Method and device for producing dehydrogenated carrier and / or hydrogen, and method and device for producing hydrogenated carrier

Abstract

This method for producing a dehydrogenated carrier and / or hydrogen includes: a dehydrogenation step for dehydrogenating a hydrogenated carrier using a dehydrogenation catalyst to generate a dehydrogenated carrier and hydrogen; and an acquisition step for acquiring at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst as a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion of the hydrogenated carrier to hydrogen.

Description

Methods for producing dehydrogenation carriers and / or hydrogen, and apparatus for producing them, methods for producing hydrogenation carriers and apparatus for producing them

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing dehydrogenated carriers and / or hydrogen, and an apparatus for producing them, as well as a method for producing hydrogenated carriers and an apparatus for producing them.

[0002] In recent years, the use of hydrogen energy has attracted global attention as a means of achieving carbon neutrality and a decarbonized society. While hydrogen is seen as a promising energy carrier that does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2) during use, greenhouse gases (GHGs) may be emitted during processes such as production, transportation, and conversion. Therefore, calculating and managing GHG emissions throughout the entire hydrogen supply chain is crucial.

[0003] Liquid hydrogen, ammonia, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) are widely considered as means of transporting and storing hydrogen, and the amount of GHG emissions differs depending on the production process, adjustment / conversion process, and transportation process for each. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an operational management system that can efficiently deliver raw materials from a raw material production site to multiple dehydrogenation sites.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-157750

[0005] Catalysts are used in the hydrogenation reactions of dehydrogenation carriers (TLs) and hydrogenation carriers (MCHs). Catalysts are used repeatedly over long periods, and their performance gradually deteriorates over time. Therefore, when the catalyst performance deteriorates beyond a certain point, it is necessary to replace or regenerate the catalyst.

[0006] When catalysts are replaced or regenerated, greenhouse gas emissions primarily occur due to the manufacturing process of the catalyst. However, conventionally, catalyst replacement and regeneration themselves have not been considered, and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with catalyst replacement and regeneration have not been counted as a component of the greenhouse gas emissions emitted during the hydrogenation or dehydrogenation conversion process.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a method and system for producing dehydrogenation carriers and / or hydrogen, as well as a method and system for producing hydrogenation carriers, which can more accurately quantify greenhouse gas emissions emitted in hydrogenation or dehydrogenation conversion processes.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a method for producing a dehydrogenation carrier and / or hydrogen, comprising: a dehydrogenation step of dehydrogenating a hydrogenation carrier using a dehydrogenation catalyst to produce a dehydrogenation carrier and hydrogen; and an acquisition step of obtaining at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion of the hydrogenation carrier to hydrogen.

[0009] A production system that uses the dehydrogenation catalyst of this disclosure to dehydrogenate a hydrogenation carrier and produce a dehydrogenation carrier and hydrogen includes a processing device that obtains at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst as part of the greenhouse gas emissions in the dehydrogenation.

[0010] The method for producing a hydrogenated carrier according to this disclosure comprises a hydrogenation step of hydrogenating a dehydrogenated carrier using a hydrogenation catalyst to produce a hydrogenated carrier, and an acquisition step of obtaining at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to the hydrogenated carrier.

[0011] A production system for hydrogenating a dehydrogenation carrier using the hydrogenation catalyst of this disclosure to produce a hydrogenation carrier includes a processing device that obtains at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to the hydrogenation carrier.

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method and system for producing dehydrogenation carriers and / or hydrogen, as well as a method and system for producing hydrogenation carriers, which can more accurately quantify greenhouse gas emissions emitted in hydrogenation or dehydrogenation conversion processes.

[0013] This is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen supply chain. This is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen supply chain via a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (MCH / TL system). This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the system of this disclosure. This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the processing apparatus of this disclosure. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of hydrogen production information. This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the processing apparatus of this disclosure. This is a flowchart showing an example of the manufacturing method of this disclosure. This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the system of this disclosure. This is a functional block diagram showing another example of the software configuration of the processing apparatus of this disclosure. This is a schematic diagram showing another example of hydrogen production information. This is a flowchart showing another example of the manufacturing method of this disclosure.

[0014] The present invention will be described in detail below, but is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible without departing from its essence.

[0015] A. Definitions of Terms The following are definitions of the main terms used in this disclosure.

