Method of transferring liquid hydrogen from a hydrogen liquefaction facility into a mobile tank

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of transferring liquid hydrogen (LH2) from a hydrogen liquefaction facility (1) into a mobile-LH2 tank (2), the hydrogen liquefaction facility comprising: • a liquefier (3); • a storage facility (4) comprising LH2; • a loading line (5) configured to be connected to the mobile-LH2 tank (2); • a tie-in point (6) connected to the loading line (5); • a first transport line (7) that is connected to the tie-in point (6) and that is connectable to either the liquefier (3) or the storage facility (4); • a second transport line (8) that connects the tie-in point (6) and the storage facility (4); the method comprising: (a) a loading mode in which LH2 is transferred from the storage facility (4) to the mobile-LH2 tank (2) - via at least a major part of the first transport line (7), the tie-in point (6) and the loading line (5); and - via at least a major part of the second transport line (8), the tie-in point (6) and the loading line (5); (b) a holding mode in which LH2 is transported through the first transport line (7), the second transport line (8) and the tie-in point (6) by: - transferring LH2 from the liquefier (3) to the storage facility (4) via the first transport line (7), the tie-in point (6) and the second transport line (8); or by recirculating LH2 from the storage facility (4) via the first transport line (7), the tie-in point (6) and the second transport line (8) or vice versa. In the holding mode of the present method, LH2 conditions are maintained in the first and the second transport lines. Thus, formation of hydrogen BOG during the initial phase of a subsequent loading operation is dramatically reduced.

Description

[0001] METHOD OF TRANSFERRING LIQUID HYDROGEN FROM A HYDROGEN LIQUEFACTION FACILITY INTO A MOBILE TANK

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a method of transferring liquid hydrogen (LH2 ) from a hydrogen liquefaction facility into a mobile-LH2 tank, wherein the formation, and thus the venting (or flaring) of hydrogen boil off gas (BOG) is minimized . The invention also provides an installation for carrying out this method .

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Low carbon hydrogen is positioned to play a key role in the energy transition . Not only is it required to decarbonize the production of fertilisers and chemicals , and in oil refining, but potentially also for (new) sectors where electrification is not possible or prohibitively expensive to achieve at scale Liquefied hydrogen is a credible means to supply low carbon hydrogen from a hydrogen production location to an end-use customer location .

[0006] Gaseous hydrogen, at atmospheric pressure, is liquefied by cooling it to its boiling point of about -253 °C ( 20 K) . Once hydrogen is liquefied it is stored in superinsulated cryogenic tanks . Efficient transport and storage of liquid hydrogen (LH2 ) are seen as critical to its large-scale adoption .

[0007] One of the main challenges of the storage of liquid hydrogen is the handling of hydrogen boil-off losses due to the requirement to cool down, filling of storage tanks , heat ingress , the need to depressurize storage tanks , etc . If no adequate solutions are available to handle this boil-off gas (BOG) , the hydrogen BOG is vented. It goes without saying that this venting (or flaring) of hydrogen BOG is economically and environmentally undesirable .

[0008] SP3199 FFSurges of hydrogen boil-off gas (BOG) occur during loading of liquid hydrogen (LH2 ) from hydrogen liquefaction facilities into mobile tanks when LH2 is introduced into run down or loading lines having an inner temperature that exceeds the boiling point of hydrogen . This is typically the case at the beginning of a loading operation as the inner temperature of the loading lines increases during the holding periods that separate successive loading operations due to heat ingress . This unwanted formation of hydrogen BOG during loading operations poses a particularly serious challenge in case these lines are very long, as is the case with e . g . , loading line ( s ) connecting LH2 storage tank ( s ) of a hydrogen liquefaction facility with LH2 loading j etty / j etties . LH2 loading j etties are used to transfer LH2 from LH2 storage tank ( s ) into mobile-LH2 tanks e . g . , tanks in a LH2 carrier ship, or LH2-fuelled aircraft , or LH2 truck .

