Hydrogen generation system

Abstract

The hydrogen generation system can include one or more hydrogen electrolyzers, a plurality of gas separation units in fluid communication with the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers, where at least one gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units is laterally spaced from an adjacent gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units by a first distance that is greater than a width of one of the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers, and electrical supporting hardware in electrical communication with the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers and the plurality of gas separation units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 180306, filed on April 27, 2021, the benefit of which is hereby claimed, and this patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This document generally pertains to, without limitation, hydrogen production facilities. More specifically, but without limitation, this application relates to systems and methods for the construction and maintenance of facilities configured to produce hydrogen by performing electrolysis.

Background Art

[0003] Hydrogen production facilities typically perform electrolysis by applying direct current converted from alternating current to a hydrogen electrolyzer. A hydrogen electrolyzer is a device that uses electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, and the process is called electrolysis. During electrolysis, the hydrogen electrolyzer forms hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, which are captured and extracted by a plurality of gas separator units of the production facility in fluid communication with the hydrogen electrolyzer. The extracted oxygen can be stored, for example, to provide an industrial process or to provide medical gases. Alternatively, the extracted oxygen can simply be released into the atmosphere. The extracted hydrogen can be stored to provide fuel to a hydrogen gas - usable gas turbine engine, such as an industrial chemical manufacturing plant or a power plant, connected to a distributed power transmission grid. Further, the extracted hydrogen can also be stored for later use, such as during peak demand periods when a power plant may require additional fuel. Additionally, the extracted hydrogen can also be used to fuel hydrogen fuel cells in various applications, including, for example, data centers or electric vehicles.

[0004] Currently, many hydrogen production facilities configured for electrolysis are project-scale (e.g., small-scale) with less than 50 megawatts. In such facilities, positioning one or more hydrogen electrolyzers and gas separation units in a low-density arrangement can facilitate the safe and easy operation of the production facility. For example, each hydrogen electrolyzer and each gas separation unit in the production facility can be spaced relatively far apart from adjacent hydrogen electrolyzers or gas separation units. This can simplify the construction of the hydrogen production facility and help provide workers with easy access to the hydrogen electrolyzers, gas separation units, and other components of the hydrogen production facility, such as when maintenance or replacement of one of the hydrogen electrolyzers is required.

[0005] Hydrogen production facilities, including those with low-density configurations, can be inefficient and undesirable because they produce relatively small amounts of hydrogen proportional to the size of the space they occupy. Furthermore, in large-scale hydrogen production facilities (e.g., those exceeding 200 megawatts) where a greater number of hydrogen electrolyzers and gas separation units may be present, low-density configurations may be impractical or even prohibitively expensive to construct or operate. Therefore, hydrogen production facilities may utilize high-density configurations to increase the facility's hydrogen production capacity without increasing the space occupied, by spacing each hydrogen electrolyzer and gas separation unit within a relatively small distance from adjacent electrolyzers or gas separation units.

[0006] However, hydrogen production facilities with high-density layouts may prevent workers from easily accessing hydrogen electrolyzers, gas separation units, or other components of the production facility, such as when one of the hydrogen electrolyzers needs maintenance or replacement. Therefore, hydrogen production facilities with high-density layouts may include specialized transport systems, such as overhead cranes, to move the various components within the production facility. Such transport systems can increase the construction costs and operational complexity of the hydrogen production facility. For example, an overhead crane represents a complex mechanical component that needs to be purchased, installed, frequently maintained, and kept running smoothly.

[0007] Furthermore, the use of many existing transport systems can compromise the safety of workers within hydrogen production facilities. For example, the use of overhead cranes to move hydrogen electrolyzers for maintenance or replacement can be laborious and dangerous, as hydrogen electrolyzers often weigh between 50 and 70 tons. Therefore, lifting the electrolyzers off the ground, for example, above the gas separation unit or workers within the facility, must be done carefully to avoid serious injury to workers or damage to underlying equipment components, such as hydrogen pipelines, which are fragile and potentially dangerous. In addition, the use of many existing transport systems can disrupt the hydrogen production capacity of hydrogen production facilities. For example, the safe replacement of hydrogen electrolyzers using overhead cranes can be a time-consuming process for the reasons discussed above, and the hydrogen production capacity of the production facility may be reduced because a considerable amount of time is spent during the replacement of hydrogen electrolyzers. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In view of the above, the inventors have recognized that, in particular, the problems to be solved in high-density hydrogen production facilities may include high construction and operating costs, safety risks to workers in the maintenance or replacement of hydrogen electrolyzers, and interrupted hydrogen production capacity. This disclosure can help address these problems, for example, by providing a high-density hydrogen production system that can be maintained without using a transport system to lift some components considerably above the ground level of the production facility. For example, the hydrogen production system may include gas separation units spaced laterally apart along a first axis by a first distance from each other, and hydrogen electrolyzers spaced laterally apart along a second axis that extends longitudinally from the first axis parallel to the first axis. Furthermore, each gas separation unit may be spaced longitudinally apart from each of the hydrogen electrolyzers by a second distance, and the first and second distances may each be greater than the width of the individual hydrogen electrolyzers.

[0009] In light of the above, the first and second distances are separated by the first distance, and the hydrogen electrolyzer passes between two gas separation units located at a second distance from other hydrogen electrolyzers in the production facility. This allows workers to slide, roll, or otherwise move the hydrogen electrolyzer along the ground of the production facility to the outlet door of the production facility, thereby enabling the rapid removal and replacement of any hydrogen electrolyzer within the production facility. In this configuration, the hydrogen production system can reduce the cost of constructing a high-density hydrogen production facility by eliminating the need for overhead cranes or other transport systems, reduce the impact of hydrogen electrolyzer maintenance or replacement on the hydrogen output capacity of the production facility, and enhance the safety of workers within the production facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one example, the hydrogen generation system comprises one or more hydrogen electrolyzers and a plurality of gas separation units fluidly communicating with the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers, wherein at least one of the plurality of gas separation units is spaced laterally apart from adjacent gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units by a first distance greater than the width of one of the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers, and electrical support hardware that is in electrical communication with the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers and the plurality of gas separation units.

