Apparatus and process for utilizing hydrogen gas output from a trailer

Abstract

A process for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer may include forming hydrogen gas from liquid hydrogen stored in at least one trailer, and supplying the hydrogen gas from the trailer to a pipeline, a turbine, a liquefaction unit for subsequent liquefaction of the hydrogen gas, a fuel cell, and / or a compression system for compressing the hydrogen gas and subsequently liquefying the compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system via a liquefaction unit connected to the compression system. An apparatus for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer may be configured to perform embodiments of the process.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 446,909, filed February 20, 2023.

[0002] The present invention relates to a process and system for the utilization of hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer configured to store liquefied hydrogen, which may also be referred to herein as H2 or H2. [Background technology]

[0003] Hydrogen can be produced from fossil fuels. Examples of hydrogen production systems can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2022 / 0397119, 2022 / 0397118, and 2022 / 0033983, as well as U.S. Patent Nos. 3,375,076 and 7,275,569. Hydrogen transport can be provided via transportable hydrogen storage vessels. Examples of vessels and transport systems for storing cryogenic liquids used in hydrogen transport can be found in European Patent Application No. 3249282B1, U.S. Patent Nos. 10,508,770 and 7,581,405, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2015 / 006822 and 2011 / 0169269. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors have determined that conventional hydrogen production systems that deliver liquefied hydrogen to tanks for storage often include conduit equipment for venting the gaseous hydrogen to the atmosphere. This venting is often provided to avoid an over-pressurization condition that may occur, for example, due to hydrogen gas evaporating over time as it is stored in the container. Conventionally, excess vapor is vented to the atmosphere to avoid this condition and ensure that the container does not leak or experience another type of problem that may be caused by over-pressurization. In small-scale systems, the amount of hydrogen that is ultimately vented is typically small, and venting the hydrogen is usually considered a well-established approach to address hydrogen evaporation that may occur while the liquid hydrogen is in the storage container.

[0005] The inventors have determined that in hydrogen production systems designed to produce significant quantities of hydrogen for transport off-site via transport vehicles (e.g., trailers moved via trucks, road vehicles such as racks, rail vehicles such as trains, and / or water vehicles such as ships), venting of the hydrogen can result in hydrogen loss. The inventors have determined that this can be an even greater problem when liquid hydrogen is transported, because liquid hydrogen can often evaporate to such an extent that venting may be necessary to avoid over-pressurization or other problems during filling and / or transportation. Such venting can result in hydrogen loss.

[0006] The inventors have determined that this may be true for "green hydrogen" systems, which are designed to form hydrogen via renewable power sources and non-carbon-based feeds (e.g., water, ammonia, etc.). The inventors have determined that this may also be true for so-called "blue hydrogen" systems, which may utilize carbon capture technology to reduce the carbon emissions associated with hydrogen production from more conventional sources (e.g., so-called "gray hydrogen" sources). In some implementations, green or blue hydrogen production facilities may be configured to form 2-10 times more liquid hydrogen than conventional systems for distribution to shipping vessels for transport to off-site locations. In still other implementations, it is contemplated that the amount of liquid hydrogen provided to the shipping vessels may be even greater.

[0007] The inventors believe they have recognized an unexpected problem that can arise from such systems, as the traditional approach of venting evaporated hydrogen can result in significant hydrogen loss on a large scale. However, the inventors have determined that venting hydrogen to the atmosphere, as traditionally done, can be a significant problem. This is particularly true for large green or blue hydrogen liquefaction systems that may be designed to refuel transport vessels with liquid hydrogen for later transport to various off-site hydrogen refueling stations and / or liquefied hydrogen storage vessels that hold hydrogen therein as fuel to power production processes. Surprisingly, the potential scale of such systems has been found to pose a significant problem of hydrogen loss that can result from hydrogen vapor (or hydrogen gas) vented from a storage vessel (e.g., a trailer) being filled with liquid hydrogen for later transport to other locations (e.g., off-site locations, refueling stations, off-site liquid hydrogen storage vessels, etc.).

[0008] In addition to economic reasons, minimizing losses can maximize the energy efficiency of green and blue hydrogen production and help create a more sustainable solution. The inventors have also determined that avoiding or minimizing any hydrogen venting can provide an improved environmental impact, as hydrogen venting can have environmental impacts (e.g., hydrogen gas can be considered an indirect greenhouse gas).

[0009] The inventors have developed embodiments of apparatus and processes for hydrogen vapor utilization that can avoid hydrogen venting (e.g., eliminate it entirely, or at least significantly eliminate it, where such venting can occur only in rare circumstances involving safety conditions, such as those resulting from unexpected extreme over-pressurization of a container). In contrast to conventional approaches, embodiments of the present processes and apparatus can be configured such that hydrogen gas formed within one or more trailers filled with or storing liquid hydrogen is output from the trailer and provided to a compression system and / or liquefaction unit for liquefaction, thereby preventing hydrogen from being lost to the atmosphere. Additionally or alternatively, the hydrogen gas output from the trailer can be supplied to a turbine (e.g., a hydrogen turbine) for power generation or to a pipeline for injection into the pipeline. For example, hydrogen gas can be injected into a natural gas pipeline to reduce the carbon intensity of the fluid flowing therethrough (e.g., reduce the carbon emissions of the fluid flowing therethrough). As another example, it is contemplated that hydrogen gas can be supplied to a hydrogen pipeline for transport via a natural gas pipeline instead of being injected into the pipeline. Additionally (or as another alternative), the hydrogen gas can be used in a hydrogen fuel cell to generate emergency power for the facility.

[0010] The hydrogen produced for liquefaction in such systems can be hydrogen produced by one or more electrolyzers, one or more ammonia dissociation units (e.g., ammonia dissociators), or other hydrogen production units. Hydrogen gas output from hydrogen production can be fed to a compression system to compress the hydrogen, and the compressed hydrogen can then be fed to a liquefaction unit, which can include one or more liquefiers. Hydrogen gas formed from liquid hydrogen stored in one or more trailers can be fed to the compression system or fed to a liquefaction unit and returned to the liquefaction unit for liquefaction, so that hydrogen is not lost to the atmosphere. In other implementations, hydrogen gas output from the trailers can be used to help cool compressed hydrogen gas output from a compression system that feeds the liquefaction unit before the hydrogen gas from the trailers is fed to a pipeline or turbine. In still other implementations, it is contemplated that hydrogen output from one or more trailers can be utilized for more than one of these uses (e.g., injection into a pipeline, cooling compressed hydrogen feed gas before being fed to a liquefaction unit, feeding hydrogen gas to a compression system, and / or feeding hydrogen gas to a turbine).

