Offshore hydrogen production systems and methods

Abstract

An offshore hydrogen production system is described comprising: a hydrogen production facility (10) comprising a power generator (70) configured to convert a source of renewable energy to electrical power and at least one electrolyser (16). The capacity of the at least one electrolyser (16) corresponds to a power output of the power generator (70). The hydrogen production facility (10) is configured to be supplied with utilities for the production of hydrogen from a utilities system (11) which is located remote from the offshore hydrogen production facility (10). Also described is a method of producing hydrogen, a method of designing an offshore hydrogen production system, a method for the production of an offshore hydrogen production system.

Description

[0001] OFFSHORE HYDROGEN PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

[0002] FIELD

[0003] [1] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for the production of hydrogen offshore. More particularly, the disclosure relates to systems and method for the production of hydrogen from sources of renewable energy offshore, and for methods of designing an offshore hydrogen production system.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] [2] The production of hydrogen (H2), and particularly the production of hydrogen from renewable sources, is currently being investigated by numerous industrial players and there is an increasing political focus on utilizing hydrogen as an energy carrier, among other options, to displace fossil fuels.

[0006] [3] In many countries, there are currently substantial efforts to establish offshore renewable power generation, and using this power to produce hydrogen has been proposed. The produced hydrogen may in such cases, for example, be stored for later use (e.g. to generate electricity during periods of reduced wind power generation), provided for transport (e.g. via ships or pipelines), or used in other ways.

[0007] [4] In order to realize offshore hydrogen production at scale, there is a need for systems and methods which allow for efficient production. The present disclosure has the objective to provide improved technology for this purpose, or at least to provide useful alternatives to the state of the art.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] [5] The present disclosure provides processes and systems for the production of hydrogen offshore. The present disclosure also provides methods for the design of an offshore hydrogen production system and methods for the production of an offshore hydrogen production system. The present disclosure also provides an umbilical and methods of using said umbilical in the production of hydrogen offshore.

[0010] [6] According to a first aspect, there is provided an offshore hydrogen production system comprising: a hydrogen production facility comprising a power generator configured to convert a source of renewable energy to electrical power and at least one electrolyser, wherein the capacity of the at least one electrolyser corresponds to a power output of the power generator; and wherein the hydrogen production facility is configured to be supplied with utilities for the production of hydrogen from a utilities system which is located remote from the offshore hydrogen production facility.

[0011] [7] The offshore hydrogen production system of the present disclosure advantageously provides an electrolyser capacity which is matched to the power output of the power generator. In some examples, the power output may be a maximum power output from the generator. In some examples, the power output may be an excess power, wherein the excess power is the available power from the power generator after a portion of the power has been exported for other uses. Accordingly, electrical power generated by the power generator from the source of renewable energy may be efficiently utilized for the production of hydrogen at the location of the power generator. Furthermore, the hydrogen production facility is configured to be supplied with utilities for the production of hydrogen from a utilities system which is located remote from the offshore hydrogen production facility, and as such, the footprint (for example, in terms of area) and capital expenditure of the hydrogen production may be reduced. The proposed hydrogen production system also allows for the system to be expanded in a modular manner, for example, by adding further hydrogen production facilities, and as such, a demand for hydrogen may be met by a cost effective and efficient way.

[0012] [8] In the present disclosure, the term offshore encompasses hydrogen production systems which are located a distance from a shore, wherein the shore includes a shore to any significant body of water including but not limited to seas, oceans, lakes, lochs, reservoirs.

[0013] [9] In the present disclosure, the term utilities for the production of hydrogen encompasses any materials, and processing equipment necessary for the supply of the materials, for the production of hydrogen using an electrolyser and any ancillary systems and equipment required to control the hydrogen production process in a safe manner. For example, the utilities system which is located remote from the hydrogen production facility may comprise at least one of: a cooling system g, a desalination system configured to produce a source of desalinated water, a nitrogen supply system configured to provide a source of nitrogen, a compressed air system configured to provide a source of compressed air, and any associated processing and control system (including electrical and fibre optical cores) equipment for the electrolysers and each of the individual systems making up the utilities system. In some examples, the hydrogen production system may comprise a cooling system configured to utilize source water (i.e. seawater, lake water etc.) to provide the cooling. For example, where the hydrogen production system is located offshore at sea, the cooling system may be a direct seawater cooling system whereby the cooling duty is achieved by heat exchange with sea water.

[0014]

[0010] The utilities system being located remote from the hydrogen production facility is intended to encompass the utilities for the production of hydrogen being located at a different location to the hydrogen production facility, for example on a different vessel or platform, and wherein the utilities are transported to the hydrogen production facility by pipelines, and umbilicals. According to the present disclosure, the power generator may be any offshore renewable power generator, for example at least one of: a wind turbine generator, a solar power, or a tidal power generator. The wind turbine generator may comprise a tower, turbine blades, a rotor, and a generator. The wind turbine generator may further comprise power conditioning equipment, for example at least one of: a transformer, a rectifier, an invertor, switch gears.

[0015]

[0011] The at least one electrolyser of the hydrogen production facility may have a capacity of from about 1 MW to about 20 MW. The at least one electrolyser of the hydrogen production facility may have a capacity of from about 5 MW to about 15 MW. The at least one electrolyser of the hydrogen production facility may have a capacity of from about 10 MW to about 15 MW.

[0016]

[0012] In some examples, the hydrogen production facility may comprise a plurality of electrolysers, and wherein the plurality of electrolyser may have a total electrolyser capacity of from about 1 MW to about 20 MW. The plurality of electrolyser may have a total electrolyser capacity of from about 5 MW to aboutl5 MW. The plurality of electrolyser may have a total electrolyser capacity of from about 10 MW to about 15 MW.

[0017]

[0013] The present disclosure is not limited to a particular electrolyser type. The at least one electrolyser may be a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser but other forms of electrolyers are contemplated. For example, the at least electrolyser may be an anion exchange electrolyser (AEM), or a solid oxide electrolyser.