[0011] In another example, a method for arranging a hydrogen production facility includes the steps of: positioning a plurality of gas separation units along a first axis; positioning one or more hydrogen electrolyzers along a second axis parallel to the first axis and extending longitudinally from the first axis, thereby positioning at least one of the plurality of gas separation units at a first lateral distance greater than the width defined by each of the elongated elliptical bodies of the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers from adjacent gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units; and establishing electrical communication between electrical support hardware, the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers, and the plurality of gas separation units.

[0012] This summary is intended to provide an abstract of the subject matter of this patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive description of the invention. Further details are included to provide further information relating to this patent application. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an example power system, including a hydrogen generation system. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of an example of a hydrogen generation system. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of an example of a hydrogen generation system. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating one example of how to set up a hydrogen generation system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and similar numbers may represent the same components in different drawings. Similar numbers with different subscripts may represent different examples of the same components. The drawings are intended as examples, not as limitations, to illustrate the various embodiments discussed in this document.

[0015] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example power system 100 including a hydrogen production system 102. The hydrogen production system 102 may include a building 104. The building 104 may be an existing building, such as one located within an existing hydrogen production facility. The building 104 may also be a custom-built building for the hydrogen production system 102, measuring approximately 330 to 335 feet in length and approximately 75 to 80 feet in width, but is not limited to this. The building 104 may be ventilated to the atmosphere to enhance worker safety and to comply with various relevant regulations. In the example shown in Figure 1, the building 104 may be rectangular in shape. The building 104 may define a ground area 105. The ground area 105 may have an interior floor surface such as cement, asphalt, concrete, or pavement.

[0016] The hydrogen generation system 102 may include one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 and a plurality of gas separation units 108. The one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 and the plurality of gas separation units 108 may be located within a building 104 on the ground 105. For example, the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 and the plurality of gas separation units 108 may be located on a movable platform configured to allow the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 and the plurality of gas separation units 108 to slide, roll, or otherwise translate along the ground 105. The one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 are configured to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in response to receiving power, such as in the form of DC.

[0017] One or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 can include various types of electrolyzers, such as, but are not limited to, proton electrolyte membranes or alkaline electrolyzers. Multiple gas separation units 108 are configured to separate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas produced by the hydrogen electrolyzers 106 from an electrolyte, such as an alkaline electrolyte. Multiple gas separation units 108 can be fluidly connected to one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106, allowing them to receive oxygen gas and hydrogen gas produced by one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106. One or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 and multiple gas separation units 108 can be arranged in a building 104 to form two parallel, opposing rows, as shown in Figure 1. By spacing at least two of the multiple gas separation units 108 laterally apart from each other by a lateral distance greater than the width of one of the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106, it is possible to allow one of the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 to pass between at least two of the multiple gas separation units 108, for example, when they are removed from the building 104 for maintenance or replacement.

[0018] Furthermore, by positioning each gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units 108 longitudinally from each hydrogen electrolyzer of one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 by a longitudinal distance greater than the width of one of the hydrogen electrolyzers 106, it becomes possible to change the orientation or position of any of the hydrogen electrolyzers 106, or otherwise modify them, for example, when removing them from the building 104 for maintenance or replacement. Thus, the lateral distance between at least two gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units 108 and the longitudinal distance between each gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units 108 and each hydrogen electrolyzer of one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 can cooperate to define the first extraction path P1.

[0019] The first extraction path P1 can provide a path along which one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 can translate to reach the exit door 109 of the building 104. It should be noted that movement of one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 in the opposite direction to the longitudinal direction of the first extraction path P1 is not feasible due to the presence of the electrical support hardware 110. Subsequently, the maintained or replacement hydrogen electrolyzer can be moved into the building 104, for example, by following the first extraction path P1 in the opposite direction. In this configuration, the hydrogen production system 102 can reduce construction costs, improve worker safety within the high-density hydrogen production facility by eliminating the need for overhead cranes or other transport systems, and reduce the impact of hydrogen electrolyzer maintenance or replacement on the hydrogen output capacity of the high-density hydrogen production facility by shortening the time required to replace hydrogen electrolyzers.

[0020] The electrical support hardware 110 can be configured to provide power to various components of the hydrogen production system 102, such as one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106. For example, the electrical support hardware may include a transformer and a rectifier. The transformer may accept a standard voltage AC, such as about 34.5 kilovolts, and may change the voltage from the standard voltage to a preferred operating voltage. The transformer may communicate with the rectifier. The rectifier may convert the AC at the operating voltage to DC for one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106.

[0021] The electrical support hardware 110 can be located outside the building 104. For example, the electrical support hardware 110 can be located outside or inside an adjacent building configured to house the electrical support hardware 110. This can help enhance the safety of the hydrogen production system 102 by reducing the likelihood of fire or explosion of any suspended hydrogen or oxygen gas produced by one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106. Furthermore, this can help the hydrogen production system 102 comply with various regulations relating to reducing the exposure of one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 or multiple gas separation units 108 to any potential ignition sources present during the operation of the electrical support hardware 110. In some examples, the electrical support hardware 110 can receive alternating current from the power grid 114. In additional examples, the electrical support hardware 110 can receive power directly from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, for example, direct current, in addition to or as an alternative to power from the power grid 114.

[0022] Power system 100 can include power plants 112A, 112B, and 112C. At least one of power plants 112A, 112B, and 112C can utilize hydrogen gas generated by hydrogen generation system 102 to generate electric power and provide the electric power to a distributed power transmission system network (DGN) (e.g., a "power transmission system") such as power transmission system 114, which can include controller 116. Power plant 112A can include generator unit 118 and controller 120. Generator unit 118 can include generator 122, engine controller 124 such as a distributed control system (DCS) device, and gas turbine engine 126. In one example, gas turbine engine 126 can be a hydrogen-usable gas turbine engine configured to receive hydrogen gas from a plurality of gas separation units 108 of hydrogen generation system 102. Power transmission system 114 can be configured to deliver the electric power from generator 122 as well as the electric power from power plants 112B and 112C to end user 128, which can include residential dwelling units 130 and factories 132.

