Mobile hydrogen storage, transport, and refueling systems, as well as methods for using them.

Abstract

The equipment for liquid hydrogen refueling at a mining site includes a mobile platform that can be coupled to a vehicle. A storage module is detachably coupled to the mobile platform. The storage module houses a hydrogen tank configured to store liquid hydrogen. A transfer module is coupled to the mobile platform and is configured to receive a first flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank, transmit a first portion of the first flow to the mining vehicle, and transmit a second portion of the first flow back to the hydrogen tank. A refueling interface engages with the refueling interface of the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and is configured to selectively transport the flow of liquid hydrogen from the transfer module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 583,539, filed on September 18, 2023 and entitled "Mobile Hydrogen Storage, Transportation, and Refueling System and Method of Using the Same", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this specification.

[0002] The embodiments described in the present specification relate to hydrogen refueling systems, and more specifically, relate to systems and methods for suitable mobile hydrogen storage, transportation, and refueling, for example, in large-scale industrial applications.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Despite contributing to harmful anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, the energy source for most vehicles continues to be the combustion of fossil fuels in internal combustion engines. In efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, considerable attention has been directed to the use of alternative and / or renewable energy sources in certain consumer and / or commercial vehicles. One such alternative energy source is a hydrogen-powered fuel cell. In some instances, hydrogen power may be particularly attractive, based at least in part on the fact that it is a virtually inexhaustible energy source, the ability to use renewable energy to produce hydrogen (e.g., "green" hydrogen), the main by-product of using hydrogen is water, and / or the like.

[0004] Certain challenges continue to hinder the widespread adoption of hydrogen as an alternative energy source. One such challenge, for example, is providing hydrogen infrastructure that enables storage and / or distribution with a level of convenience comparable to that of current fossil fuel infrastructure. Several known systems and / or methods attempt to address the challenges associated with storing, transporting, and distributing hydrogen. For example, some such known solutions involve using specialized tankers and / or trailers to transport pressurized hydrogen cylinders / tubes.

[0005] Additional challenges in providing hydrogen infrastructure arise when scaling to large-scale industrial applications. One such large-scale application, for example, is mining. In some cases, hydrogen-powered fuel cells could replace the large diesel engines typically used in very large mining vehicles. In such applications, known road-legal hydrogen tankers and / or trailers may be unsuitable due to physical size limitations associated with highway travel. For example, some known high-capacity trailers can transport up to 1,100 kilograms (kg) of hydrogen, which is the amount of hydrogen consumed by only two mining vehicles in a period of just 24 hours. This capacity is too small to be feasible for large-scale mining operations with many vehicles and could increase safety risks associated with collisions and / or interactions. Road-legal hydrogen tankers and / or trailers are also unsuitable for travel around the rough terrain, undeveloped surfaces, and / or steep slopes of typical mining sites, requiring the preparation of roads with smoother surfaces and shallower slopes for travel around the site. Furthermore, the use of permanent and / or fixed storage and dispensing equipment, pipelines, and / or other high-volume hydrogen supply units may restrict the flexibility of mining development and / or operations, or, by their nature, may be expensive to install and / or reposition.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods for mobile hydrogen storage, transport, and refueling that are suitable for large-scale industrial applications. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The embodiments described herein relate, for example, to mobile hydrogen refueling systems and methods used in large-scale industrial applications. In some embodiments, the apparatus for liquid hydrogen refueling at a mining site includes a mobile platform that can be coupled to a vehicle. A storage module is detachably coupled to the mobile platform. The storage module houses a hydrogen tank configured to store liquid hydrogen. A transport module is coupled to the mobile platform and is configured to receive a first flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank, transmit a first portion of the first flow to a mining vehicle, and transmit a second portion of the first flow back to the hydrogen tank. A refueling interface engages with the refueling interface of the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and is configured to selectively transport the flow of liquid hydrogen from the transport module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle. In some implementations, the transport module further includes a quick-connect / disconnect coupling configured to detachably couple the hydrogen tank to the mobile platform. In some implementations, the transport module further includes one or more pumps configured to pressurize liquid hydrogen received from the hydrogen tank of the storage module and to transmit the pressurized liquid hydrogen to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

[0008] In some embodiments, the apparatus for liquid hydrogen refueling at a mining site includes a mobile platform that can be coupled to a vehicle. A storage module is detachably coupled to the mobile platform. The storage module houses a hydrogen tank configured to store liquid hydrogen at a first pressure. A transfer module is coupled to the mobile platform and includes a pump, which is configured to receive a flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank, pressurize the liquid hydrogen to a second pressure greater than the first pressure, and transmit the liquid hydrogen at the second pressure to a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle. A refueling interface engages with the refueling interface of the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and is configured to selectively transport a flow of liquid hydrogen at the second pressure from the transfer module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method includes loading a storage module, which includes one or more hydrogen tanks for storing liquid hydrogen, onto a mobile platform that can be coupled to a vehicle. A refueling interface, which is fluidly coupled to one or more hydrogen tanks via a transfer module, is releasably engaged to the liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle. In response to a pressure difference between one or more hydrogen tanks of the storage module and the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, and via the transfer module, the method further includes the steps of: transporting a first portion of the flow of liquid hydrogen from one or more hydrogen tanks of the storage module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle; transporting a second portion of the flow to a first vaporizer to generate hydrogen gas; and transporting the hydrogen gas to one or more hydrogen tanks. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1A] This is a schematic diagram of a mobile hydrogen refueling system as shown in the embodiment and in the first implementation form. [Figure 1B] This is a schematic diagram of a portable hydrogen refueling system for storing liquid hydrogen, according to an embodiment. [Figure 1C] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the mobile hydrogen refueling system shown in the second implementation form. [Figure 1D] Figure 1A shows a mobile hydrogen refueling system, and a schematic diagram of a second mobile hydrogen refueling system configured to refuel the mobile hydrogen refueling system. [Figure 1E] This is a schematic diagram of a portable hydrogen refueling system in a first configuration according to an embodiment, which stores liquid hydrogen and provides liquid hydrogen to mining vehicles that also store and use liquid hydrogen as a fuel source. [Figure 1F] Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of the portable hydrogen refueling system in the second configuration. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a well-known heavy machinery vehicle, such as a mining truck. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a mobile hydrogen refueling system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a mobile hydrogen refueling system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a side view of a mobile hydrogen fuel refueling system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6A] This is a side view of a mobile hydrogen fuel refueling system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6B] This is a side view of a mobile hydrogen fuel refueling system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of a mobile hydrogen refueling system according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of an industrial work site where a mobile hydrogen fuel refueling system according to an embodiment is implemented. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the fuel supply locations included in the industrial work site. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating how to use a mobile hydrogen refueling system according to an embodiment. [Figure 11]This flowchart illustrates a method for using a mobile hydrogen refueling system for storing liquid hydrogen, according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] In some embodiments, the apparatus for liquid hydrogen refueling at a mining site includes a mobile platform that can be coupled to a vehicle. A storage module is detachably coupled to the mobile platform. The storage module houses a hydrogen tank configured to store liquid hydrogen. A transport module is coupled to the mobile platform and is configured to receive a first flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank, transmit a first portion of the first flow to a mining vehicle, and transmit a second portion of the first flow back to the hydrogen tank. A refueling interface engages with the refueling interface of the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and is configured to selectively transport the flow of liquid hydrogen from the transport module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

[0012] In some embodiments, the apparatus for liquid hydrogen refueling at a mining site includes a mobile platform that can be coupled to a vehicle. A storage module is detachably coupled to the mobile platform. The storage module houses a hydrogen tank configured to store liquid hydrogen at a first pressure. A transfer module is coupled to the mobile platform and includes a pump, which is configured to receive a flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank, pressurize the liquid hydrogen via the pump to a second pressure greater than the first pressure, and transmit the liquid hydrogen at the second pressure to a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle. A refueling interface engages with the refueling interface of the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and is configured to selectively transport the flow of liquid hydrogen at the second pressure from the transfer module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

[0013] In some embodiments, a method includes loading a storage module comprising one or more hydrogen tanks storing liquid hydrogen onto a mobile platform that is connectable to a vehicle. A refueling interface that is fluidly connected to the one or more hydrogen tanks via a transfer module is releasably engaged with a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle. In response to a pressure difference between the one or more hydrogen tanks of the storage module and the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, and via the transfer module, the method further includes conveying a first portion of a flow of liquid hydrogen from the one or more hydrogen tanks of the storage module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, conveying a second portion of the flow to a first vaporizer to generate hydrogen gas, and conveying the hydrogen gas to the one or more hydrogen tanks.

[0014] In some embodiments, an apparatus for mobile hydrogen refueling includes a heavy-duty vehicle having a size exceeding highway size constraints, and a platform coupled to the vehicle. The hydrogen storage module and the compression module are removably connectable to the mobile platform. The storage module is configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks. The compression module is configured to receive a flow of hydrogen from the hydrogen tanks in the storage module via a manifold, and compress the flow of hydrogen to create a flow of high-pressure hydrogen. The refueling interface is configured to engage with a refueling interface of a hydrogen power plant and selectively convey the flow of high-pressure hydrogen from the compression module. In some implementations, the compression module can include a chiller that is fluidly connected between the compressor and the refueling interface, and can be configured to cool the high-pressure hydrogen provided to the refueling interface. In some implementations, the power module is configured to provide electrical power at least to the compression module. In some implementations, the power module can also provide electrical power to one or more portions of the vehicle.

[0015] In some embodiments, the system includes multiple refueling locations at a mine site, multiple mining vehicles, and a mobile hydrogen refueling platform. The mine site includes multiple work areas, at which one or more of the mining vehicles can perform work, and at which one or more of the mining vehicles can travel between the work areas during on-cycle operation. Such work areas may include pit loading areas, Oberbaden dumping areas, ore processing areas, and stockpiles, and / or similar. Each refueling location is located within a predetermined distance from one of the active work areas at the mine site. The mining vehicles include a hydrogen power plant and are partially operated at the active work areas at the mine site. The mobile hydrogen refueling platform is mobile to or from at least one of the refueling locations. The refueling platform includes at least a storage module and a refueling interface. The storage module is configured to store multiple hydrogen tanks with a combined capacity greater than the hydrogen fuel consumption of two mining vehicles within a 24-hour period (for example, greater than 1,000 kg (e.g., 1,500 kg, 2,000 kg, 2,500 kg, 3,000 kg, 3,500 kg, 4,000 kg, 4,500 kg, 5,000 kg, 5,500 kg, 6,000 kg, 6,500 kg, 7,000 kg, 7,500 kg, 8,000 kg, 8,500 kg, 9,000 kg, 9,500 kg, or 10,000 kg (including that value) or more)). Each hydrogen tank stores hydrogen at a first pressure. The refueling interface is configured to engage with the refueling infrastructure when the mining vehicle is connected to the refueling infrastructure, and to transport the flow of hydrogen from the hydrogen tanks in the storage module to the refueling infrastructure. The hydrogen flow selectively possesses a second pressure that is greater than the first pressure.

[0016] In some embodiments, a method includes loading a storage module containing multiple hydrogen tanks onto a mobile hydrogen refueling platform. The mobile hydrogen refueling platform has a size that exceeds at least one constraint associated with traveling on a highway. A first flow of hydrogen is conveyed from the hydrogen tanks in the storage module via a manifold. The first flow of hydrogen is compressed and cooled to produce cooled high-pressure hydrogen. The cooled high-pressure hydrogen is conveyed to a refueling interface of the mobile hydrogen refueling platform, and a second flow of hydrogen is conveyed from the refueling interface to the refueling interface of a hydrogen power plant included in a heavy-duty vehicle. In some implementations, the second flow of hydrogen can have a mass flow rate of at least 4 kilograms per minute (kg / min).

[0017] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the full scope of any embodiment and / or the full scope of the claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical, industrial, and / or scientific terms used herein are intended to have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0018] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. With respect to the use of singular and / or plural terms herein, those skilled in the art can convert from the singular to the plural (and / or vice versa) as appropriate for the context and / or application. Furthermore, any reference herein to a singular component, feature, aspect, or the like is not intended to imply the exclusion of two or more such components, features, aspects, or the like (and / or vice versa), unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0019] Generally, terms used herein and in the appended claims are generally intended to be “open” terms unless expressly otherwise stated. For example, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” and the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least.” Similarly, the term “comprising” may identify the presence of a described feature, element, component, integer (or fraction thereof), step, operation, and / or similar, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, integer (or fraction thereof), step, operation, and / or similar (where such combinations are not otherwise mutually exclusive).

[0020] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the enumerated items relating to the subject. Any appropriate disjunctive word and / or phrase representing two or more alternative terms should be understood as construing as potentially including one of those terms, either of those terms, or both of those terms, whether in the written description or in the claims. For example, the phrase “A and / or B” would be understood as potentially including “A” alone, “B” alone, or a combination of “A and B.”

[0021] As used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and / or “substantially,” when used in relation to a described value and / or geometric structure or relationship, are intended to convey that the value or characteristic thus defined is nominally described or described. For example, a first structure or characteristic can be described as substantially parallel to a second structure or characteristic (when those structures are nominally parallel). In some cases, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and / or “substantially” can generally mean, and / or intend, that a described value or characteristic is within a desired tolerance (e.g., plus or minus 10% of the described value or characteristic). For example, a value of about 0.01 can include 0.009 and 0.011, a value of about 0.5 can include 0.45 and 0.55, a value of about 10 can include 9 to 11, and a value of about 100 can include 90 to 110. While the described values, structures, and / or relationships may be desirable, it should be understood that some variation may occur as a result of, for example, manufacturing tolerances or other practical considerations (e.g., applied pressure or force, temperature dispersion, and / or similar). Therefore, the terms “approximately,” “roughly,” and / or “substantially” may be used herein to take such tolerances and / or considerations into account.

[0022] All ranges described herein include their respective individual members or values ​​and are intended to encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations thereof unless expressly stated otherwise. Any enumerated range should be recognized as sufficiently explaining and enabling that the same range can be broken down into at least equal subparts unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0023] The embodiments described herein generally relate to refueling hydrogen power plants (e.g., their fuel cells) in large-scale industrial applications. As will be understood, scaling up some known high-capacity hydrogen refueling solutions to a size appropriate for large-scale industrial applications presents many challenges and requires more than simply selecting components with larger size, capacity, etc. For example, the embodiments described herein can be used to supply hydrogen fuel to hydrogen power plants contained within industrial heavy machinery and / or vehicles (e.g., mining trucks, construction machinery, etc.). Generally, the size of such equipment and / or vehicles far exceeds the size constraints associated with road travel. Moreover, each hydrogen power plant contained within such equipment and / or vehicles is capable of producing electrical energy between approximately 1 and 3 megawatts (MW) or more, requiring very large hydrogen storage. In this context, there is a need for hydrogen refueling systems and methods that can supply a meaningful amount of hydrogen to such large-scale applications.

[0024] The embodiments and methods described herein are capable of providing hydrogen refueling for any suitable large-scale industry. For example, one such industry is mining. In some implementations, any of the systems and / or methods described herein can be configured to operate in a mining site and include the ability to move around on rough, unfinished, and / or steep surfaces typically found in mining sites. While embodiments and / or methods may be described herein as being implemented in and / or for mining, it should be understood that such implementations are provided merely as examples and not as limitations. Any of the embodiments and / or methods described herein can be used in any suitable industry, including, but not limited to, the rail industry, the shipping / freight industry, the aerospace industry, the large-scale construction / manufacturing industry (such as large ocean vessels), and / or any other suitable industry.

[0025] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be configured to have hydrogen storage (e.g., liquid or gaseous hydrogen storage) and / or delivery capacity, enabling greater utilization of hydrogen-powered equipment (e.g., mining transport trucks) than would otherwise be possible with known hydrogen storage and / or delivery systems. In some implementations, for example, the systems and methods described herein can support continuous or substantially continuous use of hydrogen-powered equipment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In some implementations, the systems and methods described herein can support utilization of hydrogen-powered equipment greater than approximately 80% of a 24-hour period of continuous or substantially continuous use (e.g., total available capacity minus inactive or non-value-adding use, such as time associated with refueling, crew changes, and / or other inefficiencies). In some embodiments, any of the systems and methods described herein can enable the storage of hydrogen at a pressure higher than the hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen power plant being refueled (e.g., in the gaseous phase), and hydrogen refueling can be performed via cascade refueling, which enables faster refueling and reduces safety risks. In some embodiments, any of the systems and methods described herein can enable the storage of hydrogen independently of pressure, but at very low temperatures (e.g., storage of hydrogen in the liquid phase). In some such embodiments, the storage and / or delivery of liquid hydrogen may be desirable, at least in part, based on its high volumetric energy density. In some embodiments, any of the systems and methods described herein can be configured for the storage and / or delivery of liquid hydrogen to a mining vehicle or any hydrogen power plant, which is also configured to receive and store liquid hydrogen.

[0026] Referring here to the drawings, Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 100 according to an embodiment. The mobile hydrogen refueling system 100 ("the System") can be any suitable System configured to store and distribute quantities of hydrogen fuel to meet the demands of large-scale industries (e.g., mining, rail industries, shipping / freight industries, aerospace industries, large-scale manufacturing industries, and / or similar). In addition, the System 100 is mobile, allowing it to be moved between sites (e.g., mining sites) and / or between work areas within a given site (e.g., different work areas within a mining site). In some embodiments, the System 100 can be designed for operation in rough, uneven, unpaved, and / or steep environments (e.g., those encountered in mining sites or other heavy industrial work sites) (e.g., the System 100 can be "highly durable"). In some embodiments, the system 100 can be modular and / or may include modular components, allowing the components to be loaded, unloaded, repaired, replaced, etc., as needed or desired. In some implementations, the system 100 and / or one or more of its components can be configured for autonomous or at least semi-autonomous operation.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1A and as described in further detail herein, System 100 is configured to store, transport, and / or distribute a flow of hydrogen gas to one or more refueling infrastructures 105 and / or one or more hydrogen power plants 106. For example, the refueling infrastructure 105 could be and / or be included within a refueling site at an industrial site (e.g., a mine, railyard, shipyard, and / or other site where large-scale hydrogen-powered equipment may be operating). In some implementations, the refueling infrastructure 105 could include one or more storage tanks configured to receive a flow of hydrogen gas from System 100. In other implementations, the refueling infrastructure 105 could be one or more components that enable engagement between the refueling interface of System 100 and the refueling interfaces of one or more hydrogen power plants 106. The hydrogen power plant 106 could be, for example, a hydrogen power plant for industrial heavy machinery and / or vehicles. In some implementations, the hydrogen power plant 106 can be incorporated into and / or power large industrial vehicles (e.g., mining trucks, construction machinery, etc.). In some implementations, the hydrogen power plant 106 may be able to generate electrical energy between approximately 1 and 3 MW or more, and this may require very large hydrogen storage tanks, etc. Therefore, the system 100 is configured to store, transport, and / or distribute large quantities of hydrogen gas / fuel suitable for such large-scale applications.

[0028] As shown, system 100 includes a mobile platform 110, which is connectable to a heavy equipment vehicle 102 via a vehicle interface 160. The mobile platform 110 includes, supporting and / or connected to, at least one storage module 120, at least one manifold 132, at least one compression module 133, a refueling interface 140, and at least one power module 150. The storage module 120 can be configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 122 (e.g., tanks, tubes, canisters, etc.). One or more manifolds 132 allow the compression module 133 to interface with the storage module 120. In some implementations, in addition to or alternative to the compression module 133, the system 100 may include a transfer module, which may include any suitable components configured to transfer and / or transport gaseous or liquid hydrogen from the storage module 120 to at least the refueling interface 140, and in some implementations, to a hydrogen power plant configured to receive and store liquid hydrogen. In some implementations where the hydrogen to be stored is gaseous hydrogen, the system 100 may include the compression module 133, which may include at least one compressor 134 configured to produce a flow of high-pressure hydrogen. In such implementations, the compression module 133 may also include at least one chiller 136, which may cool the flow of high-pressure hydrogen from the compressor 134. Thus, the mobile platform 110 may selectively provide a flow of cooled high-pressure hydrogen for distribution via the refueling interface 140.In other implementations, the storage module 120 may be configured to store liquid hydrogen, and the system 100 may include a transfer module instead of the compression module 133, the transfer module may include any suitable components configured to transfer and / or transport liquid hydrogen from the storage module 120 to the refueling interface 140. For example, such components may include pumps, chillers, heaters, pressure regulators, expanders, vaporizers, valves, filters, etc. Exemplary implementations of such storage modules and portable hydrogen refueling systems are illustrated with reference to Figures 1B, 1E, and 1F. In some implementations, the refueling interface 140 may be configured to engage with refueling infrastructure 105 found at the operational site (e.g., a mine site). In addition or as an alternative, the refueling interface 140 may be configured to engage with a refueling interface corresponding to a hydrogen power plant 106 (e.g., a hydrogen fuel cell in a hydrogen power plant contained in a mining truck or other equipment).

[0029] The mobile platform 110 can be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, the mobile platform 110 can have a size that exceeds one or more constraints associated with road travel. Thus, the mobile platform 110 is suitable for large-scale applications that do not encounter such size constraints. In some embodiments, the mobile platform 110 can be a trailer, etc., which can be coupled to a vehicle 102 via a vehicle interface 160. For example, although not shown in Figure 1A, the mobile platform 110 can include a set of wheels coupled to a platform, bed, etc., and the platform, bed, etc., supports modules and / or components, etc., coupled to it. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110 is mobile, i.e., instead of interfaced with a vehicle, the mobile platform 110 can include a mobile platform that can be moved to a desired location (for example, along the route of a vehicle including a hydrogen power plant). Such a mobile platform can remain stationary in a desired location for an extended period, after being detached from the vehicle or other mechanism used to move the portable platform to the desired location, until it becomes desirable to move the mobile platform to another location.

[0030] The vehicle interface 160 can be, for example, a gooseneck hitch and / or other heavy-duty connectors. Such a vehicle interface 160 can allow the mobile platform 110 to be connected to / disconnected from the vehicle 102. In some implementations, for example, the vehicle 102 can be an industrial heavy-duty vehicle (e.g., also referred to as a “heavy-duty vehicle”) and / or similar (e.g., a mining truck). Thus, the vehicle 102 can be significantly larger than a conventional vehicle (e.g., a semi-truck or other vehicle capable of highway driving) used with some known mobile hydrogen refueling systems. For example, Figure 2 is a perspective view of a known heavy-duty vehicle 202, which can be used as vehicle 102. More specifically, the vehicle 202 shown in Figure 2 is a known mining transport truck (e.g., CAT 797F) produced by Caterpillar Inc., Deerfield, Illinois, USA. In other implementations, vehicle 102 can be any other suitable heavy equipment vehicle (e.g., any suitable known or modified mining transport truck and / or similar). In some embodiments, vehicle 102 can be rated for a horsepower greater than about 2,000 horsepower (HP) (e.g., about 2,500 HP, 3,000 HP, 3,500 HP, 4,000 HP, 4,500 HP, 5,000 HP, 5,500 HP, or 6,000 HP (including those values) or more) and a transport capacity greater than about 135 metric tons (tons) (e.g., 150 tons, 200 tons, 250 tons, 300 tons, 400 tons, 450 tons (including those values) or more).

