle 13 via a vehicle fuel tank connection mechanism 16a of the dispenser 15.

[0152] The first heat exchanger 7 can utilize a first heat exchanger heating medium flow 61H that includes warmed heat transfer fluid as a heating medium for vaporization of the cryogenic fluid fed to the first heat exchanger via the first flow driving mechanism 5 (FDM1) and storage tank 3. The heat transfer fluid can be a suitable refrigerant for use in a refrigeration system heat exchanger HXR, such as, for example, D-limonene, dipentene, liquid nitrogen, helium, liquid hydrogen, cryogenic fluid, or other suitable refrigerant. The heat transfer fluid that is utilized can be provided in a close circuit arrangement to facilitate extraction of cold from the cryogenic fluid stored in the storage tank 3 and subsequent use of that cold as a heat sink for a refrigeration system heat exchanger HXR so a space (e.g. warehouse, freezer unit, etc.) can have its heat removed via use of the heat transfer fluid to provide improved operational performance and electricity utilization of the refrigeration system heat exchanger HXR while also providing a heating medium for vaporization of cryogenic liquid stored in the tank 3 and / or warming of cryogenic fluid stored in the tank 3.

[0153] The heat transfer fluid closed loop circuit can include being output from the first heat exchanger HX1 as a cooled heat transfer fluid flow 61C. The cooled heat transfer fluid flow 61C can be fed to the second heat exchanger HX2 as a cooling medium therein for cooling the cryogenic gas output from the buffer tank 9. The heat transfer fluid output from the second heat exchanger can subsequently be fed to the refrigeration system heat exchanger HXR as a heat transfer fluid feed flow 6 IF for the refrigeration system heat exchanger 61HXR. The heat transfer fluid feed flow 6 IF can be passed through coils or other heat exchange element of the refrigeration system heat exchanger HXR used for refrigeration, cooling, and / or freezing of one or more spaces of a facility or refrigeration unit to function as a heat sink for the refrigeration system heat exchanger 61 (HXR) to help improve its operational efficiency. The warmed heat transfer fluid can be output from the refrigeration system heat exchanger HXR as a warmed heat transfer fluid flow 61W, which can be fed to a heat transfer fluid drive mechanism 6 IP (RP) for increasing the pressure of the heat transfer fluid for passing the heat transfer fluid to the first heat exchanger as the first heat exchanger heat transfer fluid flow 61H.

[0154] The heat transfer fluid drive mechanism 6 IP (RP) can be a pump or a compressor in some embodiments. The cooled heat transfer fluid flow 61C passed from the first heat exchanger 7 to the second heat exchanger 10 can be provided via a second heat exchanger heat transfer fluid feed conduit connected between the first heat exchanger 7 and the second heat exchanger 10. The heat transfer fluid feed flow 6 IF can be output from the second heat exchanger 10 and fed to the refrigeration system heat exchanger 61 (HXR) via a refrigeration system heat exchanger feed conduit connected between the second heat exchanger 10 and the refrigeration system heat exchanger 61. The warmed heat transfer fluid flow 61 W output from the refrigeration system heat exchanger 61 (HXR) can be fed to the heat transfer fluid drive mechanism 6 IP via a heat transfer fluid drive mechanism feed conduit connected between the refrigeration system heat exchanger 61 and the heat transfer fluid drive mechanism 6 IP. The first heat exchanger heating medium flow 61H output from the heat transfer fluid drive mechanism 6 IP for being fed as the heating medium to the first heat exchanger 7 can be passed to the first heat exchanger 7 via a first heat exchanger heating medium feed conduit connected between the first heat exchanger 7 and the refrigerant fluid drive mechanism 6 IP.

[0155] The embodiment of Figure 8 can also be adapted to utilize thermoelectric generation for the heated cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger 7 as discussed above. For example, an electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E of the first heat exchanger can be connected to the first heat exchanger 7 to provide an adjustable flow path for the vaporized fluid flow 7a output from the first heat exchanger 7. Such adjustability can be provided via a valve, for example. The valve can be positioned so that when the valve is in a first position, the vaporized fluid flow output from the first heat exchanger is passable to the buffer tank 9 without electricity generation occurring via the passing of the cryogenic fluid through the conduit. When the valve is in a second position, the vaporized fluid flow 7a can be routed through an electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E connected to the first heat exchanger 7 so that adjustment of the valve to the second position can adjust the flow of the vaporized fluid flow 7a so it passes through the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E as it passes from the first heat exchanger 7 to the buffer tank 9. At least one thermoelectric generation device G can be connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E so that the cryogenic fluid can undergo warming as it passes through the conduit and the flux of heat transfer from such warming can facilitate the generation of electricity via the thermoelectric generation device G.