[0023] Power plants 112A, 112B, and 112C may include power plants of the same or different types. In some examples, power plant 112A may be a gas turbine power plant, and power plants 112B and 112C may be equipped with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. The controller 120 can work with each of the power plants 112A to 112C to balance the power supply with the power demand. In addition, power plants 112A to 112C that make good use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power can store the electricity generated by these methods when environmental conditions are suitable for wind and solar energy generation, for later use when environmental conditions are unsuitable for wind and solar energy generation. For example, when renewable energy is available, power plants 112B and 112C can convert renewable energy into electricity to power the hydrogen generation system 102, which can then be stored in the form of hydrogen gas for later use at power plant 112A when demand is high. In light of the above, the hydrogen generation system 102 may be part of the power system 100, for example, to help provide electricity to the end user 128.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an example hydrogen generation system 102. FIG. 2 is considered in reference to the hydrogen generation system 102 shown in and described with respect to FIG. 1 above. FIG. 2 also shows a first axis A1, a second axis A2 extending longitudinally offset from the first axis A1 parallel to the first axis A1, a separator axis A3, an electrolyzer axis A4, and orientation indicator lateral and longitudinal directions. As shown in FIG. 2, the hydrogen generation system 102 can include a plurality of gas separation units 108. The plurality of gas separation units 108 can include various numbers of individual gas separation units, for example, based on the space available within the building 104 or at a planned construction site. For example, the plurality of gas separation units 108 can include four gas separation units as shown in FIG. 2, and each gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units 108 can include an oxygen separator and a hydrogen separator. In other examples, the plurality of gas separation units 108 can include, without limitation, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 or more individual gas separation units.

[0025] Each gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units 108 can define an oval body 133 that includes a first separator face 134, a second separator face 136, and a third separator face 137. The first separator face 134 can face the second separator face 136 or, alternatively, be on the opposite side thereof. For example, the first separator face 134 and the second separator face 136 can be the outermost lateral faces of each of the plurality of gas separation units 108. In some examples, the first separator face 134 and the second separator face 136 can be measured to be, without limitation, from about 20 feet to about 25 feet. In one example, the first separator face 134 and the second separator face 136 can be measured to be about 22 feet.

[0026] The first separator surface 134 can define the separator axis A3, which can extend perpendicular to the first axis A1. The third separator surface 137 may be the outermost longitudinal surface of each of the multiple gas separation units 108. In some examples, the third separator surface 137 can measure from about 11 to about 15 feet, but is not limited to this. In one example, the third electrolytic cell surface 142 can measure about 13 feet. When arranged along the first axis, the third separator surface 137 of each of the multiple gas separation units 108 can extend axially laterally with respect to the first axis A1, and perpendicular to the first separator surface 134 and the second separator surface 136. In one example, each of the multiple gas separation units 108 can define a height of about 17 feet, but is not limited to this, by extending outward from the plane in Figure 2, for example. Each of the plurality of gas separation units 108 may include an oxygen separator and a hydrogen separator located within the area of ​​each of the plurality of gas separation units 108 described herein.

[0027] The hydrogen generation system 102 may include one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106. One or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 may include a varying number of individual hydrogen electrolyzers based on the available space, for example, within the building 104 or at the planned construction site. For example, one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 may include eight hydrogen electrolyzers, as shown in Figure 2. In other examples, one or more hydrogen electrolyzers may include, but are not limited to, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or twelve hydrogen electrolyzers.

[0028] In some examples, as shown in Figure 2, the hydrogen production system 102 may include a 2:1 ratio (e.g., rows) of hydrogen electrolyzers to gas separation units to improve cost optimization, for example, by increasing the efficiency of the hydrogen production system 102. In such examples, one or more hydrogen electrolyzers may be paired and spaced laterally along a second axis A2 so that the lateral distance D3 between two hydrogen electrolyzers of a pair of hydrogen electrolyzers in fluid communication with a single gas separation unit is smaller than the lateral distance D4 between hydrogen electrolyzers of another pair of hydrogen electrolyzers that are adjacent to one of the two hydrogen electrolyzers of the pair of hydrogen electrolyzers.

[0029] Each of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells 106 may include an elongated elliptical body 139 defining a first electrolytic cell surface 138, a second electrolytic cell surface 140, and a third electrolytic cell surface 142. The first electrolytic cell surface 138 may face the second electrolytic cell surface 140, or otherwise be on the opposite side. For example, the first electrolytic cell surface 138 and the second electrolytic cell surface 140 may be the outermost lateral surfaces of each of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells 106. In some examples, the first electrolytic cell surface 138 and the second electrolytic cell surface 140 may measure from about 25 to about 30 feet, but are not limited to this. In one example, the first electrolytic cell surface 138 and the second electrolytic cell surface 140 may measure from about 27.5 feet.

[0030] The first electrolytic cell surface 138 can define the electrolytic cell axis A4. The electrolytic cell axis A4 can extend perpendicular to the second axis A2. The third electrolytic cell surface 142 may be the outermost longitudinal surface of one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells 106. In some examples, the third electrolytic cell surface 142 can measure from about 8 to about 11 feet, but is not limited to this. In one example, the third electrolytic cell surface 142 can measure about 9.5 feet. When positioned along the second axis A2, each third electrolytic cell surface 142 can extend axially laterally with respect to the second axis A2 and perpendicular to the first electrolytic cell surface 138 and the second electrolytic cell surface 140. In one example, each hydrogen electrolytic cell of one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells 106 can define a height of about 8.5 feet, but is not limited to this, by extending outward from the plane in Figure 2, for example.

[0031] In some examples, the gas separation units 108 can be arranged with respect to one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells 106 such that the first separator surface 134 of at least one of the gas separation units 108, and thereby the separator axis A3, extends longitudinally and axially, or otherwise parallel thereto, together with the first electrolytic cell surface 138 of at least one of the hydrogen electrolytic cells 106, and thereby the electrolytic cell axis A4. In some examples, such as those shown in Figure 2, the gas separation units 108 can be arranged with respect to one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells 106 such that the first separator surface 134 of at least one of the gas separation units 108, and thereby the separator axis A3, extends laterally offset from the first electrolytic cell surface 138 of at least one of the hydrogen electrolytic cells 106, and thereby the electrolytic cell axis A4.