[0018]

[0014] The hydrogen production facility may comprise a structure configured to be mounted on or around the power generator. The structure may be for example, a platform or jacket. The structure may be configured to support the at least one electrolyser. The structure may comprise an enclosure configured to house the at least one electrolyser. The structure may comprise, for example, a monopile and a jacket. The structure may be any suitable offshore structure, including but not limited to a gravity base, or a floating foundation.

[0015] The offshore hydrogen production system may further comprise a utilities system which is located remote from the hydrogen production facility. The utilities system may be located at a different location to the hydrogen production facility, for example on a different vessel or platform. The utilities for the production of hydrogen may be transported to the hydrogen production facility by pipelines, and umbilicals. The utilities system may comprise at least one of: a cooling system, a desalination system configured to produce a source of desalinated water, a nitrogen supply system configured to provide a source of nitrogen, a compressed air system configured to provide a source of compressed air, and any associated processing and control system ( including electrical and fibre optical cores) equipment for the electrolysers and each of the individual systems making up the utilities system. In some examples, the hydrogen production facility may be a secondary hydrogen production facility, and the system may comprise a plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities. Each of the plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities may be configured to be supplied with utilities for the production of hydrogen from a utilities system which is located remote from the offshore hydrogen production facility. Each of the plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities may be supplied with utilities for the production of hydrogen from a single utilities system which is located remote from each of the plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities.

[0019]

[0016] The offshore hydrogen production system may further comprise a hydrogen compression system configured to receive and compress hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production facility. The hydrogen production facility may comprises the compression system. The hydrogen compression system may be a compression station which is located remote from the hydrogen production facility. The compression system may be located at a different location to the hydrogen production facility, for example on a different vessel or platform. The hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production facility may be transported to the compression system by pipelines, and / or umbilicals. The compression system may be configured to compress produced hydrogen to a desired pressure for export.

[0020]

[0017] The hydrogen compression system may be a compression station located remote from each of the plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities and which is configured to receive and compress hydrogen produced by the plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities.

[0021]

[0018] The hydrogen production system may comprise a combined compression and utilities station, wherein the combined compression and utilities system which is located remote from each of the plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities. The combined compression and utilities system comprises the hydrogen compression system and the utilities system. The combined compression and utilities system may comprise a combined hydrogen and compression station.

[0022]

[0019] The hydrogen production facility may be a secondary hydrogen production facility, and the hydrogen production system may further comprise a primary hydrogen production facility. The primary hydrogen production facility may be located remote from the secondary hydrogen production facility. The primary hydrogen production facility may be located at a different location to the secondary hydrogen production facility, for example on a different vessel or platform, at a different renewable energy power generator. The primary hydrogen production facility may comprise a power generator configured to convert a source of renewable energy to electrical power, and at least one electrolyser, wherein the capacity of the at least one electrolyser corresponds to a power output of the power generator; and the utilities system as described above, wherein the utilities system is configured to supply utilities for the production of hydrogen to the primary and the secondary hydrogen production facilities.

[0023]

[0020] Where there are plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities, each of the plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities may be located remote from the primary hydrogen production facility, and wherein each of the secondary hydrogen production facilities may be configured to be supplied with utilities for the production of hydrogen from the utilities system of the primary hydrogen production facility.

[0024]

[0021] The hydrogen production system may comprise a first primary hydrogen production facility and a second primary hydrogen production facility, and at least one first secondary hydrogen production facility and at least one second secondary hydrogen production facility, wherein the at least one first secondary hydrogen production facility may be configured to be supplied with utilities for the production of hydrogen from the first primary hydrogen production facility, and the at least one second secondary hydrogen production facility may be configured to be supplied with utilities for the production of hydrogen from the second primary hydrogen production facility.

[0025]

[0022] The hydrogen production system may comprise a first primary hydrogen production facility and at least one first secondary hydrogen production facility and at least one second secondary hydrogen production facility, wherein the at least one first secondary hydrogen production facility may be configured to be supplied with utilities for the production of hydrogen from the first primary hydrogen production facility, and the at least one second secondary hydrogen production facility may be configured to be supplied with utilities for the production of hydrogen from the second primary hydrogen production facility, with utilities being supplied via the first secondary hydrogen production facility.

[0026]

[0023] The hydrogen production system may further comprise a utilities umbilical, wherein the utilities for the production of hydrogen are supplied from the utilities system via the utilities umbilical. The utilities umbilical may comprise any combination of at least the following: a water supply pipeline, a compressed air pipeline, a nitrogen supply pipeline, a chemical pipeline, instrument control conductors / wires, power cables. The utilities umbilical may further comprise a hydrogen pipeline, such that the utilities umbilical is arranged for both the supply of utilities and the transport of produced hydrogen.

[0027]

[0024] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of producing hydrogen, the method comprising: supplying power from a power generator configured to convert a source of renewable energy to electrical power to at least one electrolyser for the production of hydrogen, wherein the power generator and the at least one electrolyser are part of an offshore hydrogen production facility and wherein the capacity of the least one electrolyser corresponds to the a power output from the power generator; supplying utilities for the production of hydrogen to the hydrogen production facility from a utilities system which is remote from the offshore hydrogen production facility; and producing hydrogen at the offshore hydrogen production facility.

[0028]

[0025] The offshore hydrogen production facility may be a secondary offshore hydrogen production facility and the method may comprise using a plurality of secondary offshore hydrogen production facilities to produce hydrogen.

[0029]

[0026] The method may comprise suppling the utilities for the production of hydrogen to each of the plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities from a utilities station comprising the utilities system. The utilities system may be located at a different location to the hydrogen production facility, for example on a different vessel or platform

[0030]

[0027] The method of may further comprise providing a hydrogen compression system on the utilities station, and supplying the hydrogen produced from each of the plurality of secondary hydrogen production systems to the hydrogen compression system.

[0031]

[0028] The offshore hydrogen production facility may be a secondary offshore hydrogen production facility, and the method may further comprises providing a primary offshore hydrogen production facility. The primary hydrogen production facility may comprise a power generator configured to convert a source of renewable energy to electrical power, and at least one electrolyser, wherein the capacity of the at least one electrolyser corresponds to a power output of the power generator; and the utilities system; wherein the method further comprises supplying the primary and secondary offshore hydrogen production facilities with utilities for the production of hydrogen from the utilities system to the primary and the secondary hydrogen production facilities.