[0009] US 11 , 953 , 157 B2 describes a method of filling a liquid hydrogen tank, the method comprising the steps of :

[0010] • a first transferring step of a first amount of liquid hydrogen into the liquid hydrogen tank from a first source of liquid hydrogen comprising a hydrogen liquefier, the first amount of liquid hydrogen being provided in order to lower a temperature and a pressure in the liquid hydrogen tank; and

[0011] • a second transferring step of a second amount of liquid hydrogen into the liquid hydrogen tank from a second source of liquid hydrogen comprising a liquid hydrogen storage facility, in which the first amount of liquid hydrogen is transferred directly from the hydrogen liquefier into the liquid hydrogen tank and the second amount of liquid hydrogen is transferred into the liquidhydrogen tank by pressure difference between the liquid hydrogen storage facility and the liquid hydrogen tank . This method does not prevent the occurrence of surges of hydrogen BOG at the beginning of loading operations .

[0012] WO 2023 / 225343 A2 describes a liquefied gas system for capturing gas boil-off from a liquefied gas storage vessel, the system comprising

[0013] a . a liquefied gas vessel for storing liquefied gas ; b . a means for delivering gas from said liquefied gas vessel to a system end-point;

[0014] c . an adsorbent vessel for storing boil-off gas emitted from said liquefied gas vessel, said adsorbent vessel containing at least one adsorbent;

[0015] d . a means for delivering boil-off gas from said liquefied gas vessel to said adsorbent vessel whereby said boil-off gas is reversibly stored on said at least one adsorbent; and

[0016] e . a means for delivering the stored boil-off gas from said adsorbent vessel to said system end-point .

[0017] This method of capturing hydrogen BOG is quite complex and does not prevent the occurrence of surges of hydrogen BOG at the beginning of loading operations .

[0018] WO 2023 / 219083 Al describes a liquid hydrogen transfer system 1 comprising :

[0019] • a liquid hydrogen storage tank 10 that stores liquid hydrogen;

[0020] • a liquid hydrogen storage tank 20 that stores liquid hydrogen;

[0021] • transfer pipes 30 , 40 that connect the liquid hydrogen storage tank 10 and the liquid hydrogen storage tank 20 ; • liquid hydrogen flow paths 31 , 41 that are provided inside the transfer pipes 30 , 40 , and through which the liquid hydrogen can be transferred between the liquidhydrogen storage tank 10 and the liquid hydrogen storage tank 20 ; and

[0022] • BOG flow paths 32 , 42 , 43 that are provided inside the transfer pipes 30, 40 , and through which boil-off gas , which is the liquid hydrogen in a vaporized form, is discharged to the outside from at least one of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 10 and the liquid hydrogen storage tank 20.

[0023] This method reduces generation of boil-off gas during loading via loading line 30 / 31 / 32 , but may not prevent the occurrence of surges of hydrogen BOG at the beginning of loading operations . Furthermore, this method requires the installation of a complicated multichannel (vapor shielded) cryogenic transfer line, which is more expensive than a traditional (vacuum) insulated LH2 line of the same length and routing .

[0024] The methods of transferring liquid hydrogen described in the aforementioned prior art documents do not prevent surges of hydrogen BOG at the beginning of a loading operation when the loading line has a temperature well above the boiling temperature of hydrogen or require substantial capital expenditures to avoid such surges . SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The inventors have found that hydrogen BOG surges in loading line ( s ) may be prevented in a very simple manner by employing two transport lines for loading, i . e . a first transport line that is connectable to either a LH2 storage facility or a hydrogen liquefier and a second transport line that is connected to the LH2 storage facility. During loading operation, LH2 is transferred from the LH2 storage facility to a mobile-LH2 tank through both the first and second transport lines . During holding periods that separate loading operations , LH2 is transferred from the hydrogen liquefier to the storage facility via the firstand second transport lines or , alternatively, LH2 is recirculated from the storage facility via the f irst and second transport line s . Thus , LH2 conditions are continuous ly maintained in the first and the second transport lines , i . e . both during loading operations and intermediate holding periods . As a result , formation of hydrogen BOG during the initial pha se of the loading operation is dramatically reduced . Furthermore , loading can start much faster after a holding period as there is no need to wait until the transport lines have been cooled suff iciently .