[0032] The third electrolytic cell surface 142 can define the width W1 of each hydrogen electrolytic cell in one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells 106. The width W1 can be defined as the distance that each hydrogen electrolytic cell in one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells 106 extends laterally with respect to the second axis A2. The electrical support hardware 110 (Figure 1) can be positioned relative to the third electrolytic cell surface 142 of each elongated elliptical body 139 of each hydrogen electrolytic cell in one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells 106. For example, the electrical support hardware 110 can be positioned outside the first wall 144 of the building 104, closer to one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells 106 than to the multiple gas separation units 108, or otherwise closer.

[0033] In some examples, the gas separation units 108 can be arranged along a first axis A1 such that each gas separation unit of the gas separation units 108 is spaced a distance D1 apart from adjacent gas separation units of the gas separation units 108. For example, the first distance D1 can be defined as the lateral distance between the first separator surface 134 of one of the gas separation units 108 and the second separator surface 136 of an adjacent gas separation unit of the gas separation units 108. The first distance D1 is configured to be greater than the width W1 defined by the third electrolytic cell surface 142 of one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells 106. For example, the first distance D1 may be, but is not limited to, 1 percent to about 9 percent, 10 percent to about 100 percent, or about 1 percent to about 200 percent greater than the width W1 of each of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells 106. In some cases, the first distance D1 can measure approximately 30 to 40 feet, but is not limited to this range.

[0034] In some examples, as shown in Figure 2, multiple gas separation units 108 can be arranged in pairs along a first axis A1, so that the first distance D1 is defined between all other gas separation units of the multiple gas separation units 108 arranged along the first axis A1. Such an arrangement can increase density, thereby helping to reduce the scaled size or footprint of the hydrogen generation system 102, while maintaining the ability of the hydrogen generation system 102 to allow workers to quickly remove one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 from the building 104 for maintenance or repair. In other examples, the multiple gas separation units 108, though not limited to these, are arranged along a first axis A1 such that a first distance D1 is defined between all third gas separation units, all fourth gas separation units, or all fifth gas separation units (as shown in Figure 1) of the multiple gas separation units 108, thereby increasing the density of the hydrogen generation system 102 and thereby improving the efficiency of the hydrogen generation system 102, for example, in examples where the available space within the building 104 is more limited.

[0035] Each hydrogen electrolyzer in one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 can travel a relative lateral distance to the number of pairs of gas separation units that define a first distance D1 during extraction or replacement. For example, compared to an example of a hydrogen production system 102 where multiple gas separation units 108 define a first distance D1 between all other gas separation units, if multiple gas separation units 108 define only one first distance D1, then the hydrogen electrolyzers in one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 can pass between two adjacent gas separation units of the multiple gas separation units 108 that define the distance D1, thereby traveling a larger lateral distance to reach one of the exit doors 109.

[0036] Therefore, the time required for a worker to remove one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 from the building 104 can be inversely proportional to the number of pairs of gas separation units defining a first distance D1. Furthermore, in some examples, the number of exit doors 109 included in the building 104 can coincide with the number of pairs of gas separation units defining a first distance D1, for example, to help facilitate the easy removal of any of the hydrogen electrolyzers 106 from the building 104. In some examples, the first removal path P1 can be defined by the first distance D1 or otherwise made possible. The first removal path P1 shown in Figure 2 may be similar to the first removal path P1 shown in Figure 1 in that it can show a path that any of the hydrogen electrolyzers 106 can take to reach one of the exit doors 109 of the building 104. In other examples, the first extraction path P1 can be defined by a first distance D1 and a second distance D2, or by any other means.

[0037] In some examples, each gas separation unit of a plurality of gas separation units 108 can be arranged along a first axis A1, and each hydrogen electrolyzer of one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 can be arranged along a second axis A2, so that the plurality of gas separation units 108 are longitudinally spaced apart from one or more hydrogen electrolyzers by a second distance D2. For example, the second distance D2 can be defined as the longitudinal distance between the third separator surface 137 of each gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units 108 and the third electrolyzer surface 142 of one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 that are adjacent, or otherwise opposite or facing each other. The second distance D2 can be configured to be greater than the width W1 defined by the third electrolyzer surface 142 of each hydrogen electrolyzer of one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106. For example, the second distance D2 may be, but is not limited to, 1 percent to about 9 percent larger, 10 percent to about 100 percent larger, or about 1 percent to about 200 percent larger than the width W1. In some cases, the second distance D2 can measure approximately 20 to 30 feet, but is not limited to this range.

[0038] The second distance D2 can be configured (selected) to provide a longitudinal clearance sufficient to help allow one or more hydrogen electrolyzers to be rotated to a predetermined orientation or moved to a predetermined position, for example, with respect to a horizontal plane extending perpendicular to the second axis A2, while being removed from the building 104 for maintenance or replacement, such as when sliding, rolling, or otherwise translating along the first extraction path P1 to one of the exit doors 109. Thus, the second distance D2 can be configured to correspond to the number of pairs of gas separation units defining the first distance D1. For example, compared to an example of a hydrogen production system 102 in which multiple gas separation units 108 define a first distance D1 between all other gas separation units, if multiple gas separation units 108 define only one first distance D1, then the hydrogen electrolyzers of one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 may need to rotate more around a horizontal plane extending perpendicular to a second axis A2 in order to pass between two adjacent gas separation units of the multiple gas separation units 108 that define the distance D1, thereby reaching one of the exit doors 109, and thus requiring a larger second distance D2. In some examples, the distance D2 may provide enough clearance for the electrolyzers to rotate between approximately 1 to 10 degrees, approximately 11 to 20 degrees, or approximately 21 to 90 degrees around a horizontal plane extending perpendicular to a second axis A2, but not limited to this.

[0039] In some examples, the second distance D2 may be sufficient to allow the hydrogen generation system 102 to define a second extraction path P2 by defining a passage, for example, between one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 and a plurality of gas separation units 108, and sized to allow any of the hydrogen electrolyzers of the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 to move between them. The second extraction path P2 shown in Figure 2 may indicate an alternative path through which any of the hydrogen electrolyzers of the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 can proceed to exit the building 104 through an exit door 146 without passing between any of the plurality of gas separation units 108. In some examples, such as shown in Figure 2, the exit door 146 may be defined on a wall of the building 104 that extends perpendicularly to the wall of the building 104 where an exit door 109 is located. Furthermore, Figure 2 shows a second extraction path P2 that leads to the right of one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106, but the second extraction path P2 and the outlet door 146 may also lead to the left of one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106, as in one example where the outlet door 146 is located on the opposite or opposing wall as shown in Figure 2.