[0016] A "Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC)" is a general term for organic compounds that can reversibly retain hydrogen. Examples include combinations of methylcyclohexane (MCH) and toluene (TL), and combinations of octahydrodibenzyltoluene (H18-DBT) and dibenzyltoluene (DBT). In a hydrogen supply chain using such liquid organic hydrogen carriers, for example, a dehydrogenation carrier (TL) is hydrogenated to produce a hydrogenation carrier (MCH), the hydrogenation carrier is transported to a consumption gate, and finally, the hydrogenation carrier (MCH) is dehydrogenated at the consumption gate to separate the hydrogen from the dehydrogenation carrier (TL), thereby transporting hydrogen. Furthermore, the dehydrogenation carrier (TL) separated at the consumption gate is reused for hydrogenation, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers are circulated and used throughout the hydrogen supply chain.

[0017] A "hydrogenated carrier" refers to a medium capable of storing and transporting hydrogen, and includes ammonia, liquid hydrogen, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs). Among these, ammonia has a high hydrogen density, can utilize existing infrastructure for transportation and storage, and can also be used directly as fuel. Liquid hydrogen is hydrogen liquefied at extremely low temperatures and can be maintained in a highly pure state. Liquid organic hydrogen carriers can stably store hydrogen in the form of organic compounds and have the advantage of utilizing existing petroleum-based infrastructure for transportation and storage. In addition, hydrogen can also be used as a hydrogen carrier by reacting CO2 with hydrogen to produce methane or methanol, or by using hydrogen storage alloys that reversibly react with hydrogen to produce metal hydrides.

[0018] This disclosure illustrates the steps involved when using a liquid organic hydrogen carrier, but is not limited thereto. The same principles can be applied to hydrogenation to methane or methanol, or dehydrogenation from methane or methanol.

[0019] A "liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC)" is a general term for organic compounds that can reversibly retain hydrogen. Examples in this specification include combinations of methylcyclohexane (MCH) and toluene (TL), and combinations of octahydrodibenzyltoluene (H18-DBT) and dibenzyltoluene (DBT). When there is no particular distinction between the hydrogenated state, such as MCH, and the dehydrogenated state, such as TL, the term "liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC)" is used, and when a distinction is made between the hydrogenated and dehydrogenated states, this is clearly stated.

[0020] "Dehydrogenated carrier" refers to a medium obtained by subjecting a hydrogenation carrier to a dehydrogenation reaction, and may include toluene (TL), benzyltoluene (BT), and dibenzyltoluene (DBT).

[0021] "Dehydrogenation catalyst" refers to a catalyst used in the dehydrogenation reaction of a hydrogenated carrier, such as Pt / Al ２ O ３ catalyst, Pt-Pd / Al ２ O ３ catalyst, Pt-Sn / SiO ２ catalyst, Pt / ZrO ２ catalyst, Pt / Mg-Al ２ O ３ Pt-based catalysts such as catalyst and Pt / C catalyst are exemplified.

[0022] "Hydrogenation catalyst" refers to a catalyst used in the hydrogenation reaction of a dehydrogenated carrier, such as Pt / Al ２ O ３ catalyst, Pt-Pd / Al ２ O ３ catalyst, Pt-Sn / SiO ２ catalyst, Pt / ZrO ２ catalyst, Pt / Mg-Al ２ O ３ Pt-based catalysts such as catalyst and Pt / C catalyst; Pd / Al ２ O ３ , Pd-based catalysts such as Pd / C; Ru / Al ２ O ３ , Ru / SiO ２ and other Ru-based catalysts; Ni / SiO ２ , Ni-Mo / Al ２ O ３ and other Ni-based catalysts are exemplified.

[0023] "Greenhouse gas emissions accompanying replacement or regeneration of dehydrogenation catalyst" and "Greenhouse gas emissions accompanying replacement or regeneration of hydrogenation catalyst": when replacing a dehydrogenation catalyst or a hydrogenation catalyst, the term includes the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of the dehydrogenation catalyst or the hydrogenation catalyst; when regenerating a dehydrogenation catalyst or a hydrogenation catalyst, the term includes the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the regeneration treatment. In addition, replacing a reaction module containing a catalyst falls under the replacement of a dehydrogenation catalyst or a hydrogenation catalyst.

[0024] Furthermore, definitions of other terms used in the present disclosure are shown below. Many of these terms and definitions conform to relevant standards published by international standardization organizations such as ISO and IEC (including ISO 14040, ISO 14067, ISO 14083, ISO 14025, etc.). For definitions of terms, the ISO Online browsing platform (https: / / www.iso.org / obp) and IEC Electropedia (https: / / www.electropedia.org / ) may be referred to as needed.