[0026] Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention relates to a method of transferring liquid hydrogen (LH2 ) f rom a hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) into a mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) , the hydrogen liquefaction facility comprising :

[0027] • a liquefier ( 3 ) ;

[0028] • a storage facility ( 4 ) comprising LH2 ;

[0029] • a loading line ( 5 ) configured to be connected to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) ;

[0030] • a tie-in point ( 6 ) connected to the loading line ( 5 ) ;

[0031] • a first transport line ( 7 ) that is connected to the tie-in point ( 6 ) and that is connectable to either the liquefier ( 3 ) or the storage facility ( 4 ) ;

[0032] • a second transport line ( 8 ) that connects the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the storage facility ( 4 ) ;

[0033] the method compris ing :

[0034] ( a ) a loading mode in which LH2 is transferred f rom the storage facility ( 4 ) to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 )

[0035] via at least a maj or part of the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the loading line ( 5 ) ; and via at least a maj or part of the second transport line ( 8 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the loading line ( 5 ) ;(b ) a holding mode in which LH2 is transported through the first transport line ( 7 ) , the second transport line ( 8 ) and the tie-in point ( 6 ) by :

[0036] transferring LH2 f rom the liquefier ( 3 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) via the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the second transport line ( 8 ) ; or

[0037] by recirculating LH2 from the storage facility ( 4 ) via , at least a maj or part of the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the second transport line ( 8 ) or vi ce versa .

[0038] A second aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) suitable for performing the method according to any one of the preceding claims , the installation comprising :

[0039] • a liquefier ( 3 ) ;

[0040] • a storage facility ( 4 ) for storing LH2 ;

[0041] • a loading line ( 5 ) configured to be connected to a mobile-LH2 tank ;

[0042] • a tie-in point ( 6 ) connected to the loading line ( 5 ) ;

[0043] • a first transport line ( 7 ) that is connected to the tie-in point ( 6 ) and that is connectable to either the liquefier ( 3 ) or the storage facility ( 4 ) ;

[0044] • a second transport line ( 8 ) that connects the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the storage facility ( 4 ) ;

[0045] • a feed line ( 10 ) connecting the liquef ier ( 3 ) and the storage facility ( 4 ) .

[0046] FIGURES

[0047] Figure 1 schematically depict s a loading mode according to the pre sent invention .

[0048] Figure 2 schematically depict s an alternative loading mode according to the present invention .

[0049] Figure 3 schematically depict s a holding mode according to the pre sent invention .Figure 4 schematically depict s an alternative holding mode according to the present invention .

[0050] Figure 5 schematically depict s an alternative holding mode according to the present invention .

[0051] DETAILED DESCRI PTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The pre sent invention provide s a method of trans ferring liquid hydrogen (LH2 ) f rom a hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) into a mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) , the hydrogen liquefaction facility compri sing :

[0053] • a liquefier ( 3 ) ;

[0054] • a storage facility ( 4 ) comprising LH2 ;

[0055] • a loading line ( 5 ) configured to be connected to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) ;

[0056] • a tie-in point ( 6 ) connected to the loading line ( 5 ) ;

[0057] • a first transport line ( 7 ) that is connected to the tie-in point ( 6 ) and that is connectable to either the liquefier ( 3 ) or the storage facility ( 4 ) ;

[0058] • a second transport line ( 8 ) that connects the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the storage facility ( 4 ) ;

[0059] the method compris ing :

[0060] ( a ) a loading mode in which LH2 is transferred f rom the storage facility ( 4 ) to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 )

[0061] via at least a maj or part of the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the loading line ( 5 ) ; and via at least a maj or part of the second transport line ( 8 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the loading line ( 5 ) ;

[0062] (b ) a holding mode in which LH2 is transported through the first transport line ( 7 ) , the second transport line ( 8 ) and the tie-in point ( 6 ) by :

[0063] transferring LH2 f rom the liquefier ( 3 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) via the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the second transport line ( 8 ) ; orby recirculating LH2 from the storage facility ( 4 ) via the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the second transport line ( 8 ) or vi ce versa .