[0031] Therefore, the vehicle interface 160 may include any suitable components and / or have any suitable configuration that enable the mobile platform 110 to interface with and / or connect to the vehicle 102. In some implementations, the vehicle interface 160 may be a physical interface as well as any other suitable interface (e.g., an electrical and / or electronic interface). For example, such a vehicle interface 160 may provide an electrical interface that enables the transfer of electric power between the vehicle 102 and the mobile platform 110. In other implementations, the vehicle interface 160 may be a platform, bed, and / or structure mounted on the chassis or other part of the vehicle 102 (e.g., the mobile platform 110 is integrated with the vehicle 102), as described in further detail herein with reference to Figure 1C.

[0032] Although not shown in Figure 1A, the mobile platform 110 may include one or more features and / or structures that enable modular arrangement and / or connection between the mobile platform 110 and the storage module 120, the compression module 133, the power module 150, and / or any other suitable components or their subcomponents. For example, in some embodiments, the mobile platform 110 may include rails, tracks, couplers, connectors, interfaces, etc., designed to removably engage with one or more of the components and / or modules. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 110 may allow any of the modules and / or components to be loaded, unloaded, repaired, replaced, etc., as needed or desired. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 110 may allow for "hot swapping" of any of the modules and / or components (e.g., replacing a module without necessarily interrupting the operation of other modules).

[0033] In some embodiments, a modular arrangement can allow the mobile platform 110 to be configured with specific components and / or modules, at least in part, based on the conditions at the deployment / work site. For example, a mobile platform 110 configured for deployment in a hot desert environment may include components and / or modules such as an additional chiller, which may be undesirable for a mobile platform 110 configured for deployment in a cold Arctic or tundra environment. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110 can be configured with specific components and / or modules, at least in part, based on the desired use of the mobile platform 110. For example, in some implementations, the mobile platform 110 can be configured to provide maximum hydrogen storage and therefore may include a large storage module capable of storing a large number of hydrogen tanks (e.g., gaseous or liquid hydrogen), and / or may include multiple storage modules (which may be interchangeable with other components, such as the compressor 134 and chiller 136 of the compression module 133, the heater and / or pressure regulator of the transfer module, the vaporizer, valves and / or pressure regulator for handling liquid hydrogen, and / or similar). In some cases, for example, such a configuration may be suitable for a mobile platform designed to refuel other mobile platforms, as described in further detail herein with reference to Figure 1D.

[0034] Optionally, the mobile platform 110 may further include an enclosure 115. The enclosure 115 can be any suitable structure configured to surround, house, cover, etc., one or more components and / or modules of the mobile platform 110. For example, as shown in Figure 1A, the manifold 132, the compression module 133 (e.g., its compressor 134 and / or chiller 136), and the power module 150 can be at least partially housed within the enclosure 115. In such an implementation, it may be unnecessary or undesirable to include the storage module 120 within the enclosure 115. In other implementations, each of the modules and / or components of the mobile platform 110 can be housed within the enclosure 115. Thus, the enclosure 115 can, for example, surround and / or protect one or more modules and / or components of the mobile platform 110 from the environment outside the enclosure 115. In some embodiments, the enclosure 115 can be insulated or at least partially insulated, and it can insulate one or more modules and / or components of the mobile platform 110 operating in a high-temperature or low-temperature environment.

[0035] The mobile platform 110 can include any number of storage modules 120. The storage modules 120 can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the storage module 120 can be a single integrated frame structure configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 122. In other embodiments, the storage module 120 can include any number of frame structures and / or be formed from any number of frame structures. In other words, the mobile platform 110 can be connected to and / or include a single storage module 120 configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 122, or can be connected to and / or include a plurality of storage modules 120, each of which stores any number of hydrogen tanks 122. In embodiments with a plurality of storage modules 120, the frames, structures, etc., of each storage module 120 can be similar or can be varied. In some embodiments, the storage module 120 may include an open-frame structure designed to contain and / or immobilize the hydrogen tank 122. In other embodiments, the storage module 120 may include a closed structure similar to and / or substantially the same as an intermodal container and / or similar. In such embodiments, the storage module 120 may enclose the hydrogen tank 122 and protect it from external conditions such as weather, sunlight, and potential debris.

[0036] The storage module 120 can be configured to store and / or contain any number of hydrogen tanks 122. The hydrogen tanks 122 can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tank 122 can be a large pressure vessel configured to contain compressed gas or liquid (i.e., hydrogen). In some embodiments, the hydrogen tank 122 can be similar to a known tank configured to store compressed hydrogen for a typical or conventional use case. In other embodiments, the hydrogen tank 122 can be a special tank, which has a larger size than a known tank and / or is configured to store a larger volume of hydrogen than a known tank, or to store a given volume of hydrogen at a higher pressure than a known tank. In some implementations, the amount of hydrogen stored by the hydrogen tanks 122 in the storage module can be much larger than the amount of hydrogen stored by some known large-capacity hydrogen tank (or "tube") trailers. For example, some known high-capacity tube trailers can transport up to 1,100 kilograms (kg) of hydrogen, which is the amount of hydrogen fuel consumed by just two mining vehicles in a period of only 24 hours. In contrast, the hydrogen tank 122 stored by the storage module 120 can collectively contain, for example, at least about 2,000 kg of hydrogen. In some implementations, the storage module 120 can collectively contain at least about 3,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 5,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 10,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 15,000 kg of hydrogen, or more (including any amount or range in between).

[0037] In some implementations, such storage capacity can be based at least in part on, for example, the number of hydrogen tanks 122 to be stored, the size or storage capacity of the hydrogen tanks 122, and / or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the storage module 120 can include a single module (e.g., a single high-capacity tube trailer) that contains, accommodates, or stores each of the hydrogen tanks 122. In some implementations, the storage module 120 can include multiple submodules that are connected, linked, and / or stacked together. For example, the submodules can include and / or be similar to several known high-capacity tube trailers having sizes (e.g., length) of about 20 feet (ft), 40 ft, and / or similar sizes. In some implementations, any combination of smaller or larger storage submodules can be included within the storage module 120. In a particular implementation, the submodule may include several known 20ft or 40ft trailers, and / or similar, which may contain smaller subassemblies (e.g., racks, shelves, housings, etc.), each of which stores one or more sets of hydrogen tanks 122.

[0038] As described above, in some embodiments, the storage module 120 (and / or its submodules) can and / or have a modular configuration that allows the storage module 120 (and / or its submodules) to be removably connected to the mobile platform 110. In some cases, such an arrangement can allow the storage module 120 (and / or one or more of its submodules) to be replaced, for example, when the amount remaining in the hydrogen tank 122 is low or when it has fallen below a threshold amount, pressure, etc. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110 can provide indication of the amount, pressure, and / or fill level of the hydrogen tank 122 in the storage module 120. In some implementations, the replacement of the storage module 120 (e.g., replacing an empty or nearly empty module with a full module) can be carried out in an autonomous or at least semi-autonomous process.

[0039] The manifold 132 can be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, the manifold 132 can be any suitable structure configured to define one or more fluid channels for hydrogen to flow between the storage module 120 and any suitable component of the mobile platform 110, and / or may include such a structure. Although generally described as a flow of compressed gaseous hydrogen, in some implementations, as described in more detail with respect to Figure 1B, the flow through the manifold can be of liquid hydrogen. In some embodiments, for example, the manifold 132 can include at least an inlet or inlet interface that can fluidly communicate with the storage module 120 (or at least one hydrogen tank 122 contained therein), an outlet or outlet interface that can fluidly communicate with one or more components of the mobile platform 110, and one or more fluid channels between the inlet and the outlet. In some implementations, such as the one shown in Figure 1A, the manifold 132 is configured to interface with one or more of the storage module 120 and / or hydrogen tanks 122 stored therein, allowing the hydrogen flow to be selectively transferred from the storage module 120 to, for example, the compressor 134. In some implementations, the manifold 132 is configured to allow the flow of hydrogen between the storage module 120 and, for example, the refueling interface 140 (bypassing, for example, the compressor 134 and / or the chiller 136).

[0040] The mobile platform 110 may include a single manifold 132 or multiple manifolds 132. For example, in some implementations, the mobile platform 110 may include a single manifold 132 (or multiple manifolds 132 collectively forming a single flow path) which engages with the storage module 120 and / or one or more hydrogen tanks 122, and in an embodiment where gaseous hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen tanks 122, it may provide a single stream or flow of hydrogen from the storage module 120 to one of the compressor 134, the refueling interface 140, or the power module 150. In other implementations, the mobile platform 110 may include multiple manifolds 132 (or a single manifold 132 with multiple flow paths) which can engage with one or more of the storage module 120 and / or hydrogen tanks 122, providing multiple parallel streams or flows of hydrogen from the storage module 120 to the compressor 134, refueling interface 140, power module 150, and / or similar.

[0041] In some implementations, the manifold 132 may include one or more components configured to control or manage the flow of hydrogen between the storage module 120 and any suitable component of the mobile platform 110. For example, the manifold 132 may include a mechanical nozzle interface for receiving hydrogen from the storage module 120 and / or for transmitting hydrogen to any suitable module of the mobile platform 110. In some implementations, the manifold 132 may include a controller (e.g., a digital controller such as a programmable logic unit) configured to control one or more operations of the manifold 132. In some implementations, the manifold 132 may include one or more safety valves, pressure sensors, and any other safety devices configured to be selectively activated or deactivated in order to suppress damage or prevent failure, for example, in response to detecting a pressure above a threshold pressure or in response to an activation signal received from the controller. In some implementations, the controller can be human-operated (e.g., a human operator provides input into the controller), or it can be at least semi-autonomous (e.g., configured to perform any appropriate process based on input from any appropriate source (e.g., sensors, interfaces, valves, etc.) substantially by or without human action).

[0042] In some implementations where the stored fuel is gaseous hydrogen, the system 100 includes a compression module 133. The compression module 133 of the mobile platform 110 can be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration, and / or can include any suitable components, subcomponents, etc. For example, the compression module 133 can be any suitable structure, etc., that includes, houses, contains, and / or (functionally and / or physically) connects any number of components. For example, in some implementations, the compression module 133 can be a modular storage structure, etc. (for example, similar to the storage module 120), which includes multiple components, and which can be handled as an integrated or single assembly (e.g., loaded, unloaded, replaced, repaired, etc.). In other embodiments, the compression module 133 can be an assembly of various components, each having a modular arrangement that allows its component to be handled independently of other components of the compression module 133 and / or the mobile platform 110. Thus, if a component of the compression module 133 requires maintenance, repair, and / or replacement, such arrangement can allow that component to be replaced without substantially affecting the operation of other components contained within the compression module 133.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1A, the compression module 133 may include at least one compressor 134. In some embodiments, the compression module 133 may also include at least one chiller 136, which communicates with or is configured to communicate with the compressor 134. Although shown in Figure 1A as a separate component, in some embodiments, the compression module 133 may also include a manifold 132 and / or a refueling interface 140.

[0044] The compressor 134 can be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some embodiments, the compressor 134 can be similar to and / or substantially the same as some known compressors configured to compress gas. For example, in some embodiments, the compressor 134 can be, and / or include, a diaphragm compressor, a rotary compressor, and / or similar, configured to compress and pressurize hydrogen received from the hydrogen tank 122. In some embodiments, the compressor 134 can be a high-pressure compressor configured, for example, to receive an input flow of pressurized gas and to provide an output flow of compressed / high-pressure gas at a pressure higher than the input flow of gas. In some implementations, for example, the compressor 134 can receive a flow of hydrogen gas having a pressure between about 200 bar and 400 bar, and can also output a flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas having a pressure between about 400 bar and 1,000 bar. As shown in Figure 1A, the compressor 134 can be configured to provide an output flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas to one or more chillers 136. Alternatively, the compression module 133 (or its compressor 134) can be configured to provide an output flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas to one or more other components, modules, interfaces, etc., of the mobile platform 110. In some cases, a high-pressure flow of hydrogen may be desirable because it can be used to create a hydrogen flow with a relatively high mass flow rate (e.g., about 4 kg / min of compressed hydrogen gas), which can reduce refueling times and increase the utilization of equipment having the hydrogen power plant 106.

[0045] In embodiments including multiple compressors 134, each compressor 134 can be configured to receive a flow of hydrogen and output a flow of high-pressure hydrogen. In some such embodiments, the compressors 134 can operate in any number of parallel processes, and each compressor 134 can be configured to provide an output flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas to different components, subcomponents, or parts thereof (e.g., different chillers 136, different refueling interfaces 140 or different parts of refueling interfaces, one or more power modules 150, and / or similar). Furthermore, each compressor 134 can be configured to pressurize hydrogen to the same pressure or to different pressures. In some cases, different compressors 134 can be configured to compress hydrogen to different pressures corresponding to different desired inlet hydrogen pressures of different hydrogen power plants 106 (for example, the desired inlet hydrogen pressure for a hydrogen power plant 106 in a relatively small vehicle may be different from the desired inlet hydrogen pressure for a hydrogen power plant 106 in a relatively large vehicle (e.g., a large mining transport truck)). In other embodiments, the compressor 134 can operate in any number of parallel processes, and each compressor 134 can be configured to provide an output flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas to a single component (e.g., a single chiller 136 or a refueling interface 140). For example, although not shown in Figure 1A, in some such embodiments, a manifold, etc., can accept multiple input flows of high-pressure hydrogen gas and output a single flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas, which is then provided to the refueling interface 140 or a single chiller 136 before being delivered to the refueling interface. In such embodiments, the manifold can be substantially similar to manifold 132.

[0046] In some embodiments, the compression module 133 of the mobile platform 110 may also include any number of chillers 136. The chillers 136 can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some embodiments, the chillers 136 may be similar to, and / or substantially identical to, some known chillers configured to cool a flow or volume of fluid or gas. For example, in some embodiments, the chiller 136 may include a pump configured to transport a heat transfer fluid, such as a coolant (e.g., R-22, R-290, R-134a, R-450A, etc.), between the location where the hydrogen received from the compressor 134 and the heat transfer fluid are in thermal contact and a heat sink (e.g., a radiator) in order to remove heat from the hydrogen.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1A, the chiller 136 can be configured to receive a flow of high-pressure hydrogen having a first temperature from the compressor 134 (or the manifold between them), and can also be configured to deliver a flow of high-pressure hydrogen having a second temperature lower than the first temperature to the refueling interface 140. In some cases, the chiller 136 can provide a flow of cooled high-pressure hydrogen to, for example, the refueling interface 140 and / or the power module 150. For example, the power module 150 may include a hydrogen power plant similar to or substantially the same as the hydrogen power plant 106. Thus, the chiller 136 can provide a flow of hydrogen that can refuel the power module 150, which provides electric power to a mobile platform 110 (for example, a self-contained, self-powered system). In some embodiments, the chiller 136 can be, for example, a gas chiller, which is configured to accept an input flow of pressurized gas, cool the high-pressure gas without substantially changing its pressure (e.g., an isobaric process), and provide a cooler output flow of high-pressure gas at a temperature lower than the temperature of the input gas flow.

[0048] For example, the law of ideal gases is used to explain the relationship between the pressure, volume, and temperature of a gas, which is provided below as Equation 1. PV=nRT…Equation 1 Here, P is pressure, V is volume, T is temperature, n is the amount of gas (moles), and R is the ideal gas constant. Equation 2 below expresses the ideal gas law when comparing the same gas under two conditions.

[0049]

number

[0050] Therefore, cooling hydrogen gas without substantially changing its pressure results in a reduction in the volume of the gas. In other implementations, cooling hydrogen gas can reduce both its pressure and volume. In such implementations, the pressure of the cooled hydrogen gas output by chiller 136 can be greater than the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied to compressor 134.

[0051] For example, chiller 136 is capable of receiving a flow of hydrogen gas from compressor 134 having a pressure between approximately 200 bar and 400 bar (including any value and / or range between them) and a temperature between approximately 0 degrees Celsius (°C) and -80°C (including any value and / or range between them). Chiller 136 is capable of cooling the flow hydrogen gas and providing an output flow of cooled, high-pressure hydrogen gas having a pressure between approximately 400 bar and 1000 bar (including any value and / or range between them) and a temperature between approximately 0°C and -80°C (including any value and / or range between them) to the refueling interface 140. In some embodiments, chiller 136 can be selected, designed, tuned, and / or configured to provide a flow of hydrogen gas having any suitable pressure and / or temperature to the refueling interface 140 (or power module 150).

[0052] The compression module 133 is described above as compressing hydrogen received from the storage module 120 and providing high-pressure, potentially cooled hydrogen to the refueling interface 140, the power module 150, and / or any other suitable component of the mobile platform 110. However, in some cases, the compression module 133 can substantially provide a flow of hydrogen without compressing the hydrogen and / or substantially cooling the hydrogen. For example, in some implementations, it may be desirable to provide a flow of hydrogen gas at a relatively low pressure. In cases where the mobile platform 110 is used to refuel relatively small vehicles with relatively low hydrogen storage volumes, the high volumetric flow rates otherwise associated with high-pressure output may be unnecessary. Thus, the compression module 133 can provide a flow of hydrogen gas that is uncompressed or compressed to a lower pressure. In some other cases, the manifold 132 can be configured to bypass the compression module 133 and direct a flow of lower-pressure hydrogen gas directly to the desired component.

[0053] The mobile platform 110 may include one or more refueling interfaces 140. The refueling interfaces 140 may be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some implementations, the refueling interfaces 140 may include one or more couplers, manifolds, hoses, nozzles, regulators, etc., which are configured to allow the refueling interfaces 140 to engage with at least one of the refueling interfaces of the refueling infrastructure 105 or the hydrogen power plant 106 and to transfer a flow of hydrogen (e.g., hydrogen gas) to it.

[0054] In some implementations, the refueling interface 140 may include any suitable components configured to enable a hydrogen gas flow with a high flow rate suitable for transferring a relatively large volume of hydrogen gas to a storage tank or the like associated with at least one of the refueling infrastructure 105 and / or the hydrogen power plant 106. Although not shown in Figure 1A, in some implementations, the refueling interface 140 may be configured to provide a hydrogen gas flow to the power module 150.

[0055] In some implementations, it may be desirable to transport hydrogen gas with a minimum flow rate of at least about 4 kg / min. Further, some known high-capacity / high-flow hydrogen refueling systems can be configured to output hydrogen gas flows with relatively limited volumetric flow rates. However, in the large-scale implementations described herein, such flow rates may be insufficient and / or impractical. Therefore, in some implementations, the refueling interface 140 can be configured to provide a hydrogen flow at a higher flow rate than known hydrogen refueling systems (e.g., about 4 kg / min, 5 kg / min, 6 kg / min, 7 kg / min, 8 kg / min, 9 kg / min, 10 kg / min, 15 kg / min, 20 kg / min, 25 kg / min, 30 kg / min, or higher), enabling rapid filling and / or refueling of the hydrogen power plant 106.

[0056] The mobile platform 110 can include any number of power modules 150. The power modules 150 can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some embodiments, the power modules 150 can have a modular configuration and / or similar arrangement that allows one or more power modules 150 to be handled independently of the mobile platform 110. For example, in an implementation configuration including multiple power modules, if one power module 150 requires maintenance, repair, and / or replacement, such arrangement can allow that power module 150 to be replaced without substantially affecting the operation of the other power modules 150 or other modules of the mobile platform 110.

[0057] In some embodiments, the power module 150 can be, and / or include, one or more hydrogen power plants similar to or substantially identical to, the hydrogen power plant 106, for example. In such embodiments, for example, the power module 150 can be configured to receive a flow of hydrogen directly from the chiller 136 (or via a manifold or interface between them). In some implementations, the power module 150 can include one or more hydrogen tanks similar to and / or substantially identical to, the hydrogen tanks 122 contained within the storage module 120. Thus, the hydrogen tanks can receive a flow of hydrogen from the chiller 136, the refueling interface 140, and / or similar, and supply hydrogen to the power module 150. In some implementations, the power module 150 can receive a flow of hydrogen directly from one or more hydrogen tanks 122 in the storage module (or via a manifold or interface between them). The flow of hydrogen supplied to the power module 150 can include liquid or gaseous hydrogen. In other embodiments, the power module 150 can be any suitable generator other than a hydrogen power plant.

[0058] The power module 150 is configured to provide electrical power to at least the compressor 134 and the chiller 136. In some implementations, the power module 150 can provide electrical power to the storage module 120, the refueling interface 140, and / or the vehicle interface 160. In yet another embodiment, the power module 150 can be configured to provide electrical power to any other components, modules, systems, and / or similar. For example, in some implementations, the mobile platform 110 can operate in a refueling station at an industrial work site (e.g., a mine site). In some such implementations, the power module 150 can provide a flow of electrical power that can operate to power one or more components of the refueling station (e.g., a lighting system, refueling infrastructure 105, and / or any other components).

[0059] As shown in Figure 1A, the power module 150 can provide or receive a flow of electrical power to the vehicle interface 160. For example, in some implementations, the power module 150 can output a flow of electrical power that is operable to electrically power one or more electrical and / or electronic components of the vehicle interface 160. In addition or alternatively, the power module 150 can provide a flow of electrical power that is operable to electrically power the vehicle 102 (via the vehicle interface 160). That is, in some implementations, the vehicle 102 connected to the mobile platform 110 can be electrically powered by the power module 150 of the mobile platform 110.

[0060] Although the power module 150 is described as being contained within and / or connected to the mobile platform 110, in some embodiments the power module 150 may be contained within and / or otherwise supply power to the vehicle 102, as shown in Figure 1A, and / or may include it. In such embodiments the power module 150 of the vehicle 102 may be a hydrogen power plant 106 or a hydrogen power plant. In other embodiments the power module 150 of the vehicle 102 may be any suitable generator. In some implementations the power module 150 of the vehicle 102 may provide a flow of electric power to the mobile platform 110 (via the vehicle interface 160) and power any of its modules and / or components. In some implementations the power module 150 of the mobile platform 110 may be, for example, an energy storage device (one or more batteries, capacitors, etc.) that can receive electric power from the power module 150 of the vehicle 102. In such an implementation, the energy storage device can supply electric power to the storage module 120, the compressor 134, the chiller 136, the refueling interface 140, the vehicle interface 160, and / or any other suitable components and / or modules.

[0061] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 100b, according to an embodiment, which may be used to store liquid hydrogen and supply gaseous hydrogen to a hydrogen power plant. The mobile hydrogen refueling system 100b ("the System") can be any suitable system configured to store and distribute quantities of liquid hydrogen fuel to meet the demands of large-scale industries, such as those described with respect to System 100. In addition, System 100b can be mobile, i.e., moved to a refueling site (e.g., a hydrogen refueling site along a mining vehicle route) and deployed at that refueling site for extended periods. In some implementations, System 100b can be a mobile system similar to System 100, allowing it to be moved between sites (e.g., mining sites) and / or between work areas within a given site (e.g., different work areas within a mining site). In some embodiments, System 100b can be modular and / or may include modular components, allowing components to be loaded, unloaded, repaired, replaced, etc., as needed or desired. In some implementations, system 100b and / or one or more of its components can be configured for autonomous or at least semi-autonomous operation.