[0156] As discussed above, adjustment of the flow of the vaporized fluid flow 7a to use the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E can be triggered based on a temperature of the cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger 7. In situations where that vaporized fluid is too cold for being desirably fed to the buffer tank 9, for example, the valve of the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E can be adjusted to its second position for electricity generation, which can also help further warm the cryogenic fluid for passing to the buffer tank 9. In some embodiments, such a triggering can occur for actuation of valve adjustment between the first and second positions based on a detected temperature of the cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger being at or below a first pre-selected temperature threshold. It is contemplated that this type of optional electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E can help facilitate the capture and use of additional cold energy from the prior cooling of the cryogenic fluid into a liquid so that energy efficiency improvements can be further enhanced.

[0157] The electricity that can be generated via the one or more thermoelectric generation devices G connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E can be passed to a converter 29 via an electrical connection 25E between the thermoelectric generation device(s) G and the converter 29. The converter 29 can convert the current and transmit the current to first motor 5M, the motor 6 IM (EMR) of the heat transfer fluid drive mechanism 6 IP, an energy storage device, the grid or to another element that may utilize electricity via at least one electrical connection 29E between the converter 29 and one or more of these elements.

[0158] In embodiments that utilize the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E, this conduit and the one or more thermoelectric generation devices (and converter 29) can be considered components of an electricity generation system la for the embodiment of Figure 8.

[0159] Referring to Figure 10, an embodiment of our apparatus 1 can include a storage vessel 3 (Storage) that can be connected to the first heat exchanger 7 (HX1) for feeding a cryogenic fluid (e.g. liquid hydrogen) stored in the vessel 3 to the first heat exchanger 7 for undergoing heating and / or vaporization in the heat exchanger. The cryogenic fluid stored in the storage vessel 3 can include cryogenic liquid or a mixture of cryogenic liquid and cryogenic gas. The storage vessel 3 can include one or more storage tanks, a storage unit of storage vessels, or other type of storage vessel 3. A first flow driving mechanism 5 (FDM1) can be positioned to facilitate the feeding of the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel 3 to the first heat exchanger 7. The first flow driving mechanism 5 (FDM1) can be considered a cryogenic fluid flow driving mechanism. The first flow driving mechanism 5 can be a pump or a compressor, for example. The first flow driving mechanism 5 can be positioned so that a storage output conduit 3a is connected between the storage vessel 3 and the first flow driving mechanism 5 for feeding the cryogenic fluid to the first flow driving mechanism 5 and a first flow driving mechanism output conduit 5a can be positioned between the first flow driving mechanism 5 and the first heat exchanger 7 for feeding the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel 3 to the first heat exchanger 7. Alternatively, a first heat exchanger feed conduit can be positioned between the storage vessel 3 and the first heat exchanger 7 and the first flow driving mechanism 5 can be positioned and connected to that conduit to facilitate the flow of the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel 3 to the first heat exchanger 7.

[0160] A warmed cryogenic fluid can be output from the first heat exchanger 7 as vaporized fluid flow 7a. The vaporized fluid flow 7a can be fed to a buffer tank system 9 that can include at least one buffer tank. The buffer tank of the buffer tank system 9 can be positioned between the first heat exchanger 7 and a second heat exchanger 10 so the buffer tank is positioned to store the vaporized fluid flow for feeding toward the second heat exchanger 10 for being cooled prior to being output for subsequent use of the gas. Cooling of the vaporized fluid stored in the buffer tank of the buffer tank system 9 or output from the first heat exchanger 7 may be needed to account for heating that is produced from the reverse Joule-Thompson effect that can occur when the gaseous fluid output as the vaporized fluid flow 7a is fed to a vehicle fuel tank, for example, or when gas spends a long enough time in a storage tank to warm up. Such a condition can occur in embodiments of the apparatus configured as a hydrogen fueling station or a natural gas fueling station, for example. A buffer tank feed conduit can be positioned between the first heat exchanger 7 and the buffer tank of the buffer tank system 9 for feeding the vaporized fluid flow 7a to the buffer tank and a second heat exchanger feed conduit can be connected between the buffer tank and the second heat exchanger 10 to feed the vaporized fluid from the buffer tank to the second heat exchanger 10 for being cooled therein. The cooled vaporized fluid flow output from the second heat exchanger 10 can be entirely gaseous or substantially gaseous for being output for subsequent use. For example, the cooled vaporized fluid flow can be output as a dispenser feed flow 15a for feeding to a dispenser 15 for filling a fuel tank of a vehicle 13 via a vehicle fuel tank connection mechanism 16a of the dispenser 15.