[0040] In some examples, one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 can be fluidly connected to a plurality of gas separation units 108 via a fluid connector 148. The fluid connector 148 may be, or include, gas and / or liquid transfer pipes or lines configured to move the electrolyte containing oxygen and hydrogen gas between each of the hydrogen electrolyzers 106 to the adjacent, or otherwise nearest, gas separation unit 108. In some examples, the fluid connector 148 may be located underground, such as directly below the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106, the plurality of gas separation units 108, or the ground 105. Located underground can help reduce the number of hydrogen pipes or other components extending between the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 and the plurality of gas separation units 108. Because hydrogen pipes can be easily damaged and pose a risk if leaks occur, such as those caused by contact from an electrolytic cell being lifted using an overhead crane, the placement of underground fluid connectors 148 can further enhance the safety and reliability of the hydrogen production system 102.

[0041] In other examples, the fluid connector 148 may be located on the ground, such as being positioned above one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106, multiple gas separation units 108, or the ground 105. Positioning the fluid connector 148 on the ground can reduce the complexity of construction, such as the building 104, thereby reducing the construction cost of the hydrogen production system 102. Furthermore, because hydrogen gas is lighter than air, positioning the fluid connector 148 on the ground can help facilitate the drainage of electrolyte back into one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 when one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 are shut down.

[0042] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example hydrogen production system 202. Figure 3 also shows a first axis A1, a second axis A2 extending parallel to the first axis A1 and offset longitudinally from the first axis A1, a separator axis A3, an electrolytic cell axis A4, and the orientation indicator in both lateral and longitudinal directions. The hydrogen production system 202 may be similar to the hydrogen production system 102 shown in Figures 1 and 2 above, and described with respect to Figures 1 and 2, except that each of the multiple gas separation units 208 may be spaced laterally apart from adjacent gas separation units of the multiple gas separation units 208 by a fifth distance D5.

[0043] The fifth distance D5 can be defined as the lateral distance between the first separator surface 234 of one of the multiple gas separation units 208 and the second separator surface 236 of adjacent gas separation units 208. The fifth distance D5 may be smaller than the width W1 defined by the third electrolytic cell surface 242 of any of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells 206. Therefore, the fifth distance D5 is insufficient to allow the hydrogen electrolytic cells of one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells to pass between two of the multiple gas separation units and reach, for example, the exit door 109 located along the first extraction path P1 shown in Figure 2. The fifth distance D5 may be a function of the reduced footprint or scaled size of the building 204, for example, with respect to the building 104 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0044] For example, the building 204 may lack sufficient lateral length or dimension to position any of the multiple gas separation units at a first distance D1 (Figure 2) relative to each other, due to the size of the available building space. In such an example, a second distance D2 is configured to allow the hydrogen production system 202 to define a second extraction path P2. In some examples, the second extraction path P2 shown in Figure 3 may be the sole extraction path for one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106, so the second distance D2 shown in Figure 3 may be greater than the second distance D2 shown in Figure 2. The second extraction path P2 may be similar to the second extraction path P2 shown in Figure 2 and described with respect to Figure 2 above.

[0045] In addition, in contrast to the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 106 and multiple gas separation units 108 shown in Figure 2, the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 206 and multiple gas separation units 208 shown in Figure 3 can be arranged equidistant from each other, for example, by a sixth distance D6, thereby further increasing the density of the hydrogen production system 202 by reducing the lateral distance, for example, relative to the distance D4 shown in Figure 2. In view of the above, the hydrogen production system 202 can enable the rapid removal and replacement of one or more hydrogen electrolyzers 206 within the building 204 by allowing workers to slide, roll, or otherwise move the hydrogen electrolyzers along the ground of the production facility to the exit door 246 of the building 204 without including a first distance D1 between any of the multiple gas separation units 208 and without defining a first removal path P1.

[0046] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of Method 300, an example of arranging a hydrogen production facility. Any of the above examples of hydrogen production systems 100-200 shown and described in Figures 1-3 above can be used in Method 300 for arranging a hydrogen production system. The steps or operations considered may be performed in parallel or in different orders without significantly affecting other operations. Method 300 considered includes operations that can be performed by a number of different actors, devices and / or systems. It should be understood that a subset of the operations considered in Method 300 may be attributable to a single actor, device or system and can be considered a separate, standalone process or method.

[0047] The method may include an operation 302. Operation 302 may include the step of positioning one or more gas separation units along a first axis. For example, an operator may position a plurality of gas separation units with respect to a first axis such that the third separator surface of each gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units extends laterally in the axial direction with respect to the first axis A1 and extends perpendicularly to the first separator surface and the second separator surface of each gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units.

[0048] Operation 302 may include a step of positioning a plurality of gas separation units which includes a step of positioning at least two gas separation units along a first axis, and a step of positioning one or more hydrogen electrolyzers which includes a step of positioning at least two gas separation units along a second axis. For example, a hydrogen production system may include a 2:1 ratio of hydrogen electrolyzers to gas separation units (e.g., in rows) to improve cost optimization, for example by increasing the efficiency of the hydrogen production system. In such an example, a worker can position one or more hydrogen electrolyzers in pairs along a second axis so that a third lateral distance between two hydrogen electrolyzers in a pair of hydrogen electrolyzers that are in fluid communication with a single gas separation unit is less than a fourth lateral distance between hydrogen electrolyzers in another pair of hydrogen electrolyzers that are positioned adjacent to one of the two hydrogen electrolyzers in a pair of hydrogen electrolyzers.

[0049] Operation 302 may include the step of positioning a plurality of gas separation units in pairs so that a first lateral distance is defined between all other gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units. For example, in one instance where the first lateral distance is defined between all gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units, the worker can position the plurality of gas separation units in pairs along a first axis, thereby further increasing the density of the hydrogen generation system and thereby increasing the efficiency of the hydrogen generation system, such as in an example where the available space for the hydrogen generation equipment is more limited.