[0025] The term "greenhouse gas (GHG)" refers to a gaseous component of natural or anthropogenic origin in the atmosphere that absorbs and emits specific wavelengths within the infrared radiation spectrum emitted from the Earth's surface, atmosphere and clouds, and includes carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). The term "greenhouse gas emission (GHG emission)" means the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

[0026] The term "greenhouse gas emission amount" (hereinafter also referred to as "GHG emission amount") refers to the amount of greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, etc.) emitted in processes such as the production, conversion and transportation of hydrogen. Greenhouse gas emission amount can be expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent. Typically, the greenhouse gas emission amount for a given activity may be calculated by the following formula: Emission amount (kg-CO₂) = Activity amount × Emission factor

[0027] The "emission factor" may be obtained by measuring CO₂ generated from a specific activity or fuel combustion and calculating the ratio to the activity amount, and standard values calculated by international organizations or government agencies may be used. (Emission factor based on energy consumption) Example: kg-CO₂ / kWh (CO₂ emission amount per 1 kWh of electricity) Example: kg-CO₂ / L (CO₂ emission amount per 1 L of fuel) (Emission factor based on activity amount) Example: kg-CO₂ / t (CO₂ emission amount per 1 ton of raw material used) Example: kg-CO₂ / km (CO₂ emission amount per 1 km traveled by a trailer)

[0028] "Activity amount" refers to data indicating the amount of activity that forms the basis when calculating emissions of greenhouse gases and the like. Examples include fuel usage (e.g., gasoline consumption (L), coal combustion amount (ton)), power consumption (kWh), travel distance (e.g., transportation distance of a tanker (km)), raw material usage (ton), and the like.

[0029] "Greenhouse gas emissions associated with a hydrogen carrier" refers to the sum of greenhouse gas emissions respectively calculated in the hydrogen production process, the adjustment or conversion process of the hydrogen carrier, and the transportation process of the hydrogen carrier, that is, the carbon footprint.

[0030] On the other hand, "greenhouse gas emissions associated with hydrogen production" refers to greenhouse gas emissions calculated in the hydrogen production process. Similarly, "greenhouse gas emissions associated with adjustment or conversion to a hydrogen carrier" refers to greenhouse gas emissions calculated in the adjustment or conversion process from hydrogen to a hydrogen carrier. "Greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation" refers to greenhouse gas emissions calculated in the transportation process of the hydrogen carrier to the point immediately before the mixing step in the present disclosure. Further, "greenhouse gas emissions associated with conversion from a hydrogen carrier to hydrogen" refers to greenhouse gas emissions calculated in the adjustment or conversion process from a hydrogen carrier to hydrogen.

[0031] "Carbon footprint (CFP)" refers to a value obtained by expressing the sum of greenhouse gas emissions and greenhouse gas removals in a product system in terms of CO₂ equivalent, which is evaluated based on life cycle assessment using the single impact category of climate change.

[0032] In addition, "partial CFP" refers to a value obtained by expressing the sum of greenhouse gas emissions and greenhouse gas removals in one or more specific processes included in a product system in terms of CO₂ equivalent, which is based on selected stages or processes of the life cycle.

[0033] "Conversion" refers to changing the chemical state of a substance, and in this disclosure, examples include a hydrogenation process that converts hydrogen to ammonia or LOHC, or a dehydrogenation process that converts ammonia or LOHC to hydrogen.

[0034] A "process" is a series of interconnected or interacting activities that convert input into output. "Input" refers to the product, material, or energy flow entering a single process. "Output" refers to the product, material, or energy flow leaving a single process.

[0035] A "co-product" refers to two or more products that are produced from the same unit process or product system. An example is oxygen, which is produced along with hydrogen in a hydrogen production process.

[0036] A "system boundary" refers to a boundary based on a set of criteria that define a single process included in the system under consideration.

[0037] "Allocation" refers to the process of distributing input or output flows in a process or product system between the product system under consideration and one or more other product systems.