[0161] The first heat exchanger 7 can utilize a first heat exchanger heating medium flow 61H that includes warmed heat transfer fluid as a heating medium for vaporization of the cryogenic fluid fed to the first heat exchanger via the first flow driving mechanism 5 (FDM1) and storage tank 3. The heat transfer fluid can be a suitable fluid for providing a working fluid that can facilitate heat transfer for use in various different systems. In some situations, the heat transfer fluid can be a type of refrigerant, such as, for example, D-limonene, dipentene, liquid nitrogen, helium, liquid hydrogen, cryogenic fluid, or other suitable refrigerant. The heat transfer fluid that is utilized can be provided in a close circuit arrangement to facilitate extraction of cold from the cryogenic fluid stored in the storage tank 3 and subsequent use of that cold as a heat sink for one or more different systems Yl, Y2, Y3, Y4 and / or Y5. These systems can be different systems of different industrial plants near the apparatus or different systems of the apparatus. For example, a first system Yl can be a heat exchanger used for condensation of a fluid, a second system Y2 can be an array of solar panels, a third system Y3 can include at least one compressor with a cooling mechanism that can use the cryogenic fluid stored in the storage tank 3 or at least one pump with a cooling mechanism (e.g. pre-cooling a compressor, etc.), a fourth system Y4 can include a refrigeration system (e.g. a refrigeration system heat exchanger 61 (HXR)), and / or a fifth system Y5 can include one or more thermoelectric generators that can function as a heat sink for at least some of the fluid for generation of electricity. The heat transfer fluid closed loop circuit can be configured to facilitate the feed of the heat transfer fluid output from the second heat exchanger HX2 to one or more of these different systems to provide additional cooling for those one or more systems and also help prevent the heat transfer fluid from freezing due to extreme temperature. This type of additional cooling can provide additional improved efficiency and use of the cold energy of the stored cryogenic fluid within the tank 3.

[0162] The heat transfer fluid closed loop circuit can include being output from the first heat exchanger HX1 as a cooled heat transfer fluid flow 61C. The cooled heat transfer fluid flow 61C can be fed to the second heat exchanger HX2 as a cooling medium therein for cooling the gas output from the buffer tank 9. The heat transfer fluid can be output from the second heat exchanger 10 (HX2) as a heat transfer fluid feed flow 6 IF that can subsequently be fed to one or more systems for being used as a heat sink in those systems via a system cooling conduit 6 ISC and / or can be circulated back toward the first heat exchanger 7 for vaporization of the cryogenic fluid. For example, the warmed heat transfer fluid of the heat transfer fluid feed flow can be fed to a first system Yl, second system Y2, third system Y3, fourth system Y4 and / or fifth system Y5 to provide a heat sink to one or more of these systems before the further warmed heat transfer fluid is passed toward the first heat exchanger as the first heat exchanger heat transfer fluid flow 61H. As noted above, these different systems can include, for example, at least one compressor, at least one vaporizer, an array of solar panels, and / or a refrigeration system heat exchanger. Other systems that may utilize cooling that can be provided via the heat transfer fluid feed flow 6 IF can also (or alternatively) receive at least a portion of this flow for cooling before the warmed heat transfer fluid is fed toward the first heat exchanger 7.

[0163] The warmed heat transfer fluid flow can be fed to a heat transfer fluid drive mechanism 6 IP (RP) for increasing the pressure of the heat transfer fluid for passing the heat transfer fluid to the first heat exchanger 7 as the first heat exchanger heat transfer fluid flow 61H as well.

[0164] As noted above, the heat transfer fluid drive mechanism 6 IP (RP) can be a pump or a compressor in some embodiments. The cooled heat transfer fluid flow 61C passed from the first heat exchanger 7 to the second heat exchanger 10 can be provided via a second heat exchanger heat transfer fluid feed conduit connected between the first heat exchanger 7 and the second heat exchanger 10. The heat transfer fluid feed flow 61F can be output from the second heat exchanger 10 and fed to the one or more systems Yl, Y2, Y3, Y4, and / or Y5 via the system cooling conduit 6 ISC connected between the second heat exchanger 10 and these one or more systems. The warmed heat transfer fluid flow output from the one or more of these systems can be fed to the heat transfer fluid drive mechanism 6 IP via a heat transfer fluid drive mechanism feed conduit connected between the one or more systems and the heat transfer fluid drive mechanism 6 IP. The first heat exchanger heating medium flow 61H output from the heat transfer fluid drive mechanism 6 IP for being fed as the heating medium to the first heat exchanger 7 can be passed to the first heat exchanger 7 via a first heat exchanger heating medium feed conduit connected between the first heat exchanger 7 and the refrigerant fluid drive mechanism 6 IP.