[0011] The inventors have determined that embodiments of the present process and apparatus can provide surprising improvements in efficiency and operational flexibility. Embodiments can also be configured to help avoid venting hydrogen gas from trailers to the atmosphere while these trailers are being filled with liquid hydrogen and / or while storing the liquid hydrogen on-site before delivering it to a remote, off-site location.

[0012] In a first aspect, an apparatus for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer is provided. The apparatus can be utilized as a plant, incorporated into a plant, or retrofitted into an existing plant. The apparatus can include at least one trailer positionable to receive liquefied hydrogen and store the liquefied hydrogen therein, such that a portion of the liquefied hydrogen vaporizes into hydrogen gas while the liquefied hydrogen is stored in the trailer. The at least one trailer can be connectable to a turbine, a pipeline, a fuel cell, a storage unit, a liquefaction unit, and / or a compression system to supply hydrogen gas formed in the trailer storing the liquefied hydrogen to the liquefaction unit, the compression system, the fuel cell, the storage unit, the turbine, and / or the pipeline.

[0013] Embodiments may be configured such that connections may be provided that the trailer may have for transport of hydrogen gas formed within the trailer while the trailer is being filled with liquefied hydrogen or while the trailer is storing liquefied hydrogen and has not yet departed the facility for transporting the liquid hydrogen to another location.

[0014] In a second aspect, the apparatus may also include a heat exchanger positioned between the liquefaction unit and the at least one trailer to cool a feed of hydrogen output from the compression system via hydrogen gas output from the at least one trailer before the hydrogen output from the compression system is supplied to the liquefaction unit. The hydrogen gas output from the at least one trailer that is fed to the heat exchanger may be output from the heat exchanger as a warmed hydrogen gas stream.

[0015] The heat exchanger may be positioned such that the warmed hydrogen gas stream output from the heat exchanger can be supplied to a turbine, injected into a pipeline, supplied to a storage unit, supplied to a fuel cell, and / or supplied to a compression system. In embodiments in which at least a portion of the warmed hydrogen gas stream output from the heat exchanger can be supplied to a pipeline, the pipeline may be a natural gas pipeline, and the portion of the warmed hydrogen gas stream output from the heat exchanger that is injected into the pipeline may be injected into the pipeline to reduce the carbon intensity of the fluid in the pipeline. Alternatively, the pipeline receiving the warmed hydrogen gas can be a hydrogen pipeline.

[0016] In a third aspect, the apparatus may be configured such that at least one trailer is connectable to a liquefaction unit to supply hydrogen gas formed in the trailer storing liquefied hydrogen to the liquefaction unit. The liquefaction unit may include at least one liquefier. In some embodiments, the liquefaction unit may include a first liquefier and at least one second liquefier, and the at least one trailer may be connectable to the liquefaction unit such that hydrogen gas is supplied only to the first liquefier. In some implementations, the first liquefier may be a larger liquefier than one or more other second liquefiers.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first liquefier may be configured as a trailer hydrogen reliquefier, such that the first liquefier can be dedicated to reliquefying hydrogen gas output from the trailer, while one or more secondary liquefiers of the liquefaction unit can liquefy hydrogen gas received from the compression system. This type of arrangement may enable a simpler design of the liquefaction unit and a simpler design of the first liquefier (e.g., reliquefaction of trailer hydrogen gas may not require the use of an ortho-hydrogen to para-hydrogen conversion element for liquefying the trailer hydrogen gas). Such an embodiment may be configured to enable the liquefaction train of the liquefaction unit to utilize simpler load management. For example, isolating the reliquefaction of trailer hydrogen gas through a dedicated first liquefier may reduce operational variability on the liquefaction unit and minimize any contamination impact on other liquefiers of the liquefaction unit. It is contemplated that this type of embodiment may similarly help provide greater operational efficiency and / or operational flexibility.

[0018] In a fourth aspect, the apparatus may be provided such that at least one trailer is connectable to a compression system to supply hydrogen gas formed in the trailer storing liquid hydrogen to the compression system for compression before being supplied to the liquefaction unit. The compression system may be connected to the liquefaction unit to supply a compressed fluid comprising hydrogen gas to the liquefaction unit. In some embodiments, the compression system may include a first compressor.

[0019] In a fifth aspect, the apparatus may be configured such that the at least one trailer is connectable to a turbine, a pipeline, a fuel cell, a storage unit, a liquefaction unit, and / or a compression system, such that a first portion of the liquid hydrogen, greater than 0% and less than 15%, of the liquid hydrogen supplied to the at least one trailer for storage therein is vaporized and subsequently supplied to the liquefaction unit, compression system, fuel cell, storage unit, turbine, and / or pipeline as hydrogen gas formed within the trailer storing the liquefied hydrogen, and a second portion of the liquid hydrogen, less than 85% and less than 100%, of the liquid hydrogen supplied to the at least one trailer, is retained and stored in the at least one trailer.

[0020] In a sixth aspect, the apparatus of the first aspect may include two or more of the second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects. In some configurations, the apparatus of the first aspect may include all of the features of the second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, as well as other features. In other configurations, only a further portion of such features of these aspects may be provided, with or without other features.

[0021] In a seventh aspect, a process is provided for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer. In some embodiments, the process may be used while the at least one trailer is being filled with liquid hydrogen or while storing liquid hydrogen for later transport to a remote location. The process may include forming hydrogen gas from the liquid hydrogen stored in the at least one trailer. In some embodiments, hydrogen gas formation may occur while the at least one trailer is being filled with liquid hydrogen and / or while the at least one trailer is storing liquid hydrogen. The process may also include supplying the hydrogen gas from the at least one trailer to a pipeline, a storage unit, a fuel cell, a turbine, a liquefaction unit for subsequent liquefaction of the hydrogen gas, and / or a compression system for compressing the hydrogen gas and subsequently liquefying the compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system via a liquefaction unit connected to the compression system.