[0062] As shown in Figure 1B and as described in further detail herein, System 100b is configured to store (and, in some implementations, transport) liquid hydrogen and / or distribute a flow of hydrogen gas generated from stored liquid hydrogen to one or more refueling infrastructures 105 and / or one or more hydrogen power plants 106, as described with respect to System 100. Thus, System 100b is configured to store, transport, and / or distribute large quantities of liquid hydrogen suitable for such large-scale applications. In some implementations, System 100b can be deployed at a site (e.g., a refueling site) where the refueling infrastructure is deployed for an extended period (e.g., at least semi-permanently). For example, System 100b can be transported to a refueling site by a vehicle 102 or any other vehicle or transport mechanism and left at the refueling site for a predetermined period of time (e.g., until refueling is no longer desired or required at the refueling site).

[0063] As shown, system 100b includes a mobile platform 110b, which can be coupled to, for example, a heavy equipment vehicle 102 via a vehicle interface 160. In some implementations, the vehicle 102 can be used to tow the mobile platform 110b to a refueling station and can be detached from the mobile platform 110b after it has been deployed at the refueling station. This can provide the benefit of reducing the transportation and maintenance costs of the mobile platform 110b and the equipment installed on it, and can also provide the benefit of reducing the space occupied by detaching the vehicle 102 from the mobile platform 110b when the mobile platform 110b is deployed. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110b can be a mobile platform similar to mobile platform 110, and can remain coupled to the vehicle 102 (for example, via a vehicle interface 160) and be configured to move between refueling infrastructure 105.

[0064] The mobile platform 110b includes, and can support and / or connect to, at least one storage module 120b, at least one manifold 132b, at least one transfer module 133b, a refueling interface 140, and at least one power module 150. The storage module 120b can be configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 122 (e.g., tanks, tubes, canisters, etc.) designed or configured to store liquid hydrogen at temperatures below -253°C. One or more manifolds 132b allow the transfer module 133b to interface with the storage module 120b and receive liquid hydrogen from it. In some implementations, the transfer module 133b can include at least one heater 134b, a heat exchanger, an expander configured to generate gaseous hydrogen from liquid hydrogen, and a pressure regulator 136b configured to control the pressure and / or flow rate of gaseous hydrogen generated by the heater 134b or the expander to the refueling interface 140. Therefore, the mobile platform 110b can selectively provide a flow of cooled, relatively high-pressure hydrogen gas generated from the stored liquid hydrogen for distribution via the refueling interface 140. In other implementations, the storage module 120b can be configured to store liquid hydrogen, and the system 100b can include a transfer module (for example, instead of the transfer module 133b), which can include any suitable components configured to transfer and / or transport liquid hydrogen from the storage module 120b to the refueling interface 140. For example, such components can include pumps, valves, connectors, conduits, pressure gauges, etc.

[0065] The mobile platform 110b can be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, the mobile platform 110b can have a size that exceeds one or more constraints associated with road travel. Thus, the mobile platform 110b is suitable for large-scale applications that do not encounter such size constraints. In some embodiments, the mobile platform 110b can include a mobile platform that may be a trailer, etc., which may be connectable to the vehicle interface 160 via the vehicle 102, similar to the mobile platform 110. For example, although not shown in Figure 1B, the mobile platform 110b may include a set of wheels connected to a platform, bed, etc., and the platform, bed, etc., support modules and / or components, etc., connected thereto. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110b can be mobile, i.e., instead of interfaced with a vehicle, the mobile platform 110b can be configured to be moved to a desired location (e.g., along the route of a vehicle including a hydrogen power plant) and to be stationed in that location for an extended period. In such embodiments, the mobile platform 110b may include containers (e.g., shipping containers, cargo containers, flat rack containers, open-top containers, etc.), skids, trailers, modular buildings, etc., which can be transported to and deployed at a refueling site. The mobile platform 110b does not have to be mounted on wheels, but can still be easily deployed at a refueling site and moved from there. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110b can be integrated with a vehicle 102, as described with respect to system 100 and as described in further detail herein with reference to Figure 1C.

[0066] Although not shown in Figure 1B, the mobile platform 110b may include one or more features and / or structures that enable modular arrangement and / or connection between the mobile platform 110b and the storage module 120b, the transport module 133b, the power module 150, and / or any other suitable components or their subcomponents. For example, in some embodiments, the mobile platform 110b may include rails, tracks, couplers, connectors, interfaces, etc., designed to removably engage with one or more of the components and / or modules. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 110b may allow any of the modules and / or components to be loaded, unloaded, repaired, replaced, etc., as needed or desired. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 110b may allow "hot swapping" of any of the modules and / or components (e.g., replacing a module without necessarily interrupting the operation of other modules), as described with respect to the mobile platform 110.

[0067] In some implementations, the mobile platform 110b can be configured to provide maximum hydrogen storage and therefore may include a large storage module capable of storing a large number of hydrogen tanks (e.g., gaseous or liquid hydrogen), and / or multiple storage modules (which may be interchangeable with other components, such as the heater 134b and / or pressure regulator 136b of the transfer module 133b, and / or similar). In some cases, such a configuration may be suitable for a mobile platform designed to refuel other mobile or portable platforms, as described in further detail herein with reference to Figure 1D.

[0068] Optionally, the mobile platform 110b may further include an enclosure 115, as described with respect to system 100. In some embodiments, the enclosure 115 may be insulated or at least partially insulated, and it may be possible to insulate one or more modules and / or components of the mobile platform 110b operating in a high-temperature or low-temperature environment, and / or to provide additional insulation for liquid hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 122b.

[0069] The mobile platform 110b can include any number of storage modules 120b. The storage modules 120b can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the storage module 120b can be a single integrated frame structure configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 122b. In other embodiments, the storage module 120b can include any number of frame structures and / or be formed from any number of frame structures. In other words, the mobile platform 110b can be connected to and / or include a single storage module 120b configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 122b, or can be connected to and / or include multiple storage modules 120b, each of which stores any number of hydrogen tanks 122b. In embodiments with multiple storage modules 120b, the frames, structures, etc., of each storage module 120b can be similar or can be varied. In some embodiments, the storage module 120b may include an open-frame structure designed to contain and / or immobilize the hydrogen tank 122b. In other embodiments, the storage module 120b may include a closed structure similar to and / or substantially the same as an intermodal container and / or similar. In such embodiments, the storage module 120b may enclose the hydrogen tank 122b and protect it from, for example, external conditions of the intermodal container (e.g., weather, sunlight, potential debris, etc.).

[0070] The storage module 120b can be configured to store and / or contain any number of hydrogen tanks 122b. The hydrogen tanks 122b can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tanks 122b can be large pressure vessels configured to contain liquid hydrogen. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tanks 122b can be similar to known tanks configured to store liquid hydrogen for typical or conventional use cases, and in some implementations can be large enough to store several thousand liters of liquid hydrogen (e.g., 20-foot or 40-foot ISO liquid hydrogen tanks). In other embodiments, the hydrogen tanks 122b can be special tanks, which are larger in size than known tanks and / or configured to store a larger volume of hydrogen than known tanks, or to store a given volume of hydrogen at a higher pressure than known tanks. In some implementations, the amount of hydrogen stored by the hydrogen tank 122b within the storage module 120b can be much larger than the amount of liquid hydrogen stored by some known large-capacity liquid hydrogen tank (or "tube") trailers. The hydrogen tank 122b can be cylindrical, spherical, or any other suitable shape, and can be configured to operate at pressures up to 1,035 kPa, for example. An insulator 123b can be disposed around each of the hydrogen tanks 122b, or incorporated as part of them. Any suitable insulator can be used, for example, fiberglass, foam, or vacuum panel. In some implementations, the hydrogen tank 122b can include an inner container in which liquid hydrogen is disposed, an outer container (e.g., a steel or carbon container) disposed around the inner container such that a space is formed between the inner and outer containers, and an insulator 123b disposed within the space.In some implementations, the space can be substantially evacuated to near vacuum pressure and act as an insulator 123b. In some implementations, the hydrogen tank 122b stored by the storage module 120b can collectively contain, for example, at least about 2,000 kg of hydrogen. In some implementations, the storage module 120b can collectively contain at least about 3,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 5,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 10,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 15,000 kg of hydrogen, or more (including any amount or range in between).

[0071] In some implementations, such storage capacity can be based at least in part on, for example, the number of hydrogen tanks 122b to be stored, the size or storage capacity of the hydrogen tanks 122b, and / or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the storage module 120b can include a single module (e.g., a single large-capacity tube trailer, container, or skid) that contains, accommodates, or stores each of the hydrogen tanks 122b. In some implementations, the storage module 120b can include multiple submodules that are connected, linked, and / or stacked together. For example, the submodules can include and / or be similar to several known large-capacity tube trailers having sizes (e.g., length) of about 20 feet (ft), 40 ft, and / or similar sizes. In some implementations, any combination of smaller or larger storage submodules can be included within the storage module 120b. In a particular implementation, the submodule may include several known 20ft or 40ft trailers, and / or similar, which may contain smaller subassemblies (e.g., racks, shelves, housings, etc.), each of which stores one or more sets of hydrogen tanks 122b.

[0072] As described above, in some embodiments, the storage module 120b (and / or its submodules) can and / or have a modular configuration that allows the storage module 120b (and / or its submodules) to be removably connected to the mobile platform 110b. In some cases, such an arrangement can allow the storage module 120b (and / or one or more of its submodules) to be replaced, for example, when the amount remaining in the hydrogen tank 122b is low or when it has fallen below a threshold amount, pressure, etc. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110b can provide indication of the amount, pressure, and / or fill level of the hydrogen tank 122b in the storage module 120b. In some implementations, the replacement of the storage module 120b (e.g., replacing an empty or nearly empty module with a full module) can be carried out in an autonomous or at least semi-autonomous process.

[0073] The manifold 132b can be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, the manifold 132b can be any suitable structure configured to define one or more fluid channels for the flow of liquid hydrogen between the storage module 120b and any suitable component of the mobile platform 110b, and / or may include such a structure. In some implementations, an insulator (e.g., fiberglass, foam, vacuum panel, etc.) is disposed around the manifold to substantially maintain the temperature of the liquid hydrogen as it is transferred from the hydrogen tank 122b to the transfer module 133b. The manifold 132b may include at least an inlet or inlet interface that can fluidly communicate with the storage module 120b (or at least one hydrogen tank 122b contained therein), an outlet or outlet interface that can fluidly communicate with one or more components of the mobile platform 110b, and one or more fluid channels between the inlet and the outlet. In some implementations, such as the one shown in Figure 1B, the manifold 132b is configured to interface with one or more of the storage module 120b and / or hydrogen tanks 122b stored therein, allowing the hydrogen flow to be selectively transferred from the storage module 120b to, for example, the heater 134b (or expander).

[0074] The mobile platform 110b may include a single manifold 132b or multiple manifolds 132b. For example, in some implementations, the mobile platform 110b may include a single manifold 132b (or multiple manifolds 132b collectively forming a single flow path) which may engage with one or more of the storage module 120b and / or hydrogen tanks 122b and provide a single stream or flow of hydrogen from the storage module 120b to one of the heater 134b or pressure regulator 136b, refueling interface 140, or power module 150. In other implementations, the mobile platform 110b may include multiple manifolds 132b (or a single manifold 132b with multiple flow paths) which can engage with one or more of the storage module 120b and / or hydrogen tanks 122b and provide multiple parallel streams or flows of hydrogen from the storage module 120b to a heater 134b, a pressure regulator 136b, a refueling interface 140, a power module 150, and / or similar devices.

[0075] In some implementations, the manifold 132b may include one or more components configured to control or manage the flow of liquid hydrogen between the storage module 120b and any suitable component of the mobile platform 110b. For example, the manifold 132b may include a mechanical nozzle interface for receiving hydrogen from the storage module 120b and / or for transmitting liquid hydrogen to any suitable module of the mobile platform 110b. In some implementations, the manifold 132b may include a controller (e.g., a digital controller such as a programmable logic unit) configured to control one or more operations of the manifold 132b. In some implementations, the manifold 132b may include one or more safety valves, pressure sensors, boil-off (evaporation) collectors, and any other safety and / or efficiency devices configured to be selectively activated or deactivated in response to detecting a pressure above a threshold pressure or in response to an activation signal received from the controller, in order to suppress damage or prevent failure. In some implementations, the controller can be human-operated (e.g., a human operator provides input into the controller), or it can be at least semi-autonomous (e.g., configured to perform any appropriate process based on input from any appropriate source (e.g., sensors, interfaces, valves, etc.) substantially by or without human action).

[0076] The transport module 133b of the mobile platform 110b can be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration, and / or can include any suitable components, subcomponents, etc. For example, the transport module 133b can be any suitable structure, etc., that includes, accommodates, contains, and / or (functionally and / or physically) connects any number of components. For example, in some implementations, the transport module 133b can be a modular storage structure, etc. (similar to, for example, the storage module 120b), which includes multiple components, and which can be handled as an integrated or single assembly (e.g., loaded, unloaded, replaced, repaired, etc.). In other embodiments, the transport module 133b can be an assembly of various components, each having a modular arrangement that allows its component to be handled independently of other components of the transport module 133b and / or of the mobile platform 110b. Thus, if a component of the transport module 133b requires maintenance, repair, and / or replacement, such arrangement can allow that component to be replaced without substantially affecting the operation of other components contained within the transport module 133b.

[0077] As shown in Figure 1B, the transfer module 133b may include at least one heater 134b and / or a pressure regulator 136b. The heater 134b may communicate with the pressure regulator 136b or be configured to communicate with the pressure regulator 136b. Although shown in Figure 1B as a separate component, in some embodiments the transfer module 133b may also include a manifold 132b and / or a refueling interface 140.

[0078] The heater 134b can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, in some implementations, the heater 134b can include an electric heater, a radiator, a heat exchanger, a fuel cell heater, any other suitable heater, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the heater 134b can be configured to evaporate liquid hydrogen to generate a low-pressure hydrogen gas in the range of 200 bar to 400 bar (including both ends). In other implementations, the heater 134b can be configured to evaporate liquid hydrogen to generate a high-pressure hydrogen gas in the range of 400 bar to 1,000 bar.

[0079] As shown in Figure 1B, heater 134b can be configured to provide a relatively high-pressure output flow of hydrogen gas to one or more pressure regulators 136b. Alternatively, transfer module 133b (or its heater 134b) can be configured to provide a relatively high-pressure output flow of hydrogen gas to one or more other components, modules, interfaces, etc., of the mobile platform 110b. In some cases, a relatively high-pressure flow of hydrogen gas may be desirable. This is because it can be used to create a hydrogen flow with a relatively high mass flow rate (e.g., compressed hydrogen gas at about 4 kg / min), which can reduce refueling time and increase the utilization of equipment having the hydrogen power plant 106.

[0080] In some embodiments, the pressure regulator 136b can be configured to receive gaseous hydrogen from the heater 134b and adjust the pressure of the gaseous hydrogen to deliver it to the refueling interface 140 at a desired pressure (e.g., at a high pressure in the range of 400 bar to 1,000 bar (inclusive)). Furthermore, the pressure regulator 136b can be configured to deliver gaseous hydrogen to the refueling interface 140 at a relatively high mass flow rate (e.g., compressed hydrogen gas at about 4 kg / min).

[0081] In some implementations, the pressure regulator 136b can be configured to receive gaseous hydrogen from the heater 134b (or expander) at a relatively high pressure, and can also be configured to adjust the pressure to a range acceptable to the hydrogen power plant 106. In other implementations, the pressure regulator 136b can be configured to receive gaseous hydrogen from the heater 134b at a relatively low pressure (e.g., below 400 bar). In such implementations, the pressure regulator 136b can include one or more pumps or compressors for pressurizing the gaseous hydrogen to a pressure suitable for transmission to the hydrogen power plant 106 via the refueling infrastructure 105 (e.g., in the range of 400 bar to 1,000 bar).

[0082] In some embodiments, the heaters 134b and / or pressure regulators 136b can operate in any number of parallel processes, and each heater 134b can be configured to provide a relatively high-pressure output flow of hydrogen gas to different components, subcomponents, or parts thereof (e.g., different pressure regulators 136b, different refueling interfaces 140 or different parts of a refueling interface, one or more power modules 150, and / or similar). Furthermore, each heater 134b can be configured to heat hydrogen to the same temperature / pressure or to different temperatures / pressures. In some embodiments, multiple heaters 134b can operate in any number of parallel processes, and each heater 134b can be configured to provide a hydrogen gas output flow to a single component (e.g., a single pressure regulator 136b or refueling interface 140). For example, although not shown in Figure 1B, in some such embodiments, the manifold, etc., is capable of accepting multiple input flows of liquid hydrogen and outputting a single flow of hydrogen gas, which is then supplied to the refueling interface 140 or pressure regulator 136b before being delivered to the refueling interface. In such embodiments, the manifold can be substantially similar to manifold 132b.

[0083] In some implementations, the pressure regulator 136b can be configured to accept hydrogen gas from the heater 134b at a temperature between, for example, 0°C and -80°C (including any value and / or range between those), and can be configured to adjust the pressure of gaseous hydrogen (for example, between 200 bar and 1,000 bar) for supply to the refueling interface 140.

[0084] For example, in some implementations, it may be desirable to provide a flow of hydrogen gas at a relatively low pressure. For instance, in a case where the mobile platform 110b is used to refuel a relatively small vehicle with a relatively low hydrogen storage volume, the high volumetric flow rate that would otherwise be associated with high-pressure output may be unnecessary. Thus, the transfer module 133b can provide a flow of unpressurized hydrogen gas without pressurizing gaseous hydrogen, for example, by evaporating liquid hydrogen. In some other cases, the manifold 132b can be configured to bypass the transfer module 133b and direct a flow of lower-pressure hydrogen gas directly to a desired component.

[0085] The mobile platform 110b may include one or more refueling interfaces 140, as described in detail with respect to system 100, and therefore will not be described in further detail here. The mobile platform 110 may include any number of power modules 150, as described in detail with respect to Figure 1A. In some embodiments, the power module 150 may be, and / or include, one or more hydrogen power plants similar to or substantially the same as, for example, the hydrogen power plant 106. In such embodiments, for example, the power module 150 may be configured to accept a flow of hydrogen directly from (or via a manifold or interface between) the pressure regulator 136b or the heater 134b. In some implementations, the power module 150 may include one or more hydrogen tanks similar to and / or substantially the same as, the hydrogen tanks 122b contained within the storage module 120b. Therefore, the hydrogen tank 122b is capable of receiving a flow of hydrogen from the pressure regulator 136b, the refueling interface 140, and / or similar, and supplying hydrogen to the power module 150. In some implementations, the power module 150 is capable of receiving a flow of liquid hydrogen directly from one or more of the hydrogen tanks 122b in the storage module (or via a manifold or interface between them). In some implementations, the power module 150 is capable of receiving a flow of hydrogen gas associated with and / or resulting from the boil-off or unintended evaporation of liquid hydrogen when the liquid hydrogen is transferred from the hydrogen tank 122b to, for example, the heater 134b and / or the pressure regulator 136b (or as part of a process to heat or adjust the pressure of hydrogen gas flowing through the transfer module 133b or the refueling interface 140).In other embodiments, the power module 150 can be any suitable generator other than a hydrogen power plant.

[0086] The power module 150 is configured to supply electrical power to at least the heater 134b and the pressure regulator 136b. In some implementations, the power module 150 can also supply electrical power to the storage module 120b, the refueling interface 140, and / or the vehicle interface 160. Various implementations of the power module 150 have been described in detail with respect to system 100 and are therefore not described in further detail here.

[0087] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the mobile hydrogen refueling system 100 of Figure 1A, as shown in a second implementation configuration. The implementation configuration shown in Figure 1C is substantially the same as the implementation configuration shown in Figure 1A, and the same reference numerals indicate the same components as those described in detail with respect to the implementation configuration shown in Figure 1A. Expanding further, the system 100 includes a vehicle 102 and a mobile platform 110, for example, the mobile platform 110 is integrated with the vehicle 102 or optionally connected to the mobile platform 110 via a vehicle interface 160. As shown in Figure 1C, the mobile platform 110 includes a storage module 120 that houses, contains, or includes a plurality of hydrogen tanks 122 for storing hydrogen. The mobile platform 110 also includes a compression module 133, which (in an embodiment where gaseous hydrogen is stored in a hydrogen tank 122) has a compressor 134 and a chiller 136 and is configured to supply pressurized and cooled hydrogen to the hydrogen power plant 106 via a refueling infrastructure 105, as previously described herein. In some implementations where a storage module 120 is configured to store liquid hydrogen (including, for example, a storage module 120b), the system 100 shown in Figure 1C may include a heater 134b and / or a pressure regulator 136b instead of the compressor 134 and chiller 136.

[0088] Unlike the implementation shown in Figure 1A, the power module 150 (e.g., a hydrogen power plant) can be contained within the vehicle 102 and configured to provide electrical power to the vehicle system 103 (e.g., electronics, motors, displays, gauges, sensors, etc.) and the compression module 133. In some implementations, the power module 150 can be additionally or alternatively contained within and / or connected to the mobile platform 110 and configured to provide electrical power to the compression module 133 and / or the vehicle system 103. For example, a power module 150 contained within the vehicle 102 can serve as a primary power module to provide electrical power to the vehicle system 103 and the compression module 133, while a power module 150 contained within the mobile platform 110 can serve as a secondary power module (e.g., a power backup or auxiliary source) to provide backup power to the vehicle system 103 and / or the compression module 133 (e.g., when the power module 150 is running low on power and / or hydrogen), or, in implementations where liquid hydrogen is used as fuel, to the transport module 133b.

[0089] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of the mobile hydrogen refueling system 100 of Figure 1A, showing a mobile platform 110 (e.g., a first mobile platform) and a second mobile platform 110A, the second mobile platform 110A can be configured to refuel the first mobile platform 110. The second mobile platform 110A is connected to a vehicle 102A via a vehicle interface 160A. A power module 150A (e.g., a hydrogen power plant) can be included in the vehicle 102A and is configured to provide electrical power to the vehicle system of the vehicle 102A (not shown), the vehicle interface 160A (e.g., for connecting or disconnecting the vehicle interface 160A to the second mobile platform 110A), and optionally to the refueling interface 140A included in the second mobile platform 110A. Vehicle 102A, power module 150A, and vehicle interface 160A can be substantially the same as vehicle 102, power module 150, and vehicle interface 160, respectively, as previously described.

[0090] The second mobile platform 110A is configured to provide a substantially larger hydrogen storage capacity than the first mobile platform 110, and is therefore configured to supply hydrogen to the mobile platform 110 on-site (for example, at a mine or other work site). Thus, whenever the mobile platform 110 runs low on stored hydrogen, the second mobile platform 110A can deliver hydrogen to the mobile platform 110 instead of the mobile platform 110 returning to the hydrogen production site or storage location. In this way, continuous hydrogen delivery is possible, saving time and fuel. This is because only the second mobile platform 110A needs to go to the hydrogen production site or storage location. In some implementations, the storage module 120A can be configured to store gaseous hydrogen. In some implementations, the storage module 120A can be configured to store liquid hydrogen.