[0165] The embodiment of Figure 10 can also be adapted to utilize thermoelectric generation for the heated cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger 7 as discussed above. For example, an electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E of the first heat exchanger can be connected to the first heat exchanger 7 to provide an adjustable flow path for the vaporized fluid flow 7a output from the first heat exchanger 7. Such adjustability can be provided via a valve, for example. The valve can be positioned so that when the valve is in a first position, the vaporized fluid flow output from the first heat exchanger is passable to the buffer tank system 9 without electricity generation occurring via the passing of the cryogenic fluid through the conduit. When the valve is in a second position, the vaporized fluid flow 7a can be routed through an electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E connected to the first heat exchanger 7 so that adjustment of the valve to the second position can adjust the flow of the vaporized fluid flow 7a so it passes through the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E as it passes from the first heat exchanger 7 to the buffer tank system 9. At least one thermoelectric generation device G can be connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E so that the cryogenic fluid can undergo warming as it passes through the conduit and the flux of heat transfer from such warming can facilitate the generation of electricity via the thermoelectric generation device G.

[0166] As discussed above, adjustment of the flow of the vaporized fluid flow 7a to use the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E can be triggered based on a temperature of the cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger 7. In situations where that vaporized fluid is too cold for being desirably fed to the buffer tank 9, for example, the valve of the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E can be adjusted to its second position for electricity generation, which can also help further warm the cryogenic fluid for passing to the buffer tank 9. In some embodiments, such a triggering can occur for actuation of valve adjustment between the first and second positions based on a detected temperature of the cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger being at or below a first pre-selected temperature threshold. It is contemplated that this type of optional electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E can help facilitate the capture and use of additional cold energy from the prior cooling of the cryogenic fluid into a liquid so that energy efficiency improvements can be further enhanced.

[0167] The electricity that can be generated via the one or more thermoelectric generation devices G connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E can be passed to a converter 29 via an electrical connection 25E between the thermoelectric generation device(s) G and the converter 29. The converter 29 can convert the current and transmit the current to first motor 5M, the motor 6 IM (EMR) of the heat transfer fluid drive mechanism 6 IP (not shown in Figure 10), an energy storage device, the grid or to another element that may utilize electricity via at least one electrical connection 29E between the converter 29 and one or more of these elements.

[0168] In embodiments that utilize the electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E, this conduit and the one or more thermoelectric generation devices (and converter 29) can be considered components of an electricity generation system la for the embodiment of Figure 10.

[0169] Figure 9 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of our process for recovery and use of cold energy from a cryogenic liquid and / or cryogenic fluid. The process can include a first step STI that can include feeding stored cryogenic fluid to a heat exchanger to heat that fluid (e.g. vaporize cryogenic liquid to a gas, heat cryogenic gas, etc.). The stored fluid can be stored in a stationary vessel (e.g. tank 3) or a mobile vessel (e.g. a fuel tank of a vehicle). In a second step ST2, the cold from the fluid to be heated in the heat exchanger (e.g. first heat exchanger 7, vehicle heat exchanger 13b, etc.) can be utilized to cool a heat transfer fluid (e.g. a refrigerant used as the heat transfer fluid in the first heat exchanger heating medium flow 61H discussed above, etc.) for use as a heat sink to improve operational efficiency of a refrigeration unit (e.g. refrigeration system heat exchanger 61) and / or other system (e.g. one or more systems such as a first system Yl, second system Y2, third system Y3, fourth system Y4 and / or fifth system Y5 as discussed above). In an optional third step ST3, excess cold from the vaporized cryogenic fluid or heated cryogenic fluid output from the heat exchanger can be utilized for thermo-electric generation when that fluid is at or below a pre-selected temperature (e.g. use of electricity generation facilitating output conduit 7E as discussed above, etc.). Embodiments of the process can be implemented in embodiments of our system or apparatus. As can be appreciated from the above, the recovery and use of cold energy from a cryogenic liquid and / or the generation of electricity provided by embodiments of our process can permit refrigeration energy of the stored cryogenic fluid to be utilized instead of wasted. This type of processing can also avoid formation of fog or mitigate fog formation that may be generated via the warming of a cryogenic fluid for use of that fluid.