[0022] In embodiments in which at least a portion of the hydrogen gas can be delivered to a pipeline, the pipeline can be a natural gas pipeline, and a portion of the hydrogen gas can be injected into the pipeline to reduce the carbon intensity of the fluid in the pipeline.

[0023] In an eighth aspect, the process may include supplying hydrogen gas from the at least one trailer to a heat exchanger positioned between the compression system and the liquefaction unit to cool a feed of compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system via the hydrogen gas output from the at least one trailer before the compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system is supplied to the liquefaction unit. The process may also include the heat exchanger outputting the hydrogen gas received from the at least one trailer as a warmed hydrogen gas stream for supply to a pipeline, a fuel cell, a storage unit, a turbine, or the compression system.

[0024]

[0013] Embodiments of this aspect may be implemented such that the warmed stream of hydrogen gas output from the heat exchanger is supplied to a turbine, a pipeline, a fuel cell, a storage unit, and / or a compression system. In some implementations, for example, at least a portion of the warmed hydrogen gas stream output from the heat exchanger may be supplied to a pipeline. The pipeline may be a natural gas pipeline, and the warmed hydrogen gas stream output from the heat exchanger may be injected into the pipeline to reduce the carbon intensity of the fluid in the pipeline.

[0025] In a ninth aspect, the process may be performed such that supplying hydrogen gas from at least one trailer to a pipeline, a fuel cell, a storage unit, a turbine, a liquefaction unit for subsequent liquefaction of the hydrogen gas, and / or a compression system for compressing the hydrogen gas and subsequently liquefying the compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system via a liquefaction unit connected to the compression system includes supplying hydrogen gas formed in the trailer storing the liquefied hydrogen to the compression system so that it undergoes compression before being supplied to the liquefaction unit. In some embodiments, the compression system may include a first compressor and at least one second compressor connected to the first compressor. In other embodiments, the compression system may include only the first compressor, or may include three or more compressors.

[0026] In a tenth aspect, the process may be performed such that supplying hydrogen gas from at least one trailer to a pipeline, a storage unit, a fuel cell, a turbine, a liquefaction unit for subsequent liquefaction of the hydrogen gas, and / or a compression system for compressing the hydrogen gas and subsequently liquefying the compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system via a liquefaction unit connected to the compression system includes supplying hydrogen gas from the at least one trailer to a liquefaction unit for liquefaction of the hydrogen gas. In some embodiments, the liquefaction unit may include a first liquefaction unit and at least one second liquefaction unit, and hydrogen gas from the at least one trailer may be supplied only to the first liquefaction unit for liquefaction. In other embodiments, the liquefaction unit may have only a first liquefaction unit or multiple liquefaction units, and hydrogen gas may be supplied to all liquefaction units of the liquefaction unit, or to at least two or more of the liquefaction units.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present process, the first liquefier may be configured as a trailer hydrogen reliquefier, such that the first liquefier can be dedicated to reliquefying hydrogen gas output from the trailer, while one or more secondary liquefiers of the liquefaction unit can liquefy hydrogen gas received from the compression system. As discussed above, this type of arrangement may enable a simpler design of the liquefaction unit and a simpler design of the first liquefier (e.g., reliquefying trailer hydrogen gas may not require the use of an ortho-hydrogen to para-hydrogen conversion element for liquefying the trailer hydrogen gas). Such an embodiment may be configured to enable the liquefaction train of the liquefaction unit to utilize simpler load management. For example, isolating the reliquefaction of trailer hydrogen gas through a dedicated first liquefier may reduce operational variability on the liquefaction unit and minimize any contamination impact on other liquefiers of the liquefaction unit. It is contemplated that this type of embodiment of the present process may similarly help provide greater operational efficiency and / or operational flexibility.

[0028] In an eleventh aspect, the process may be performed such that forming hydrogen gas from liquid hydrogen stored in the at least one trailer results in a first portion of the liquid hydrogen, greater than 0% and less than 15% of the liquid hydrogen supplied to the at least one trailer for storage therein, being vaporized and subsequently supplied to a liquefaction unit, compression system, fuel cell, storage unit, turbine, and / or pipeline as hydrogen gas formed within the trailer storing the liquefied hydrogen, and a second portion of the liquid hydrogen, less than 85% and less than 100% of the liquid hydrogen supplied to the at least one trailer, being retained and stored in the at least one trailer.

[0029] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of the process may also include providing apparatus embodiments for use in a plant or facility, or adapting a plant or facility to include apparatus embodiments.

[0030] In a thirteenth aspect, the supplying of hydrogen gas from the at least one trailer may occur in response to determining that the availability of renewable electricity for the production of hydrogen is at or below a preselected threshold. For example, the supplying of hydrogen gas from the at least one trailer may occur at night when there may be no or very little renewable electricity via solar power available for hydrogen production.

[0031] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of an apparatus discussed above or otherwise discussed herein may be provided for carrying out an embodiment of a process for utilization of hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer.

[0032] In the fifteenth aspect, the process of the seventeenth aspect can be combined with one or more of the eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth aspects. Some embodiments of the fifteenth aspect can include the seventh aspect in combination with two or more of these aspects, only one of these aspects, or all of these aspects. Other embodiments of the fifteenth aspect can be provided in which further portions of one or more of these aspects can be combined with the seventh aspect to provide embodiments of the process.

[0033] It is understood that embodiments of the present processes and apparatus can utilize a variety of conduit arrangements and process control elements. Embodiments may utilize sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors, concentration sensors, etc.), controllers, valves, piping, and other process control elements. Some embodiments may utilize, for example, an automated process control system and / or a distributed control system (DCS). A variety of different conduit arrangements and process control systems can be utilized to meet a particular set of design criteria.

[0034] Other details, objects, and advantages of the inventors' process for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer, apparatus for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer, and methods of making and using the same will become apparent as the following description of certain exemplary embodiments thereof proceeds. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] Exemplary embodiments of a process for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer, an apparatus for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer, and a system for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer, as well as methods of making and using the same, are shown in the drawings included herein, it being understood that like reference numerals used in the drawings may identify like components.