[0050] Operation 302 may include the step of positioning a plurality of gas separation units along a first axis, which includes positioning the plurality of gas separation units at a first longitudinal distance from one or more hydrogen electrolyzers, the first longitudinal distance being greater than a distance equal to the width of each hydrogen electrolyzer in one or more hydrogen electrolyzers. For example, a plurality of gas separation units may be positioned at a distance (e.g., selected) configured to provide sufficient longitudinal clearance to help allow a hydrogen electrolyzer in one or more hydrogen electrolyzers to be rotated to a predetermined orientation or moved to a predetermined position, for example, when sliding, rolling, or otherwise translating along a first removal path to an exit door of the building of the hydrogen production system, while removing the hydrogen electrolyzer in one or more hydrogen electrolyzers for maintenance or replacement.

[0051] Method 300 may include an operation 304. The operation 304 may include the step of positioning one or more hydrogen electrolyzers along a second axis that extends longitudinally from the first axis parallel to the first axis, thereby positioning at least one of a plurality of gas separation units at a first lateral distance greater than the width defined by each of the elongated elliptical bodies of the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers from adjacent gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units. For example, by positioning one or more hydrogen electrolyzers with respect to the second axis, the operator can laterally separate the first electrolyzer surface of at least one of the hydrogen electrolyzers from the second separator surface of an adjacent hydrogen electrolyzer of the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers by the first lateral distance.

[0052] Method 300 may include operation 306. Operation 306 may include the step of establishing electrical communication between electrical support hardware, one or more hydrogen electrolyzers, and a plurality of gas separation units. For example, by electrically coupling one or more hydrogen electrolyzers to one or more rectifiers and transformers of the electrical support hardware, one or more hydrogen electrolyzers may produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in response to receiving power from the rectifiers of the electrical support hardware, for example in the form of DC.

[0053] Method 300 may optionally include operation 308. Operation 308 may include the step of removing at least one of one or more hydrogen electrolyzers by translating the hydrogen electrolyzer between one of a plurality of gas separation units and an adjacent gas separation unit. For example, an operator may slide, roll, or otherwise move at least one of one or more hydrogen electrolyzers along a first removal path to an exit door of the building of the hydrogen production facility, the first removal path being at least partially defined between two adjacent gas separation units of a plurality of gas separation units spaced by a first lateral distance or otherwise by the first distance described above.

[0054] Operation 308 may include the step of removing at least one of the hydrogen electrolyzers by translating the hydrogen electrolyzers through a passage defined between one or more hydrogen electrolyzers and a plurality of gas separation units. For example, an operator may reach the exit door of the building of the hydrogen production system by first sliding, rolling, or otherwise moving the hydrogen electrolyzer along a passage separating each hydrogen electrolyzer from each gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units or along the second removal path described above, which is made possible by the dimensions of the first longitudinal distance or the second distance described above.

[0055] Operation 308 may include the steps of translating the hydrogen electrolyzer longitudinally between one of a plurality of gas separation units and an adjacent gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units, and rotating the hydrogen electrolyzer by 90 degrees so that it is positioned between one or more hydrogen electrolyzers along a second axis and one or more gas separation units along a first axis. For example, during the installation of a replacement hydrogen electrolyzer, a worker may slide, roll, or otherwise move the replacement hydrogen electrolyzer longitudinally toward the other hydrogen electrolyzers of one or more hydrogen electrolyzers between two adjacent gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units that define a first lateral distance, or the first distance described above. The worker may then move the replacement hydrogen electrolyzer to a predetermined position positioned along the second axis together with the other hydrogen electrolyzers of one or more hydrogen electrolyzers by rotating it, for example, with respect to a horizontal plane extending perpendicular to the second axis.

[0056] The systems and devices described above are merely examples of components, interactions, communications, and functions that may be used when performing the examples provided in this disclosure. Different types and combinations of sensors or other portable electronic devices, computers including clients and servers, implants, and other systems and devices may be used in the examples provided in this disclosure.

[0057] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings illustrate, for illustrative purposes, specific embodiments in which the present invention may be carried out. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “Examples.” Such embodiments may include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventors also intend embodiments in which only those elements shown or described are provided.

[0058] Furthermore, the inventors also intend to provide examples that use any combination or variation of the elements (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein, either with respect to a particular embodiment (or one or more aspects thereof) or with respect to other embodiments (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. In the event of any inconsistency in terminology between this document and any document so as to be incorporated by reference, the terminology in this document shall prevail.

[0059] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used to include one or more, independently of any other examples or usages of “at least one” or “one or more,” as is common in patent literature. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to non-exclusive items, or “A or B” is used to include “A and not B,” “B and not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise noted. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as plain English equivalents of the terms “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, meaning that a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such terms in a claim is still considered to be within the scope of that claim. Furthermore, in the following claims, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used merely as designations and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on the objects in question.

[0060] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the examples (or one or more embodiments thereof) described above may be used in combination with each other. For example, when considering the above description, other embodiments may be used by one skilled in the art. The abstract is provided in accordance with 37 CFR §1.72(b) to allow the reader to immediately confirm the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in embodiments for carrying out the above invention, various features may be classified together for the sake of simplification of this disclosure.

[0061] This should not be interpreted as meaning that any unclaimed disclosed features are essential to any claim. Rather, the subject matter of the invention may be less than all the features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into a form for carrying out the invention as an example or embodiment, and each claim stands on its own as a separate embodiment, and such embodiments are intended to be able to be combined with one another in various combinations or variations. The scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of the equivalent to which such claims are awarded.

[0062] (Examples) The following non-restrictive examples describe in detail certain aspects of the subject matter, particularly to address the complex issues discussed herein and to provide advantages.

[0063] Embodiment 1 is a hydrogen generation system comprising one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and a plurality of gas separation units fluidly communicating with one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells, wherein at least one of the plurality of gas separation units is spaced laterally apart from adjacent gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units by a first distance greater than the width of one of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells, and electrical support hardware that is in electrical communication with one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and the plurality of gas separation units.

[0064] In Example 2, the subject of Example 1 is expanded to include the first distance being about 10 percent to about 100 percent greater than the width of one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells.