[0032]

[0029] The method may comprise providing a first primary hydrogen production facility and a second primary hydrogen production facility, and at least one first secondary hydrogen production facility and at least one second secondary hydrogen production facility; and supplying the at least one first secondary hydrogen production facility with utilities for the production of hydrogen from the first primary hydrogen production facility; and supplying the at least one second secondary hydrogen production facility with utilities for the production of hydrogen from the second primary hydrogen production facility.

[0033]

[0030] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of designing an offshore hydrogen production system, the method comprising: generating a digital model or simulation of an offshore hydrogen production system; matching the capacity of at least one electrolyser to a power output from a primary power generator configured to convert a primary source of offshore renewable energy to electrical power and providing a primary hydrogen production facility model to the digital model or simulation; matching the capacity of at least one electrolyser to a power output from a secondary power generator configured to convert a secondary source of offshore renewable energy to electrical power and providing a secondary hydrogen production facility model to the digital model or simulation, wherein the secondary hydrogen production facility is to be located remotely from the primary hydrogen production facility; determining the utility demand for the production of hydrogen from the primary hydrogen production facility model and the secondary hydrogen production facility model; specifying a utilities system model with a utilities system having capacity to meet at least the utility demand to the digital model or simulation; and specifying a supply system model configured to allow for the supply of utilities for the production of hydrogen from the utilities system to the first and second hydrogen production facilities.

[0034]

[0031] The utilities system may be designed to be located on one of the primary or secondary hydrogen production facilities. The utilities system may be designed to be located remote from the primary and secondary hydrogen production facilities.

[0032] The method of designing an offshore hydrogen production system may comprise providing a utilities system having capacity to meet a utility demand for a plurality of primary and / or secondary hydrogen production facilities.

[0035]

[0033] The method of designing an offshore hydrogen production system may comprise determining an available power from the power generator and matching the capacity of the at least one electrolyser to the available power. In some examples, the available power may be a maximum power output from the generator. In some examples, the available power may be an excess power, wherein the excess power is the available power from the power generator after a portion of the power generated has been exported for other uses.

[0036]

[0034] The method of designing a hydrogen production system may comprise determining a total hydrogen compression demand to provide compression for the hydrogen produced from the primary and secondary hydrogen production facilities; and providing a compressor station model comprising a hydrogen compression system with capacity to meet the total hydrogen compression demand. The compressor station may be combined with the utilities system.

[0037]

[0035] The method of designing an offshore hydrogen production system may comprise comprising implementing the design model or simulation to produce an offshore hydrogen production system.

[0038]

[0036] The method of designing an offshore hydrogen production system may comprise determining a utilities demand based on at least one of the following: a hydrogen production capacity of each of the hydrogen production facilities in the system, a cooling duty for each of the hydrogen production facilities in the system, a control system requirement for each of the hydrogen production facilities in the system.

[0039]

[0037] The digital model or simulation generated by the method of designing an offshore hydrogen production system may comprise a model or simulation designed on any program and is intended to include but not be limited to, for example, a spreadsheet program, or a computer aided graphic design program.

[0040]

[0038] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method for the production of an offshore hydrogen production system, the method comprising: matching the capacity of at least one electrolyser to a power output from a primary power generator configured to convert a primary source of offshore renewable energy to electrical power to provide a primary hydrogen production facility; matching the capacity of at least one electrolyser to a power output from a secondary power generator configured to convert a secondary source of offshore renewable energy to electrical power to provide a secondary hydrogen production facility which is remote from the first hydrogen production facility; determining the utility demand for the production of hydrogen from the primary hydrogen production facility and the secondary hydrogen production facility; providing a utilities system model with a utilities system having capacity to meet at least the utility demand; and providing a supply system configured to supply utilities for the production of hydrogen from the utilities system to the first and second hydrogen production facilities.

[0041]

[0039] The utilities system may be located on one of the primary or secondary hydrogen production facilities. The utilities system may be located remote from the primary and secondary hydrogen production facilities.

[0042]

[0040] The method for the production of an offshore hydrogen production system may comprise determining an available power from the power generator and matching the capacity of the at least one electrolyser to the available power. In some examples, the available power may be a maximum power output from the generator. In some examples, the available power may be an excess power, wherein the excess power is the available power from the power generator after a portion of the power generated has been exported for other uses.

[0043]

[0041] The method for the production of an offshore hydrogen production system may comprise providing a system having capacity to meet a utility demand for a plurality of primary and / or secondary hydrogen production facilities.

[0044]

[0042] The method for the production of an offshore hydrogen production system may comprise determining a total hydrogen compression demand to provide compression for the hydrogen produced from the primary and secondary hydrogen production facilities; and providing a compressor station comprising a hydrogen compression system with capacity to meet the total hydrogen compression demand. The compressor station may be combined with the utility station.

[0045]

[0043] The method for the production of an offshore hydrogen production system may comprise determining a utilities demand based on at least one of the following: a hydrogen production capacity of each of the hydrogen production facilities in the system, a cooling duty for each of the hydrogen production facilities in the system, a control system requirement for each of the hydrogen production facilities in the system.

[0046]

[0044] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a utilities umbilical for the supply of utilities for the production of hydrogen via electrolysis, the umbilical comprising: a plurality of utilities fluid pipelines including at least one water supply pipeline and at least one gas pipeline configured to transport: hydrogen; at least one of a power supply cable or an instrument control cable arrangement; and wherein one of the water supply pipeline or gas pipeline is positioned centrally about a longitudinal axis of the umbilical.