[0064] Whenever reference is made herein to trans fer or transport from A to B via one or more specified lines this means that these specif ied lines are involved in said transfer or transport . However , it should be understood that besides the specif ied line ( s ) , additional lines may be involved in the transfer or transport . For instance , in the loading mode , LH2 i s transferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) via at least a maj or part of the second transport line ( 8 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the loading line ( 5 ) . As depicted in Figure 1 , in the loading mode , feeding of the second transport line ( 8 ) can be achieved by transferring LH2 via the first transport line ( 7 ) and connecting line ( 9 ) into the second transport line ( 8 ) .

[0065] The hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) according to the present invention comprises a liquefier ( 3 ) , which is designed to convert hydrogen gas ( H2) into it s liquid state by cooling it to extremely low temperatures . Preferably, the liquef ier comprises a liquefaction cold box . The cold box is preferably cooled by a refrigerant selected from the group consi sting of nitrogen , one or more hydrocarbons , argon , hydrogen , helium, neon and mixtures thereof , more preferably selected f rom the group cons isting of hydrogen, helium, neon and mixture s thereof .

[0066] The hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) further comprises a storage facility ( 4 ) , which preferably is a vacuum insulated storage tank .

[0067] In a preferred embodiment , the storage facility ( 4 ) has a volume of at lea st 500 m3, more preferably a volume of at least 1 , 000 m3, even more preferably a volume of at lea st 2 , 000 m3.The LH2 in the storage facility ( 4 ) preferably comprises at least 99 wt . % hydrogen , more preferably at least 99 . 8 wt . % hydrogen , most preferably at lea st 99 . 9 wt . % hydrogen .

[0068] The pre s sure in the storage facility ( 4 ) preferably is between 1 . 0 bara and 12 bara , more preferably between 1 . 0 bara and 6 . 0 bara , most preferably between 1 . 0 bara and 3 . 0 bara . The pres sure in the storage facility ( 4 ) preferably exceeds atmospheric pres sure to prevent inleak of air in case of lea kage .

[0069] In a pres surized storage facility, LH2 can be stored at slightly higher temperatures because increa se pres sure raises the boiling point . Preferably, the temperature of the LH2 in the storage facility ( 4 ) is in the range of 15 to 33 K, preferably in the range of 20 to 27 K.

[0070] Preferably, the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) that i s filled in accordance with the pre sent method is a LH2 carrier ship , a LH2 -fuelled aircraft , or a LH2 truck .

[0071] The hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) comprises a loading line ( 5 ) conf igured to be connected to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) . The loading line ( 5 ) preferably ha s a length of not more than 100 meters , preferably of not more than 75 meters and most preferably of 3-50 meters .

[0072] The hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) comprises a first transport line ( 7 ) and a second transport line ( 8 ) that are both connected to the loading line ( 5 ) by the tie-in point ( 6 ) .

[0073] The first transport line ( 7 ) may be connected to the liquefier ( 3 ) and / or the storage facility ( 4 ) , depending upon whether the hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) i s operating in the loading mode or the holding mode and upon the specif ic routing selected to enable thi s . As shown in the Figure s , it will be appreciated that the total length of f irst transport line ( 7 ) may be different dependingupon whether the hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) i s operating in the loading mode or the holding mode , and also upon the routing selected for the first transport line ( 7 ) . Hence , in some embodiments , the length of the first transport line ( 7 ) may be mea sured between the storage facility ( 4 ) and tie-in point ( 6 ) , whereas in other embodiments , the length of the first transport line ( 7 ) may be measured between the liquefier ( 3 ) and tie-in point ( 6 ) . As used herein , in the loading mode , the total length of the f irst transport line ( 7 ) is def ined as the length of the f irst transport line ( 7 ) between storage facility ( 4 ) and tie-in point ( 6 ) , as depicted in Figures 1 and 2 . In the loading mode , as depicted in Figures 1 and 2 , part of the total amount of LH2 loaded , i s transferred through the total length of the f irst transport line ( 7 ) .

[0074] In the hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) , the maximum length of the f irst transport line ( 7 ) is def ined as either the length of the first transport line ( 7 ) as measured between the liquefier ( 3 ) and tie-in point ( 6 ) or the length of the first transport line ( 7 ) as measured between the storage facility ( 4 ) and tie-in point ( 6 ) , whichever length i s larger .