[0065] In Example 3, the subject matter of Examples 1 and 2 is expanded to include one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells comprising at least four hydrogen electrolytic cells, and a plurality of gas separation units comprising at least two gas separation units.

[0066] In Example 4, the subject of Example 3 is expanded to include the following: a plurality of gas separation units are spaced laterally apart along a first axis, one or more hydrogen electrolyzers are spaced laterally apart along a second axis that extends longitudinally from the first axis parallel to the first axis, and one or more hydrogen electrolyzers are spaced longitudinally apart from the plurality of gas separation units.

[0067] In Example 5, the subject of Example 4 is further developed, with each of one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells comprising an elongated elliptical body extending along an electrolytic cell axis perpendicular to a first axis, and each of the plurality of gas separation units comprising an elongated elliptical body extending along a separator axis perpendicular to a second axis, wherein the electrolytic cell axis is parallel to the separator axis.

[0068] In Example 6, the subject of Example 5 is extended to include the arrangement of a plurality of gas separation units in pairs along a first axis, thereby defining a first distance between all other gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units.

[0069] In Example 7, the subject matter of Examples 5-6 is extended to include the arrangement in which one or more hydrogen electrolyzers are longitudinally spaced apart from a plurality of gas separation units by a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the width defined by each of the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers.

[0070] In Example 8, the subject of Example 7 is expanded to include the second distance being about 10 percent to about 100 percent greater than the width of each of the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers.

[0071] In Example 9, the themes of Examples 5 to 8 are further expanded to include the fact that the first electrolytic cell surface of each hydrogen electrolytic cell in one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and the first separator surface of each gas separation unit in a plurality of gas separation units are offset laterally from each other, the first electrolytic cell surface extends axially in the longitudinal direction together with the electrolytic cell axis, and the first separator surface extends axially in the longitudinal direction together with the separator axis.

[0072] In Example 10, the themes of Examples 5 to 9 are extended, with the first electrolytic cell surface of each elliptical body of each hydrogen electrolytic cell and the first separator surface of each elliptical body of each gas separation unit being parallel to each other, the first electrolytic cell surface extending axially in the longitudinal direction along the electrolytic cell axis, and the first separator surface extending axially in the longitudinal direction along the separator axis.

[0073] In Example 11, the subject matter of Examples 5 to 10 is extended to include the arrangement of electrical support hardware with respect to the third electrolytic cell surface of each elongated elliptical body of one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells, and the arrangement of multiple gas separation units with respect to the third separator surface of each elongated elliptical body of each gas separation unit.

[0074] In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 is expanded to include the electrical support hardware being located inside the building and the electrical support hardware being located outside the building.

[0075] In Example 13, the subject of Example 12 is a fluid connector positioned between each hydrogen electrolytic cell of one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and at least one gas separation unit of a plurality of gas separation units, configured to transport a gaseous fluid, and the fluid connector is disposed above each hydrogen electrolytic cell of one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and at least one gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units.

[0076] In Example 14, the subject matter of Examples 12-13 is a fluid connector positioned between each hydrogen electrolytic cell of one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and at least one gas separation unit of a plurality of gas separation units, configured to transport a gaseous fluid, and the fluid connector is disposed directly beneath each hydrogen electrolytic cell of one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and at least one gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units.

[0077] Example 15 is a method for arranging a hydrogen production facility, the method comprising, for example, the steps of: positioning a plurality of gas separation units along a first axis; positioning one or more hydrogen electrolyzers along a second axis parallel to the first axis and extending longitudinally from the first axis, thereby positioning at least one of the plurality of gas separation units at a first lateral distance greater than the width defined by each of the elongated elliptical bodies of the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers from adjacent gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units; and establishing electrical communication between electrical support hardware, one or more hydrogen electrolyzers, and the plurality of gas separation units.

[0078] In Example 16, the subject of Example 15 is further modified, with the step of positioning a plurality of gas separation units including the step of positioning at least two gas separation units along a first axis, and the step of positioning one or more hydrogen electrolyzers including the step of positioning at least two hydrogen electrolyzers along a second axis.

[0079] In Example 17, the subject of Example 16 is further extended by the step of positioning a plurality of gas separation units, which includes positioning the plurality of gas separation units in pairs, thereby defining a first lateral distance between all other gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units.

[0080] In Example 18, the subject of Example 17 is further modified, wherein the step of positioning a plurality of gas separation units along a first axis includes positioning the plurality of gas separation units at a first longitudinal distance from one or more hydrogen electrolyzers, and the first longitudinal distance is greater than a distance equal to the width of each hydrogen electrolyzer in the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers.

[0081] In Example 19, the subject of Example 18 is further comprising the step of removing at least one of the hydrogen electrolyzers by translating the hydrogen electrolyzers through a passage defined between one or more hydrogen electrolyzers and a plurality of gas separation units.

[0082] In Example 20, the subject of Example 19 is further described by the step of removing at least one hydrogen electrolytic cell from one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells, which includes the step of translating the hydrogen electrolytic cell laterally between adjacent hydrogen electrolytic cells of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells, and the step of translating the hydrogen electrolytic cell longitudinally between one of the plurality of gas separation units and adjacent gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units.

[0083] In Example 21, the subject matter of Examples 19-20 is extended to include the step of removing at least one hydrogen electrolytic cell from one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells, which includes the steps of translating the hydrogen electrolytic cell longitudinally between one of the plurality of gas separation units and adjacent gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units, and rotating the hydrogen electrolytic cell by 90 degrees so that it is positioned between one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells along a second axis and one or more gas separation units along a first axis.

[0084] Example 22 is at least one machine-readable medium that, when executed by the processing circuit, contains instructions causing the processing circuit to perform an operation to fulfill any of Examples 1 to 21.

[0085] Example 23 is an apparatus that includes means for carrying out any of Examples 1 to 21.

[0086] Example 24 is a system for implementing any of Examples 1 to 21.