[0091] As shown in Figure 1D, the second mobile platform 110A can include any number of storage modules 120A. The storage modules 120A can be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the storage module 120A can be a single integrated frame structure configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 122A (for example, configured to store hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen). In other embodiments, the storage module 120A can include and / or be formed from any number of frame structures. In other words, the second mobile platform 110A can be connected to and / or include a single storage module 120A configured to store multiple hydrogen tanks 122A, or can be connected to and / or include multiple storage modules 120A, each of which stores multiple hydrogen tanks 122A. In embodiments comprising multiple storage modules 120A, the frames, structures, etc., of each storage module 120A can be similar or varied. In some embodiments, a storage module 120A may include an open-frame structure, etc., designed to contain and / or immobilize a hydrogen tank 122A. In other embodiments, a storage module 120A may include a closed structure similar to and / or substantially the same as, for example, an intermodal container and / or something similar. In such embodiments, a storage module 120A may enclose a hydrogen tank 122A and protect the hydrogen tank 122A from, for example, external conditions of the intermodal container (e.g., weather, sunlight, potential debris, etc.).In an implementation where the hydrogen tank 122A is configured to store liquid hydrogen, the hydrogen tank 122A may include, or may be provided with, an insulator (e.g., insulator 123b) to maintain the liquid hydrogen contained therein at a temperature at which the liquid hydrogen is substantially kept in its liquid state.

[0092] The storage module 120A can be configured to store and / or contain any number of hydrogen tanks 122A. However, unlike the first mobile platform 110, the storage module 120A of the second mobile platform 110A extends over a considerable area of ​​the second mobile platform 110A and contains a substantially larger number of hydrogen tanks 122A than the number of hydrogen tanks 122 contained in the storage module 120 of the first mobile platform 110. For example, the storage module 120A can contain two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more times the number of hydrogen tanks 122A compared to the hydrogen tanks 122 contained in the storage module 120 of the first mobile platform 110. Thus, the storage module 120A can provide two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more times the hydrogen storage capacity of the storage module 120.

[0093] The hydrogen tank 122A can be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tank 122A can be a large pressure vessel configured to contain compressed gas or liquid (i.e., hydrogen). In some embodiments, the hydrogen tank 122A can be similar to a known tank configured to store compressed hydrogen for a typical or conventional use case. In some implementations, the hydrogen tank 122A can be similar to a known tank configured to store liquid hydrogen for a typical or conventional use case. In other embodiments, the hydrogen tank 122A can be a special tank, which has a larger size than a known tank and / or is configured to store a larger volume of hydrogen in liquid or gaseous form than a known tank, or to store a given volume of hydrogen at a higher pressure than a known tank. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tank 122A can be substantially similar to the hydrogen tank 122 contained within the first mobile platform 110, or to the hydrogen tank 122b contained within the mobile platform 110b. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the hydrogen tank 122A contained within the mobile platform 110A can have a larger storage volume than each of the hydrogen tanks 122 contained within the mobile platform 110. For example, the amount of hydrogen stored in hydrogen tank 122A can be much larger than the amount of hydrogen stored in some known high-capacity hydrogen tank (or "tube") trailers (e.g., at least about 2,000 kg of hydrogen). In some implementations, the storage module 120A of the mobile platform 110A can contain at least about 10,000 kg of hydrogen (e.g., 12,000 kg, 14,000 kg, 16,000 kg, 18,000 kg, 20,000 kg, 25,000 kg (including those values) or more).

[0094] In some implementations, such storage capacity can be based at least in part on, for example, the number of hydrogen tanks 122A to be stored, the size or storage capacity of the hydrogen tanks 122A, and / or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the storage module 120A can include a single module (e.g., a single high-capacity tube trailer) that contains, accommodates, or stores each of the hydrogen tanks 122A. In some implementations, the storage module 120A can include multiple submodules that are connected together, linked, or stacked. For example, a submodule can include a high-capacity tube trailer (e.g., a 20ft or 40ft trailer, or something similar). In some implementations, any combination of smaller or larger storage submodules can be included within the storage module 120A. In certain implementations, a submodule can include a 20ft or 40ft trailer that can contain smaller subassemblies (e.g., racks, shelves, housings, etc.), each of which stores one set of hydrogen tanks 122A.

[0095] As described above, in some embodiments, the storage module 120A can be and / or have a modular configuration that allows the storage module 120A to be removably connected to a second mobile platform 110A. In some cases, such an arrangement can allow the storage module 120A to be replaced, for example, when the amount remaining in the hydrogen tank 122A is low or when it has fallen below a threshold amount, pressure, etc. In some implementations, the second mobile platform 110A can provide indication of the amount, pressure, and / or fill level of the hydrogen tank 122A within the storage module 120A. In some implementations, the replacement of the storage module 120A (e.g., replacing an empty or nearly empty module with a full module) can be carried out in an autonomous or at least semi-autonomous process.

[0096] Furthermore, the second mobile platform 110A includes a refueling interface 140A, which is configured to selectively transmit hydrogen stored in the storage module 120A to the storage module 120. In some embodiments, the pressure of the hydrogen stored in the storage tank 122A of the storage module 120A may be higher than the pressure in the hydrogen tank 122 of the storage module 120, and when the refueling interface 140A is connected to the storage module 120, and when the refueling interface 140A is activated (for example, when a valve contained within the refueling interface 140A is operated), the higher pressure in the hydrogen tank 122A results in hydrogen being transmitted from the hydrogen tank 122A to the hydrogen tank 122 via the refueling interface 140A along the pressure gradient. In some embodiments, the refueling interface 140A may include a pump, compressor, or electrically activated sensors, actuators, etc., which may be powered by electrical power provided by, for example, the power module 150A. In some implementations where liquid hydrogen is used, the second mobile platform 110A includes a heater 134b and / or a pressure regulator 136b, which can generate gaseous hydrogen from liquid hydrogen and provide the gaseous hydrogen to the refueling interface 140A at a desired pressure.

[0097] Although not shown in Figure 1D, in implementations where liquid hydrogen is used, the storage module 120A, hydrogen tank 122A, and / or any other / additional parts of the second mobile platform 110A, as well as the storage module 120, hydrogen tank 122, manifold 132, compression module 133, and / or any other / additional parts of the mobile platform 110, may include a boil-off or steam management system configured to capture boil-off or evaporated hydrogen. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110 and / or 110A may include additional components not shown in Figure 1D (e.g., compressors, reliquefiers, and / or similar) configured to process boil-off or evaporated hydrogen, allowing the processed hydrogen (e.g., in gaseous or liquid form) to be returned to the hydrogen tanks 122 and / or 122A, power modules 150 and / or 150A, and / or any other suitable components. Additionally, or in alternative examples, hydrogen tank 122A and / or any other / additional parts of the second mobile platform 110A, as well as storage module 120, hydrogen tank 122, manifold 132, compression module 133, and / or any other / additional parts of mobile platform 110, may include a pumping system configured to pressurize liquid hydrogen to a pressure higher than the pressure in the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle 102, and which can be used to transfer the pressurized liquid hydrogen to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle 102.

[0098] In some embodiments, either the mining vehicle or hydrogen power plant described herein can be configured to store liquid hydrogen (LH2) and can be operated by liquid hydrogen (LH2). To accommodate such a mining vehicle or hydrogen power plant, the mobile or portable hydrogen refueling systems described herein can be configured to store liquid hydrogen and deliver liquid hydrogen to such mining vehicle or hydrogen power plant as needed. For example, Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 100e in a first configuration according to an embodiment, the mobile hydrogen refueling system 100e stores liquid hydrogen and provides liquid hydrogen to a mining vehicle 106e (in this embodiment, for illustrative purposes only, however, as described, instead of a mining vehicle, the mobile hydrogen refueling system 100e can provide liquid hydrogen to any hydrogen power plant), and the mining vehicle 106e also stores and uses liquid hydrogen as its fuel source. Figure 1F is a schematic diagram of the mobile hydrogen refueling system 100e in a second configuration, as described in further detail herein.

[0099] The mobile hydrogen refueling system 100e ("the System") can be any suitable system configured to store and distribute quantities of liquid hydrogen fuel that meet the demands of large-scale industries, such as those described with respect to System 100. In addition, System 100e can be mobile, i.e., moved to refueling locations (e.g., hydrogen refueling sites along mining vehicle routes) and deployed at those refueling locations for extended periods. In some implementations, System 100e can be a mobile system similar to System 100, allowing it to be moved between sites (e.g., mining sites) and / or between work areas within a given site (e.g., different work areas within a mining site). In some embodiments, System 100e can be modular and / or may include modular components, allowing components to be loaded, unloaded, repaired, replaced, etc., as needed or desired. In some implementations, System 100e and / or one or more of its components can be configured for autonomous or at least semi-autonomous operation.

[0100] Unlike systems 100 and 100b, system 100e is configured to supply liquid hydrogen to a mining vehicle 106e, which includes a mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e configured to store liquid hydrogen. The mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e can be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some embodiments, the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e can be a large pressure vessel configured to contain liquid hydrogen. In some embodiments, the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e can be similar to a known tank configured to store liquid hydrogen for a typical or conventional use case, and in some implementations can be large enough to store several thousand liters of liquid hydrogen. The mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e can be cylindrical, spherical, or any other suitable shape, and can be configured to be used under any suitable pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure, or pressure exceeding any suitable atmospheric pressure, e.g., about 1345 kPa at most). In some implementations, the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e may include an inner container in which liquid hydrogen is disposed, and an outer container (e.g., a steel or carbon container) disposed around the inner container such that a space is formed between the inner and outer containers. In some embodiments, the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e may include a 20ft ISO LH2 tank or a 40ft ISO LH2 tank configured to hold approximately 1,000 kg of LH2.

[0101] As shown in Figure 1E and as described in further detail herein, System 100e is configured to store (and, in some implementations, transport) liquid hydrogen and / or distribute the flow of liquid hydrogen to one or more refueling infrastructures 105e and / or one or more mining vehicle LH2 tanks 107e (which may be contained within a mining vehicle 106e) or otherwise to a hydrogen power plant (e.g., hydrogen power plant 106 or any other hydrogen power plant described herein). Thus, System 100e is configured to store, transport, and / or distribute large quantities of liquid hydrogen suitable for such large-scale applications. In some implementations, System 100e can be deployed at a site (e.g., a refueling site) where the refueling infrastructure is deployed for an extended period (e.g., at least semi-permanently). For example, system 100e can be transported to a refueling location by vehicle 102 or any other vehicle or transport mechanism and left at the refueling location for a predetermined period of time (for example, until refueling is no longer desired or necessary at the refueling location).

[0102] As shown, system 100e includes a mobile platform 110e, which can be coupled to, for example, a heavy equipment vehicle 102 via a vehicle interface 160. In some implementations, vehicle 102 can be used to tow the mobile platform 110e to a refueling station and can be detached from the mobile platform 110e after it has been deployed at the refueling station. This can provide the benefit of reducing the transportation and maintenance costs of the mobile platform 110b and the equipment installed on it, and can also provide the benefit of reducing the space occupied by detaching vehicle 102 from the mobile platform 110e when the mobile platform 110e is deployed. In some implementations, mobile platform 110e can be a mobile platform similar to mobile platform 110b and can remain coupled to vehicle 102 (for example, via a vehicle interface) and be configured to move between refueling infrastructures 105e.

[0103] The mobile platform 110e includes, and can support, and / or be connected to, at least one storage module 120e, at least one transfer module 133e, a refueling interface 140e, and at least one power module 150e. The storage module 120e can be configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 122e (e.g., tanks, tubes, canisters, etc.) designed or configured to store liquid hydrogen at temperatures below -253°C. Although not shown, the mobile platform 110e can also include one or more manifolds (e.g., one or more manifolds 132b), one or more manifolds configured to allow the transfer module 133e to interface with the storage module 120e and receive liquid hydrogen from it or to transfer liquid or gaseous hydrogen to and from the hydrogen tanks 122e. In addition, the mobile platform 110e and / or storage module 120e may also include an optional suitable boil-off or steam management system configured to capture evaporated hydrogen and optionally compress or reliquefy it.

[0104] The transfer module 133e is configured to receive liquid hydrogen from the storage module 120e (for example, via one or more manifolds) and to supply liquid hydrogen to the refueling infrastructure 105e or the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e at a desired pressure and / or temperature, in a first configuration as shown in Figure 1E. In some cases, the transfer of liquid hydrogen can be based on the relative pressure difference between the hydrogen tank 122e and the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e, and / or can be in response to any other driving force (e.g., a pump, gravity feed, etc.). In some embodiments, the transfer module 133e can also be configured to provide a reverse flow of liquid hydrogen from the LH2 tank 107e to the hydrogen tank 122e, based on the relative pressure difference between the hydrogen tank 122e and the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e, in a second configuration as shown in Figure 1F.

[0105] The mobile platform 110e can be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, the mobile platform 110e can have a size that exceeds one or more constraints associated with road travel. Thus, the mobile platform 110e is suitable for large-scale applications that do not encounter such size constraints. In some embodiments, the mobile platform 110e can include a mobile platform that may be a trailer, etc., which may be connectable to the vehicle interface 160 via the vehicle 102, similar to the mobile platform 110. For example, although not shown in Figure 1E, the mobile platform 110e may include a set of wheels connected to a platform, bed, etc., and the platform, bed, etc., support modules and / or components, etc., connected thereto. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110e is mobile, i.e., instead of interfaced with a vehicle, the mobile platform 110e can be configured to be moved to a desired location (e.g., along the route of a vehicle including a hydrogen power plant) and to be stationed in that location for an extended period. In such embodiments, the mobile platform 110e may include containers (e.g., shipping containers, cargo containers, flat rack containers, open-top containers, etc.), skids, trailers, modular buildings, etc., which can be transported to and deployed at a refueling site. The mobile platform 110e does not have to be mounted on wheels, but can still be easily deployed at a refueling site and moved from there. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110e can be integrated with a vehicle 102, as described with respect to system 100.

[0106] Although not shown in Figure 1E, the mobile platform 110e may include one or more features and / or structures that enable modular arrangement and / or connection between the mobile platform 110e and the storage module 120e, the transport module 133e, the power module 150e, and / or any other suitable components or their subcomponents. For example, in some embodiments, the mobile platform 110e may include rails, tracks, couplers, connectors, interfaces, etc., designed to removably engage with one or more of the components and / or modules. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 110e may allow any of the modules and / or components to be loaded, unloaded, repaired, replaced, etc., as needed or desired. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 110e may allow "hot swapping" of any of the modules and / or components (e.g., replacing a module without necessarily interrupting the operation of other modules), as described with respect to the mobile platform 110.

[0107] In some implementations, the mobile platform 110e can be configured to provide maximum hydrogen storage and therefore may include a large storage module capable of storing one or more liquid hydrogen tanks 122e, and / or may include multiple storage modules. In some cases, such a configuration may be suitable for a mobile platform designed to refuel other mobile or portable platforms, as described further in this specification with reference to Figure 1D. In some implementations, the storage module 120e of the mobile platform 110e is configured to include, hold, or support a single liquid hydrogen tank 122e.

[0108] Optionally, the mobile platform 110e may further include an enclosure 115e (for example, enclosure 115 as described with respect to system 100). In some embodiments, the enclosure 115e may be insulated or at least partially insulated, and it may be capable of insulating one or more modules and / or components of the mobile platform 110e operating in a high-temperature or low-temperature environment, and / or providing additional insulation for liquid hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 122e.

[0109] The mobile platform 110e can include any number of storage modules 120e. The storage modules 120e can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the storage module 120e can be a single integrated frame structure configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 122e (e.g., one or more). In other embodiments, the storage module 120e can include any number of frame structures and / or be formed from any number of frame structures. In other words, the mobile platform 110e can be connected to and / or include a single storage module 120e configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 122e (e.g., one or more), or can be connected to and / or include multiple storage modules 120e, each of which stores any number of hydrogen tanks 122e. In embodiments comprising multiple storage modules 120e, the frames, structures, etc., of each storage module 120e can be similar or varied. In some embodiments, a storage module 120e may include an open-frame structure, etc., designed to contain and / or immobilize a hydrogen tank 122e. In other embodiments, a storage module 120e may include a closed structure similar to and / or substantially the same as, for example, an intermodal container and / or something similar. In such embodiments, a storage module 120e may enclose a hydrogen tank 122e and protect it from, for example, external conditions of the intermodal container (e.g., weather, sunlight, potential debris, etc.).

[0110] The storage module 120e can be configured to store and / or contain any number of hydrogen tanks 122e (e.g., one or more). The hydrogen tanks 122e can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tank 122e can be a large pressure vessel configured to contain liquid hydrogen. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tank 122e can be similar to a known tank configured to store liquid hydrogen for a typical or conventional use case, and in some implementations can be large enough to store several thousand liters of liquid hydrogen. In other embodiments, the hydrogen tank 122e can be a special tank, which has a larger size than a known tank and / or is configured to store a larger volume of hydrogen than a known tank, or to store a given volume of hydrogen at a higher pressure than a known tank. In some implementations, the amount of hydrogen stored by the hydrogen tanks 122e in the storage module 120e can be much larger than the amount of liquid hydrogen stored by some known large-capacity liquid hydrogen tank (or "tube") trailers. The hydrogen tank 122e can be cylindrical, spherical, or any other suitable shape, and can be configured to operate at pressures up to 1,035 kPa, for example. The insulator 123e can be disposed around the hydrogen tank 122e or incorporated as part of it. Any suitable insulator can be used, for example, fiberglass, foam, or vacuum panel. In some implementations, the hydrogen tank 122e can include an inner container in which liquid hydrogen is disposed, an outer container (e.g., a steel or carbon container) disposed around the inner container so that a space is formed between the inner and outer containers, and an insulator 123e disposed within the space.In some implementations, the space can be substantially evacuated to near vacuum pressure and act as an insulator 123e. In some implementations, the storage module 120e can include multiple hydrogen tanks 122e stored by the storage module 120e, which can collectively contain, for example, at least about 1,000 kg of hydrogen. In some implementations, the storage module 120e can collectively contain at least about 2,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 5,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 10,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 15,000 kg of hydrogen, or more (including any amount or range in between). In some implementations, one or more hydrogen tanks 122e can include a 20 ft ISO liquid hydrogen tank or a 40 ft ISO liquid hydrogen tank configured to hold about 1,000 kg of liquid hydrogen.

[0111] In some implementations, such storage capacity can be based at least in part on, for example, the number of hydrogen tanks 122e to be stored, the size or storage capacity of the hydrogen tanks 122e, and / or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the storage module 120e can include a single module (e.g., a single large-capacity tube trailer, container, or skid) that contains, accommodates, or stores the hydrogen tanks 122e. In some implementations, the storage module 120e can include multiple submodules that are connected, linked, and / or stacked together. For example, the submodules can include, and / or be similar to, several known large-capacity tube trailers having sizes (e.g., length) of about 20 feet (ft), 40 ft, and / or similar sizes. In some implementations, any combination of smaller or larger storage submodules can be included within the storage module 120e. In a particular implementation, the submodule may include several known 20ft or 40ft trailers, and / or similar, which may contain smaller subassemblies (e.g., racks, shelves, housings, etc.), each of which stores one or more sets of hydrogen tanks 122e.

[0112] As described above, in some embodiments, the storage module 120e (and / or its submodules) can and / or have a modular configuration that allows the storage module 120e (and / or its submodules) to be removably connected to the mobile platform 110e. In some cases, such an arrangement can allow the storage module 120e (and / or one or more of its submodules) to be replaced, for example, when the amount remaining in the hydrogen tank 122e is low or when it has fallen below a threshold amount, pressure, etc. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110e can provide indication of the amount, pressure, and / or fill level of the hydrogen tank 122e in the storage module 120e. In some implementations, the replacement of the storage module 120e (e.g., replacing an empty or nearly empty module with a full module) can be carried out in an autonomous or at least semi-autonomous process.

[0113] In some implementations, the hydrogen tank 122e may be releasably connected to the storage module 120e (for example, to a manifold contained within the storage module 120e) via a coupler 125e. In some embodiments, the coupler 125e may include a bayonet connector. Such a connector may include a male connector at one end (for example, at the end of the hydrogen tank 122e or a fluid conduit or hose connected thereto), which may include guide pins and slots configured to allow for easy alignment and secure connection. In some implementations, the connection of the hydrogen tank 122e to the storage module 120e may include an inactivation cycle with gaseous nitrogen to remove oxygen from the connection volume between the hydrogen tank 122e and the storage module 120e, a purging cycle with gaseous hydrogen to remove any trapped nitrogen remaining from the inactivation cycle, and a cooling cycle to cool the volume to LH2 temperature before the liquid hydrogen can be transferred from the hydrogen tank to other components of the storage module 120e and subsequently to the transfer module 133e. In some implementations, the storage module 120e may include a quick connect / disconnect coupler for rapid connection of the hydrogen tank 122e to the storage module 120e, thereby eliminating the deactivation cycle, purging cycle, and / or cooling cycle.Examples of quick connect / disconnect couplers include, but are not limited to: breakaway couplings configured to automatically disconnect when a certain force is applied to prevent damage to the system and reduce the risk of leakage; cryogenic quick disconnects, which may be constructed from cryogenic materials configured to withstand low temperatures and include a self-sealing valve to prevent leakage when disconnected; latching connectors, which are configured to withstand vibration and movement and include a positive locking mechanism to ensure the connector remains attached until intentionally released; threaded connectors; quick-release clamps, which include a clamp to hold the connectors together; and / or dry disconnect couplings, which are configured to minimize spillage during disconnection and reduce the risk of contamination.

[0114] In some implementations, system 100e may include a high-pressure system, in which the hydrogen tank 122e is at a first pressure, including a high pressure (e.g., a higher pressure than the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e). In some implementations, the high pressure can be in the range of about 7 bar to about 12 bar (inclusive of both ends) (e.g., 7 bar, 8 bar, 9 bar, 10 bar, 11 bar, or 12 bar (inclusive of both ends)). In such embodiments, system 100e (e.g., transfer module 133e) may include one or more vaporizers, which are configured to evaporate a portion of the liquid hydrogen transferred from the hydrogen tank 122e, generating gaseous hydrogen that is routed back to the hydrogen tank 122e. The gaseous hydrogen is configured to maintain the head pressure on the liquid hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 122, keeping the liquid hydrogen under high pressure.