[0075] The benefits of the present invention are particularly appreciated if the first and second transport lines ( 7 ) and ( 8 ) are relatively long . Consequently, in a particularly preferred embodiment , the length of the first transport line ( 7 ) that is used for trans ferring LH2 from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) a s well as the length of the part of the second transport line ( 8 ) that i s used for transferring LH2 from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) each exceeds 50 meters , preferably each is in the range of 100-5 , 000 meters , more preferably each is in the range of 200-3 , 000 meters .

[0076] As used herein , in the loading mode , the total length of the second transport line ( 8 ) is defined a s the length of the second transport line ( 8 ) between storage facility ( 4 ) and tie-in point ( 6 ) , as depicted in Figure 2 .

[0077] However , in the loading mode , LH2 may be transferred through some or all of this total length . Hence , in certain embodiment s of the loading mode , part of the total length of the second transport line ( 8 ) may not be used in the LH2 transfer , for example , as shown in Figure 1 .

[0078] Preferably, in the loading mode as shown in Figure 1 , LH2 is transferred through at least 80% , more preferably through at least 90% of the total length of the second transport line ( 8 ) .

[0079] In a preferred embodiment , the first transport line ( 7 ) and the second transport line ( 8 ) are interconnected by a connection line ( 9 ) and in the loading mode LH2 is fed into the second transport line ( 8 ) from the storage facility ( 4 ) via the first transport line ( 7 ) and the connecting line ( 9 ) .

[0080] The hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) typically comprises one or more pumps to transport LH2 from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) . In a preferred embodiment , the first transport line ( 7 ) comprises a LH2 pump . This LH2 pump is preferably operated in the loading mode .

[0081] The pre sent invention of fers the advantage that during the holding periods that separate the loading operations , LH2 conditions are maintained in the first transportation line ( 7 ) and the second transport line ( 8 ) , thereby minimising formation of hydrogen BOG during the initial phase of the loading operations . Maintenance of LH2conditions in transportation lines ( 7 ) and ( 8 ) in the holding mode can be achieved by :

[0082] ( a ) transferring LH2 f rom the liquefier ( 3 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) via the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the second transport line ( 8 ) ; or

[0083] (b ) by recirculating LH2 from the storage facility ( 4 ) via the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the second transport line ( 8 ) ; or

[0084] ( c ) by recirculating LH2 from the storage facility ( 4 ) via the second transport line ( 8 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the first transport line ( 7 ) .

[0085] Most preferably, LH2 conditions are maintained in transportation lines ( 7 ) and ( 8 ) by trans ferring LH2 from the liquef ier ( 3 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) via the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the second transport line ( 8 ) .

[0086] In a preferred embodiment , LH2 is transferred from the liquefier ( 3 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) in both the loading mode and the holding mode . In the loading mode , LH2 may be transferred from the liquefier ( 3 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) via the feed line ( 10 ) . As mentioned above , in the holding mode , LH2 may be transferred from the liquef ier ( 3 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) via the transport lines ( 7 ) and ( 8 ) , for example , a s shown in Figure 3 .

[0087] According to a particularly preferred embodiment , in the holding mode , hydrogen BOG is transferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the liquefier ( 3 ) and , in the loading mode , hydrogen BOG i s trans ferred f rom the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) . Hydrogen BOG may be transferred in the loading mode from the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) for vapour replacement and surplus hydrogen BOG may be transferred to the liquef ier ( 3 ) .Preferably, in the holding mode , hydrogen BOG is transferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the liquefier ( 3 ) at a rate of X kg / hour and, in the loading mode , hydrogen BOG is trans ferred from the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) to the liquefier ( 3 ) at a rate of Y kg / hour , wherein the ratio Y / X is in the range of 0-20 , preferably of 0 . 3- 10 , more preferably of 0 . 5- 8 .

[0088] In order to ef ficiently handle hydrogen BOG while maintaining optimal liquefier performance , the transfer rate of hydrogen BOG should be controlled . Typically, in the holding mode , hydrogen BOG is transferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the liquefier ( 3 ) at a throughput of between 0 . 2 % (m / m) and 15 % (m / m) of the liquefier throughput , more preferably at a throughput of between 0 . 3% (m / m) and 10% (m / m) of the liquefier throughput and most preferably at a throughput of between 0 . 5% (m / m) and 7 % (m / m) of the liquefier throughput . Here , the liquefier throughput equals the total throughput the liquefier can proces s ( tonnes / hour ) , when operated at a 100 % of its nominal de sign capacity .