[0170] It should be appreciated that modifications to the embodiments explicitly shown and discussed herein can be made to meet a particular set of design objectives or a particular set of design criteria. For instance, the arrangement of valves, piping, and other conduit elements (e.g., conduit connection mechanisms, tubing, seals, valves, etc.) for interconnecting different units of the apparatus for fluid communication of the flows of fluid between different elements (e.g., pumps, heat exchangers, cooling devices, chillers, compressors, etc.) can be arranged to meet a particular plant layout design that accounts for available area of the plant, sized equipment of the plant, and other design considerations. As another example, the flow rate, pressure, and temperature of the fluid passed through the various apparatus or system elements can vary to account for different design configurations and other design criteria.

[0171] Embodiments of our process for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids, apparatus for using refrigeration energy in cryogenic fluids, and electricity generation systems 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 work station that includes a processor, non-transitory memory and at least one transceiver for communications with the sensor elements, valves, and controllers for providing a user interface for an automated process control system that may be run at the work station and / or another computer device of the plant, etc.). It should be appreciated that embodiments can utilize a distributed control system (DCS) for implementation of one or more processes and / or controlling operations of an apparatus as well. As another example, it is contemplated that a particular feature described, either individually or as part of an embodiment, can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described herein can therefore be combined to provide further embodiments. Thus, while certain exemplary embodiments of our process, apparatus, system, and methods of making and using the same have been shown and described above, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid, comprising: a storage vessel configured to store a cryogenic fluid therein; a first heat exchanger positioned to receive the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel to heat the cryogenic fluid and facilitate generation of power.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the first heat exchanger or integrated into the first heat exchanger to generate electricity from heat flux generated during heating of the cryogenic fluid; and / or at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to an output conduit connected to the first heat exchanger to generate electricity from heat flux generated as the cryogenic fluid is passed through the output conduit.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus is positioned in a vehicle or on a vehicle and the storage vessel is a fuel tank of the vehicle.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, comprising: a fuel cell positioned to receive the heated cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the fuel cell is positioned and configured to output water via a water output conduit to a fuel cell water heat exchanger, the at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the first heat exchanger or integrated into the first heat exchanger also being connected to the fuel cell water heat exchanger or integrated into the fuel cell water heat exchanger.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, comprising: a converter having an electrical connection with the at least one thermoelectric generation device, the converter also having an electrical connection to an electric storage device positioned to receive electrical current via the converter for storage of electrical power, the electric storage device having an electrical connection with a motor of the working fluid drive mechanism to transmit electricity to the motor.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a turbine positioned to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for heating the cryogenic fluid; the first heat exchanger positioned and configured to output the working fluid to a working fluid drive mechanism for feeding the working fluid to the turbine for expansion of the working fluid for generation of the power and formation of the expanded working fluid.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a turbine positioned to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for heating the cryogenic fluid; the working fluid drive mechanism positioned to receive the cooled working fluid output from the first heat exchanger to increase pressure of the working fluid for feeding toward the turbine; a second heat exchanger positioned to receive the working fluid from the working fluid drive mechanism as a cooling medium and output a heated working fluid as a turbine feed for feeding to the turbine; and the turbine positioned to receive the turbine feed from the second heat exchanger and configured to expand the working fluid to generate power and form the expanded working fluid.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the apparatus is on a vehicle or incorporated in a vehicle and the storage vessel is a fuel tank of the vehicle.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, comprising: an electric storage device positioned to receive electricity generated via the turbine for storage of electrical power, the electric storage device having an electrical connection with a motor of the working fluid drive mechanism to transmit electricity to the motor.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first heat exchanger is configured to heat the cryogenic fluid to form a vaporized fluid, the apparatus comprising: a buffer tank positioned to receive a flow of the vaporized fluid output from the first heat exchanger to store the vaporized fluid, the vaporized fluid comprising a gas; a second heat exchanger positioned to receive the vaporized fluid from the buffer tank to cool the vaporized fluid; a turbine positioned to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for heating the cryogenic fluid; a working fluid drive mechanism positioned to receive the expanded working fluid output from the first heat exchanger to increase pressure of the working fluid for feeding toward the turbine; the second heat exchanger positioned to receive the working fluid from the working fluid drive mechanism as a cooling medium for cooling the vaporized fluid and output a heated working fluid as a turbine feed for feeding to the turbine; and the turbine positioned to receive the turbine feed from the second heat exchanger and configured to expand the working fluid to generate power and form the expanded working fluid.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, comprising: the dispenser positioned to receive the cooled vaporized fluid to feed to a vehicle.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first heat exchanger is configured to heat the cryogenic fluid to form a vaporized fluid, the apparatus comprising: an industrial process unit positioned to receive the vaporized fluid and output at least one waste heat stream; a turbine positioned to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for heating the cryogenic fluid; a working fluid drive mechanism positioned to receive the expanded working fluid output from the first heat exchanger to increase pressure of the working fluid for feeding toward the turbine; a second heat exchanger positioned to receive the waste heat stream output from the industrial process unit and also receive the working fluid from the working fluid drive mechanism as a cooling medium for cooling the waste heat stream to output a cooled waste heat stream and output a heated working fluid as a turbine feed for feeding to the turbine; and the turbine positioned to receive the turbine feed from the second heat exchanger and configured to expand the working fluid to generate power and form the expanded working fluid.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the cryogenic fluid is comprised of liquid oxygen or liquid nitrogen.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the industrial process unit comprises a furnace.