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 1 for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer. FIG. 1 also illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a process for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer. [Figure 2] 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a process for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer. The exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-9 can be adapted to perform the exemplary embodiment of the process shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram of a first exemplary implementation of a first exemplary embodiment of a device 1 for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer; [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram of a second exemplary implementation of a first exemplary embodiment of a device 1 for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer; [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram of a third exemplary implementation of the first exemplary embodiment of the device 1 for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer; [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram of a fourth exemplary implementation of the first exemplary embodiment of the device 1 for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer; [Figure 7] 10 is a block diagram of a fifth exemplary implementation of the first exemplary embodiment of the device 1 for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer. [Figure 8] 10 is a block diagram of a sixth exemplary implementation of the first exemplary embodiment of the device 1 for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer. [Figure 9] 10 is a block diagram of a seventh exemplary implementation of the first exemplary embodiment of the device 1 for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] As noted above, FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary embodiments of the present apparatus 1 for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer. These exemplary embodiments of apparatus 1 may utilize exemplary embodiments of the present process for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer. FIGS. 3-9 illustrate exemplary implementations of the apparatus embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Embodiments of apparatus 1 may be configured to practice or execute embodiments of the present process for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer. FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of such a process. Examples of processes for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer can also be understood from FIGS. 1 and 3-9.

[0038] 1 and 3-9, the apparatus 1 may include a unit 3 for hydrogen production, which may also be referred to as a hydrogen production unit (H production). The unit 3 for hydrogen production may include one or more electrolyzers or at least one ammonia dissociator (e.g., for use in manufacturing implementations of green hydrogen production). It is also contemplated that the unit 3 for hydrogen production may include at least one methane reformer or other hydrogen production device (e.g., a blue hydrogen hydrogen production facility) that includes a carbon capture device to remove carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide from the exhaust of the H production process to minimize the carbon footprint of hydrogen production.

[0039] The hydrogen gas output from the unit for hydrogen production 3 may be supplied to the compression system 5 via a compression system feed conduit 4 positioned between the unit for hydrogen production 3 and the compression system 5. For example, the compression system feed conduit 4 may supply the hydrogen gas output from the unit for hydrogen production 3 to a first compressor 5a (e.g., a low-pressure (LP) compressor) of the compression system 5. The first compressor 5a may compress the hydrogen to a first preselected pressure for outputting the hydrogen when the first preselected pressure is the desired preselected compression system output pressure. In implementations in which additional compression may be required to pressurize the hydrogen to the preselected compression system output pressure, the compressed hydrogen output from the first compressor 5a may be supplied from the first compressor 5a to at least one second compressor 5b (shown in dashed lines) for further compression to the preselected compression system output pressure.

[0040] The preselected compression system output pressure may be a pressure suitable for supplying hydrogen gas to a liquefaction unit. Examples of preselected compression system output pressures may include, for example, pressures of 2 to 20 MPa, pressures of 2 to 30 MPa, pressures of 5 to 20 MPa, or pressures of 2 to 45 MPa. Other pressures or pressure ranges may alternatively be utilized depending on a preselected set of design and operating criteria.

[0041] The compression system 5 may output compressed hydrogen gas at a preselected compression system output pressure for supply to the liquefaction unit 9 via a liquefaction feed conduit 9a positioned between the liquefaction unit 9 and the compression system 5. In some circumstances, a portion of the hydrogen may also be output to hydrogen storage 7 (H storage) for storage and subsequent use. For example, a portion of the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system 5 may be supplied to at least one hydrogen storage vessel of the hydrogen storage 7 via a hydrogen storage feed conduit 7a positioned between the hydrogen storage 7 and the compression system 5.

[0042] Hydrogen may be stored in at least one container of the hydrogen storage unit of the hydrogen storage section 7 such that hydrogen from the storage unit can be output to the compression system 5, compressed back to a preselected compression system output pressure, and supplied to the liquefaction unit 9 to accommodate various situations. For example, hydrogen gas from the hydrogen storage may be supplied to the compression system 5 via a hydrogen storage output conduit positioned between the hydrogen storage section 7 and the compression system 5 so that the hydrogen can be compressed to supply the liquefaction unit 9 when hydrogen production from the hydrogen production unit 3 is unexpectedly delayed (e.g., due to reduced availability of renewable energy due to weather conditions), or to facilitate increased output in situations where demand for liquefaction unexpectedly increases and production is ramped up to meet the increased demand.

[0043] The liquefaction unit 9 may include at least one liquefier L. In some embodiments, the liquefaction unit may include multiple liquefiers, including a first liquefier L and at least one second liquefier L (shown in dashed lines). The liquefiers may liquefy compressed hydrogen gas received from the compression system 5 to produce at least one liquefied hydrogen stream 9p. The liquefied hydrogen stream 9p may be considered a hydrogen product stream. The liquefied hydrogen stream 9p may be supplied to at least one trailer 11 and / or provided to other units for storage for subsequent supply to the at least one trailer 11.

[0044] At least one trailer 11 can receive the liquefied hydrogen output from the liquefaction unit 9 via liquefied hydrogen stream 9p. Each trailer 11 can be a tube trailer or other type of trailer suitable for transporting liquid hydrogen. The liquefied hydrogen can be provided via at least one liquefied hydrogen trailer feed conduit positioned between the trailer 11 and the liquefaction unit 9. In some implementations, the liquefied hydrogen can be stored in an intermediate product storage device (not shown) before being supplied to the trailer 11. When the trailer 11 is filled with liquefied hydrogen and / or stores the liquefied hydrogen before being transported off-site, a portion of the liquefied hydrogen can vaporize into gaseous hydrogen. This gaseous hydrogen can be output from the trailer 11 for subsequent use via the trailer hydrogen gas output conduit 11v of the apparatus 1.