[0089] It is preferred that the hydrogen BOG transferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the liquefier ( 3 ) comprises at least 99 wt . % hydrogen, more preferably at least 99 . 8 wt . % hydrogen , most preferably at least 99 . 9 wt . % hydrogen .

[0090] In a preferred embodiment , the hydrogen BOG transferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the liquef ier ( 3 ) ha s a temperature in the range of 14 - 60 K, more preferably of 20-40 K .

[0091] The hydrogen BOG that is transferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the liquefier ( 3 ) preferably has a pres sure in the range of 1 . 0 -12 . 0 bara in the range of 1 . 0- 6 . 0 bara , preferably of 1 . 0-3 . 0 bara .

[0092] The hydrogen BOG formed during filling of the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) preferably comprises at least 95 wt . %hydrogen , more preferably at least 99 wt . % hydrogen , even more preferably at least 99 . 8 wt . % hydrogen , most preferably at least 99 . 9 wt . % hydrogen .

[0093] Preferably, the hydrogen BOG formed during filling of the mobile tank ( 2 ) has temperature in the range of 14 - 60 K, preferably of 20- 60 K .

[0094] The hydrogen BOG formed during filling of the mobile tank ( 2 ) preferably has a pres sure in the range of 1 . 0- 6 . 0 bara , preferably of 1 . 0 -3 . 0 bara .

[0095] In order to ef ficiently handle hydrogen BOG while maintaining optimal liquefier performance , the transfer rate of hydrogen BOG should be controlled . In a preferred embodiment , in the holding mode , hydrogen BOG is transferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the liquefier ( 3 ) at a throughput of between 0 . 5% and 7 % of the total throughput the liquef ier can proces s ( tonne s / hour ) , when operated at a 100% of its nominal design capacity .

[0096] In a second aspect , the pre sent invention provides a hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) suitable for performing the method according to the present invention , the hydrogen liquefaction facility comprising :

[0097] • a liquefier ( 3 ) ;

[0098] • a storage facility ( 4 ) for storing LH2 ;

[0099] • a loading line ( 5 ) configured to be connected to a mobile-LH2 tank ;

[0100] • a tie-in point ( 6 ) connected to the loading line ( 5 ) ;

[0101] • a first transport line ( 7 ) that is connected to the tie-in point ( 6 ) and that is connectable to either the liquefier ( 3 ) or the storage facility ( 4 ) ;

[0102] • a second transport line ( 8 ) that connects the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the storage facility ( 4 ) ;

[0103] • a feed line ( 10 ) connecting the liquef ier ( 3 ) and the storage facility ( 4 ) .The feed line ( 10 ) connecting the liquefier ( 3 ) and the storage facility ( 4 ) may be distinct from the second transport line ( 8 ) . However , in an alternative embodiment , as shown in Figure 1 , the routing of feed line ( 10 ) may be such that it connects via a tie-in point to second transport line ( 8 ) and thereby use s some of the length of the second transport line ( 8 ) to connect to the storage facility ( 4 ) .

[0104] The storage facility ( 4 ) preferably i s a vacuum insulated storage tank .

[0105] The storage facility ( 4 ) preferably has a volume of at least 500 m3, more preferably a volume of at least 1 , 000 m3, most preferably a volume of at least 2 , 000 m3.

[0106] Preferably, the hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) is connected to a mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) via loading line ( 5 ) . Preferably, the mobile-LH2 tank is a LH2 carrier ship , a LH2 -fuelled aircraft , or a LH2 truck .

[0107] The loading line ( 5 ) preferably has a length of not more than 100 meters , preferably of not more than 75 meters and most preferably of 3-50 meters .

[0108] In a particularly preferred embodiment , the length of the first transport line ( 7 ) that i s used for transferring LH2 from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) as well as the length of the part of the second transport line ( 8 ) that is used for trans ferring LH2 from the storage facility ( 4 ) to e . g . a mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) each exceeds 50 meters , preferably each i s in the range of 100-5 , 000 meters , more preferably each is in the range of 200-3 , 000 meters .