16. A process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid, comprising: feeding a cryogenic fluid stored in a storage vessel to a first heat exchanger; heating the cryogenic fluid via the first heat exchanger to facilitate generation of electricity via a working fluid or at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the first heat exchanger.

17. The process of claim 16, wherein the cryogenic fluid comprises liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen, liquid natural gas, liquid argon or liquid helium.

18. The process of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the process is performed on a vehicle and the storage vessel is a fuel tank of the vehicle.

19. The process of claim 16, claim 17, or claim 18, comprising: converting electricity generated via the at least one thermoelectric generation device for transmitting the converted electricity to at least one of an electrical storage device, a battery, a propulsion system , a motor of a fluid flow drive mechanism, and / or an exhaust conditioning mechanism.

20. The process of claim 16, claim 17, or claim 18, comprising: expanding the working fluid via a turbine to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for the heating of the cryogenic fluid; outputting the expanded working fluid from the first heat exchanger to a working fluid drive mechanism to increase a pressure of the working fluid for feeding to the working fluid to the turbine.

21. The process of claim 16, claim 17, or claim 18, comprising: expanding the working fluid via a turbine to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for the heating of the cryogenic fluid; outputting the expanded working fluid from the first heat exchanger to a working fluid drive mechanism to increase a pressure of the working fluid; feeding the working fluid output from the working fluid drive mechanism to a second heat exchanger as a cooling medium and outputting a heated working fluid as a turbine feed; and feeding the turbine feed output from the second heat exchanger to the turbine for expansion of the working fluid to form the expanded working fluid and generate power.

22. The process of claim 16, claim 17, claim 18, or claim 21, wherein the power includes electricity and the process also comprises: transmitting the electricity to an electric storage device.

23. The process of claim 22, comprising: transmitting the electricity from the electric storage device to a motor of the working fluid drive mechanism, a propulsion system , a battery, and / or an exhaust conditioning mechanism.

24. The process of claim 16, claim 17, claim 18, or claim 21, wherein the power includes electricity and the process also comprises: transmitting the electricity to a motor of the working fluid drive mechanism, a propulsion system , a battery, and / or an exhaust conditioning mechanism.

25. The process of claim 16, claim 17, or claim 18, wherein the heating of the cryogenic fluid via the first heat exchanger to facilitate generation of electricity via a working fluid or at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the first heat exchanger forms a vaporized fluid from the cryogenic fluid that is outputtable from the first heat exchanger, the process also comprising: feeding the vaporized fluid to a buffer tank to store the vaporized fluid, the vaporized fluid comprising a gas, feeding the vaporized fluid from the buffer tank to a second heat exchanger to cool the vaporized fluid.

26. The process of claim 25, comprising: generating electricity via cooling of the vaporized fluid via at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the second heat exchanger.

27. The process of claim 25, comprising: expanding the working fluid via a turbine to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for the heating of the cryogenic fluid; outputting the expanded working fluid from the first heat exchanger to a working fluid drive mechanism to increase a pressure of the working fluid for feeding to the working fluid to the turbine.

28. The process of claim 25, comprising: expanding the working fluid via a turbine to output an expanded working fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for the heating of the cryogenic fluid; outputting the expanded working fluid from the first heat exchanger to a working fluid drive mechanism to increase a pressure of the working fluid; feeding the working fluid output from the working fluid drive mechanism to the second heat exchanger as a cooling medium and output a heated working fluid as a turbine feed; and feeding the turbine feed output from the second heat exchanger to the turbine for expansion of the working fluid to form the expanded working fluid and generate power.