[0047]

[0045] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of supplying utilities to a hydrogen production facility, the method comprising: supplying utilities for the production of hydrogen to a hydrogen production facility, wherein the hydrogen production facility comprises a power generator configured to convert a source of renewable energy to electrical power and at least one electrolyser, and wherein supplying the utilities for the production of hydrogen comprises transporting the utilities for the production of hydrogen via an umbilical having a plurality of fluid pipelines including at least one water supply pipeline and at least one gas pipeline configured to transport hydrogen, and at least one of a power supply cable or an arrangement of electrical conductors; and wherein the at least one gas pipeline transports hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production facility.

[0048] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049]

[0046] The above and other characteristics will become clear from the following description of illustrative, non-restrictive examples, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0050]

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic flow diagram of an offshore hydrogen production facility according to the present disclosure;

[0051]

[0048] Figure 2 is a schematic flow diagram of a hydrogen production system according to the present disclosure comprising a primary hydrogen production facility and a secondary hydrogen production facility.

[0052]

[0049] Figure 3 is a schematic flow diagram of a hydrogen production system according to the present disclosure comprising a primary hydrogen production facility and two secondary hydrogen production facilities.

[0053]

[0050] Figure 4 is a schematic flow diagram of a hydrogen production system according to the present disclosure comprising two primary hydrogen production facilities, each operatively associated with a secondary hydrogen production facility.

[0054]

[0051] Figure 5 is a schematic flow diagram of a hydrogen production system according to the present disclosure comprising two primary hydrogen production facilities utilising direct current power conditioning systems, each operatively associated with a secondary hydrogen production facility, which also utilise direct current power.

[0055]

[0052] Figure 6 is a schematic flow diagram of a hydrogen production system according to the present disclosure comprising four hydrogen production facilities which are operably associated with a utilities hub.

[0056]

[0053] Figure 7 is a schematic flow diagram of a hydrogen production system according to the present disclosure comprising four hydrogen production facilities having direct current power condition systems, and which are operably associated with a utilities hub.

[0057]

[0054] Figure 8 is a schematic of an umbilical for operatively connecting hubs and periphery facilities.

[0058]

[0055] Figure 9 is a schematic flow diagram of an offshore hydrogen production system which uses the utilities umbilical according to Figure 8.

[0059]

[0056] Figure 10 is a flow chart of the design methodology to design an offshore hydrogen production system according to the present disclosure.

[0060] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061]

[0057] The present disclosure relates to processes and system for the production of hydrogen, specifically so called “green” hydrogen production. Green hydrogen production is the production of hydrogen from the electrolysis of water using renewable energy. In particular, the inventors have developed a modular offshore hydrogen production system and a method of designing an offshore hydrogen production system which may allow simpler scale up and reduced capital expenditure.

[0062]

[0058] Figure 1 shows a schematic of an offshore hydrogen production facility 10 according to the present disclosure. The hydrogen production facility 10 comprises a power generator 70 configured to convert a source of renewable energy to electrical power, for example a wind turbine generator and at least one electrolyser 16. The following description is made with reference to a wind turbine generator but it should be appreciated that the power generator 70 may be any form of renewable energy power including by not limited to: wind turbine generators, solar power generators, tidal power generators. The capacity of the at least one electrolyser 16 corresponds to a maximum power output which is to be expected from power generator 70. For example, the maximum power output from an example offshore wind turbine generator can be about 15 MW and as such the at least one electrolyser 16 may comprise one or a plurality of electrolyers having a capacity which is also 15 MW. These power values are provided are exemplary and it will be appreciated that a number of different power outputs may be provided depending on the capacity and arrangement of the renewable energy source. In other examples, the capacity of the electrolyser 16 is matched to an available power from the power generated, wherein the available power from the power generator is an excess amount of power after a portion of the power generated has been exported for other uses.

[0063]

[0059] Advantageously, matching the capacity of the at least one electrolyser 16 to the maximum output of the power generator 70 configured to convert a source of renewable energy, or the excess power from the power generator 70, provides a unique opportunity to allow for effective utilisation of all of the power converted from the renewable energy source to produce hydrogen locally at the source of renewable energy. The present disclosure is not limited to a particular electrolyser type and therefore, the electrolysers 16 may typically comprise proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers but other forms of electrolyers are contemplated, for example, anion exchange electrolysers (AEM), or solid oxide electrolysers.

[0064]

[0060] The power generator 70 may be a wind turbine generator (WTG) 70 which is arranged to supply electrical power to the at least one electrolyser 16. In some examples, the WTG 70 comprises a tower 71 (e.g., a monopile), turbine blades 72, a rotor, and a generator. The hydrogen production facility 10 further comprises an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) power conditioning system 14, which comprises for example at least one of: a transformer, a rectifier, an inverter, switch gears. The power conditioning system denoted by reference numeral 15 instead comprises direct current power conditioning systems, where there is no conversion from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).

[0065]

[0061] A unique and advantageous aspect of the present disclosure is that the hydrogen production facility 10 is supplied with all other utilities from a utilities system 11 which is located remotely with respect to the hydrogen production facility. As such, the processing equipment needed for the production of hydrogen via electrolysis locally at the WTG 70 can be minimised. This reduces the footprint and costs of the hydrogen production facility 10. The remote location can be, for example, a vessel, station, another platform, another hydrogen production facility. The utilities for the production of hydrogen encompasses any materials and processing equipment necessary for the supply of the materials for the production of hydrogen via electrolysis of water. This is dependent for example, on the type of electrolysers being utilized and their processing requirements (for example, a desalinated water supply may not always be necessary) and the processing and control equipment (for example, instrument air may be required, control system communication cables may be required). For example, the utilities system 11 may comprise at least one of: a source of water, a source of desalinated water, a source of nitrogen, a source of compressed air, and associated processing equipment. In the schematic of Figure 1, there is provided a water supply pipeline 18 and an utilities umbilical 19 for supply of the utilities from the utilities system 11 to the hydrogen production facility 10. The water pipe 18 may be combined into the utilities umbilical 19 as shown, for example, in Figure 8.

[0066]

[0062] The hydrogen production facility 10 can also be provided with a hydrogen export system which may include transporting the produced hydrogen to a compression system 13 that is configured to compress the produced hydrogen for export. The compression demand of the hydrogen production system will be dependent upon a desired export pressure, and for example, the amount of produced hydrogen and the distance the produced hydrogen is to be transported. The distance the produced hydrogen is transported may be from the hydrogen production system to a receiving facility onshore, for example.