[0087] Example 25 is a method for carrying out any of Examples 1 to 21. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 100 Power Systems 102 Hydrogen generation system 104 Buildings 105 Ground 106 Hydrogen electrolytic cell 108 Gas Separation Unit 109 Exit Door 110 Electrical support hardware 112A, 112B, 112C Power Plants 114 Power transmission system 116 Controllers 118 Generator Unit 120 controllers 122 Generators 124 Engine Controller 126 Gas Turbine Engine 128 End Users 130 residential units 132 factories 133 Long ellipse body 134 First separator surface 136 Second separator surface 137 Third Separator Surface 138 First electrolytic cell surface 139 Long ellipse body 140 Second electrolytic cell surface 142 Third electrolytic cell surface 144 Wall 146 Exit Door 148 Fluid Connectors 202 Hydrogen generation system 204 Building 206 Hydrogen electrolytic cell 208 Gas Separation Unit 234 First separator surface 236 Second separator surface 242 Third electrolytic cell surface 246 Exit Door 300 ways A1 First axis A2 Second axis A3 separator shaft A4 electrolyzer shaft D1 First distance D2 Second distance D3 Horizontal distance D4 Horizontal distance D5, the fifth distance D6, 6th distance P1 First extraction path P2 Second extraction path W1 Width of the electrolytic cell

Claims

1. One or more hydrogen electrolytic cells, A plurality of gas separation units having fluid communication with one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells, each gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units including an oxygen separator and a hydrogen separator, wherein at least one of the plurality of gas separation units is spaced laterally apart from adjacent gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units by a first distance greater than the width of one of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells, The system comprises one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and electrical support hardware that communicates with the plurality of gas separation units, A hydrogen generation system in which one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and the plurality of gas separation units can be moved along the ground of the hydrogen generation system.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first distance is 10 to 100 percent greater than the width of one of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells include at least four hydrogen electrolytic cells, and the plurality of gas separation units include at least two gas separation units.

4. The plurality of gas separation units are spaced apart laterally along a first axis, and the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells are spaced apart laterally along a second axis that extends parallel to the first axis and offset longitudinally from the first axis. The system according to claim 3, wherein the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells are spaced longitudinally apart from the plurality of gas separation units, and the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the transverse direction.

5. Each of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells comprises an elongated elliptical body extending along an electrolytic cell axis perpendicular to the first axis, Each of the plurality of gas separation units comprises an elongated elliptical body extending along a separator axis perpendicular to the second axis, The system according to claim 4, wherein the electrolytic cell axis is parallel to the separator axis.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of gas separation units are arranged in pairs along the first axis, thereby defining the first distance between all other gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells are spaced longitudinally apart from the plurality of gas separation units by a second distance, and the second distance is greater than the width defined by each of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the second distance is 10 to 100 percent greater than the width of each of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells.

9. The system according to claim 5, wherein the first electrolytic cell surface of each hydrogen electrolytic cell of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and the first separator surface of each gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units are offset laterally from each other, the first electrolytic cell surface extends axially in the longitudinal direction together with the electrolytic cell axis, and the first separator surface extends axially in the longitudinal direction together with the separator axis.

10. The system according to claim 5, wherein the first electrolytic cell surface of each elongated body of each hydrogen electrolytic cell of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and the first separator surface of each elongated body of each gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units are parallel to each other, the first electrolytic cell surface extends axially in the longitudinal direction together with the electrolytic cell axis, and the first separator surface extends axially in the longitudinal direction together with the separator axis.

11. The system according to claim 5, wherein the electrical support hardware is arranged with respect to the third electrolytic cell surface of each elongated elliptical body of each hydrogen electrolytic cell of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells, and the plurality of gas separation units are arranged with respect to the third separator surface of each elongated elliptical body of each hydrogen electrolytic cell of each gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the electrical support hardware is located inside the building, or the electrical support hardware is located outside the building.

13. The system according to claim 12, further comprising a fluid connector positioned between each hydrogen electrolytic cell of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and at least one gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units, configured to transport a gaseous fluid, and disposed above each hydrogen electrolytic cell of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and at least one gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units.

14. The system according to claim 12, further comprising a fluid connector positioned between each hydrogen electrolytic cell of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and at least one gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units, configured to transport a gaseous fluid, and disposed directly beneath each hydrogen electrolytic cell of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and at least one gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units.

15. A method for arranging hydrogen generation equipment, A step of positioning a plurality of gas separation units along a first axis, wherein each of the plurality of gas separation units includes an oxygen separator and a hydrogen separator, A step of positioning one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells along a second axis that is parallel to the first axis and extends longitudinally from the first axis, thereby positioning at least one of the plurality of gas separation units at a first lateral distance greater than the width defined by each of the elongated elliptical bodies of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells from adjacent gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units, wherein the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the lateral direction; The step includes establishing electrical support hardware, one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells, and the plurality of gas separation units, A method for arranging a hydrogen generation facility, wherein the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and the plurality of gas separation units can be moved along the ground of the hydrogen generation facility.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the step of positioning the plurality of gas separation units includes the step of positioning at least two gas separation units along the first axis, and the step of positioning one or more hydrogen electrolyzers includes the step of positioning at least two hydrogen electrolyzers along the second axis.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the step of positioning the plurality of gas separation units includes the step of positioning the plurality of gas separation units in pairs so that the first lateral distance is defined between all other gas separation units of the plurality of gas separation units.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the step of positioning the plurality of gas separation units along the first axis includes the step of positioning the plurality of gas separation units at a first longitudinal distance from one or more hydrogen electrolyzers, the first longitudinal distance being greater than a distance equal to the width of each of the hydrogen electrolyzers of the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of removing at least one of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells by translating the hydrogen electrolytic cells through a passage defined between the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells and the plurality of gas separation units.

20. The step of removing at least one of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells is: The step of translating one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells laterally between adjacent hydrogen electrolytic cells, The method according to claim 19, comprising the step of translating the hydrogen electrolytic cell in the longitudinal direction between one of the plurality of gas separation units and an adjacent gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units.

21. The step of removing at least one of the one or more hydrogen electrolytic cells is: A step of translating the hydrogen electrolytic cell in the longitudinal direction between one of the plurality of gas separation units and an adjacent gas separation unit of the plurality of gas separation units, The method according to claim 19, comprising the step of rotating the hydrogen electrolyzer by 90 degrees so that it is positioned between the one or more hydrogen electrolyzers along the second axis and the one or more gas separation units along the first axis.

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