[0115] For example, as shown in Figures 1E to 1F, system 100e may include a first vaporizer 134e1, which is configured to be fluidly connected to a hydrogen tank 122e and to receive a portion of liquid hydrogen from there. The first vaporizer 134e1 may include an electric heater, radiator, heat exchanger, fuel cell heater, ambient heater, ambient heat exchanger, coil heat exchanger, shell-and-tube heat exchanger, radiator, heater, any other suitable heat exchanger, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the first vaporizer 134e1 includes an ambient heat exchanger, i.e., any heat exchanger (e.g., a shell-and-tube heat exchanger) that is exposed to ambient temperature to exchange heat with the liquid hydrogen flowing through it to vaporize the liquid hydrogen. The first vaporizer 134e1 is configured to receive a portion of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 122e and vaporize the liquid hydrogen to generate hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is recirculated back to the hydrogen tank 122e, providing a hydrogen gas head to the liquid hydrogen contained in the hydrogen tank 122e, for example, to maintain or increase the pressure of the liquid hydrogen in the hydrogen tank to a high pressure. Figures 1E and 1F show the first vaporizer 134e1 being housed in the enclosure 115e, but in some embodiments, the first vaporizer 134e1 can be integrated with the hydrogen tank 122e and / or contained within the storage module 120e. The mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e is at a lower pressure than the hydrogen tank 122e, and therefore liquid hydrogen flows from the hydrogen tank 122e to the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e along the pressure gradient when the refueling interface 140e is fluidly connected to the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e (for example, via the refueling infrastructure 105e). The mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e can be maintained at a lower pressure than the hydrogen tank 122e by venting any gaseous hydrogen that may be present in the mining vehicle LH2 tank to the atmosphere.

[0116] In some implementations, the flare stack is connected to a gaseous hydrogen vent on the mining vehicle LH2 tank, allowing for controlled combustion of the vented gaseous hydrogen. In other implementations, the vented gaseous hydrogen can be recirculated back to the hydrogen tank 122e. For example, in some implementations, system 100e may include a return line configured to selectively transmit at least a portion of the gaseous hydrogen generated from the liquid hydrogen transmitted from the hydrogen tank 122e to the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e, or gaseous hydrogen released from the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e, back to the hydrogen tank 122e. For example, system 100e may include a boil-off or steam management and / or recapture system configured to collect gaseous and / or evaporated hydrogen at any suitable point along the flow path between the hydrogen tank 122e and the LH2 tank 107e.

[0117] In some implementations, the refueling interface 140e may be releasably connected via a bayonet connector to the refueling infrastructure 105e or otherwise to the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e. In such implementations, the deactivation cycle, purging cycle, and / or chilling cycle can be performed after the refueling interface 140e is connected to the refueling infrastructure or (e.g., via the refueling infrastructure 105e) to the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e, as previously described herein, but after the connection, but before the LH2 is transmitted from the hydrogen tank 122e to the mining vehicle LH tank 107e. In some implementations, the refueling interface 140e may be releasably connected to the refueling infrastructure 105e or otherwise to the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e via a quick-connect / disconnect coupling (e.g., any of the quick-connect / disconnect couplings previously described herein), which may reduce the use of deactivation cycles, purging cycles, and / or cooling cycles.

[0118] In some implementations, system 100e can be a low-pressure system, i.e., a system in which the hydrogen tank 122e has a first pressure that is low (e.g., a pressure approximately equal to or lower than the pressure of the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e). In some implementations, the low pressure can be in the range of 3 bar to about 7 bar (inclusive of both ends) (e.g., about 3 bar, 4 bar, 5 bar, 6 bar, or 7 bar (inclusive of both ends)). In such implementations, the transfer module 133e (e.g., pressure regulator 136e or any other suitable location in the transfer module 133e) can include one or more pumps (e.g., centrifugal pumps, vacuum pumps, positive displacement pumps, etc.) configured to pressurize the liquid hydrogen received from the hydrogen tank 122e of the storage module 120e from the first pressure to a second pressure greater than the first pressure, and to transfer the pressurized liquid hydrogen to the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e. The second pressure can be in the range of approximately 7 bar to approximately 12 bar (inclusive of both ends) (for example, approximately 7 bar, 8 bar, 9 bar, 10 bar, 11 bar, or 12 bar (inclusive of both ends)). In such an implementation, the first vaporizer 134e1 can be omitted.

[0119] In some embodiments, system 100e may include one or more manifolds (e.g., manifold 132b, described with reference to Figure 1B) for enabling the transfer of liquid hydrogen from storage module 120e to transfer module 133e. In some implementations, storage module 120e may be releasably connectable to transfer module 133e via bayonet connectors. In some implementations, storage module 120e may be releasably connectable to transfer module 133e via quick-connect / disconnect couplings. The manifold can be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, the manifold can be any suitable structure configured to define one or more channels for the flow of liquid hydrogen between storage module 120e and any suitable component of mobile platform 110e, and / or may include such a structure.

[0120] In some implementations, an insulator (e.g., fiberglass, foam, vacuum panel, etc.) is arranged around the manifold to substantially maintain the temperature of the liquid hydrogen as it is transferred from the hydrogen tank 122e to the transfer module 133e. The manifold may include at least an inlet or inlet interface that can fluidly communicate with the storage module 120e (or at least one hydrogen tank 122e contained therein), an outlet or outlet interface that can fluidly communicate with one or more components of the mobile platform 110e, and one or more fluid passages between the inlet and the outlet. The mobile platform 110e may include a single manifold or multiple manifolds. For example, in some implementations, the mobile platform 110e may include a single manifold or multiple manifolds collectively forming a single flow path, which can engage with the storage module 120e and / or one or more hydrogen tanks 122e to provide a single stream or flow of hydrogen from the storage module 120e to one of the transfer module 133e, the refueling interface 140e, or the power module 150e. In other implementations, the mobile platform 110e may include multiple manifolds (or a single manifold with multiple flow paths), which can engage with one or more of the storage module 120e and / or hydrogen tanks 122e to provide multiple parallel streams or flows of hydrogen from the storage module 120e to the transfer module 133e, the refueling interface 140e, the power module 150e, and / or similar. In some implementations, the manifold may include one or more components configured to control or manage the flow of liquid hydrogen between the storage module 120e and any suitable component of the mobile platform 110e, as described in detail with respect to manifold 132b in Figure 1B, for example, and therefore not described in further detail.

[0121] The transport module 133e of the mobile platform 110b can be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration, and / or can include any suitable components, subcomponents, etc. For example, the transport module 133e can be any suitable structure, etc., that includes, accommodates, contains, and / or (functionally and / or physically) connects any number of components. For example, in some implementations, the transport module 133e can be a modular storage structure, etc. (similar to, for example, the storage module 120e), which includes multiple components, and which can be handled as an integrated or single assembly (e.g., loaded, unloaded, replaced, repaired, etc.). In other embodiments, the transport module 133e can be an assembly of various components, each having a modular arrangement that allows its component to be handled independently of other components of the transport module 133e and / or the mobile platform 110e. Thus, if a component of the transport module 133e requires maintenance, repair, and / or replacement, such arrangement can allow that component to be replaced without substantially affecting the operation of other components contained within the transport module 133e.

[0122] As shown in Figure 1E, the transfer module 133e may include a pressure regulator 136e configured to supply liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 122e to the refueling interface 140e. The pressure regulator 136e may include any suitable components to enable the transfer of liquid hydrogen from or to the hydrogen tank 122e at any desired pressure or flow rate. Suitable components may include, but are not limited to, pumps (e.g., piston pumps or centrifugal pumps), air blowers, pressure controllers (e.g., front pressure or back pressure controllers, pneumatic actuators, electric actuators, etc.), valves (e.g., gate valves, ball valves, globe valves, check valves, butterfly valves, three-way valves, etc.), temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc., to enable control of the pressure, flow rate, or direction of the flow between the hydrogen tank 122e and the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e. In some implementations, the pressure regulator 136e may include one or more pumps for pressurizing liquid hydrogen to a pressure higher than the pressure in the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e when the hydrogen tank 122e is at a low pressure, as previously described herein.

[0123] In some embodiments, the transfer module 133e can be configured to receive a first flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 122e, and in a first configuration, to transmit a first portion of the first flow to the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e and a second portion of the first flow back to the hydrogen tank 122e. In a second configuration, the transfer module 133e can be configured to receive a second flow of liquid or gaseous hydrogen from the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e, to transmit a second portion of the second flow to the hydrogen tank 122e and a second portion of the second flow back to the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e. In some embodiments, the transfer module 133e is configured to support liquid hydrogen flow rates in the range of about 30 kg / min to about 70 kg / min (inclusive of both ends) (e.g., about 30 kg / min, 35 kg / min, 40 kg / min, 45 kg / min, 50 kg / min, 55 kg / min, 60 kg / min, 65 kg / min, or 70 kg / min (inclusive of both ends)) and pressures in the range of about 7 bar to about 12 bar (inclusive of both ends) (e.g., about 7 bar, 8 bar, 9 bar, 10 bar, 11 bar, or 12 bar (inclusive of both ends)), for example, by receiving liquid hydrogen at high pressure from hydrogen tank 122e as previously described, or by pressurizing low-pressure hydrogen gas received from hydrogen tank 122e to high pressure via a pump.

[0124] The transfer module 133e may include a second vaporizer 134e2, which may be substantially similar to the first vaporizer 134e1 in terms of structure and function. Although shown as separate components in Figures 1E and 1F, in some embodiments the transfer module 133e may also include a manifold (not shown) and / or a refueling interface 140e. The second vaporizer 134e2 may be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. For example, in some implementations, the second vaporizer 134e2 may include an electric heater, radiator, heat exchanger, fuel cell heater, ambient heater, ambient heat exchanger, coil heat exchanger, shell and tube heat exchanger, radiator, heater, any other suitable heat exchanger, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the second vaporizer 134e2 includes an ambient heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the second vaporizer 134e2 can be configured to evaporate liquid hydrogen and generate low-pressure hydrogen gas, for example, in the range of 200 bar to 400 bar. In other implementations, the second vaporizer 134e2 can be configured to evaporate liquid hydrogen and generate high-pressure hydrogen gas, for example, in the range of 400 bar to 1,000 bar (including both ends).

[0125] As shown in Figures 1E and 1F, the second vaporizer 134e2 is configured to receive a portion of the liquid hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tank 122e to the pressure regulator 136b, for example, in cases where the pressure in the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e exceeds a predetermined pressure, and vaporize the liquid hydrogen to produce gaseous hydrogen. The gaseous hydrogen is then returned to the hydrogen tank 122e. In some embodiments, the transfer module 133e may include one or more valves for controlling the direction or flow path of liquid or gaseous hydrogen between various components of the system 100e. For example, the transfer module 133e may include at least a first valve 141e, which is located downstream of the second vaporizer 134e2, fluidly connecting the second vaporizer 134e2 to the hydrogen tank 122e. Furthermore, the transfer module 133e may include a second valve 143e, which is located in a line that fluidically connects the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e to the atmosphere (for example, an atmospheric vent located in a safe location) downstream of the second vaporizer 134e2 but upstream of the first valve 141e. The transfer module 133e may also include a third valve 145e, which is located in a line that fluidically connects the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e to the atmosphere (for example, an atmospheric vent located in a safe location). In addition, the transfer module 133e may also include a fourth valve 147e, which is located in a line that fluidically connects the location downstream of the first valve 141e to the atmosphere (for example, an atmospheric vent located in a safe location). Although shown as being included within the transfer module 133e, one or more of the valves 141e, 143e, 145e, and 147e can be located within the refueling interface 140e.The transfer module 133e may also include additional valves, bypass lines, filters (for example, to filter particles from liquid hydrogen), temperature sensors, or any other components for supplying liquid hydrogen to the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e at the desired pressure, temperature, and / or flow rate.

[0126] In the first configuration shown in Figure 1E, liquid hydrogen is transmitted from the hydrogen tank 122e to the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e, for example, through a pressure regulator 136b, a refueling interface 140e, and / or refueling infrastructure 105e. In some implementations, the system 100e in the first configuration can be associated with, and / or at least partially based on, the pressure in the liquid hydrogen tank 122e being higher than the pressure in the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e. In other implementations, the configuration of the system 100e is not associated with, and / or at least not partially based on, a pressure difference (positive or negative) between the liquid hydrogen tank 122e and the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e.

[0127] In this configuration, the transfer module 133e can be configured to open the first valve 141e and the third valve 145e and to close the second valve 143e and the fourth valve 147e. In this configuration, the hydrogen gas generated by the second vaporizer 134e2 flows through the first valve 141e to the hydrogen tank 122e, and the hydrogen gas that can be released from the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e is routed through the third valve 145e to the atmospheric vent, for example, due to the pressure in the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e exceeding a threshold, and / or due to the undesirable boil-off or evaporation of a portion of liquid hydrogen in the LH2 tank 107e or transmitted into the LHS tank 107e.

[0128] In the second configuration shown in Figure 1F, liquid hydrogen is transmitted from the mining vehicle LH2 tank to the 107e hydrogen tank 122e, for example, through the refueling infrastructure 105e, the refueling interface 140e, and / or the pressure regulator 136e. In some implementations, the system 100e in the second configuration can be associated with, and / or at least partially based on, the pressure in the mining vehicle LHS tank 107e being higher than the pressure in the hydrogen tank 122e. In other implementations, the configuration of the system 100e is not associated with, and / or at least partially based on, the pressure difference (positive or negative) between the liquid hydrogen tank 122e and the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e.

[0129] In this configuration, the transfer module 133e can be configured to close the first valve 141e and the third valve 145e, and to open the second valve 143e and the fourth valve 147e. This prevents the hydrogen gas generated in the second vaporizer 134e2 from flowing back to the hydrogen tank 122e by the closed first valve 141e, and instead flows back to the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e through the open second valve 143e. Furthermore, at least a portion of the head of hydrogen gas that may be in the hydrogen tank 122e can be routed to the atmospheric vent through the open fourth valve 147e. In this way, the transfer module 133e can be configured to maintain the relative pressure in the hydrogen tank 122e and the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e, and to prevent overpressure of, for example, the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e, the hydrogen tank 122e, and / or various components of the system 100e.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first vaporizer 134e1, the second vaporizer 134e2, and / or the pressure regulator 136e can operate in any number of parallel processes, and each of the first vaporizer 134e1 and the second vaporizer 134e2 can be configured to provide an output flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas to different components, subcomponents, or parts thereof (e.g., different pressure regulators 136e, different refueling interfaces 140e or different parts of a refueling interface, one or more power modules 150e, and / or similar). Furthermore, each of the first vaporizer 134e1 and the second vaporizer 134e2 can be configured to heat hydrogen to the same pressure or to different pressures. In some embodiments, the first vaporizer 134e1 and / or the second vaporizer 134e2 can operate in any number of parallel processes and can be configured to provide an output flow of hydrogen gas to a single component (e.g., a single pressure regulator 136e or refueling interface 140e). For example, although not shown in Figures 1E and 1F, in some such embodiments, a manifold, etc., can accept multiple input flows of liquid hydrogen gas and output a single flow of liquid hydrogen gas, which is then provided to the refueling interface 140e or pressure regulator 136e before being delivered to the refueling interface 140e.

[0131] The third valve 145e is shown in Figures 1E and 1F as providing vaporized or gaseous hydrogen to be vented to the atmosphere and as described above, but in other implementations, the third valve 145e can provide vaporized or gaseous hydrogen to any suitable boil-off or steam management or recapture system. In some such implementations, the mobile platform 110e may include additional components not shown in Figures 1E and 1F (e.g., compressors, reliquefiers, and / or similar) that are configured to process the vented / captured hydrogen, allowing the processed hydrogen (e.g., in gaseous or liquid form) to be returned to the hydrogen tank 122e, power module 150, mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e, transfer module 133e, and / or any other suitable component of system 100e.

[0132] The mobile platform 110e may include one or more refueling interfaces 140e, which may be configured to transmit liquid hydrogen from a pressure regulator 136e or hydrogen tank 122e to (or vice versa) the refueling infrastructure 105e. In some implementations, the refueling interface 140e may include a bayonet connector for releasably connecting the refueling interface 140e to the refueling infrastructure 105e or the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e. In such implementations, the refueling interface may include connectors for deactivating, purging, and / or cooling the coupling volume, as previously described herein. In some implementations, the refueling interface 140e may include a quick-connect / disconnect coupling for releasably connecting the refueling interface 140e to the refueling infrastructure 105e or the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e. In such implementations, the deactivating, purging, and / or cooling connectors may be omitted.

[0133] The mobile platform 110e can include any number of power modules 150e, as described in detail with respect to Figure 1A. In some embodiments, the power modules 150e can be and / or include one or more hydrogen power plants similar to or substantially identical to, for example, the hydrogen power plant 106. In such embodiments, for example, the power module 150 can be configured to accept a flow of hydrogen directly from (or via a manifold or interface between) the pressure regulator 136e or the hydrogen tank 122e. In some implementations, the power module 150e can include one or more hydrogen tanks similar to and / or substantially identical to the hydrogen tanks 122e contained within the storage module 120e. Thus, the hydrogen tanks 122e can accept a flow of liquid hydrogen from the pressure regulator 136e, the refueling interface 140e, and / or similar and supply hydrogen to the power module 150e. In some implementations, the power module 150e can accept a flow of liquid hydrogen directly from one or more hydrogen tanks 122e in the storage module (or via a manifold or interface between them). In other embodiments, the power module 150e can be any suitable generator other than a hydrogen power plant.

[0134] The power module 150e is configured to provide electrical power to the transport module 133e and the pressure regulator 136e. In some implementations, the power module 150e can also provide electrical power to the storage module 120e, the refueling interface 140e, and / or the vehicle interface 160. Various implementations of the power module 150e have been described in detail with respect to system 100 and are therefore not described in further detail here. In some implementations, the power module 150e or the storage module 120e can have a grounding connection to ground any short circuits or stray charges. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110e can be configured to transmit via lower voltage transmission to the power module 150 of the vehicle 102 and the controller of the mining vehicle 106e. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110e can be configured to receive telemetry data indicating the status of the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e (e.g., status, health, LH2 level, pressure, temperature, etc.) and to adjust LH2 parameters (e.g., pressure, flow rate, temperature, etc.) transmitted to the mining vehicle LH2 tank based on the telemetry data.

[0135] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 300 according to an embodiment. The mobile hydrogen refueling system 300 ("the System") can be any suitable system configured to store and distribute a quantity of hydrogen fuel (e.g., hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen) that meets the demands of large-scale industries (e.g., mining, railroad industry, shipping / freight industry, aerospace industry, large-scale manufacturing industry, and / or similar). In addition, the System 300 is mobile, allowing it to be moved between sites (e.g., mining sites) and / or between work areas within a given site (e.g., different work areas within a mining site). In some embodiments, the System 300 can be designed for operation in rough, uneven, unpaved, and / or steep environments (e.g., those encountered in mining sites or other heavy industrial work sites) (e.g., the System 300 can be "highly durable"). In some embodiments, the system 300 can be modular and / or may include modular components, allowing the components to be loaded, unloaded, repaired, replaced, etc., as needed or desired. In some implementations, the system 300 and / or one or more of its components can be configured for autonomous or at least semi-autonomous operation.

[0136] As shown in Figure 3 and as described in further detail herein, System 300 is configured to store, transport, and / or distribute a flow of hydrogen gas to one or more refueling infrastructures and / or one or more hydrogen power plants (for example, refueling infrastructure 105 and hydrogen power plant 106, as described in detail herein with respect to Figure 1A). Thus, System 300 is configured to store, transport, and / or distribute large quantities of hydrogen gas / fuel suitable for large-scale applications, as previously described herein.

[0137] As shown, the system 300 includes a mobile platform 310, which can be coupled to a heavy equipment vehicle 302 via a vehicle interface 360. The vehicle 302 and the vehicle interface 360 ​​can be substantially similar to the vehicles 102 and / or 202, as well as the vehicle interface 160, as previously described herein. The mobile platform 310 includes at least one storage module 320, a refueling interface 340, and one or more compressors 334 (e.g., in an implementation where hydrogen gas is stored in the storage module), supporting and / or coupled to them. In an implementation where liquid hydrogen is used, the mobile platform 310 can include, instead of the compressors 334, heaters 134b and / or pressure regulators 136b, supporting and / or coupled to them. The storage module 320 can be configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 322 (e.g., tanks, tubes, canisters, etc.). The storage module 320 is configured to supply pressurized hydrogen to the refueling interface 340, or to supply liquid hydrogen to a heater and / or pressure regulator to generate hydrogen gas at a desired pressure for distribution through the refueling interface 340. In some implementations, the refueling interface 340 can be configured to engage with refueling infrastructure (e.g., refueling infrastructure 105) found at the operational site (e.g., a mine site). In addition or as an alternative, the refueling interface 340 can be configured to engage with a refueling interface corresponding to a hydrogen power plant (e.g., a hydrogen fuel cell in a hydrogen power plant contained within a mining truck or other equipment) (e.g., hydrogen power plant 106).

[0138] The mobile platform 310 can have a size that exceeds one or more constraints associated with road travel. For example, the length, width, weight, and / or power of the mobile platform can exceed constraints or thresholds associated with road travel. Thus, the mobile platform 310 is suitable for large-scale applications (e.g., mining or excavation operations) where such size constraints are not encountered. As shown in Figure 3, the mobile platform 310 can be a trailer coupled to a vehicle 302 via a vehicle interface 360. The mobile platform 310 can include a set of wheels coupled to a platform, bed, etc., and the platform, bed, etc., supports modules and / or components, etc., coupled thereto. The bed of the mobile platform 310 can be substantially flat to allow for the stable positioning of various modules of the mobile platform 310 on it.

[0139] In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 310 allows any of the modules and / or components to be loaded, unloaded, repaired, replaced, etc., as needed or desired. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 310 allows for "hot swapping" of any of the modules and / or components (e.g., replacing a module without necessarily interrupting the operation of other modules). The mobile platform 310 does not include an enclosure, and the storage module 320, the compressor 334, and the refueling interface 340 are all openly visible. Thus, the mobile platform 310 can be configured to be deployed in a suitable geographical environment, where environmental damage or corrosion of external surfaces or components contained within the components, modules, and / or interfaces can not be a concern (e.g., a warm environment). In several implementations, various components, modules, interfaces, etc., can be formed from or coated with weather-resistant materials (e.g., weather-resistant paints), so that the mobile platform 310 can be used in any geographical environment (e.g., warm, hot, or cold environments, desert environments, arid, or humid environments) without an enclosure.

[0140] The mobile platform 310 includes a storage module 320 that stores, contains, or holds a set of hydrogen tanks 322. The hydrogen tanks 322 can be substantially similar to the hydrogen tanks 122 described in detail with respect to Figure 1A. As shown in Figure 3, the storage module 320 can include, for example, a single integrated frame structure configured to store a set of hydrogen tanks 322 in a horizontal and vertical array. In other embodiments, the storage module 320 can include and / or be formed from multiple frame structures. In other words, the mobile platform 310 can be connected to and / or include a single storage module 320 configured to store multiple hydrogen tanks 322, or can be connected to and / or include multiple storage modules 320, each of which stores multiple hydrogen tanks 322. Figure 3 shows the storage module 320 as including an open-frame structure, but in other embodiments, the storage module 320 may include a closed structure similar to and / or substantially the same as, for example, an intermodal container and / or something similar. In such embodiments, the storage module 320 may enclose the hydrogen tank 322 and protect the hydrogen tank 322 from, for example, external conditions of the intermodal container (e.g., weather, sunlight, potential debris, etc.).