[0067]

[0063] The hydrogen production facility 10 may be in the form of a platform, or similar structure which can be fitted to or around a power generator. For example, the platform can be sized to be positioned around the monopile of the wind turbine generator.

[0068]

[0064] In Figure 2, an offshore hydrogen production system 50 is shown comprising the hydrogen production facility 10 described with respect to Figure 1. In this example, the hydrogen production facility 10 is a secondary hydrogen production facility 10 which is supplied with utilities from a primary hydrogen production facility 20. The primary hydrogen production facility 20 also comprises a power generator 70 configured to convert a source of renewable energy to electrical power, for example a wind turbine generator, and at least one electrolyser 26. The capacity of the at least one electrolyser 26 corresponds to a power output which is to be expected to be available from the power generator 70 (for example, an excess power or a maximum power output). The primary hydrogen production facility 20 comprises an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) power conditioning system 24, which comprises for example at least one of: a transformer, a rectifier, an inverter, switch gears. The primary hydrogen production facility 20 also comprises a utilities system 21 which comprises the utilities for the production of hydrogen including any materials and processing equipment necessary for the supply of the materials for the production of hydrogen via electrolysis of water. The term utilities for the production of hydrogen encompasses any materials, and processing equipment necessary for the supply of the materials, for the production of hydrogen using an electrolyser and any ancillary systems and equipment required to control the hydrogen production process in a safe manner. For example, the utilities system 21 may comprise at least one of: at least one of: a cooling system, a desalination system configured to produce a source of desalinated water, a nitrogen supply system configured to provide a source of nitrogen, a compressed air system configured to provide a source of compressed air, and any associated processing and control system ( including electrical and fibre optical cores) equipment for the electrolysers and each of the individual systems making up the utilities system.

[0069]

[0065] For simplicity, the utilities system 21 is shown in Figure 2 as comprising a source of water 28 (which may include, for example, desalination equipment) and other utilities 29. The utilities system 21 is arranged to supply utilities for the production of hydrogen to both primary hydrogen production facility 20 and the secondary hydrogen production facility 10. For example, the hydrogen production system 50 comprises water pipeline 18 and utilities umbilical 19 which is arranged for the supply of said water and other utilities from the primary hydrogen production facility 20 to the secondary hydrogen production facility. Hydrogen produced by the primary hydrogen production facility is transported to hydrogen compression system 23, and hydrogen produced by the secondary hydrogen production facility 10 is transported to hydrogen compression system 13. The compression systems 13, 23 can comprise stations, vessels or platforms having suitably sized compressors to achieve a desired hydrogen pressure. In some examples, the compression systems 13, 23 may be combined into a single compression system arranged to receive produced hydrogen from both the primary and secondary hydrogen production facilities 10, 20.

[0070]

[0066] In some cases, the primary hydrogen production facility 20 may be provided with a utilities system which has capacity to meet the utility demand of the primary platform 20, a first secondary hydrogen production facility 10a (via supply lines 18a, 19a) , and a second secondary hydrogen production facility 10b (via supply linesl8b, 19b), as shown in Figure 3. Hydrogen produced by the primary hydrogen production facility, and hydrogen produced by the secondary hydrogen production facilities 10 is transported to hydrogen compression system 23 via hydrogen pipelines 27. In some cases, it may be desirable to supply the utilities for the production of hydrogen from the primary hydrogen production facility to the second secondary hydrogen production facility 10b by supplying the utilities via the first secondary hydrogen production facility 10b. As such, the utilities supply may be daisy chained from the primary hydrogen production facility to a first secondary hydrogen production facility and then any subsequent secondary hydrogen production facilities. This is shown by dashed supply lines 18b’ and 19b’ in Figure 3 which are intended to show an alternative utilities supply network to supply lines 18b and 19b (solid lines).

[0071]

[0067] The primary hydrogen production facility 20 can be designed therefore to allow for the modular expansion of an offshore hydrogen production system 50 by allowing secondary hydrogen production facilities to be added as capacity and requirements grow, but whilst minimising expansion costs through the secondary hydrogen production facility 10 or facilities 10a, 10b using excess utilities capacity provided on the primary hydrogen production facility 20. The number of secondary hydrogen production facilities 10 may therefore be determined by capacity of the utilities system 21 provided on the primary hydrogen production facility 20.

[0072]

[0068] In some examples, the offshore hydrogen production system 50 can expand modularly through, for example, by providing a second primary hydrogen production facility 20b, as shown in Figure 4. As such, the offshore hydrogen production system 50 can comprise a first primary hydrogen production facility 20a which provides utilities to a first secondary hydrogen production facility 10a (via supply lines 18a, 19a); and a second primary hydrogen production facility 20b which provides utilities to a first secondary hydrogen production facility 10b (via supply lines 18b, 19b). The hydrogen compression arrangements would be the same as discussed with reference to Figures 1 to 3 wherein produced hydrogen from each of the primary hydrogen production facilities 20a, 20b, and each of the secondary hydrogen production facilities 10a, 10b is transported via hydrogen pipelines 27 to hydrogen compression system 23. Although two compressions systems 23 are shown in Figure 4, it will be appreciated that a single compression system could be provided to receive all of the produced hydrogen.

[0073]

[0069] An alternative offshore hydrogen production system 500 is shown in Figure 5. The offshore hydrogen production system 500 is largely the same as the system 50 but each of the primary hydrogen production facilities 200a, 200b and each of the secondary hydrogen production facilities 100a, 100b comprises a wind turbine generator 75 configured to operate with a direct current power conditioning system 15, 25. The provision of such direct current wind turbine generators 75 further reduces the weight and area footprint of each hydrogen production facility 100a, 200a. The hydrogen compression arrangements would be the same as discussed with reference to Figures 1 to 3 wherein produced hydrogen from each of the primary hydrogen production facilities 200a, 200b, and each of the secondary hydrogen production facilities 100a, 100b is transported via hydrogen pipelines 27 to the hydrogen compression system 23. Although two compressions systems 23 are shown in Figure 5, it will be appreciated that a single compression system could be provided to receive all of the produced hydrogen. The direct current wind turbine generators 75 and associated power conditioning systems 15, 25 may be used in place of wind turbine generators 70 and power conditioning systems 14, 24 in the arrangements of Figures 1 to 3.