[0045] Trailer 11 can also be a trailer that was previously used to deliver liquid hydrogen and returned to a location to be refilled with liquid hydrogen, but at the same time may retain some depleted hydrogen gas that may be present as a result of emptying the trailer for the delivery of liquid hydrogen. Such hydrogen gas may be considered, for example, depleted hydrogen gas. Trailer 11 may provide this residual hydrogen vapor so that it is emptied from the trailer for use before filling the trailer with liquid hydrogen for a subsequent delivery. This gaseous hydrogen may also be output from trailer 11 for subsequent use via trailer hydrogen gas output conduit 11v of apparatus 1.

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates various different flow path arrangements for providing hydrogen gas from trailer 11 to one or more devices (e.g., turbine 15, hydrogen storage unit 7, pipeline 13, compression system 5, liquefaction unit 9, first liquefier L of liquefaction unit 9, fuel cell 17, etc.). Various different flow paths for utilizing hydrogen gas output from trailer 11 via trailer hydrogen gas output conduit 11v are shown in FIG. 1 with dashed lines. It should be understood that FIGS. 3-9 illustrate various different implementations shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 with solid lines to provide further illustrative examples of various different implementation options for the exemplary embodiment of apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1. As can be appreciated from the disclosure provided herein, in addition to the exemplary implementations shown in FIGS. 3-9, further implementation options exist for the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0047] 1 and 3-9, hydrogen vapor or hydrogen gas formed from liquefied hydrogen stored in trailer 11 while liquid hydrogen is being supplied to trailer 11 and / or while liquid hydrogen is being stored in trailer 11 may be output from trailer 11 via at least one trailer hydrogen gas output conduit 11v. The hydrogen gas output from trailer 11 may be supplied to liquefaction unit 9 via liquefaction feed conduit 11c, which may be connectable to trailer hydrogen gas output conduit 11v, and / or may be supplied to a first liquefier L of multiple liquefiers L of the liquefaction unit via a first liquefier feed conduit 11b, which may be connectable to trailer hydrogen gas output conduit 11v.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first liquefier L may be configured as a trailer hydrogen reliquefier such that the first liquefier can be dedicated to reliquefying hydrogen gas output from the trailer 11, while one or more secondary liquefiers L of the liquefaction unit 9 can liquefy hydrogen gas received from the compression system 5. This type of arrangement may allow for a simpler design of the liquefaction unit 9 and a simpler design of the first liquefier L (e.g., reliquefying the trailer hydrogen gas may not require the use of an ortho-hydrogen to para-hydrogen conversion element for liquefying the trailer hydrogen gas). Such an embodiment may be configured such that the liquefaction train of the liquefaction unit 9 can utilize simpler load management for the reliquefaction of the trailer hydrogen gas and provide other operational benefits. For example, isolating the reliquefaction of the trailer hydrogen gas via the dedicated first liquefier L can reduce operational variability on the liquefaction unit 9 and minimize any contamination impact on the other liquefiers of the liquefaction unit 9. It is contemplated that such embodiments may likewise help provide greater operational efficiency and / or operational flexibility.

[0049] Similarly (or alternatively), hydrogen gas supplied via trailer 11 to trailer hydrogen gas output conduit 11v may be supplied to the storage unit of hydrogen storage 7 via hydrogen storage feed conduit 7a connected to trailer hydrogen gas output conduit 11v, and / or may be supplied to compression system 5 via trailer hydrogen gas compression system feed conduit 11a connected to trailer hydrogen gas output conduit 11v. The supply of hydrogen gas output from trailer 11 may be via trailer hydrogen gas compression system feed conduit 11a to provide a more direct connection between trailer 11 and compression system 5, or may be via a less direct connection in which the hydrogen gas output from trailer 11 is first used as a cooling medium in first heat exchanger HX1 to cool the compressed hydrogen gas output from compression system 5 to a preselected liquefaction feed temperature before the compressed hydrogen is supplied to liquefaction unit 9.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger HX1 may be positioned downstream of the second heat exchanger HX2 (shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 1 and 3-9). The second heat exchanger HX2 may be, for example, an ambient heat exchanger that utilizes air or cooling water as a cooling medium to cool the compressed hydrogen output from the compression system 5. The first heat exchanger HX1 may be utilized downstream of the second heat exchanger HX2, which may also provide additional cooling when used, allowing the first heat exchanger HX1 to provide additional pre-cooling prior to liquefaction of the compressed hydrogen. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the first heat exchanger HX1 may be positioned and configured such that the second heat exchanger HX2 may not be necessary.

[0051] The preselected liquefaction feed temperature can be a temperature within a preselected range of liquefaction feed temperatures selected to meet a preselected set of design and / or operating criteria. Examples of preselected feed temperatures can include temperatures within the ranges of -10°C to 0°C, -25°C to 20°C, or -20°C to 25°C. Of course, other temperatures can also be utilized, as described herein.

[0052] For example, hydrogen gas output from the trailer 11 may be supplied to the first heat exchanger HX1 via the heat exchanger piping arrangement 11d, which may be positioned to supply the hydrogen gas output from the trailer 11 to the first heat exchanger HX1 and also to supply the cooling medium of the warmed trailer hydrogen gas output from the first heat exchanger HX1 to the compression system 5 via a warmed trailer hydrogen feed piping 11e connected between the heat exchanger piping arrangement 11d and the compression system 5.

[0053] Alternatively (or similarly), the warmed trailer hydrogen gas output from the first heat exchanger HX1 may be supplied to the pipeline 13 and injected into the pipeline via a pipeline feed conduit 13a connected between the heat exchanger conduit installation 11d and the pipeline 13. The pipeline 13 may be a hydrogen pipeline into which the trailer hydrogen gas may be supplied for distribution via the pipeline 13, or it may be a natural gas pipeline. In situations where the pipeline 13 is a natural gas pipeline, the trailer hydrogen gas may be injected therein to help reduce the carbon intensity of the natural gas passing through the pipeline and to help reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of the natural gas.

[0054] Similarly (or as yet another alternative), the warmed trailer hydrogen gas output from the first heat exchanger HX1 may be supplied to a turbine 15 (e.g., a hydrogen turbine) for combustion or expansion therein via a turbine feed conduit 15a connected between the heat exchanger piping 11d and the turbine 15. The turbine 15 may utilize the hydrogen from the trailer 11, for example, as a power or electricity generation source.