[0141] Although not shown in Figure 3, the mobile platform 310 may include a manifold (similar to or substantially the same as, for example, manifold 132) for transmitting hydrogen stored in the storage module 320 to one or more compressors 334 and / or refueling interfaces 340. For example, the manifold may be routed from the underside of the mobile platform 310 from the storage module 320 to the compressors 334 and / or refueling interfaces 340, and may run, for example, along or close to the surface of the mobile platform 310 facing the ground. In other implementations, the manifold may be located on the upper side of the mobile platform 310 (for example, the side facing away from the ground). The manifold may include an inlet or inlet interface that can fluidize the storage module 320 (or at least one hydrogen tank 322 contained therein), an outlet or outlet interface that can fluidize one or more components of the mobile platform 310, and one or more fluid passages between the inlet and the outlet. In some embodiments, the manifold can be isolated, for example, in an implementation where liquid hydrogen is stored in the storage module 320. In some implementations, the storage module 320 and / or the manifold can include one or more components for controlling or managing the flow of hydrogen between the storage module 320 and any suitable component of the mobile platform 310. In some implementations, the manifold can include a mechanical nozzle interface for receiving hydrogen from the storage module 320 and / or for transporting hydrogen to any suitable module of the mobile platform 310.In some implementations, the storage module 320 and / or manifold may include one or more safety valves, pressure sensors, and any other safety devices configured to be selectively activated or deactivated in response to, for example, detection of pressure exceeding a threshold pressure, or in response to an activation signal received from a controller, in order to suppress damage or prevent failure.

[0142] In an implementation where gaseous hydrogen is stored in the storage module 320, the mobile platform 310 may include a compressor 334. The compressor 334 may be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration, and / or may include any suitable components, subcomponents, etc. As described above with reference to the mobile platform 110 shown in Figure 1A, in some embodiments, the compressor 334 may be contained within a compression module (e.g., compression module 133) or a similar module or assembly. In some embodiments, the compressor 334 may be similar to, and / or substantially the same as, some known compressors configured to compress gas. For example, in some embodiments, the compressor 334 may be, and / or include, a diaphragm compressor, a rotary compressor, and / or similar, configured to compress and pressurize hydrogen received from the hydrogen tank 322 (e.g., via a manifold, etc.). In some embodiments, the compressor 334 can be a high-pressure compressor configured to, for example, accept an input flow of pressurized gas and to provide an output flow of compressed / high-pressure gas at a pressure higher than the input gas flow. In some implementations, for example, the compressor 334 can accept a flow of hydrogen gas having a pressure between approximately 200 bar and 400 bar, and can also output a flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas having a pressure between approximately 400 bar and 1,000 bar. In some implementations, the hydrogen can be liquid hydrogen having a pressure in the range of 7 bar to 12 bar. In some cases, the compressor 334 can be configured to provide an output flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas (or liquid hydrogen) to one or more components, modules, interfaces, etc. of the mobile platform 310 (e.g., a refueling interface 340). In some cases, a high-pressure flow of hydrogen may be desirable.The reason is that it can be used to produce a hydrogen flow with a relatively high mass flow rate (for example, compressed hydrogen gas at about 4 kg / min), which can reduce refueling time and increase the utilization of equipment with a hydrogen power plant (for example, the hydrogen power plant 106 described above). For this reason, compressor 334 can be substantially the same as compressor 134, which is described in detail above with reference to Figure 1A.

[0143] In some implementations, the refueling interface 340 may include any suitable components configured to enable a hydrogen gas flow with a high flow rate suitable for transferring a relatively large volume of hydrogen gas to a storage tank or the like, associated with at least one of the refueling infrastructure and / or hydrogen power plants (e.g., associated with a mining vehicle). In some implementations, the refueling interface 340 may be configured to provide a flow of hydrogen gas to a power module. In some embodiments, the storage module 320 may be configured to store hydrogen gas at a pressure in the range of 200 bar to 1,000 bar (inclusive) and to provide the refueling interface 340 with the pressurized hydrogen gas for supply to the refueling infrastructure and / or hydrogen power plant, as previously described. In some implementations, the refueling interface can be configured to provide a flow of hydrogen at a rate of at least approximately 4 kg / min (e.g., approximately 4 kg / min, 5 kg / min, 6 kg / min, 7 kg / min, 8 kg / min, 9 kg / min, 10 kg / min, 15 kg / min, 20 kg / min, 25 kg / min, 30 kg / min, or more), enabling, for example, rapid refueling and / or refueling of a hydrogen power plant for a mining transport truck or other hydrogen-powered equipment. Although not shown in Figure 3, the refueling interface 340 may include any suitable hosing, tube, conduit, pipe, etc., configured to deliver compressed hydrogen to the outlet of the refueling interface 340.

[0144] Furthermore, the system 300 may include one or more power modules (not shown in Figure 3). In some embodiments, the power modules are contained within the mobile platform 310 and have a modular configuration and / or similar that allows one or more power modules to be handled or operated independently of the mobile platform 310. Thus, if one power module requires maintenance, repair, and / or replacement, such an arrangement can allow that power module to be replaced without substantially affecting the operation of other power modules or other modules of the mobile platform 310. In other embodiments, the power modules may be contained within the vehicle 302 and / or otherwise be power modules of the vehicle 302. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the power module may be a hydrogen power plant of the vehicle 302. Thus, the power module may be configured to supply power to the vehicle 302 and the mobile platform 310 (or its components), respectively, via the vehicle interface 360.

[0145] When the power module is the hydrogen power plant of the vehicle 302, the power module can be configured to accept a flow or supply of hydrogen from the mobile platform 310 (for example, directly from the storage module 320 (or via a manifold or interface between them) or via the refueling interface 340). In some implementations, the power module can include one or more hydrogen tanks similar to and / or substantially identical to one or more of the hydrogen tanks 322 contained within the storage module 320. Thus, the hydrogen tanks can accept a flow of hydrogen from the storage module 320, the refueling interface 340, and / or similar and supply hydrogen to the power module. In some implementations, the power module can accept a flow of hydrogen directly from one or more hydrogen tanks 322 within the storage module (or via a manifold or interface between them).

[0146] The power module is configured to provide electric power to at least the vehicle 302 and the mobile platform 310 (e.g., the compressor 334 and / or the refueling interface 340) via the vehicle interface 360. In some implementations, the power module can also provide electric power to the storage module 320 and / or any other components, modules, systems, and / or similar. For example, in some implementations, the mobile platform 310 can operate in a refueling station at an industrial work site (e.g., a mine site). In some such implementations, the power module can provide a flow of electric power capable of operating to power one or more components of the refueling station (e.g., a lighting system, refueling infrastructure, and / or any other components).

[0147] In some implementations, the power module can be configured to output a flow of electrical power that can be operated to electrically power one or more electrical and / or electronic components of the vehicle interface 360.

[0148] While power modules are described above, it should be understood that this description is provided merely as an example. In some embodiments, system 300 may include any other or additional power modules, generators, storage devices, and / or similar. For example, in some implementations, the mobile platform 310 may include an energy storage device (e.g., one or more batteries, capacitors, flywheels, etc.) that can receive electric power from the power modules of the vehicle 302. In such implementations, the energy storage device may then supply electric power to the modules for the storage module 320, the compressor 334, the refueling interface 340, and / or any other suitable components and / or.

[0149] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 400 according to an embodiment. The mobile hydrogen refueling system 400 ("the System") can be any suitable system configured to store and distribute a quantity of hydrogen fuel (e.g., hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen) that meets the demands of large-scale industries (e.g., mining, rail industries, shipping / freight industries, aerospace industries, large-scale manufacturing industries, and / or similar). In addition, the System 400 is mobile, allowing it to be moved between sites (e.g., mining sites) and / or between work areas within a given site (e.g., different work areas within a mining site). In some embodiments, the System 400 can be designed for operation in rough, uneven, unpaved, and / or steep environments (e.g., those encountered in mining sites or other heavy industrial work sites) (e.g., the System 400 can be "highly durable"). In some embodiments, the system 400 can be modular and / or may include modular components, which can be loaded, unloaded, repaired, replaced, etc., as needed or desired. In some implementations, the system 400 and / or one or more of its components can be configured for autonomous or at least semi-autonomous operation.

[0150] As shown in Figure 4 and as described in further detail herein, System 400 is configured to store, transport, and / or distribute a flow of hydrogen gas to one or more refueling infrastructures and / or one or more hydrogen power plants (for example, refueling infrastructure 105 and hydrogen power plant 106, as described in detail herein with respect to Figure 1A). Thus, System 400 is configured to store, transport, and / or distribute large quantities of hydrogen gas / fuel suitable for large-scale applications, as previously described herein. Although generally shown and described as configured to store gaseous hydrogen, in some implementations, System 400 can be configured to store liquid hydrogen.

[0151] As shown, system 400 is substantially similar to system 300 and includes a mobile platform 410, which is connectable to a heavy equipment vehicle 402 via a vehicle interface 460. The vehicle 402 and vehicle interface 460 can be substantially similar to vehicles 102, 202, 302 and vehicle interfaces 160, 360, respectively, as previously described herein. The mobile platform 410 includes at least one storage module 420 containing a plurality of hydrogen tanks 422, one or more compressors 434, and a refueling interface 440, which supports and / or connects them. The storage module 420, compressor 434, and refueling interface 440 can be substantially similar to the storage module 320, compressor 434, and refueling interface 340, respectively, as described with respect to system 300, and are therefore not described in further detail here. Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 4, vehicle 402 may include a power module similar to or substantially the same as the power module described above with reference to system 300. In some implementations, system 400 may be configured to include liquid hydrogen. In such implementations, system 400 may include a heater 134b and / or a pressure regulator 136b instead of a compressor 434.

[0152] Unlike system 300, the mobile platform 410 includes an enclosure 415. The enclosure 415 can be any suitable structure configured to surround, house, cover, etc., one or more components and / or modules of the mobile platform 410. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the compressor 434 and the refueling interface 440 can be at least partially housed within the enclosure 415, while the storage module 420 is housed substantially outside the enclosure 415. In some implementations, at least a portion of the refueling interface 440 is accessible through the enclosure 415, allowing the refueling interface 440 to interface with refueling infrastructure and / or a hydrogen power plant, as previously described. In some implementations, the enclosure 415 may include one or more openings (e.g., doors, windows, apertures, etc.) through which fluid couplings, fluid or gas transport lines, tubes, nozzles, etc., can be accessed and interface with refueling infrastructure and / or hydrogen power plants.

[0153] Therefore, the enclosure 415 can, for example, enclose and / or protect one or more modules and / or components of the mobile platform 410 from the environment outside the enclosure 415. In some embodiments, the enclosure 415 can be insulated or at least partially insulated, and it can isolate the compressor 434 (or heater and / or pressure regulator) and the refueling interface 440 located therein, thus enabling the mobile platform 410 to operate in any geographical environment (e.g., a warm environment, a hot or cold environment, a desert environment, a tundra environment, a dry environment, or a humid environment).

[0154] Figure 5 is a side view of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 500 according to an embodiment. The mobile hydrogen refueling system 500 ("the System") can be any suitable system configured to store and distribute a quantity of hydrogen fuel (e.g., hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen) that meets the demands of large-scale industries (e.g., mining, rail industries, shipping / freight industries, aerospace industries, large-scale manufacturing industries, and / or similar). In addition, the System 500 is mobile, allowing it to be moved between sites (e.g., mining sites) and / or between work areas within a given site (e.g., different work areas within a mining site). In some embodiments, the System 500 can be designed for operation in rough, uneven, unpaved, and / or steep environments (e.g., those encountered in mining sites or other heavy industrial work sites) (e.g., the System 500 can be "highly durable"). In some embodiments, the system 500 can be modular and / or may include modular components, allowing the components to be loaded, unloaded, repaired, replaced, etc., as needed or desired. In some implementations, the system 500 and / or one or more of its components can be configured for autonomous or at least semi-autonomous operation.

[0155] As shown in Figure 5, System 500 is configured to store, transport, and / or distribute a flow of hydrogen gas to one or more refueling infrastructures and / or one or more hydrogen power plants (for example, refueling infrastructure 105 and hydrogen power plant 106, as described in detail herein with respect to Figure 1A). Thus, System 500 is configured to store, transport, and / or distribute large quantities of hydrogen gas / fuel or liquid hydrogen / fuel suitable for large-scale applications, as previously described herein.

[0156] As shown, system 500 is substantially similar to systems 300 and 400 and includes a mobile platform 510, which is connectable to a heavy equipment vehicle 502 via a vehicle interface 560. The vehicle 502 and the vehicle interface 560 can be substantially similar to vehicles 102, 202, 302, 402 and vehicle interfaces 160, 360, 460, respectively, as previously described herein. The mobile platform 510 includes at least one storage module 520 containing a plurality of hydrogen tanks 522, one or more compressors 534 (or, in implementations where liquid hydrogen is used, a heater and / or a pressure regulator), and a refueling interface 540 that supports and / or connects them. The storage module 520, the compressor 534, and the refueling interface 540 can be substantially similar to the storage modules 320, 420, the compressors 334, 434, and the refueling interfaces 340, 440 described with respect to systems 300, 400, and are therefore not described in further detail here. Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 5, the vehicle 502 can include a power module similar to or substantially the same as the power module described above with reference to system 300.

[0157] The mobile platform 510 includes an enclosure 515. Similar to the enclosure 415, the enclosure 515 can be any suitable structure configured to enclose, house, cover, etc., one or more components, modules, and / or interfaces of the mobile platform 510. However, unlike the mobile platform 410, the storage module 520, the compressor 434, and the refueling interface 540 are each housed within the enclosure 515. Thus, the enclosure 515 can, for example, enclose and / or protect each of the storage module 520, the compressor 534, and the refueling interface 540 from the environment outside the enclosure 515. In some embodiments, the enclosure 515 can be insulated or at least partially insulated, and it can insulate the compressor 534 and the refueling interface 540 located therein, thus enabling the mobile platform 510 to operate in any geographical environment (e.g., a warm environment, a hot or cold environment, a desert environment, a tundra environment, a dry environment, or a humid environment).

[0158] For example, in some implementations, at least a portion of the refueling interface 540 is accessible through the enclosure 515, which allows the refueling interface 540 to interface with refueling infrastructure and / or a hydrogen power plant, as previously described. In some implementations, the enclosure 515 may include one or more openings (e.g., doors, windows, apertures, etc.) through which fluid couplings, fluid or gas transport lines, tubes, nozzles, etc., can be accessed and interface with refueling infrastructure and / or a hydrogen power plant.

[0159] Figure 6A is a side view of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 600 ("the System") according to an embodiment. The System 600 is configured for maximum hydrogen storage to provide, for example, on-site refueling to other mobile hydrogen refueling systems (e.g., Systems 100, 300, 400, 500) at the site. As shown in Figure 6A, the System 600 includes a vehicle 602 connected (e.g., detachably connected) to a mobile platform 610 via a vehicle interface 660. The vehicle 602 and the vehicle interface 660 can be substantially similar to vehicles 102, 202, 302, 402, or 502 and vehicle interfaces 160, 360, 460, 560, respectively, as previously described herein.

[0160] The mobile platform 610 includes a storage module 620 containing a set of hydrogen tanks 622 which can be configured to store gaseous or liquid hydrogen. However, unlike the mobile platforms 310, 410, and 510, the mobile platform 610 is configured primarily for hydrogen storage, and a considerable area of ​​the mobile platform 610 is occupied by the storage module 620, as described above with reference to the second mobile platform 110A shown in Figure 1D. The storage module 620 can contain any number of storage modules 620. The storage module 620 can be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration, for example, it can have a substantially rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the storage module 620 can contain and / or be formed from multiple frame structures, as shown in Figure 6A. In other embodiments, the storage module 620 can be a single integrated frame structure configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 622, etc. In other words, the mobile platform 610 can be connected to and / or include a single storage module 620 configured to store multiple hydrogen tanks 622, or can be connected to and / or include multiple storage modules 620, each of which stores multiple hydrogen tanks 622. In embodiments with multiple storage modules 620, the frames, structures, etc., of each module 620 can be similar or vary. In some embodiments, the storage module 620 can include an open-frame structure, etc., designed to contain and / or immobilize the hydrogen tanks 622, as shown in Figure 6A. In other embodiments, the storage module 620 can include a closed structure similar to and / or substantially the same as, for example, an intermodal container and / or something similar.In such embodiments, the storage module 620 can surround the hydrogen tank 622, protecting it from external conditions outside the intermodal container (e.g., weather, sunlight, potential debris, etc.). Such embodiments are shown, for example, in Figure 6B and are described below.

[0161] As described herein, the storage module 620 of mobile platform 610 extends over a considerable area of ​​mobile platform 610 and contains a substantially larger number of hydrogen tanks 622 than the number of hydrogen tanks 522 contained within the storage module 520 of mobile platform 510. For example, the storage module 620 can contain two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more times the number of hydrogen tanks 622 contained within the storage modules 320, 420, and 520 of mobile platforms 310, 410, and 510, respectively. Thus, the storage module 620 can provide two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more times the hydrogen storage capacity of the storage modules 320, 420, and / or 520. For example, the amount of hydrogen stored in hydrogen tank 622 can be much larger than the amount of hydrogen stored in some known large-capacity hydrogen tank (or "tube") trailers (e.g., at least about 2,000 kg of hydrogen). In some implementations, the storage module 620 of the mobile platform 610 can contain at least about 10,000 kg of hydrogen (e.g., 12,000 kg, 14,000 kg, 16,000 kg, 18,000 kg, 20,000 kg, 25,000 kg (including those values) or more), as described above with reference to storage module 120A. Hydrogen can be stored in gaseous or liquid form, as previously described herein.

[0162] In some implementations, such storage capacity can be based at least in part on, for example, the number of hydrogen tanks 622 stored in the storage module 620, the size or storage capacity of the hydrogen tanks 622, and / or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the storage module 620 can include a single module (e.g., a single large-capacity tube trailer) that contains, accommodates, or stores at least one hydrogen tank (e.g., a large-capacity liquid hydrogen tank). For example, the storage module 620 is shown as storing multiple hydrogen tanks 622 (e.g., relatively small gaseous or liquid hydrogen tanks), but in some implementations, the storage module 620 can provide a structure that stores, protects, at least partially encloses, and / or otherwise supports a single relatively large or large-capacity hydrogen tank (e.g., a large-capacity liquid hydrogen tank). In some implementations, the storage module 620 can include multiple submodules that are connected together, linked together, or stacked together. For example, a submodule may include a high-capacity tube trailer (e.g., a 20ft trailer or a 40ft trailer, or something similar). In some implementations, any combination of smaller or larger storage submodules may be included within the storage module 620.

[0163] As described above, in some embodiments, the storage module 620 can and / or have a modular configuration that allows the storage module 620 to be removably connected to the mobile platform 610. In some cases, such an arrangement can allow the storage module 620 to be replaced, for example, when the amount remaining in the hydrogen tank 622 is low or when it falls below a threshold amount, pressure, etc. In some implementations, the mobile platform 610 can provide indication of the amount, pressure, and / or fill level of the hydrogen tank 622 in the storage module 620. In some implementations, the replacement of the storage module 620 (e.g., replacing an empty or nearly empty module with a full module) can be carried out in an autonomous or at least semi-autonomous process.

[0164] Although not shown, the mobile platform 610 also includes refueling interfaces (e.g., refueling interfaces 140, 340, 440, 540) configured to selectively transmit hydrogen stored in the storage module 620 to the storage modules of other mobile hydrogen refueling systems (e.g., systems 100, 300, 400, 500). In some embodiments, the pressure of the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 622 of the storage module 620 can be higher than the pressure of the hydrogen tank in the storage module of the system to which the hydrogen is being delivered. In such implementations, when the refueling interface is connected to the storage module of the system being refueled, and when the refueling interface is activated, the higher pressure in the hydrogen tank 622 can result in hydrogen being transmitted from the hydrogen tank 622 to the hydrogen tank of the system being refueled via the refueling interface along the pressure gradient. In some embodiments, the refueling interface may include a pump, compressor, or electrically activated sensors, actuators, etc., which can be powered by electrical power provided by a power module (e.g., a power module contained within the vehicle 602). In some implementations where liquid hydrogen is used, the mobile platform 610 may include a heater (e.g., heater 134b) and / or a pressure regulator (e.g., pressure regulator 136b) that can generate gaseous hydrogen from liquid hydrogen and provide the gaseous hydrogen to the refueling interface at a desired pressure.

[0165] Although described as including a refueling interface configured to selectively transmit hydrogen (gaseous or liquid hydrogen) from hydrogen tank 622 to storage modules of other mobile hydrogen refueling systems, in some implementations, system 600 can be used to transmit hydrogen (gaseous or liquid hydrogen) to any permanent, semi-permanent, and / or mobile refueling infrastructure. In some implementations, such infrastructure can be a fluid transfer assembly configured to move, transmit, transport, and / or transfer hydrogen from mobile platform 610 to any equipment, vehicle, storage facility, and / or similar. In some implementations, such a fluid transfer assembly can provide any suitable infrastructure, equipment, modules, and / or similar that enable the fluid transfer assembly to receive hydrogen (gaseous or liquid hydrogen) from hydrogen tank 622 of mobile platform 610, and enable the fluid transfer assembly to transport hydrogen (gaseous or liquid hydrogen) to any equipment, vehicle, asset, storage structure, etc. configured to receive hydrogen. For example, the mobile platform 610 may be mobile around a mining site and / or similar and may be parked, docked, or positioned at least temporarily at a desired refueling location, including permanent, semi-permanent, and / or mobile refueling infrastructure; fluid communication may be established between the hydrogen tank 622 of the mobile platform 610 and the refueling infrastructure; and hydrogen may be transferred via the refueling infrastructure from the hydrogen tank 622 of the mobile platform 610 to a hydrogen tank or storage unit of a mining vehicle or asset (e.g., a mining transport truck) (e.g., a vehicle or asset driven to a refueling location, etc., at least for the purpose of receiving fuel).

[0166] Figure 6B is a side view of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 600' ("the System") according to an embodiment. System 600' can be substantially similar to System 600 described above with reference to Figure 6A. For example, System 600' may include a vehicle 602' connected (e.g., detachably connected) to a mobile platform 610' via a vehicle interface 660'. Vehicle 602' and vehicle interface 660' can be substantially similar to vehicle 602 and vehicle interface 660, respectively, as described above with reference to Figure 6A. The mobile platform 610' may include a storage module 620' configured to store any appropriate number of hydrogen tanks (not shown) (e.g., hydrogen gas tanks or liquid hydrogen tanks). In this embodiment, the storage module 620' encloses the hydrogen tanks to protect them from external conditions (e.g., weather, sunlight, potential debris, etc.).

[0167] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 700 according to an embodiment. The mobile hydrogen refueling system 700 ("the System") can be any suitable system configured to store and distribute a quantity of hydrogen fuel (e.g., hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen) that meets the demands of large-scale industries (e.g., mining, railroad industry, shipping / freight industry, aerospace industry, large-scale manufacturing industry, and / or similar). In addition, the System 700 is mobile, allowing it to be moved between sites (e.g., mining sites) and / or between work areas within a given site (e.g., different work areas within a mining site). In some embodiments, the System 700 can be designed for operation in rough, uneven, unpaved, and / or steep environments (e.g., those encountered in mining sites or other heavy industrial work sites) (e.g., the System 700 can be "highly durable"). In some embodiments, the system 700 can be modular and / or may include modular components, allowing components to be loaded, unloaded, repaired, replaced, etc., as needed or desired. In some implementations, the system 700 and / or one or more of its components can be configured for autonomous or at least semi-autonomous operation.