[0074]

[0070] Another offshore hydrogen production system 60 is shown in Figure 6. In this example, the offshore hydrogen production system comprises four secondary hydrogen production facilities 10a, 10b, 10c and lOd which correspond to the hydrogen production facility 10 described in Figure 1. The offshore hydrogen production system further comprises a combined compression and utilities station 30 which is configured to be located remotely from each of the four secondary hydrogen production facilities 10a, 10b, 10c and lOd. The combined compression and utilities station 30 comprises a compression system 32 which is arranged to receive the hydrogen produced from each of the four secondary hydrogen production facilities 10a, 10b, 10c and lOd. The combined compression and utilities station 30 also comprises a utilities system 31 which has capacity for the utility demand of each of the four secondary hydrogen production facilities 10a, 10b, 10c and lOd, and supplies the required utilities to each the four secondary hydrogen production facilities 10a, 10b, 10c and lOd. The utilities system 31 comprises at least a source of water 38 (and any associated processing equipment, e.g. desalination equipment) and other utilities 29 comprising for example at least one of: a source of nitrogen, a source of compressed air, and any necessary processing and control system ( including electrical and fibre optical cores) equipment.

[0075]

[0071] In some cases, the transport of hydrogen and supply of utilities may utilise a single umbilical 34 from each of the four secondary hydrogen production facilities 10a, 10b, 10c and lOd to the combined compression and utilities station 30. The combined compression and utilities station 30 may comprise a vessel, or an offshore platform, for example. Hydrogen may be exported from the combined compression and utilities station 30 via hydrogen export pipeline 22. The umbilical 34 may be the umbilical 300 shown in Figure 8 and described in more detail below.

[0076]

[0072] An alternative offshore hydrogen production system 600 is shown in Figure 6. The offshore hydrogen production system 600 is largely the same as the system 60 but each of the secondary hydrogen production facilities 100a, 100b, 100c and lOOd comprises a direct current wind turbine generator 75. The provision of direct current wind turbine generators further reduces the footprint (in terms of, for example, area and capital expenditure) of each hydrogen production facility.

[0077]

[0073] The systems 60 and 600 are based on a design principle that for x number (e.g. at least 3) of secondary hydrogen production facilities, the compression demand may be better met by a single compression facility and as associated platform, instead of individual smaller compression substations such as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, for example. This size of the associated compression platform could also host the utilities system necessary to meet the utility demands of each of the secondary hydrogen production facilities. This arrangement advantageous allows for further sharing of processing equipment which will reduce capital expenditure and permit the hydrogen production system to be expanded modularly.

[0078]

[0074] In each of the preceding examples, the supply of utilities to the hydrogen production facility may be achieved using a utilities umbilical 300 as shown in Figure 8. The umbilical 300 comprises an outer casing 302 which houses a number of channels (which can also be referred to as cores) for the transport of utilities in the proposed hydrogen production systems. It will be appreciated that the number and size of channels will be dependent upon the capacity and demand of each of the associated primary and / or secondary hydrogen production facilities. In the example of Figure 8, the umbilical comprises a compressed air pipeline 303, a chemicals pipeline 304, instrument control channel 305 (e.g. housing electrical conductors / wires), a nitrogen supply pipeline 306, a power cable 308 which are arranged around central water supply pipeline 318, An additional pipeline 307 is also shown, and in some examples, this may be a hydrogen transport pipeline 307. Depending on the demand for water, and capacity for hydrogen production, the umbilical could comprise a central hydrogen pipeline 318, with a smaller diameter water supply pipeline 307. The umbilical 300 is provided with filler material 309. The filler material 309 will occupy the space between the various pipelines and channels of the umbilical and for example, may comprise a foam substance or similar. In some instances, the umbilical 300 may be provided with load carrying elements. Figure 9 shows an example hydrogen production system 50 which is similar to that outlined in Figure 3, wherein a primary hydrogen production facility 20 supplies utilities to produce hydrogen to two secondary hydrogen production facilities 10a, 10b via utilities umbilicals 300. In Figure 9, the produced hydrogen is transported via connected hydrogen pipeline 33 to a compression system 32. However, as discussed above, in some examples, a hydrogen transport pipeline may be incorporated into the umbilical 300 as denoted by umbilical 34 in Figures 6 and 7 .

[0079]

[0075] Figure 10 shows a flow diagram of an example initial design methodology of the present disclosure. A renewable energy profile is determined, i.e. the expected power which may be generated by the renewable energy generator. Next, the power capacity is matched to the unit capacity of an electrolsyer and the number of electrolysers is determined. In some examples, the renewable energy generator may be configured to supply power to the grid or another export source, accordingly, the power available for the production of hydrogen will be the excess power generated. The capacity of the electrolysers will therefore be matched to the excess power generated. In other examples, all of the renewable power generated will be used for hydrogen production, and as such, the capacity of the at least one electrolyser can be matched to a maximum power output of the generator. These steps are repeated for the number of power generators in the system (integer value). If there is a single power generator (Integer value - YES in Figure 10), the system will comprise a primary hydrogen production facility having a utilities system (as described above). If there are multiple power generators (Integer value - NO in Figure 10), the hydrogen production system will comprise a primary hydrogen production facility and a secondary production facility.

[0080]

[0076] The utilities demand for both the primary and secondary hydrogen production facilities is calculated. Determining the utilities demand is based on at least one of the following: a hydrogen production capacity of each of the hydrogen production facilities in the system, a cooling duty for each of the hydrogen production facilities in the system, a control system requirement for each of the hydrogen production facilities in the system. If there is utilities capacity within the utilities system provided on the primary hydrogen production facilities, then the excess capacity can be supplied to the secondary hydrogen production facility i.e. primary and secondary share utilities capacity. If there is no additional capacity on the primary hydrogen production facility, then utilities should be added to the system, for example by providing a second primary hydrogen production facility, or modifying an existing secondary hydrogen production facility to include a utilities system (effectively converting it to a primary hydrogen production facility).