[0055] Similarly (or as yet another alternative), the warmed trailer hydrogen gas output from the first heat exchanger HX1 may be supplied to a fuel cell 17 (e.g., a hydrogen fuel cell) via a fuel cell feed conduit 17a connected between the heat exchanger conduit arrangement 11d and the fuel cell 17. The fuel cell may be configured to receive hydrogen for use as a fuel source to provide emergency power to an apparatus or a plant having the apparatus.

[0056] A compressor may be included in the trailer hydrogen gas conduit to facilitate the flow of hydrogen gas from the trailer 11 to one or more elements. Such a compressor may be provided as a dedicated trailer / flash gas compressor for hydrogen recovery with or without refrigeration recovery.

[0057] As noted above, Figures 3-9 illustrate different implementations of the options discussed above. For example, Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the apparatus 1 of Figure 1 in which a first heat exchanger HX1 is utilized and heat exchanger piping 11d is positioned to supply warmed trailer hydrogen gas output from the first heat exchanger HX1 via pipeline feed conduit 13a to the pipeline 13 for injection therein. The trailer hydrogen gas in this implementation may cool compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system 5 at a preselected compression system output pressure to a preselected liquefaction unit feed temperature in preparation for delivery to the liquefaction unit 9 for liquefying the hydrogen.

[0058] 4 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 in which a first heat exchanger HX1 is utilized and heat exchanger piping 11 d is positioned to supply warmed trailer hydrogen gas output from the first heat exchanger HX1 via turbine feed conduit 15 a to turbine 15 for combustion or expansion therein for power or electricity generation. The trailer hydrogen gas in this implementation may cool compressed hydrogen gas output from compression system 5 to a preselected liquefaction unit feed temperature at a preselected compression system output pressure in preparation for supply to liquefaction unit 9 via liquefaction feed conduit 9 a to liquefy the hydrogen.

[0059] 5 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 in which a first heat exchanger HX1 is utilized and a heat exchanger conduit arrangement 11d may be positioned to supply warmed trailer hydrogen gas output from the first heat exchanger HX1 to the compression system 5 via a hydrogen feed conduit 11e connected between the heat exchanger conduit arrangement 11d and the compression system 5. The trailer hydrogen gas in this implementation cools the compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system 5 at a preselected compression system output pressure so that the compressed hydrogen gas can be cooled to a preselected liquefaction unit feed temperature in preparation for supply to the liquefaction unit 9 via a liquefaction feed conduit 9a for liquefying the hydrogen.

[0060] 6 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 in which hydrogen gas output from the trailer 11 is supplied to the first liquefier L of the liquefaction unit 9 via a first liquefier feed conduit 11b connected between the trailer 11 and the first liquefier L of the liquefaction unit 9. This type of arrangement may be particularly beneficial for liquefaction units 9 that may utilize multiple liquefiers L operating in parallel to liquefy hydrogen. For example, the first liquefier L that receives additional hydrogen gas from the trailer 11 may be sized to be larger than the other liquefiers L of the liquefaction unit 9. This may allow other, smaller liquefiers to be utilized in the liquefaction unit 9 liquefaction train, such that only a single liquefier L is sized to accommodate the additional hydrogen available via the trailer 11. Such an arrangement of liquefiers may allow the capital costs associated with the liquefiers to be lower than if multiple liquefiers were all sized larger, and may allow for more flexible processing operations by providing a single liquefier with a larger liquefaction capacity.

[0061] As described above, in some embodiments of this exemplary implementation in which hydrogen gas from the trailer 11 is supplied only to the first liquefier L, the first liquefier L may be configured as a trailer hydrogen reliquefier, such that the first liquefier L can be dedicated to reliquefying hydrogen gas output from the trailer 11, while one or more second liquefiers L of the liquefaction unit 9 can liquefy hydrogen gas received from the compression system 5. This type of arrangement may enable a simpler design for the liquefaction unit 9 and a simpler design for the first liquefier L (e.g., reliquefying the trailer hydrogen gas may not require the use of an ortho-hydrogen to para-hydrogen conversion element for liquefying the trailer hydrogen gas). Such an embodiment may be configured so that the liquefaction train of the liquefaction unit 9 can utilize simpler load management for reliquefying the trailer hydrogen gas and provide other operational benefits. For example, decoupling the re-liquefaction of trailer hydrogen gas via a dedicated first liquefier L can reduce operational variability on the liquefaction unit 9 and minimize any contamination impact on other liquefiers of the liquefaction unit 9. It is contemplated that such embodiments may likewise help provide greater operational efficiency and / or operational flexibility.

[0062] 7 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 in which hydrogen gas output from the trailer 11 is supplied to the compression system 5 via a trailer hydrogen gas compression system feed conduit 11a connected between the compression system 5 and the trailer 11. After being compressed via the compression system 5, the hydrogen gas output from the trailer 11 in this implementation can be returned to the liquefaction unit 9 and liquefied via at least one liquefier L of the liquefaction unit 9.

[0063] 8 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 in which hydrogen gas output from the trailer 11 is supplied to the liquefaction unit 9 via a trailer hydrogen gas liquefaction feed conduit 11c connected between the liquefaction unit 9 and the trailer 11. The hydrogen gas output from the trailer 11 in this implementation can be supplied to the liquefaction unit 9 and liquefied via at least one liquefier L of the liquefaction unit 9.

[0064] 9 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 in which hydrogen gas output from the trailer 11 is supplied to at least one fuel cell 17 via a trailer hydrogen gas feed conduit connected between the fuel cell feed conduit 17a and the trailer 11. The hydrogen gas output from the trailer 11 in this implementation can be supplied to one or more hydrogen fuel cells to generate emergency power for plant or facility operations.

[0065] 1, 3, 4, 5, and 9, hydrogen gas output from trailer 11 may also (or alternatively) be supplied to a storage unit of hydrogen storage 7 via hydrogen storage feed conduit 7a (shown in dashed lines) connected between the storage unit of hydrogen storage 7 and trailer 11. The hydrogen gas output from trailer 11 in this implementation may be stored, to be later supplied to compression system 5, subjected to compression via compression system 5, and returned to liquefaction unit 9 for liquefaction via at least one liquefier L of liquefaction unit 9. Supplying hydrogen gas to storage in such implementations may be done in combination with, or alternatively supplying hydrogen gas to, one or more other elements, such that all of the hydrogen gas output from trailer 11 may be supplied to a storage unit for hydrogen storage and later use.