29. The process of claim 28, comprising: feeding the cooled vaporized fluid to a fuel tank of a vehicle.

30. The process of claim 29, wherein the cryogenic fluid is comprised of hydrogen.

31. The process of claim 16, claim 17, or claim 18, wherein the first heat exchanger is configured to heat the cryogenic fluid to form a vaporized fluid, the process comprising: feeding the vaporized fluid to an industrial process to form at least one waste heat stream; expanding the working fluid for feeding the expanded working fluid to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for heating the cryogenic fluid;feeding the expanded working fluid output from the first heat exchanger to a working fluid drive mechanism to increase pressure of the working fluid for feeding toward the turbine; feeding the waste heat stream output from the industrial process unit to a second heat exchanger; feeding the working fluid output from the working fluid drive mechanism to the second heat exchanger as a cooling medium for cooling the waste heat stream to output a cooled waste heat stream and output a heated working fluid as a turbine feed for feeding to the turbine.

32. The process of claim 31, wherein the expanding of the working fluid powers generation of the electricity.

33. The process of claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the cryogenic fluid is comprised of liquid oxygen or liquid nitrogen.

34. The process of claim 31, claim 32, or claim 33, wherein the industrial process comprises a melt furnace and the waste heat stream comprises a flue gas output from the melt furnace.

35. The process of claim 16, claim 17, claim 18, or claim 19, comprising: feeding the heated cryogenic fluid to a fuel cell.

36. The process of claim 35, comprising: outputting water from the fuel cell to a fuel cell water heat exchanger connected to the at least one thermoelectric generation device.

37. The process of claim 16, wherein the at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the first heat exchanger is connected to an output conduit of the first heat exchanger, the process comprising: adjusting a flow of the heated cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger to pass through the output conduit for generation of electricity via the at least one thermoelectric generation device and further heating of the heated cryogenic fluid.

38. An apparatus for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid, comprising: a storage vessel configured to store a cryogenic fluid therein; a first heat exchanger positioned to receive the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel to heat the cryogenic fluid; a refrigeration system heat exchanger positioned to output a warmed heat transfer fluid for feeding to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium to heat the cryogenic fluid.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, comprising: a buffer tank positioned so heated cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger is feedable to the buffer tank, the heated cryogenic fluid comprising a gas formed from heating of the cryogenic fluid; a second heat exchanger downstream of the buffer tank such that the buffer tank is positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; the second heat exchanger positioned to receive cooled heat transfer fluid output from the first heat exchanger as a cooling medium to cool the cryogenic gas passable from the buffer tank to the second heat exchanger.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the refrigeration system heat exchanger is positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid output from the second heat exchanger to function as a heat sink for the refrigeration system heat exchanger.

41. The apparatus of claim 38, claim 39, or claim 40, comprising: a heat transfer fluid drive mechanism positioned to facilitate passing of the heat transfer fluid between the refrigeration system heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the heat transfer fluid drive mechanism comprises a pump positioned between the refrigeration system heat exchanger and the first heat exchanger.

43. The apparatus of claim 39, claim 40, or claim 41, comprising: an electricity generation facilitating output conduit positioned between the first heat exchanger and the buffer tank; and at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit for generation of electricity via the cryogenic gas being warmed as the cryogenic gas passes through the electricity generation facilitating output conduit.

44. A process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid, comprising: feeding a cryogenic fluid stored in a storage vessel to a first heat exchanger; heating the cryogenic fluid via the first heat exchanger utilizing a warmed heat transfer fluid output from a refrigeration system heat exchanger as a heating medium in the first heat exchanger so that the warmed heat transfer fluid is cooled during the heating of the cryogenic fluid; outputting the cooled heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to pass the cooled heat transfer fluid toward the refrigeration system heat exchanger for use as a heat sink in the refrigeration system heat exchanger.

45. The process of claim 44, comprising: outputting the heated cryogenic fluid from the first heat exchanger so that heated cryogenic fluid passes through an electricity generation facilitating output conduit positioned between the first heat exchanger and the buffer tank for generation of electricity via at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit.

46. The process of claim 45, wherein the heated cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger is passed through the electricity generation facilitating output conduit for feeding the heated cryogenic fluid to a buffer tank.

47. The process of claim 44, claim 45, or claim 46, wherein the outputting of the cooled heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to pass the cooled heat transfer fluid toward the refrigeration system heat exchanger for use as the heat sink in the refrigeration system heat exchanger comprises: feeding the cooled heat transfer fluid output from the first heat exchanger to a second heat exchanger positioned downstream of the buffer tank; cooling cryogenic gas output from the buffer tank via cooled heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchanger; feeding the heat transfer fluid output from the second heat exchanger to the refrigeration system heat exchanger for use as the heat sink in the refrigeration system heat exchanger.