[0038] "System expansion" refers to the concept of extending a product system to include additional functions related to by-products. For example, when hydrogen is produced by the electrolysis of water, oxygen is produced as a by-product. This oxygen can be used for medical or industrial purposes and may compete with existing oxygen supplies in the market. By subtracting the reductions from this substitution (reductions in CO2 emissions from the air separation unit) from the environmental impact of hydrogen production, the carbon footprint (CFP) of hydrogen is reduced as a result.

[0039] "Transportation" is the act of moving goods from one place to another, and is carried out by different modes of transport.

[0040] "Means of transport" refers to modes of transport used to move goods, such as inland waterways, pipelines, railways, and roads.

[0041] A "route" refers to the path (or the journey) taken to move from one point to another.

[0042] A "delivery gate" is the point where, based on contractual agreements, control over a product is transferred between the buyer and the supplier.

[0043] A "consumption gate" refers to the point in the entire product supply chain where the product is ultimately delivered.

[0044] A "transport chain" refers to a series of elements related to cargo that, as a whole, constitute the movement of cargo from its origin to its destination. A "transport chain element (TCE)" refers to a section within the transport chain in which cargo is transported by a single vehicle or passes through a single hub.

[0045] A "hub" is a place where cargo is transferred from one vehicle to another.

[0046] B. Overall Structure B1. Greenhouse Gas Calculation Framework Figure 1A shows a schematic diagram of the hydrogen supply chain. The greenhouse gas calculation in this disclosure is based on the system boundary of the well-to-consumption gate and includes direct and indirect emissions. The system boundary may be considered in terms of three sections: the hydrogen production process, the adjustment or conversion process, and the transport process.

[0047] "Greenhouse gas emission (GHG emission)" refers to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Direct emissions may include GHGs directly released into the atmosphere by equipment / devices used in the process. Indirect emissions may include GHGs emitted in connection with the production / acquisition of electricity / heat or raw materials used in the process.

[0048] Greenhouse gas emissions may also be expressed as the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) relative to a functional unit. A functional unit is a reference unit that represents the quantitative performance of a product system. In supply chains such as hydrogen production processes, processing or conversion processes, and transportation processes, a functional unit is recommended to be 1 kg of hydrogen or 1 kg of hydrogen carrier with characteristics that meet the requirements of subsequent stages.

[0049] "CO2e (CO2e)" is a unit used to compare the radiative forcing of a greenhouse gas with that of carbon dioxide, and can be calculated using the following formula. Examples of greenhouse gases considered include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). [CO2e] = [CO2] + 28 × [CH4] + 265 × [N2O]

[0050] Examples of hydrogen production processes shown in Figure 1A include hydrogen production by water electrolysis, hydrogen production by steam reforming of natural gas with CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage), hydrogen as a by-product in industrial applications, hydrogen production by coal gasification with CCS, hydrogen production from biomass, and hydrogen production by automated thermal reforming of natural gas with CCS.

[0051] Examples of hydrogen preparation or conversion processes shown in Figure 1A include ammonia production and conversion by dehydrogenation, preparation of liquid hydrogen, and conversion of liquid organic hydrogen carriers by hydrogenation / dehydrogenation. The downstream boundary of the hydrogen production process may correspond to the upstream boundary of the preparation / conversion process.

[0052] GHG emissions from electricity used for hydrogen production, adjustment, and conversion may be limited to direct emissions and some indirect emissions. Indirect emissions exclude emissions associated with the manufacture of power generation equipment. Such GHG emissions may include primary energy extraction and transport, conversion, generation, and losses in the power grid. GHG emissions from renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal power are considered zero.

[0053] The GHG emissions in the hydrogen carrier transport process shown in Figure 1A may be calculated by summing the GHG emissions calculated separately for each transport chain element (TCE). The calculation of GHG emissions in the transport chain (TC) may include transport operations and hub operations.

[0054] Here, a transport operation refers to the transportation of goods using means of transport, and may include, for example, fuel consumption for propulsion and onboard activities. A hub operation refers to the movement and transshipment of goods via a hub, and may include, for example, pre- and post-transport hub operations and intermediate storage that complement and connect transport operations. Means of transport include modes of transport used to transport cargo, such as inland waterways, pipelines, railways, and roads.

[0055] Furthermore, in calculating greenhouse gas emissions, emissions that meet a predetermined cutoff standard may be excluded. Also, emissions from the construction, manufacture, and disposal of capital goods (e.g., hydrogen production equipment), travel, employee commuting, and upstream leased assets are not considered at the well-to-consumption gate system boundary. On the other hand, emissions from capital goods ("CAPEX emissions") may be reported.