[0168] System 700 is configured to store, transport, and / or distribute a flow of hydrogen gas to one or more refueling infrastructures and / or one or more hydrogen power plants, as previously described. As shown, System 700 includes a mobile platform 710, which is connectable to heavy equipment vehicles (e.g., vehicles 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602) via a vehicle interface 760. The vehicle interface 760 can be substantially similar to the vehicle interfaces 160, 360, 460, 560, 660, as previously described herein.

[0169] The mobile platform 710 includes a storage module 720, a set of compressors 734, a set of chillers 736, a refueling interface 740, and at least one power module 750, which support and / or are connected to them. In other implementations where liquid hydrogen is used, the mobile platform 710 may include, instead of the set of compressors 734 and the set of chillers 736, heaters and / or pressure regulators, which may support and / or be connected to them. The storage module 720 may be configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 722 (e.g., tanks, tubes, canisters, etc.). Although not shown, the mobile platform 710 may also include one or more manifolds that connect the storage module 720 to the compressors 734 and / or chillers 736. One or more manifolds may allow the compressors 734 to interface with the storage module 720. One or more manifolds can be substantially similar to manifolds 132 or 132b described with respect to mobile platform 110 or 110b, respectively, and are not described in further detail here.

[0170] The compressor 734 is configured to produce a flow of high-pressure hydrogen, which can be cooled by the chiller 736. Thus, the mobile platform 710 can selectively provide a flow of cooled high-pressure hydrogen for distribution via the refueling interface 740. In some implementations, the refueling interface 740 can be configured to engage with refueling infrastructure (e.g., refueling infrastructure 105) found at the operational site (e.g., a mine site). In addition or as an alternative, the refueling interface 740 can be configured to engage with a refueling interface corresponding to a hydrogen power plant (e.g., hydrogen power plant 106) (e.g., a hydrogen fuel cell in a hydrogen power plant contained within a mining truck or other equipment).

[0171] As shown in Figure 7, the mobile platform 710 has a shape, size, and / or configuration that exceeds one or more constraints associated with road travel. Thus, the mobile platform 710 is suitable for large-scale applications that do not encounter such size constraints. In some embodiments, the mobile platform 710 includes a trailer, which can be coupled to a vehicle (e.g., vehicles 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, or 602) via a vehicle interface 760. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the mobile platform 710 includes a set of wheels 711 coupled to a platform, bed, etc., and the platform, bed, etc., supports modules and / or components coupled thereto.

[0172] The vehicle interface 760 may be, and / or include, for example, a gooseneck hitch or connector (as shown in Figure 7) and / or other heavy-duty connectors. The vehicle interface 760 may be substantially similar to vehicle interfaces 160, 360, 460, 560, 660, or any other vehicle interface described herein. Thus, the vehicle interface 760 may include, and / or have any suitable components that enable the mobile platform 710 to interface with and / or connect to a vehicle. In some implementations, the vehicle interface 760 may be a physical interface and any other suitable interface (e.g., an electrical and / or electronic interface). For example, such a vehicle interface 760 may provide an electrical interface that enables electric power to be transferred between the vehicle and the mobile platform 710. In other implementations, the vehicle interface 760 may be a platform, bed, and / or structure mounted on the chassis or other part of the vehicle, as previously described herein (for example, the mobile platform 710 is integrated with the vehicle).

[0173] Although not shown in Figure 7, the mobile platform 710 may include one or more features and / or structures that enable modular arrangement and / or connection between the mobile platform 710 and the storage module 720, compressor 734, chiller 736 (or, alternatively, in an implementation where the mobile platform 710 stores liquid hydrogen in the storage module 720, a heater and / or pressure regulator instead of the compressor 734 and chiller 736), power module 750, and / or any other suitable components. For example, the mobile platform 710 may include rails, tracks, couplers, connectors, interfaces, etc., designed to removably engage with one or more of the components and / or modules. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 710 may allow any of the modules and / or components to be loaded, unloaded, repaired, replaced, etc., as needed or desired. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 710 can enable "hot swapping" of modules and / or components (for example, replacing a module without necessarily interrupting the operation of other modules).

[0174] The mobile platform 710 may have a modular arrangement that allows the mobile platform 710 to be configured with certain components and / or modules, at least in part, based on the conditions at the deployment / work site. For example, the mobile platform 710 may be configured to be deployed in a hot desert environment and may include components and / or modules such as an additional chiller, which may be undesirable for the mobile platform 710 configured for deployment in a cold Arctic or tundra environment. Although not shown, in some embodiments the mobile platform 710 may further include enclosures (similar to, for example, enclosures 115, 415, and / or 515) that can cover or enclose at least some of the modules contained within the mobile platform 710, as previously described.

[0175] The mobile platform 710 may include any number of storage modules 720 that can be configured to store hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen. Figure 7 shows a storage module 720 as having a rectangular shape and including a single integrated frame structure configured to store multiple hydrogen tanks, but in other embodiments, the storage module 720 may be any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In other embodiments, the storage module 720 may include and / or be formed from multiple frame structures. In other embodiments, the mobile platform 710 may be connected to and / or include a single storage module 720 configured to store multiple hydrogen tanks 722, or may be connected to and / or include multiple storage modules 720, each of which stores multiple hydrogen tanks 722. In embodiments with multiple storage modules 720, the frames, structures, etc. of each module 720 may be similar or vary. Although shown as including an open-frame structure, in other embodiments the storage module 720 may include a closed structure similar to and / or substantially the same as, for example, an intermodal container and / or something similar. In such embodiments, the storage module 720 may enclose the hydrogen tank 722 and protect the hydrogen tank 722 from, for example, external conditions of the intermodal container (e.g., weather, sunlight, potential debris, etc.).

[0176] The storage module 720 can be configured to store and / or contain any number of hydrogen tanks 722. The hydrogen tanks 722 can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. The hydrogen tanks 722 can be substantially similar to hydrogen tanks 122, 322, 422, 522, or 622, and are therefore not described in further detail here. The storage capacity of the storage module 720 can be based at least in part on, for example, the number of hydrogen tanks 722 to be stored, the size or storage capacity of the hydrogen tanks 722, and / or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the storage module 720 can include a single module (e.g., a single high-capacity tube trailer) that contains, accommodates, or stores each of the hydrogen tanks 722. In some implementations, the storage module 720 can include multiple submodules that are connected together, linked, or stacked. For example, the submodules can include high-capacity tube trailers (e.g., 20ft or 40ft trailers). In some implementations, any combination of smaller or larger storage submodules can be included within the storage module 720. In certain implementations, the submodule can include several known 20ft or 40ft trailers that can include smaller subassemblies (e.g., racks, shelves, housings, etc.), each of which stores one set of hydrogen tanks 722.

[0177] As described above, in some embodiments, the storage module 720 can and / or have a modular configuration that allows the storage module 720 to be removably connected to the mobile platform 710. In some cases, such an arrangement can allow the storage module 720 to be replaced, for example, when the amount remaining in the hydrogen tank 722 is low or when it falls below a threshold amount, pressure, etc. In some implementations, the mobile platform 710 can provide indication of the amount, pressure, and / or fill level of the hydrogen tank 722 in the storage module 720. In some implementations, the replacement of the storage module 720 (e.g., replacing an empty or nearly empty module with a full module) can be carried out in an autonomous or at least semi-autonomous process.

[0178] The mobile platform 710 can include any number of compressors 734. The compressors 734 can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some embodiments, the compressors 734 can be contained within a compression module (e.g., compression module 133) or a similar module or assembly, as described above with reference to the mobile platform 110 shown in Figure 1A. In some embodiments, the compressors 734 can be similar to, and / or substantially identical to, some known compressors (e.g., diaphragm compressors, rotary compressors, and / or similar) configured to compress or pressurize hydrogen received from the hydrogen tank 722. In some implementations, each of the compressors 734 can be configured to pressurize hydrogen to the same pressure. In some implementations, one or more of the compressors 734 can be configured to pressurize hydrogen gas to different pressures to correspond to different inlet hydrogen pressure demands for various hydrogen power plants, for example, as described above with reference to compressor 134.

[0179] In some embodiments, the compressor 734 can be a high-pressure compressor configured, for example, to accept an input flow of pressurized gas and to provide an output flow of compressed / high-pressure gas at a pressure higher than the input gas flow. In some implementations, for example, the compressor 734 can accept a flow of hydrogen gas having a pressure between approximately 200 bar and 400 bar, and can also output a flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas (or liquid hydrogen) having a pressure between approximately 400 bar and 1,000 bar.

[0180] The compressor 734 can be configured to provide an output flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas to one or more components, modules, interfaces, etc. of the mobile platform 310 (e.g., one or more chillers 736 and / or refueling interfaces 740). In some cases, a high-pressure flow of hydrogen may be desirable. This is because it can be used to produce a hydrogen flow with a relatively high mass flow rate (e.g., compressed hydrogen gas at about 4 kg / min), which can reduce refueling times and increase the utilization of equipment having a hydrogen power plant (e.g., the hydrogen power plant 106 described above). Thus, the compressor 734 can be substantially similar to the compressors 134 and / or 334 described in detail above. In some implementations, the hydrogen tank 722 can be configured to store liquid hydrogen. In such an implementation, the mobile platform 710 may include heaters and / or pressure regulators (e.g., heater 134b and pressure regulator 136b) instead of the compressor 734 and / or one or more chillers 736, which can be configured to generate gaseous hydrogen from liquid hydrogen and produce a flow of hydrogen gas having a relatively high volumetric flow rate or mass flow rate and / or pressure, as described herein.

[0181] The mobile platform 710 may include any number of chillers 736. The chillers 736 may be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some embodiments, the chillers 736 may be similar to and / or substantially identical to some known chillers configured to cool a flow of fluid or gas. For example, in some embodiments, the chillers 736 may include a pump configured to transport a heat transfer fluid, such as a coolant (e.g., R-22, R-290, R-134a, R-450A, etc.), between the location where the hydrogen received from the compressor 734 and the heat transfer fluid are in thermal contact and a heat sink (e.g., a radiator) in order to remove heat from the hydrogen.

[0182] Chiller 736 can be configured to receive a flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas having a first temperature from compressor 734 (or a manifold between them), and can also be configured to deliver a flow of high-pressure hydrogen having a second temperature lower than the first temperature to refueling interface 740. In some cases, chiller 736 can provide a flow of cooled high-pressure hydrogen to, for example, refueling interface 740 and / or power module 750. For example, power module 750 may include a hydrogen power plant, and chiller 736 can provide a flow of hydrogen that can be refueled to power module 750, which provides electric power to mobile platform 710 (e.g., a self-contained, self-powered system). In some embodiments, chiller 736 can be, for example, a gas chiller, which is configured to receive an input flow of pressurized gas, cool the high-pressure gas without substantially changing its pressure (e.g., an isobaric process), and provide an output flow of cooler high-pressure gas at a temperature lower than the temperature of the input gas flow.

[0183] For example, chiller 736 is capable of receiving a flow of hydrogen gas from compressor 734 having a pressure between approximately 200 bar and 400 bar and a temperature between approximately 0°C and -80°C. Chiller 736 is capable of cooling the flow of hydrogen gas and providing an output flow of cooled, high-pressure hydrogen gas having a pressure between approximately 400 bar and 1,000 bar and a temperature between approximately 0°C and -80°C to the refueling interface 740. In some embodiments, chiller 736 can be selected, designed, tuned, and / or configured to provide a flow of hydrogen gas having any suitable pressure and / or temperature to the refueling interface 740 (or power module 750).

[0184] The mobile platform 710 may include one or more refueling interfaces 740. The refueling interfaces 740 may be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some implementations, the refueling interface 740 may include one or more couplers, manifolds, hoses, nozzles, regulators, etc., which are configured to allow the refueling interface 740 to engage with at least one of the refueling interfaces of a refueling infrastructure or a hydrogen power plant and to transfer a flow of hydrogen gas thereto. In some implementations, the refueling interface 740 may include any suitable components configured to allow a flow of hydrogen gas having a high volumetric flow rate and / or mass flow rate suitable for transferring a relatively large volume of hydrogen gas to a storage tank or the like associated with at least one of the refueling infrastructure and / or the hydrogen power plant being refueled. In some implementations, the refueling interface 740 may be configured to provide a flow of hydrogen gas to a power module 750.

[0185] The mobile platform 710 can include any number of power modules 750. The power modules 750 can be of any suitable shape, size, and / or configuration. In some embodiments, the power modules 750 can have a modular configuration and / or similar that allows one or more power modules 750 to be handled independently of the mobile platform 710. For example, in an implementation configuration including multiple power modules, if one power module 750 requires maintenance, repair, and / or replacement, such an arrangement can allow that power module 750 to be replaced without substantially affecting the operation of the other power modules 750 or other modules of the mobile platform 710. As shown in Figure 7, the power module 750 is disposed on a raised platform 752 that is axially displaced from the mobile platform 710. In other embodiments, the power module 750 can be disposed at any suitable location on the mobile platform 710, for example, adjacent to the storage module 720, the compressor 734, the chiller 736, and / or the refueling interface 740.

[0186] In some embodiments, the power module 750 can be, and / or include, one or more hydrogen power plants and can be configured to receive a flow of hydrogen gas / fuel directly from the chiller 736 (or via a manifold or interface between them). In some implementations, the power module 750 can include one or more hydrogen tanks similar to and / or substantially the same as one or more of the hydrogen tanks 722 contained within the storage module 720. Thus, the hydrogen tanks can receive a flow of hydrogen gas / fuel from the chiller 736, the refueling interface 740, and / or similar and can supply hydrogen gas / fuel to the power module 750. In some implementations, the power module 750 can receive a flow of hydrogen directly from one or more hydrogen tanks 722 in the storage module (or via a manifold or interface between them). In other embodiments, the power module 750 can be any suitable generator other than a hydrogen power plant.

[0187] The power module 750 is configured to provide electrical power to at least the compressor 734 and the chiller 736 (or, alternatively, the heater and / or pressure regulator). In some implementations, the power module 750 can also provide electrical power to the storage module 720, the refueling interface 740, the vehicle interface 760, and / or any other components, modules, systems, and / or similar. For example, in some implementations, the mobile platform 710 can operate in a refueling station at an industrial work site (e.g., a mine). In some such implementations, the power module 750 can provide a flow of electrical power capable of powering one or more components of the refueling station (e.g., a lighting system, refueling infrastructure, and / or any other components).

[0188] In some implementations, the power module 750 can provide a flow of electrical power to a vehicle via the vehicle interface 760. For example, in some implementations, the power module 750 can output a flow of electrical power that is operable to electrically power one or more electrical and / or electronic components of the vehicle interface 760. In addition or alternatively, the power module 750 can provide a flow of electrical power that is operable to electrically power a vehicle (for example, via the vehicle interface 760) that can be connected to a mobile platform 710. That is, in some implementations, a vehicle connected to the mobile platform 710 can be electrically powered by the power module 750 of the mobile platform 710.

[0189] Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of an industrial work site 801 ("Work Site") and a refueling station 803 at the work site according to an embodiment, respectively. In this example, work site 801 includes, operates, and / or implements a first mobile hydrogen refueling platform ("First Platform") 810A and optionally a second mobile hydrogen refueling platform 810B ("Second Platform"). In some embodiments, work site 801 can be and / or include a mining site (e.g., quartz, gravel, mica, gold, silver, uranium, copper, iron ore, coal, or any other suitable mining site). The mining work site 801 includes multiple active work sites and multiple refueling stations. Multiple hydrogen-powered mining vehicles can be present on or within the mining work site 801, each mining vehicle operating partially at one or more work sites.

[0190] For example, as can be seen in Figure 8, the industrial work site 801 includes a first mining vehicle 806A operating in a first active work area 802A, a second mining vehicle 806B operating in a second active work area 802B, and a third mining vehicle 806C operating in a third active work area 802C (collectively referred to as “mining vehicle 806” and “active work area 802,” respectively). The active work area 802 can correspond to a specific location within the industrial work site 801 where work (e.g., mining work, excavation, loading / unloading, transportation, etc.) is actively carried out. Such locations may include, for example, a pit loading area, an Oberbaden dumping area, an ore processing area, and / or a stockpile, and / or similar. Although three active work locations 802 are shown in Figure 8, it should be understood that a work site 801 can contain any number of active work locations 802 (for example, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, fifteen, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, or more).

[0191] Each of the mining vehicles 806 can be involved in carrying out mining operations at its respective work site 802. For example, in some implementations, a mining vehicle 806 can be a mining transport truck configured to be loaded / unloaded at, for example, a work site 802, and to transport materials between one or more active work sites 802 and / or any other location inside or outside a work site 801. In some implementations, one or more of the mining vehicles 806 can be a mining transport truck, a hydraulic mining excavator, a large bulldozer, an electric rope excavator, a rotary drill rig, a rock rig, a motor grader, a large wheel loader, one or more draglines, a wheel tractor scraper, an underground or above-ground mining loader, or any other suitable mining vehicle described herein, including a hydrogen power plant.

[0192] As shown in Figure 8, the mining site 801 includes a first refueling station ("refueling station 1") 803A, a second refueling station ("refueling station 2") 803B, and a third refueling station 803C ("refueling station 3"), which are collectively referred to herein as "refueling station 803". Each of the refueling stations 803A, 803B, and 803C includes refueling infrastructure 805A, 805B, and 805C (collectively "805") configured to engage and / or interface with a hydrogen power plant contained within the mining vehicle 806 (for example, the hydrogen power plant 106 described above with reference to Figure 1A). In some implementations, the refueling infrastructure 805 may include one or more storage tanks, etc., configured to receive, at least store, and supply hydrogen gas. In other implementations, the refueling infrastructure 805 may be one or more components that enable engagement between refueling interfaces between hydrogen sources (e.g., mobile platform 810A) and refueling interfaces of one or more hydrogen power plants contained within a mining vehicle 806. In addition, each of the refueling locations 803 may optionally include lighting systems 804A, 804B, 804C (collectively, “804”) for providing illumination to the refueling location 803. The lighting systems 804 may include LED lights, fluorescent lights, halogen lights, incandescent lights, or any other suitable lights and may illuminate the refueling location 803 and / or the surrounding area, enabling worker visibility and / or enabling 24-hour operation by illuminating the refueling location 803 at night, or if the refueling location 803 is underground or otherwise dimly lit.

[0193] In some implementations, each refueling station 803 can be located within a predetermined distance from each active work area 802. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the first refueling station 803A is located close to the first active work area 802A, the second refueling station 803B is located close to the second active work area 802B, and the third refueling station 803C is located close to the third active work area 802C. In some implementations, the location of the refueling stations 803 relative to the active work areas 802 is selected and / or configured to increase or substantially maximize the use of the mining vehicles 806. In some implementations, the refueling stations 803 can be at least semi-permanent structures that can remain in a desired location, for example, as long as work is being carried out at the corresponding active work area 802. In other implementations, the refueling stations 803 can be mobile and / or movable structures that can be easily moved to a desired location at the work site 801.

[0194] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the work site 801 includes, uses, and / or implements a first mobile hydrogen refueling platform 810A and optionally a second mobile hydrogen refueling platform 810B. As described above with reference to mobile platforms 110, 310, 410, 510, 610, and / or 710, the mobile refueling platforms 810A and / or 810B can be designed and / or configured for use in the mining work site 801. For example, the mobile platforms 810A and / or 810B can have a size that exceeds at least one constraint associated with traveling on a highway. In addition, the mobile platforms 810A and / or 810B can be designed for operation in rough, uneven, unpaved, and / or steep environments (for example, those encountered in mining sites or other heavy industrial work sites) (for example, the mobile platforms 810A and / or 810B can be “highly durable”). For example, the mobile platforms 810A and / or 810B can be integrated into and / or at least temporarily coupled to mining transport trucks (for example, corresponding to vehicles 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, and / or 602, and / or any other vehicles described herein). In some cases, a mining transport truck may be operational to move at least the mobile platform 810A over, in, and / or along the work site 801 (for example, to, from, or between, refueling locations 803A, 803B, and 803C, etc.), as indicated by the thick arrows shown in Figure 8. In some cases, the second mobile platform 810B may also be mobile around the work site 801 and capable of refueling the first mobile platform 810A, for example, as described in further detail herein.

[0195] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a refueling station 803 (for example, a first refueling station 803A, a second refueling station 803B, or a third refueling station 803C). A first mobile platform 810A is shown at and / or engaged with refueling station 803, providing a flow of hydrogen to a mining vehicle 806 (for example, a first mining vehicle 806A, a second mining vehicle 806B, or a third mining vehicle 806C), and the mining vehicle 806 is also located at refueling station 803 and at least temporarily connected and / or engaged with its refueling infrastructure 805. As shown, the mobile platform 810A may include any number of components, modules, interfaces, etc. (for example, any of those previously described herein). For example, the mobile platform 810A may include at least a storage module 820A, a compression / transfer module 833A, a refueling interface 840A, and a power module 850A.

[0196] The power module 850A of the mobile platform 810A may include a hydrogen power plant configured to provide electric power to mining transport trucks (e.g., vehicles 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, and / or 602) connected to the mobile platform 810A. In some implementations, the power module 850A may include one or more hydrogen tanks and may be configured to accept a flow of hydrogen from the refueling interface 840A or directly from the compression / transfer module 833A and / or storage module 820A. As described in detail above, power module 850A can be contained within and / or mounted on the mobile platform 810A (e.g., a trailer or other support structure for the mobile platform 810A), or, in addition or as an alternative example, can be a power module contained within a mining transport truck to which the mobile platform 810A is attached (for example, power module 850A can be a hydrogen power plant similar to and / or substantially the same as a hydrogen power plant contained within a mining vehicle 806). In some embodiments, power module 850A can be similar to and / or substantially the same as power modules 150, 150A, and / or 750, and / or any other power modules described herein. Thus, power module 850A can generate electrical power capable of operating to power the mobile platform 810A and / or the mining transport truck used to move the mobile platform 810A.

[0197] The storage module 820A is configured to store, contain, or house multiple hydrogen tanks (for example, configured to store hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen) having a combined capacity greater than the hydrogen consumption of at least two mining vehicles 806 within a period of 24 hours (for example, up to 10,000 kg or more of hydrogen at pressures between approximately 200 bar and approximately 400 bar (inclusive)). For example, in some implementations, the storage module 820A can be similar to or substantially the same as the storage modules 120, 320, 420, 520, 620, and / or 720 described in detail above.