[0109] Preferably, per the embodiment shown in Figure l , the facility i s configured so that during loading , LH2 is transferred through at least 80% , more preferably through at least 90% of the total length of the second transport line ( 8 ) .In a preferred embodiment , the first transport line ( 7 ) and the second transport line ( 8 ) are interconnected by a connection line ( 9 ) , which interconnection is located close to the point where the second transport line ( 8 ) is connected to the storage facility ( 4 ) . Here "close" means within 20% , preferably within 10% , most preferably within 5% of the total length of the second transport line ( 8 ) .

[0110] In a preferred embodiment , the first transport line ( 7 ) comprises a LH2 pump . This LH2 pump is preferably operated in the loading mode .

[0111] In a preferred embodiment , the hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) comprise s a gas transfer line ( 12 ) connecting the storage facility ( 4 ) to the liquefier ( 3 ) .

[0112] In a further preferred embodiment , the hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) comprises a gas transfer line ( 11 ) connecting the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) .

[0113] A hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) suitable for carrying out the method of transferring LH2 according to the present invention i s shown in Figures 1 -4 . Figure s 1 and 2 illustrate operation of the hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) in different loading modes . Figures 3 and 4 illustrate operation of the hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) in dif ferent holding modes .

[0114] Figure 1 depicts a loading mode in which LH2 is transferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 )

[0115] via the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the loading line ( 5 ) ; and

[0116] via the connecting line ( 9 ) , via a maj or part of the second transport line ( 8 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the loading line ( 5 ) .

[0117] Hydrogen BOG is trans ferred from the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) via line ( 11 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) for vapourreplacement and optionally surplus hydrogen BOG is transferred to the liquefier ( 3 ) via line ( 12 ) .

[0118] Figure 2 depicts an alternative loading mode in which LH2 is transferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 )

[0119] via the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the loading line ( 5 ) ; and

[0120] via the second transport line ( 8 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the loading line ( 5 ) .

[0121] Hydrogen BOG i s transferred f rom the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) via line ( 11 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) for vapour replacement and optionally surplus hydrogen BOG is transferred to the liquefier ( 3 ) via line ( 12 ) .

[0122] Figure 3 depicts a holding mode in which the first transport line ( 7 ) , the second transport line ( 8 ) and the tie-in point ( 6 ) are kept at LH2 conditions by transferring LH2 f rom the liquefier ( 3 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) via the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the second transport line ( 8 ) . Optionally, hydrogen BOG is trans ferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the liquefier ( 3 ) via line ( 12 ) .

[0123] Figure 4 depicts an alternative holding mode in which the first transport line ( 7 ) , the second transport line ( 8 ) and the tie-in point ( 6 ) are kept at LH2 conditions by recirculating LH2 from the storage facility ( 4 ) via the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the second transport line ( 8 ) . Optionally, hydrogen BOG i s transferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the liquefier ( 3 ) via line ( 12 ) .

[0124] Figure 5 depicts an alternative holding mode in which the first transport line ( 7 ) , the second transport line ( 8 ) and the tie-in point ( 6 ) are kept at LH2 conditions by recirculating LH2 from the storage facility ( 4 ) via the second transport line ( 8 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and thefirst transport line ( 7 ) . Optionally, hydrogen BOG is transferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the liquefier ( 3 ) via line ( 12 ) .