[0081]

[0077] At the integer value design stage, the compression load of the primary and secondary hydrogen production facilities is calculated (e.g., based on the expected hydrogen production and export requirements). Depending on the compression load requirements, the decision will be taken on whether this may be met by individual compression substations (i.e. as shown in Figure 2), or via shared compression sub-stations (i.e. as shown in Figure 3), or via a compression and utilities platform (i.e. as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0082]

[0078] The design methodology may comprise generating a digital model or simulation on any computer program and is intended to include but not be limited to, for example, a spreadsheet program, or a computer aided graphic design program.

[0083]

[0079] It is to be noted that all ranges described herein are exemplary in nature and include any and all values in between. The terms “substantially,” “approximately” and “about” are defined as being largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and include wholly what is specified) as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment or example, the term “substantially,” “approximately,” or “about” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of’ what is specified, where the percentage includes 0.1, 1, 5, or 10 percent, typically 10 percent. For a lower limit this represents the lower limit value minus the percentage of the lower limit and for an upper limit this represents the limit value plus the percentage of the lower limit. Measurements that are reasonably close to the stated measurement deviate from the stated measurement by a reasonably small amount as understood and readily ascertained by individuals having ordinary skill in the relevant arts. Such deviations may be attributable to measurement error, differences in measurement and / or manufacturing equipment calibration, human error in reading and / or setting measurements, minor adjustments made to optimize performance and / or structural parameters in view of differences in measurements associated with other components, particular implementation scenarios, imprecise adjustment and / or manipulation of objects by a person or machine. In the event it is determined that individuals having ordinary skill in the relevant arts would not readily ascertain values for such reasonably small differences, the terms “about” and “approximately” can be understood to mean plus or minus 10% of the stated value.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An offshore hydrogen production system, comprising: a hydrogen production facility comprising a power generator configured to convert a source of renewable energy to electrical power and at least one electrolyser, wherein the capacity of the at least one electrolyser corresponds to a power output of the power generator; wherein the hydrogen production facility is configured to be supplied with utilities for the production of hydrogen from a utilities system which is located remote from the offshore hydrogen production facility.

2. The offshore hydrogen production system of claim 1, wherein the power generator is at least one of a wind turbine generator, a solar power generator, or a tidal power generator.

3. The offshore hydrogen production system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the power output corresponds to a maximum power output from the power generator or an available power output from the power generator.

4. The offshore hydrogen production system of any preceding claim, wherein the capacity of the at least one electrolyser is from 1 MW to 20 MW, optionally from 5 MW to 15 MW or from 10 MW to 15 MW.

5. The off shore hydrogen production system of any preceding claim, wherein the hydrogen production facility comprises a plurality of electrolysers, and wherein the plurality of electrolyser have a total electrolyser capacity of from 1 MW to 20 MW, optionally from 5 MW to 15 MW or from 10 MW to 15 MW.

6. The offshore hydrogen production system of claim any preceding claim, further comprising a utilities system which is located remote from the hydrogen production facility, and wherein the utilities system comprises at least one of: a source of water, a source of desalinated water, a source of nitrogen, a source of compressed air, processing and control system equipment.

7. The offshore hydrogen production system of any of preceding claim, wherein the hydrogen production facility is a secondary hydrogen production facility, and the system comprises a plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities.

8. The offshore hydrogen production system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the utilities system is located remote from each of the plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities, and wherein the utilities system is configured to supply utilities for the production of hydrogen to each of the plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities.

9. The offshore hydrogen production system of any preceding claim, further comprising a hydrogen compression system configured to receive and compress hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production facility.

10. The offshore hydrogen production system of claim 9, wherein the hydrogen compression system is a compression station which is located remote from the hydrogen production facility.

11. The offshore hydrogen production system of claim 10 when dependent upon claims 7 or 8, wherein the hydrogen compression system is a compression station located remote from each of the plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities and is configured to receive and compress hydrogen produced by the plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities.

12. The offshore hydrogen production system of claim 11, when dependent upon claim 7 or 8, further comprising a combined compression and utilities station, wherein the combined compression and utilities station is located remote from each of the plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities and comprises the hydrogen compression system and the utilities system.

13. The offshore hydrogen production system of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the hydrogen production facility is a secondary hydrogen production facility, and the system further comprises a primary hydrogen production facility which is located remote from the secondary hydrogen production facility, and wherein the primary hydrogen production facility comprises: a power generator configured to convert a source of renewable energy into electrical power, and at least one electrolyser, wherein the capacity of the at least one electrolyser corresponds to a power output of the power generator; and the utilities system, wherein the utilities system is configured to supply utilities for the production of hydrogen to the primary and the secondary hydrogen production facilities.

14. The offshore hydrogen production system of claim 13 when dependent upon claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities is located remote from the primary hydrogen production facility, and wherein each of the secondary hydrogen production facilities is configured to be supplied with utilities for the production of hydrogen from the utilities system of the primary hydrogen production facility.

15. The offshore hydrogen production system of claim 13 or 14, comprising: a first primary hydrogen production facility and a second primary hydrogen production facility, and at least one first secondary hydrogen production facility and at least one second secondary hydrogen production facility, wherein the at least one first secondary hydrogen production facility is configured to be supplied with utilities for the production of hydrogen from the first primary hydrogen production facility, and the at least one second secondary hydrogen production facility is configured to be supplied with utilities for the production of hydrogen from the second primary hydrogen production facility.

16. The offshore hydrogen production system of any preceding claim, further comprising a utilities umbilical, wherein the utilities for the production of hydrogen are supplied from the utilities system via the utilities umbilical, and wherein the utilities umbilical comprises any combination of the following: a water supply pipeline, a compressed air pipeline, a nitrogen supply pipeline, a chemical pipeline, instrument control conductors / wires, power cables.