[0056] B2. As an example of a hydrogen supply chain, Figure 1B shows a schematic diagram of a hydrogen supply chain via a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (MCH / TL system). Note that Figure 1B is just an example, and the liquid organic hydrogen carrier is not limited to the MCH / TL system. A hydrogen supply chain utilizing a liquid organic hydrogen carrier typically includes a hydrogen production process, a conversion process from hydrogen to a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (MCH), a transport process for the liquid organic hydrogen carrier (MCH), a dehydrogenation process from the liquid organic hydrogen carrier (MCH) to hydrogen, and a hydrogen utilization process. Furthermore, in a hydrogen supply chain utilizing a liquid organic hydrogen carrier, the dehydrogenated liquid organic hydrogen carrier (TL) is reused and rehydrogenated. Therefore, the transport process may include a transport process for transporting the dehydrogenated liquid organic hydrogen carrier (TL).

[0057] In the transport process for the reuse of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (TLs) after dehydrogenation, the addition of new dehydrogenated carriers (TLs) may be included to compensate for the amount of dehydrogenated carriers (TLs) reduced by the dehydrogenation process, etc. The dehydrogenated carriers equivalent to the loss are also called "makeup LOHCs." The GHG emissions corresponding to the makeup LOHCs may be included in the GHG emissions of the conversion process.

[0058] Alternatively, instead of the hydrogen production process and the hydrogen-to-liquid organic hydrogen carrier (MCH) conversion process described above, a conversion process that directly hydrogenates a dehydrogenated carrier via an electrochemical reaction and converts it to a liquid organic hydrogen carrier may be used. A typical example of such a conversion process is the Direct MCH process, which uses electricity from renewable energy sources to directly convert toluene to methylcyclohexane (MCH). This conversion process is expected to simplify the process, and furthermore, because hydrogen can be stored and transported as a liquid organic hydrogen carrier without first extracting it as a gas, the need for hydrogen leakage and high-pressure management is reduced, and safety is improved.

[0059] C. System of the Disclosure (Dehydrogenation Process) In a hydrogen supply chain using liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), as shown in Figure 1B, the dehydrogenation process (hereinafter also referred to as "dehydrogenation"), which extracts hydrogen from the hydrogenation carrier, and the hydrogenation process (hereinafter also referred to as "hydrogenation"), which incorporates hydrogen into the hydrogenation carrier, are the main sources of GHG emissions. In addition, in a hydrogen supply chain using LOHCs, a portion of the LOHC is lost during each hydrogenation and dehydrogenation process and during transportation. Therefore, the concept of "makeup LOHC" is introduced, and the GHG emissions associated with the production of the lost LOHC are also accounted for as a major source of GHG emissions.

[0060] On the other hand, catalysts used in hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions are similarly lost due to decreased activity and degradation, requiring periodic replacement or regeneration. Therefore, they should be considered as consumer goods and differ from emissions of capital goods ("CAPEX emissions"). Furthermore, catalysts contain platinum group elements (Pt, Pd, Ni, Ru, etc.), and their mining, refining, and manufacturing also involve a considerable amount of GHG emissions.

[0061] Therefore, in order to more accurately quantify the greenhouse gas emissions generated during the hydrogenation or dehydrogenation conversion process, it is desirable to include greenhouse gas emissions associated with catalyst replacement and regeneration as GHG emission sources, similar to makeup LOHCs.

[0062] In relation to the above, this disclosure identifies greenhouse gas emissions associated with catalyst replacement and regeneration and includes them in the assessment of GHG emissions in hydrogenation and dehydrogenation. This allows for a more accurate calculation of GHG emissions.

[0063] Figure 2 shows one embodiment of the system of this disclosure. In the following description of the system of this disclosure, based on Figure 2, this disclosure is not limited to an embodiment having a dehydrogenation facility 10, but also includes an embodiment in which the processing device 100 is a standalone unit. When the processing device 100 is a standalone unit, the processing device 100 may acquire various information from the existing dehydrogenation facility 10 and, when replacing or regenerating the dehydrogenation catalyst, may acquire greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst.

[0064] As shown in Figure 2, System 1 may include a dehydrogenation facility 10 and a processing device 100, which may be connected to each other via a network N.

[0065] The dehydrogenation equipment 10 may include a dehydrogenation device 10a, a first storage device 11, a second storage device 12, a third storage device 13, flow rate control devices 11a, 12a, 13a, and analyzers 11b, 12b, 13b.