[0066] Embodiments of the apparatus 1 may also utilize at least one controller. The controller may be communicatively coupled to concentration sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors, valves, and / or other elements to facilitate automated process control of the apparatus 1. For example, in some embodiments, the controller may be a workstation that executes automated process control software via a processor and is communicatively coupled to sensors and other elements to facilitate monitoring and control of the operation of the apparatus 1. In other situations, the controller may be part of a DCS system adapted to monitor and control the operation of the apparatus 1. It should be understood that the controller may be a computing device that includes a processor coupled to a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., non-transitory memory) and at least one transceiver unit for communicative coupling to other process control elements (e.g., sensors, detectors, valves, etc.).

[0067] In some implementations, the composition of the trailer hydrogen gas can be analyzed before being sent back to the compression system 5 and / or hydrogen storage 7, thereby analyzing the hydrogen gas stream to verify that the hydrogen gas may be free of impurities or other elements that could contaminate the hydrogen liquefaction process or cause other unanticipated problems. Such analysis can also be performed, in some embodiments, before the hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel cell 17, turbine 15, or pipeline 13. Compositional analysis can be performed by a composition analyzer, sampling and subsequent testing, or other compositional detection and analysis scheme. Compositional analysis can also or alternatively be performed by using one or more detectors configured to detect one or more undesirable impurities (e.g., water) to confirm that the trailer hydrogen gas did not have such impurities and / or contents of such impurities that meet or exceed a preselected impurity threshold.

[0068] Embodiments of apparatus 1 may be configured to perform exemplary embodiments of a process for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer 11. Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the process including steps S1 and S2, as well as optional step S3. It should be understood that other embodiments of the process may use other or fewer steps as well (e.g., may not use step S3, may use additional steps with or without step S3, etc.).

[0069] As can be seen from the above, in a first step S1, hydrogen gas from within the trailer 11 can be output from the trailer 11 (e.g., via at least one trailer hydrogen gas output conduit 11v). The output hydrogen gas can be hydrogen gas formed from vaporizing a first portion of the liquid hydrogen within the trailer 11 to a gas while the trailer is being filled with liquid hydrogen and / or while the trailer is storing the liquid hydrogen before being transported off-site. The vaporized first portion of liquid hydrogen output from the trailer 11 can be a relatively small portion of the liquid hydrogen within or supplied to the trailer for storage therein (e.g., greater than 0% to less than 15% of the liquid hydrogen supplied to the trailer 11 that vaporizes to a gas). A second portion of the liquefied hydrogen supplied to the trailer 11 for storage and subsequent transport can remain liquid and remain within the trailer 11. This second portion can be greater than 85% to less than 100% of the liquid hydrogen supplied to the trailer 11 for storage therein.

[0070] In a second step S2, the trailer hydrogen gas output from the trailer 11 may be sent to (a) a compression system 5, (b) a liquefaction unit 9 for liquefaction, (c) a storage unit of the hydrogen storage unit 7, (d) a pipeline 13 for injection into, (e) a turbine 15 for use in generating electricity, and / or (f) a fuel cell 17 for use as a fuel source for emergency power for the plant or facility, which may be provided by the fuel cell 17. Sending this hydrogen gas output from the trailer 11 may be considered a supply of hydrogen gas from the trailer 11 to the compression system 5, the liquefaction unit 9, the storage unit of the hydrogen storage unit 7, the pipeline 13, the turbine 15, and / or the fuel cell 17.

[0071] In some embodiments, routing hydrogen gas from trailer 11 to (a) compression system 5, (b) liquefaction unit 9 for liquefaction, (c) storage unit of hydrogen reservoir 7, (d) pipeline 13 for injection into, (e) turbine 15 for use in electricity generation, and / or (f) fuel cell 17 may occur in response to determining that the availability of renewable electricity for hydrogen production is below a preselected threshold. For example, routing hydrogen gas from trailer 11 may occur at night when there may be no or very little renewable electricity via solar power available for hydrogen production. This type of processing may aid in load management of liquefaction unit 9 and / or provide improved operating efficiency or flexibility.

[0072] The transfer of hydrogen gas from trailer 11, which may occur at night or during periods of low renewable power availability, may occur in conjunction with a determination of when to load trailer 11 with liquid hydrogen from liquefaction unit 9. For example, in some embodiments, loading trailer 11 via a supply of liquid hydrogen from liquefaction unit 9 may occur at night or when it is determined that the availability of renewable power for the production of hydrogen is at or below a preselected threshold. The transfer of hydrogen gas from trailer 11, which may occur as a result of loading trailer 11 and / or the trailer storing liquid hydrogen, may also occur at approximately this same time or during the same low renewable power occurrences.

[0073] In a third optional step S3, the hydrogen fluid stream (e.g., hydrogen gas) supplied to the liquefaction unit 9 (e.g., compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system 5 for supply to the liquefaction unit 9) is cooled with trailer hydrogen output from the trailer 11, which may then be supplied to the compression system 5, the hydrogen storage 7, the pipeline 13, the turbine 15, and / or the at least one fuel cell 17. For example, the trailer hydrogen may be supplied to the first heat exchanger HX1 as a cooling medium for cooling the compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system 5 at a preselected compression system output pressure. The cooling provided by the trailer hydrogen may facilitate, for example, cooling the compressed hydrogen to a preselected liquefaction unit feed temperature for supply to the liquefaction unit 9 via the liquefaction feed conduit 9a for liquefying the hydrogen. The warmed trailer hydrogen gas output from the first heat exchanger HX1 may then be supplied to the compression system 5, the hydrogen storage 7, the pipeline 13, the at least one fuel cell 17, and / or the turbine 15, for example, as discussed above.