17. The offshore hydrogen production system of claim 16, wherein the utilities umbilical further comprises a hydrogen pipeline, and the utilities umbilical is arranged for both the supply of utilities and the transport of hydrogen.

18. A method of producing hydrogen, the method comprising: supplying power from a power generator configured to convert a source of renewable energy to electrical power to at least one electrolyser for the production of hydrogen, wherein 1the power generator and the at least one electrolyser are part of an offshore hydrogen production facility and wherein the capacity of the least one electrolyser corresponds to a power output from the power generator; supplying utilities for the production of hydrogen to the hydrogen production facility from a utilities system which is remote from the offshore hydrogen production facility; and producing hydrogen at the offshore hydrogen production facility.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the offshore hydrogen production facility is a secondary offshore hydrogen production facility and the method comprises using a plurality of secondary offshore hydrogen production facilities to produce hydrogen.

20. The method of claim 19, comprising suppling the utilities for the production of hydrogen to each of the plurality of secondary hydrogen production facilities from a utilities station comprising the utilities system.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising providing a hydrogen compression system on the utilities station, and supplying the hydrogen produced from each of the plurality of secondary hydrogen production systems to the hydrogen compression system.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the offshore hydrogen production facility is a secondary offshore hydrogen production facility, and the method further comprises providing a primary offshore hydrogen production facility comprising a power generator configured to convert a source of renewable energy to electrical power, at least one electrolyser wherein the capacity of the at least one electrolyser corresponds to a power output of the power generator; and the utilities system; wherein the method further comprises supplying the primary and secondary offshore hydrogen production facilities with utilities for the production of hydrogen from the utilities system to the primary and the secondary hydrogen production facilities.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the method comprises: providing a first primary hydrogen production facility and a second primary hydrogen production facility, and at least one first secondary hydrogen production facility and at least one second secondary hydrogen production facility; andsupplying the at least one first secondary hydrogen production facility with utilities for the production of hydrogen from the first primary hydrogen production facility; and supplying the at least one second secondary hydrogen production facility with utilities for the production of hydrogen from the second primary hydrogen production facility.

24. A method of designing an offshore hydrogen production system, the method comprising: generating a digital model or simulation of an offshore hydrogen production system; matching the capacity of at least one electrolyser to a power output from a primary power generator configured to convert a primary source of offshore renewable energy to electrical power and providing a primary hydrogen production facility model to the digital model or simulation; matching the capacity of at least one electrolyser to a power output from a secondary power generator configured to convert a secondary source of offshore renewable energy to electrical power and providing a secondary hydrogen production facility model to the digital model or simulation, wherein the secondary hydrogen production facility is to be located remotely from the primary hydrogen production facility; determining the utility demand for the production of hydrogen from the primary hydrogen production facility model and the secondary hydrogen production facility model; specifying a utilities system model with a utilities system having capacity to meet at least the utility demand to the digital model or simulation; and specifying a supply system model configured to allow for the supply of utilities for the production of hydrogen from the utilities system to the first and second hydrogen production facilities.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the utilities system is designed to be located on one of the primary or secondary hydrogen production facilities.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the utilities system is designed to be located remote from the primary and secondary hydrogen production facilities.

27. The method of any of claims 24 to 26, comprising providing a utilities system having capacity to meet a utility demand for a plurality of primary and / or secondary hydrogen production facilities.

28. The method of any of claims 24 to 27, comprising: determining a total hydrogen compression demand to provide compression for the hydrogen produced from the primary and secondary hydrogen production facilities; providing a compressor station model comprising a hydrogen compression system with capacity to meet the total hydrogen compression demand, wherein the compressor station may be combined with the utilities system.

29. The method of any of claims 24 to 28, further comprising implementing the design model or simulation to produce an offshore hydrogen production system.

30. A method for the production of an offshore hydrogen production system, the method comprising: matching the capacity of at least one electrolyser to a power output from a primary power generator configured to convert a primary source of offshore renewable energy to electrical power to provide a primary hydrogen production facility; matching the capacity of at least one electrolyser to a power output from a secondary power generator configured to convert a secondary source of offshore renewable energy to electrical power to provide a secondary hydrogen production facility which is remote from the first hydrogen production facility; determining the utility demand for the production of hydrogen from the primary hydrogen production facility and the secondary hydrogen production facility; providing a utilities system model with a utilities system having capacity to meet at least the utility demand; and providing a supply system configured to supply utilities for the production of hydrogen from the utilities system to the first and second hydrogen production facilities.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the utilities system is located on one of the primary or secondary hydrogen production facilities.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein the utilities system is located remote from the primary and secondary hydrogen production facilities.

33. The method of any of claims 30 to 32, comprising providing a utilities system having capacity to meet a utility demand for a plurality of primary and / or secondary hydrogen production facilities.

34. The method of any of claims 30 to 33, comprising: determining a total hydrogen compression demand to provide compression for the hydrogen produced from the primary and secondary hydrogen production facilities; providing a compressor station comprising a hydrogen compression system with capacity to meet the total hydrogen compression demand, wherein the compressor station may be combined with the utility station.

35. A utilities umbilical for the supply of utilities for the production of hydrogen via electrolysis, the umbilical comprising: a plurality of utilities fluid pipelines including at least one water supply pipeline and at least one gas pipeline configured to transport: hydrogen; at least one of a power supply cable or an instrument control cable arrangement; and wherein one of the water supply pipeline or gas pipeline is positioned centrally about a longitudinal axis of the umbilical.

36. A method of supplying utilities to a hydrogen production facility, the method comprising: supplying utilities for the production of hydrogen to a hydrogen production facility, wherein the hydrogen production facility comprises a power generator configured to convert a source of renewable energy to electrical power and at least one electrolyser, and wherein supplying the utilities for the production of hydrogen comprises transporting the utilities for the production of hydrogen via an umbilical having a plurality of fluid pipelinesincluding at least one water supply pipeline and at least one gas pipeline configured to transport hydrogen, and at least one of a power supply cable or an arrangement of electrical conductors; and wherein the at least one gas pipeline transports hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production facility.

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