Claims

C L A I M S1 . A method of transferring liquid hydrogen ( LH2 ) from a hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) into a mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) , the hydrogen liquefaction facility comprising :• a liquefier ( 3 ) ;• a storage facility ( 4 ) comprising LH2 ;• a loading line ( 5 ) configured to be connected to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) ;• a tie-in point ( 6 ) connected to the loading line ( 5 ) ;• a first transport line ( 7 ) that is connected to the tie-in point ( 6 ) and that is connectable to either the liquefier ( 3 ) or the storage facility ( 4 ) ;• a second transport line ( 8 ) that connects the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the storage facility ( 4 ) ;the method compris ing :( a ) a loading mode in which LH2 is transferred f rom the storage facility ( 4 ) to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 )via at least a maj or part of the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the loading line ( 5 ) ; and via at least a maj or part of the second transport line ( 8 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the loading line ( 5 ) ;(b ) a holding mode in which LH2 is transported through the first transport line ( 7 ) , the second transport line ( 8 ) and the tie-in point ( 6 ) by :transferring LH2 f rom the liquefier ( 3 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) via the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the second transport line ( 8 ) ; orby recirculating LH2 from the storage facility ( 4 ) via the first transport line ( 7 ) , the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the second transport line ( 8 ) or vi ce versa .SP3199 FF2 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the length of the first transport line ( 7 ) that i s used for transferring LH2 from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) as well as the length of the part of the second transport line ( 8 ) that is used for trans ferring LH2 from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) each exceeds 50 meters , preferably each is in the range of 100-5 , 000 meters , more preferably each is in the range of 200-3 , 000 meters .3 . The method according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein in loading mode LH2 i s transferred through at least 80% of the total length of the second transport line ( 8 ) .4 . The method according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the loading line ( 5 ) has a length of not more than 100 meters , preferably of 3-50 meters .5 . The method according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein LH2 i s trans ferred from the liquefier ( 3 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) in the loading mode and the holding mode .6 . The method according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the f irst transport line ( 7 ) and the second transport line ( 8 ) are interconnected by a connection line ( 9 ) and wherein in the loading mode LH2 is fed into the second transport line ( 8 ) from the first transport line ( 7 ) via connecting line ( 9 ) .7 . The method according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the storage facility ( 4 ) ha s a volume of at least 500 m3, preferably a volume of at lea st 1 , 000 m3, more preferably a volume of at least 2 , 000 m3.8 . The method according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the pre s sure in the storage facility ( 4 ) is between 1 . 0 bara and 12 . 0 bara , preferably between 1 . 0 bara and 6 . 0 bara , more preferably between 1 . 0 bara and 3 . 0 bara .9 . The method according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the temperature of the LH2 in the storage facility ( 4 ) is in the range of 15 to 33 K, preferably in the range of 20 to 27 K .10 . The method according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the storage facility ( 4 ) contains hydrogen boil-off gas ( BOG) and wherein in the holding mode hydrogen BOG is trans ferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the liquefier ( 3 ) and wherein in the loading mode hydrogen BOG is trans ferred from the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) to the storage facility ( 4 ) .11 . The method according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein hydrogen BOG formed during filling of the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) comprise s at least 95 wt% hydrogen , preferably at least 99 wt . % hydrogen , more preferably at least 99 . 8 wt . % hydrogen , even more preferably at lea st 99 . 9 wt . % hydrogen .12 . The method according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein in the holding mode hydrogen BOG is transferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the liquefier ( 3 ) at a rate of X kg / hour and wherein in the loading mode hydrogen BOG is trans ferred from the mobile-LH2 tank ( 2 ) to the liquefier ( 3 ) at a rate of Y kg / hour and wherein22the ratio Y / X i s in the range of 0-20 , preferably of 0 . 3-10 , more preferably of 0 . 5-8 .13 . The method according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein in the holding mode hydrogen BOG is transferred from the storage facility ( 4 ) to the liquefier ( 3 ) at a throughput of between 0 . 2 % (m / m) and 15% (m / m) of the liquefier throughput , preferably at a throughput of between 0 . 3% (m / m) and 10% (m / m) of the liquefier throughput .14 . The method according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the f irst transport line ( 7 ) comprise s a LH2 pump .15 . A hydrogen liquefaction facility ( 1 ) suitable for performing the method according to any one of the preceding claims , the installation compri sing :• a liquefier ( 3 ) ;• a storage facility ( 4 ) for storing LH2 ;• a loading line ( 5 ) configured to be connected to a mobile-LH2 tank ;• a tie-in point ( 6 ) connected to the loading line ( 5 ) ;• a first transport line ( 7 ) that is connected to the tie-in point ( 6 ) and that is connectable to either the liquefier ( 3 ) or the storage facility ( 4 ) ;• a second transport line ( 8 ) that connects the tie-in point ( 6 ) and the storage facility ( 4 ) ;• a feed line ( 10 ) connecting the liquef ier ( 3 ) and the storage facility ( 4 ) .

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