[0074] As described above, in some implementations of the process, the composition of the trailer hydrogen gas can be analyzed before being sent back to the compression system 5 and / or hydrogen storage 7, thereby analyzing the hydrogen gas stream to verify that the hydrogen gas may be free of impurities or other elements that could contaminate the hydrogen liquefaction process or cause other unforeseen problems. Such analysis can also be performed, in some embodiments, before the hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel cell 17, turbine 15, or pipeline 13. The compositional analysis can be performed by a compositional analyzer, sampling, or other compositional detection and analysis scheme. The compositional analysis can also or alternatively be performed by using one or more detectors configured to detect one or more undesirable impurities (e.g., water) to confirm that the trailer hydrogen gas did not have such impurities and / or contents of such impurities that meet or exceed a preselected impurity threshold.

[0075] It should be understood that embodiments of the process may employ other steps. For example, the process may include installing an embodiment of apparatus 1 in a plant to facilitate reliquefaction of or otherwise utilizing the hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer 11. It should be understood that these steps may be performed such that an embodiment of apparatus 1 can be retrofitted into an existing plant to add apparatus 1 to the plant. This step may also be performed such that apparatus 1 is included in a new plant to be constructed.

[0076] It is understood that modifications to the embodiments expressly shown and discussed herein can be made to meet a particular set of design objectives or a particular set of design criteria. For example, the placement of valves, piping, and other conduit elements (e.g., conduit connections, tubing, seals, valves, etc.) for interconnecting different units of equipment for fluid communication of fluid flow between different elements (e.g., heat exchangers, storage devices, compressors, etc.) can be arranged to meet a particular plant or equipment 1 layout design that anticipates the available area of ​​the plant, the sized equipment of the plant, and other design considerations. As another example, the flow rates, pressures, and temperatures of fluids passing through various equipment or system elements can be varied to anticipate different design configurations and other design criteria.

[0077] Embodiments of the apparatus for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer, the process for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer, and / or the system for utilizing hydrogen gas output from at least one trailer may each be configured to include process control elements positioned and configured to monitor and control operation (e.g., temperature and pressure sensors, flow rate sensors, an automatic process control system having a processor, non-transitory memory, and at least one workstation including at least one transceiver for communicating with the sensor elements, valves, and controllers to provide a user interface for the automatic process control system, which may be executed on the workstation and / or another computing device at the plant, etc.) It should be understood that embodiments may similarly utilize a distributed control system (DCS) for executing one or more processes and / or controlling the operation of the apparatus 1.

[0078] As another example, it is contemplated that particular features described either individually or as part of an embodiment can be combined with other individually described features or parts of other embodiments. Accordingly, elements and acts of various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. Thus, while certain exemplary embodiments of processes, apparatus, systems, and methods of making and using the same have been shown and described above, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not limited thereto and may be variously embodied and implemented within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

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

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

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the heat exchanger is positioned such that a warmed stream of the hydrogen gas output from the heat exchanger can be supplied to the turbine.

4. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the heat exchanger is positioned such that the warmed hydrogen gas stream output from the heat exchanger is injectable into the pipeline.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the pipeline is a natural gas pipeline and the warmed hydrogen gas stream output from the heat exchanger is injectable into the pipeline to reduce the carbon intensity of fluid within the pipeline.

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

7. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one trailer is connectable to the compression system to supply the hydrogen gas formed in the trailer storing the liquefied hydrogen to the compression system for compression before being supplied to the liquefaction unit.

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

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the compression system comprises at least one compressor.

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

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

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

13. supplying the hydrogen gas from the at least one trailer to a heat exchanger positioned between the compression system and the liquefaction unit to cool a feed of compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system via the hydrogen gas output from the at least one trailer before the compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system is supplied to the liquefaction unit; 13. The process of claim 12, wherein the heat exchanger outputs the hydrogen gas received from the at least one trailer as a warmed hydrogen gas stream for supplying the pipeline, the fuel cell, the storage unit, the turbine, or the compression system.

14. 14. The process of claim 13, comprising supplying the warmed hydrogen gas stream output from the heat exchanger to the turbine.

15. 14. The process of claim 13, comprising supplying the warmed hydrogen gas stream output from the heat exchanger to the pipeline.

16. 16. The process of claim 15, wherein the pipeline is a natural gas pipeline and the warmed hydrogen gas stream output from the heat exchanger is injectable into the pipeline to reduce the carbon intensity of fluids in the pipeline.

17. supplying the hydrogen gas from the at least one trailer to the pipeline, the fuel cell, the storage unit, the turbine, the liquefaction unit for subsequent liquefaction of the hydrogen gas, and / or the compression system for compressing the hydrogen gas and subsequently liquefying the compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system via a liquefaction unit connected to the compression system; 13. The process of claim 12, comprising supplying the hydrogen gas formed in the at least one trailer storing the liquefied hydrogen to the compression system so that the hydrogen gas is compressed before being supplied to the liquefaction unit.

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

19. supplying the hydrogen gas from the at least one trailer to the pipeline, the fuel cell, the storage unit, the turbine, the liquefaction unit for subsequent liquefaction of the hydrogen gas, and / or the compression system for compressing the hydrogen gas and subsequently liquefying the compressed hydrogen gas output from the compression system via the liquefaction unit connected to the compression system; 13. The process of claim 12, comprising supplying the hydrogen gas from the at least one trailer to the liquefaction unit for liquefaction of the hydrogen gas.

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

21. 13. The process of claim 12, wherein forming the hydrogen gas from the liquid hydrogen stored within the at least one trailer results in a first portion of the liquid hydrogen, greater than 0% and less than 15% of the liquid hydrogen supplied to the at least one trailer for storage therein, being vaporized and subsequently supplied to the liquefaction unit, the compression system, the fuel cell, the storage unit, the turbine, and / or the pipeline as the hydrogen gas formed within the trailer storing the liquefied hydrogen, such that a second portion of the liquid hydrogen, less than 85% and less than 100% of the liquid hydrogen supplied to the at least one trailer, is retained and stored in the at least one trailer.

22. 13. The process of claim 12, wherein the supplying of the hydrogen gas from the at least one trailer occurs overnight.

23. 13. The process of claim 12, wherein supplying the hydrogen gas from the at least one trailer occurs in response to determining that the availability of renewable electricity for the production of hydrogen is at or below a preselected threshold.

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