48. The process of claim 44, claim 45, claim 46, or claim 47, comprising increasing a pressure of the heat transfer fluid via a heat transfer fluid drive mechanism positioned to facilitate passing of the heat transfer fluid between the refrigeration system heat exchanger and the first heat exchanger.

49. The process of claim 44, wherein the heating of the cryogenic fluid via the first heat exchanger utilizing the warmed heat transfer fluid output from the refrigeration system heat exchanger as the heating medium in the first heat exchanger so that the warmed heat transfer fluid is cooled during the heating of the cryogenic fluid and the outputting of the cooled heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to pass the cooled heat transfer fluid toward the refrigeration system heat exchanger for use as the heat sink in the refrigeration system heat exchanger is performed so that the heat transfer fluid is passed between the first heat exchanger and the refrigeration system heat exchanger in a closed loop arrangement.

50. The process of claim 44, wherein the cryogenic fluid is comprised of hydrogen.

51. The process of claim 50, wherein the heat transfer fluid is comprised of D-limonene.

52. The process of claim 50, wherein the heat transfer fluid is comprised of a refrigerant.53 An apparatus for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid, comprising: a storage vessel configured to store a cryogenic fluid therein; a first heat exchanger positioned to receive the cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel to heat the cryogenic fluid; a buffer tank positioned so heated cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger is feedable to the buffer tank, the heated cryogenic fluid comprising a gas formed from heating of the cryogenic fluid; a second heat exchanger positioned downstream of the buffer tank such that the buffer tank is positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; and the second heat exchanger positioned to receive cooled heat transfer fluid output from the first heat exchanger as a cooling medium to cool the cryogenic gas passable from the buffer tank to the second heat exchanger and output the heat transfer fluid as warmed heat transfer fluid for feeding to at least one system positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger for further heating of the warmed heat transfer fluid before the warmed heat transfer fluid is fed to the first heat exchanger as a heating medium for heating the cryogenic fluid.

54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the at least one system includes a refrigeration system heat exchanger is positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid output from the second heat exchanger to function as a heat sink for the refrigeration system heat exchanger and at least one other system.

55. The apparatus of claim 53, or claim 54, comprising a a heat transfer fluid drive mechanism positioned to facilitate passing of the heat transfer fluid between the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the at least one system.

56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the heat transfer fluid drive mechanism comprises a pump positioned between the second heat exchanger and the first heat exchanger.

57. The apparatus of claim 53, claim 54, or claim 55, comprising: an electricity generation facilitating output conduit positioned between the first heat exchanger and the buffer tank; and at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit for generation of electricity via the cryogenic gas being warmed as the cryogenic gas passes through the electricity generation facilitating output conduit.

58. A process for using refrigeration energy in a cryogenic fluid, comprising: feeding a cryogenic fluid stored in a storage vessel to a first heat exchanger; heating the cryogenic fluid via the first heat exchanger utilizing a warmed heat transfer fluid output from at least one system as a heating medium in the first heat exchanger so that the warmed heat transfer fluid is cooled during the heating of the cryogenic fluid; outputting the cooled heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to pass the cooled heat transfer fluid toward the at least one system for use as a heat sink in the at least one system.

59. The process of claim 58, comprising: outputting the heated cryogenic fluid from the first heat exchanger so that heated cryogenic fluid passes through an electricity generation facilitating output conduit positioned between the first heat exchanger and the buffer tank for generation of electricity via at least one thermoelectric generation device connected to the electricity generation facilitating output conduit.

60. The process of claim 59, wherein the heated cryogenic fluid output from the first heat exchanger is passed through the electricity generation facilitating output conduit for feeding the heated cryogenic fluid to a buffer tank.

61. The process of claim 58, claim 59, or claim 60, wherein the outputting of the cooled heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to pass the cooled heat transfer fluid toward the at least one system for use as the heat sink in the at least one system comprises:feeding the cooled heat transfer fluid output from the first heat exchanger to a second heat exchanger positioned downstream of the buffer tank; cooling cryogenic gas output from the buffer tank via cooled heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchanger; feeding the heat transfer fluid output from the second heat exchanger to the at least one system for use as the heat sink in the at least one system.

62. The process of claim 61, wherein the at least one system includes a compressor, a heat transfer fluid to air heat exchanger, and / or a refrigeration system.

63. The process of claim 58, claim 59, claim 60, claim 61, or claim 62 comprising increasing the pressure of the heat transfer fluid via a heat transfer fluid drive mechanism positioned to facilitate passing of the heat transfer fluid between the at least one system and the first heat exchanger.

64. The process of claim 58, wherein the cryogenic fluid is comprised of hydrogen.

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