[0198] The compression / transfer module 833A can be configured to receive a flow of hydrogen from one or more hydrogen tanks contained within the storage module 820A, for example, via a manifold (e.g., manifold 132), and to provide a flow of hydrogen to the refueling interface 840A. In some implementations in which the storage module 820A stores gaseous hydrogen, the compression / transfer module 833A can be, and / or include, a compression module similar to or substantially the same as the compression module 133. In such implementations, the compression module can transport a flow of high-pressure hydrogen having a pressure between, for example, about 400 bar and about 1,000 bar (inclusive) to the refueling interface 840A. In some implementations, the compression module can include at least a compressor (e.g., compressors 134, 734) and a chiller (e.g., chillers 136, 736) fluidly connected between the compressor and the refueling interface 840A. The compressor can be configured to compress a flow of hydrogen and, after the flow of high-pressure hydrogen has been cooled by a chiller, provide the flow of high-pressure hydrogen to the refueling interface 840A. Both the compressor and the chiller can be powered by a power module 850A. In some implementations, the flow of high-pressure hydrogen provided from the compression module to the refueling interface 840A is a first flow of high-pressure hydrogen, and the power module 850A can be configured to receive a second flow of high-pressure hydrogen from the compression module after the second flow has been cooled by the chiller. Thus, the compression module can be configured, for example, to provide cooled, high-pressure hydrogen to the refueling interface 840A and / or the power module 850A.

[0199] In several implementations in which the storage module 820A stores liquid hydrogen, the compression / transfer module 833A may be, and / or include, a transfer module similar to or substantially the same as, for example, transfer modules 133b and / or 133e. For example, such a transfer module may include one or more heaters, vaporizers, pumps, and / or pressure regulators (e.g., heater 134b, vaporizers 134e1 and 134e2, pressure regulator 136b or 136e).

[0200] As shown in Figure 9, the refueling interface 840A may include any suitable components, connectors, valves, hoses, tubes, pipes, pumps, etc., to enable the refueling interface 840A to engage, connect, and / or interface with the refueling infrastructure 805. In some embodiments, the refueling interface 840A may be similar to or substantially the same as the refueling interfaces 140, 340, 440, 540, and / or 740, and / or any other suitable refueling interfaces described herein. Thus, when a mining vehicle 806 is present at a refueling site and connected to and / or otherwise engaged with the refueling infrastructure 805, the refueling interface 840A may be configured to transport a flow of hydrogen from a mobile platform 810A (e.g., storage module 820A of mobile platform 810A) to the refueling infrastructure 805 at the refueling site 803. The hydrogen flow may selectively have a second pressure greater than a first pressure, as previously described. In some implementations, the second pressure can be between 400 bar and 1,000 bar (including both ends). In some implementations, the refueling interface 840A can be configured to transport a second flow of hydrogen from the compression / transfer module 833A to the refueling infrastructure 805 at a mass flow rate of at least 4 kg / min.

[0201] Referring back to Figure 8, the second mobile platform 810B can be coupled to mining transport trucks (e.g., vehicles 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, and / or 602) that are operational to move the second mobile platform 810B along and / or around the work site 801. The second mobile platform 810B includes at least a storage module 820B configured to maximize storage. For example, the second mobile platform 810B can be similar to the first mobile platform 810A but can be configured to maximize the amount of hydrogen stored. In some embodiments, for example, the storage module 820B can be configured to store two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more times the amount of hydrogen stored or that can be stored by the storage module 820A of the first mobile platform 810A. In some implementations, the mobile platform 810B can be substantially similar to the mobile platform 110A or 610, as previously described in detail herein.

[0202] As shown in Figure 8, the second mobile platform 810B is mobile to or from at least one refueling station 803 (e.g., first refueling station 803A, second refueling station 803B, and / or third refueling station 803C) and is capable of supplying hydrogen to the first mobile platform 810A. Not shown, the second mobile platform 810B may also include refueling interfaces (e.g., refueling interfaces 140, 340, 440, 540, and / or 740) which are configured to engage and / or interface with a portion of the first mobile platform 810A, enabling the transfer of hydrogen from the storage module 820B of the second mobile platform 810B to at least one hydrogen tank in the storage module 820A of the first mobile platform 810A. Thus, the first mobile platform 810A is used to refuel the mining vehicle 806 at the corresponding refueling station 803, while the second mobile platform 810B can be used to refuel the hydrogen tank of the storage module 820A of the first mobile platform 810A. In some implementations, the refueling of the storage module 820A of the first mobile platform 810A by the second mobile platform 810B can also be carried out at one of the refueling stations 803. In other implementations, the refueling of the storage module 820A of the first mobile platform 810A can be carried out at any suitable location within the work site 801, or at a location outside or near the work site 801.

[0203] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating Method 10 using a mobile hydrogen refueling system according to an embodiment. The mobile hydrogen refueling system can be similar to or substantially the same as, for example, systems 100, 100b, 100e, 300, 400, 500, 600, and / or 700, which are described in detail above. Although described with respect to systems 100 and 100b, it should be recognized that the operation of Method 10 can be carried out by any of the mobile hydrogen refueling systems described herein or any other suitable mobile hydrogen refueling system.

[0204] Method 10 includes the step of loading a storage module containing any number of hydrogen tanks onto a mobile hydrogen refueling system in 11. The mobile hydrogen refueling platform has a size that exceeds at least one constraint associated with traveling on a highway. For example, a storage module 120 that stores, contains, or accommodates one set of hydrogen tanks 122 is loaded onto the mobile platform 110. The mobile platform 110 is coupled to a heavy equipment vehicle 102 (e.g., a mining truck), which is operable to move the mobile platform to or from at least one refueling location (e.g., refueling location 803) at a mining site (e.g., an industrial work site 801). In some implementations, the storage module 120 can be loaded with multiple hydrogen tanks 122 that together contain 1,000 kg, 2,000 kg, 3,000 kg, 4,000 kg, 5,000 kg, 6,000 kg, 7,000 kg, 8,000 kg, 9,000 kg, 10,000 kg, 15,000 kg (including those values) or more of hydrogen (e.g., hydrogen gas or liquid).

[0205] In 12, a first flow of hydrogen is transported from a hydrogen tank 122 of a set of hydrogen tanks 122 contained within the storage module 120 via a manifold 132. For example, the first flow of hydrogen can be transmitted to one or more compressors 134 contained within the mobile platform 110. In some implementations, the first flow of hydrogen is at a first pressure between 200 bar and 400 bar (including any value or range between them).

[0206] In 13, a first flow of hydrogen is compressed and cooled to produce cooled, high-pressure hydrogen. For example, a compressor 134 can receive a first flow of hydrogen gas from a manifold 132 and compress the hydrogen gas to pressurize it. The pressurized hydrogen gas can then be transmitted to a chiller 136, which cools the hydrogen gas and thus produces cooled, high-pressure hydrogen gas. In an implementation where the fuel source is liquid hydrogen, a heater 134b (or expander) can heat or expand the liquid hydrogen to generate gaseous hydrogen, and a pressure regulator 136b can adjust the pressure of the generated hydrogen gas to produce high-pressure hydrogen gas.

[0207] In 14, cooled or otherwise cold high-pressure hydrogen is delivered to the refueling interface 140 of the mobile platform 110. For example, a first flow of hydrogen compressed by the compressor 134 and cooled by the chiller 136 is delivered to the refueling interface 140 of the mobile platform. In 15, a second flow of hydrogen is delivered from the refueling interface 140 of the mobile platform 110 to the refueling interface of a hydrogen power plant contained within a heavy equipment vehicle. In some implementations, the heavy equipment truck may include a mining truck (e.g., a mining vehicle 806). In some implementations, the second flow of hydrogen may be at a second pressure between 400 bar and 1,000 bar (including any value or range between them). In some cases, the relatively high pressure of the second flow of hydrogen may enable and / or result in a second flow of hydrogen having a mass flow rate of at least 4 kg / min.

[0208] In some embodiments, the mobile platform 110 may include a power module 150, which is configured to provide electric power to at least the compressor 134 and chiller 136 of the mobile platform 110. The power module 150 may include a hydrogen power plant. In such embodiments, method 10 may also include the step of transporting a third flow of hydrogen from the chiller 136 to the hydrogen power plant contained within the power module 150, which is used by the power module 150 to generate electricity.

[0209] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating Method 20, according to an embodiment, using a mobile hydrogen refueling system for storing and delivering liquid hydrogen. The mobile hydrogen refueling system can be similar to or substantially the same as, for example, Systems 100, 100b, 100e, 300, 400, 500, 600, and / or 700, which are described in detail above. Although described with respect to System 100e, it should be recognized that the operation of Method 20 can be carried out by any of the hydrogen refueling systems described herein or any other suitable mobile hydrogen refueling system.

[0210] Method 20 includes the step of loading a storage module containing any number of hydrogen tanks for storing liquid hydrogen onto a mobile hydrogen refueling system in 21. The mobile hydrogen refueling platform has a size that exceeds at least one constraint associated with traveling on a highway. For example, a storage module 120e that stores, contains, or accommodates one set of hydrogen tanks 122e is loaded onto the mobile platform 110e. The mobile platform 110e is coupled to a mining vehicle 102 (e.g., a transport truck), and the mining vehicle 102 is operable to move the mobile platform to or from at least one refueling location (e.g., refueling location 803) at a mining site (e.g., an industrial work site 801). In some implementations, the storage module 120e can be loaded with multiple hydrogen tanks 122e containing together 1,000 kg, 2,000 kg, 3,000 kg, 4,000 kg, 5,000 kg, 6,000 kg, 7,000 kg, 8,000 kg, 9,000 kg, 10,000 kg, 15,000 kg (including those values) or more of liquid hydrogen.

[0211] In 22, a refueling interface, which is fluidly connected to one or more hydrogen tanks via a transfer module, is releasably engaged to a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle. The refueling interface may include refueling interface 140e or any other refueling interface described in detail herein. For example, the refueling interface may be releasably engaged, coupled, or connected to a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle 106e using a quick-connect / disconnect coupling.

[0212] In step 23, it is determined whether the pressure in one set of hydrogen tanks 122e is greater than the pressure in a mining truck LH2 tank 107e, which can be connected to a refueling infrastructure 105e or a refueling interface 140e of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 100e for refueling. If a positive pressure difference exists between the set of hydrogen tanks 122e and the mining truck LH2 tank 107e (i.e., the pressure in one set of hydrogen tanks 122e is greater than the pressure in the mining truck LH2 tank 107e (23: yes)), then a portion of the liquid hydrogen flow (e.g., a first portion) is transported in step 24 from the set of hydrogen tanks to the mining truck LH2 tank 107e via the transfer module 133e, as previously described herein with respect to Figure 1E. In step 25, a second portion of the flow is transported via the transfer module 133e to a vaporizer (e.g., a second vaporizer 134e2) to generate hydrogen gas. In 26, the generated hydrogen gas is transported to a set of hydrogen tanks 122e via a transfer module 133e, for example, to maintain the pressure of the liquid hydrogen in the set of hydrogen tanks 122e and reduce hydrogen loss.

[0213] In operation 23, if it is determined that a negative pressure difference exists or substantially no pressure difference exists (i.e., a non-positive pressure difference where the pressure in one set of hydrogen tanks 122e is less than or substantially equal to the pressure in the mining truck LH2 tank 107e (23: No)), then a portion of the liquid hydrogen flow (e.g., a first portion) is transported at 27 via the transfer module 133e from the mining truck LH2 tank 107e to the set of hydrogen tanks 122e, as previously described herein with respect to Figure 1F. A second portion of the flow from the mining truck LH2 tank 107e is transported at 28 via the transfer module 133e to a vaporizer (e.g., a second vaporizer 134e2) to generate hydrogen gas. In 29, the generated hydrogen gas is transported to the mining truck LH2 tank 107e via the transfer module 133e, for example, to maintain the pressure of the liquid hydrogen in the mining truck LH2 tank 107e and reduce hydrogen loss.

[0214] In some embodiments, Method 20 may also include the step of transmitting, via a return line, at least a portion of the gaseous hydrogen generated from the liquid hydrogen that is transmitted from the hydrogen tank of the storage module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, or released from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and returned to the hydrogen tank of the storage module. This makes it possible to mitigate the loss of gaseous hydrogen released from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle (e.g., released as a result of boil-off and / or evaporation of the liquid hydrogen or otherwise lost). For example, gaseous hydrogen may be released from the safety valve or return valve of the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle (or via any other suitable boil-off or steam management system) by recirculating the gaseous hydrogen back to the hydrogen tank of the storage module in response to the pressure in the liquid hydrogen tank exceeding a pressure threshold. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tank of the storage module includes a 20ft ISO tank or a 40ft ISO tank, or any other tank, as previously described herein. In some embodiments, the pressure of liquid hydrogen in the hydrogen tank of the storage module is in the range of about 7 bar to about 12 bar, or any other pressure as previously described herein.

[0215] In some embodiments, the mobile platform 110e may include a power module 150e, which is configured to provide electric power to at least the transport module 133e. The power module 150e may include a hydrogen power plant. In such embodiments, method 20 may also include transporting a third flow of hydrogen from a set of hydrogen tanks 122e to a hydrogen power plant contained within the power module 150e, which is used by the power module 150e to generate electricity. In some embodiments, the mobile platform 110e or storage module 120e may include a vaporizer (e.g., a first vaporizer 134e1) which receives a fourth flow of liquid hydrogen from a set of hydrogen tanks 122e, generates hydrogen gas, and the hydrogen gas is transmitted back to the set of hydrogen tanks 122e to maintain the pressure within it at a desired pressure. In some embodiments, the vaporizer includes an ambient heat exchanger. In some embodiments, Method 20 may include the steps of pressurizing liquid hydrogen received from a hydrogen tank of a storage module via one or more pumps, and transferring the pressurized liquid hydrogen to a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle.

[0216] Certain technical terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and / or features or components thereof and are not intended to be limiting. Various schematic diagrams, embodiments, and / or implementations are described above, but it should be understood that they are presented merely as examples and not as limitations. Unless expressly stated otherwise, various modifications, changes, and / or variations in form and / or details can be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of this disclosure and / or without altering its function and / or merits. Similarly, embodiments (and / or their features, components, configurations, aspects, etc.) may be described above in the context of a particular implementation, but it should be understood that such implementations are presented merely as examples and not as limitations. Unless expressly stated otherwise, any of the embodiments (and / or their features, components, configurations, aspects, etc.) can be used in other implementations and / or adapted for use in other implementations. In addition to those described herein, functionally equivalent embodiments, implementations, and / or methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and are intended to fall within the scope and / or spirit of this disclosure.

[0217] Where the schematic diagrams, embodiments, and / or implementations described above show specific components arranged in a particular orientation, configuration, or position, the arrangement of components can be modified. While various embodiments have been described as having particular features, configurations, and / or combinations of components, other embodiments are also possible that have any combination of features, configurations, and / or components from any of the embodiments described herein, except for mutually exclusive combinations. Embodiments described herein can include various combinations and / or subcombinations of the functions, components, configurations, and / or features of the different embodiments described.

[0218] The specific configurations of various components can also be varied. For example, the size and specific shape of various components can differ from those of the embodiments shown, while still providing the functionality described herein. More specifically, the size and shape of various components can be specifically selected for a desired or intended use. Thus, it should be understood that the size, shape, and / or arrangement of embodiments and / or components can be adapted to a given use unless the context explicitly states otherwise.

[0219] Where the methods described above indicate specific events, steps, and / or procedures occurring in a particular order, the ordering of those specific events, steps, and / or procedures can be modified. Additionally, certain events, steps, and / or procedures can, where possible, be performed simultaneously in parallel processes, or sequentially as described above. While methods have been described as having specific steps and / or combinations of steps, other methods are also possible, except for mutually exclusive combinations, and / or, unless the context explicitly states otherwise, having any combination of steps from any of the methods described herein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0220] 100 Systems 102 vehicles 103 Vehicle System 105 Fueling Infrastructure 106 Hydrogen Power Plant 107e Mining Vehicle LH2 Tank 110 Mobile Platform 115 Enclosure 120 storage modules 122 Hydrogen Tanks 132 Manifold 133 Compression Module 134 Compressor 134b Heater 134e1 First vaporizer 134e2 Second vaporizer 136 Chiller 136b Pressure Regulator 140 Fueling Interface 150 Power Modules 160 Vehicle Interface

Claims

1. A device for refueling with liquid hydrogen fuel at a mining site, A mobile platform that can be attached to a vehicle; A storage module that is detachably connectable to the aforementioned mobile platform, the storage module storing a hydrogen tank configured for storing liquid hydrogen; A transport module that can be connected to the aforementioned mobile platform; A refueling interface configured to engage with the refueling interface of a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle. Includes, The transfer module is configured to receive a flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank, transmit a first portion of the flow to the refueling interface, and transmit a second portion of the flow back to the hydrogen tank, and the refueling interface is configured to transport the first portion of the liquid hydrogen flow from the transfer module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

2. The flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank of the storage module is a first flow, and the transfer module in the first configuration is configured to receive the first flow, transmit the first portion of the first flow to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, and transmit the second portion of the first flow back to the hydrogen tank of the storage module. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer module in the second configuration is configured to receive a second flow of liquid or gaseous hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, transmit a first portion of the second flow to the hydrogen tank of the storage module, and transmit and return a second portion of the second flow to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a first vaporizer, the first vaporizer configured to (i) receive a portion of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank of the storage module, (ii) vaporize the portion of liquid hydrogen to generate gaseous hydrogen, and (iii) in each of the first and second configurations, transmit and return the gaseous hydrogen to the hydrogen tank of the storage module.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a second vaporizer configured to receive the second portion of the first flow of liquid hydrogen, vaporize the second portion of the first flow to generate gaseous hydrogen, and the transfer module configured in the first configuration to transfer and return the gaseous hydrogen to the hydrogen tank of the storage module.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second vaporizer is configured to receive the second portion of the second flow of liquid hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, vaporize the second portion of the second flow, and generate gaseous hydrogen, and the transfer module is configured in the second configuration to transmit the gaseous hydrogen back to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer include ambient heat exchangers.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a quick connect / disconnect coupling configured to releasably connect the hydrogen tank to the mobile platform, wherein the transfer module further comprises a quick connect / disconnect coupling.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer module further includes one or more pumps, the one or more pumps configured to pressurize the liquid hydrogen received from the hydrogen tank of the storage module and to transmit the pressurized liquid hydrogen to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a return line, the return line being configured to selectively transmit and return to the hydrogen tank of the storage module at least a portion of the gaseous hydrogen generated from the liquid hydrogen transmitted from the hydrogen tank of the storage module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, or at least a portion of the gaseous hydrogen released from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen tank of the storage module includes a 20 ft ISO tank or a 40 ft ISO tank.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure of the liquid hydrogen in the hydrogen tank of the storage module is in the range of about 7 bar to about 12 bar.

12. A device for refueling with liquid hydrogen fuel at a mining site, A mobile platform that can be attached to a vehicle; A storage module that is detachably connectable to the aforementioned mobile platform, the storage module storing a hydrogen tank configured to store liquid hydrogen at a first pressure; A transfer module, which is connectable to the mobile platform and includes a pump, is configured to receive a flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank, pressurize the liquid hydrogen to a second pressure greater than the first pressure, and transmit the liquid hydrogen at the second pressure to the liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle; A fuel supply interface is configured to engage with the fuel supply interface of the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and to selectively transport the flow of liquid hydrogen at the second pressure from the transfer module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle. A device including a device.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first pressure is in the range of about 3 bar to about 7 bar, and the second pressure is in the range of about 7 bar to about 12 bar.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the hydrogen tank of the storage module includes a 20 ft ISO tank or a 40 ft ISO tank.

15. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the transport module includes a quick connect / disconnect coupling configured to releasably connect the refueling interface to the mining vehicle.

16. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a return line, the return line being configured to selectively transmit and return to the hydrogen tank of the storage module at least a portion of the gaseous hydrogen generated from the liquid hydrogen transmitted from the hydrogen tank of the storage module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, or at least a portion of the gaseous hydrogen released from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

17. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a first vaporizer, the first vaporizer configured to receive a portion of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank of the storage module, vaporize a portion of the liquid hydrogen to generate gaseous hydrogen, and transmit at least a portion of the gaseous hydrogen back to the hydrogen tank of the storage module.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a second vaporizer, the second vaporizer configured to receive a portion of the hydrogen flow from the hydrogen tank of the storage module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, vaporize the portion of the liquid hydrogen to generate gaseous hydrogen, and the transfer module configured to transmit and return a portion of the gaseous hydrogen to the hydrogen tank of the storage module.

19. The steps include: loading a storage module, including a hydrogen tank for storing liquid hydrogen, onto a mobile platform that can be attached to a vehicle; Steps include: engaging a refueling interface with a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle in a releasable manner, wherein the refueling interface is fluidly connected to the hydrogen tank via a transfer module; In response to the pressure difference between the hydrogen tank of the storage module and the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, and via the transfer module, The steps include transporting a first portion of the liquid hydrogen flow from the hydrogen tank of the storage module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, The steps include transporting the second portion of the flow to a vaporizer to generate hydrogen gas, The steps include transporting the hydrogen gas to the hydrogen tank of the storage module. Methods that include...

20. The pressure difference is a positive pressure difference, and in the case of the positive pressure difference, the pressure in the hydrogen tank of the storage module is greater than the pressure in the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, and the method is In response to a non-positive pressure difference between the hydrogen tank of the storage module and the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, and via the transfer module, The steps include transporting a first portion of the liquid hydrogen flow from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle to the hydrogen tank of the storage module, The steps include transporting the second portion of the flow to the vaporizer to generate hydrogen gas, The steps include transporting the hydrogen gas to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle. The method according to claim 19, further comprising:

21. The aforementioned method, To at least one of the hydrogen tank of the storage module or the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, and via the return line, A step of transporting the first portion of the liquid hydrogen flow from the hydrogen tank of the storage module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, or Steps to transport the first portion of the liquid hydrogen flow from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle to the hydrogen tank of the storage module. The method according to claim 20, further comprising the step of transporting at least a portion of the gaseous hydrogen generated as a result of evaporation during at least one of the following:

22. The transfer module includes a first vaporizer and a second vaporizer, wherein the vaporizer is the second vaporizer, and the method is The steps include: transporting a portion of the liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank of the storage module to the first vaporizer via the transfer module to generate hydrogen gas; The steps include transporting the hydrogen gas to the hydrogen tank of the storage module via the transfer module, and The method according to claim 20, further comprising:

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer include ambient heat exchangers.

24. The method according to claim 19, wherein the refueling interface is releasably engaged with the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle using a quick connect / disconnect coupling.

25. The aforementioned method, The steps include pressurizing the liquid hydrogen received from the hydrogen tank of the storage module via one or more pumps; The steps include: transmitting the pressurized liquid hydrogen to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle; The method according to claim 19, further comprising:

26. The method according to claim 19, wherein the hydrogen tank of the storage module includes a 20 ft ISO tank or a 40 ft ISO tank.

27. The method according to claim 19, wherein the pressure of the liquid hydrogen in the hydrogen tank of the storage module is in the range of about 7 bar to about 12 bar.

28. The method according to claim 19, wherein the hydrogen tank is contained within a plurality of hydrogen tanks loaded into the storage module, and each of the plurality of hydrogen tanks is configured to store liquid hydrogen.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein each of the hydrogen tanks from the plurality of hydrogen tanks is fluidly connected to the transfer module via a manifold.

30. The mining vehicle is the first mining vehicle, and the method is The steps include connecting the mobile platform to a second mining vehicle; The steps include moving the mobile platform from a first location at the mining site to a second location at the mining site via the second mining vehicle, and The method according to claim 19, further comprising:

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