[0066] The dehydrogenation apparatus 10a uses hydrogenation carriers supplied from the first storage apparatus 11 to perform a dehydrogenation reaction and produce dehydrogenation carriers and hydrogen. Such a dehydrogenation apparatus 10a is not particularly limited except that it is equipped with a dehydrogenation catalyst to promote the dehydrogenation reaction of hydrogenation carriers, and may include, for example, a reaction vessel equipped with a catalyst, a heating device for heating the inside of the reaction vessel, a separation device for separating dehydrogenation carriers and hydrogen, and a processing device for compressing and purifying hydrogen. Specific examples of reaction vessels include fixed-bed catalytic reactors and fluidized-bed catalytic reactors. Furthermore, although Figure 2 illustrates a configuration in which system 1 is equipped with one dehydrogenation apparatus 10a, system 1 may be equipped with multiple dehydrogenation apparatuses 10a.

[0067] The first storage device 11 is not particularly limited as long as it is a device for storing hydrogenation carriers, and is configured to supply hydrogenation carriers to the dehydrogenation device 10a via a flow rate control device 11a. The first storage device 11 may also have an analytical device 11b for analyzing the composition and purity of the hydrogenation carriers. The first storage device 11 may be a tank such as a low-temperature storage tank or a room-temperature storage tank.

[0068] The second storage device 12 is not particularly limited as long as it is a device for storing dehydrogenation carriers, and is configured to receive dehydrogenation carriers from the dehydrogenation device 10a via a flow rate control device 12a. The second storage device 12 may also have an analytical device 12b for analyzing the composition and purity of the dehydrogenation carriers. The second storage device 12 may be a tank such as a low-temperature storage tank or a room-temperature storage tank.

[0069] The third storage device 13 is not particularly limited as long as it is a device for storing hydrogen, and is configured to receive hydrogen from the dehydrogenation device 10a via a flow rate control device 13a. The third storage device 13 may also have an analytical device 13b for analyzing the composition and purity of the hydrogen. Furthermore, the hydrogen stored in the third storage device 13 may be used at a hydrogen station or the like.

[0070] Immediately after replacing the dehydrogenation catalyst, the gas discharged from the dehydrogenation unit 10a may contain gases other than hydrogen (e.g., air). Therefore, immediately after replacing the dehydrogenation catalyst, it is desirable to analyze the composition and purity of the hydrogen using the analyzer 13b. If the purity of the hydrogen is below a predetermined value, a hydrogen purification device (not shown) may be used to purify the hydrogen, and the hydrogen may then be stored in the third storage unit 13.

[0071] The analyzers 11b, 12b, and 13b may measure and acquire information regarding the composition of the object to be measured at the installation site, as well as information regarding its purity and density. The composition includes the types and ratios of the components that make up the composition. For example, when analyzer 11b detects a component that may inactivate or damage the dehydrogenation catalyst, the treatment apparatus 100 may close the flow path with the flow control device 11a. Also, when analyzer 13b detects a component that may inactivate or damage a catalyst used in fuel cells or the like, or a hydrogen concentration that may cause such damage, the treatment apparatus 100 may close the flow path with the flow control device 13a.

[0072] The analytical devices 11b, 12b, and 13b are not particularly limited and known devices can be used. Examples include devices that measure information about composition, such as gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography-flame ionization (GC-FID), Raman spectrometer, and infrared spectrometer; and devices that measure information about density, such as digital densimeters, sonic densimeters, radiation densimeters, and Coriolis mass flowmeters.

[0073] Although Figure 2 illustrates the arrangement of the analytical devices 11b, 12b, and 13b within each storage device, their installation location is not limited as long as they are in a position where the object to be measured can be analyzed. They may also be installed at the entrances and exits of each device or in the flow paths connecting the devices.

[0074] The analyzers 11b, 12b, and 13b may be able to send and receive data with the processing unit 100 or other devices via a network. This allows the control unit 111 of the processing unit 100 shown in Figure 3A to receive measurement data from each analyzer and record it in the hydrogen production data 121 of the storage unit 120.

[0075] The flow rate control devices 11a, 12a, and 13a may control the supply and discharge of each raw material and product by opening and closing the flow path, as well as measure the flow rate of the raw materials and products that have passed through. The measured quantity may be volume or mass. This makes it possible to control and monitor the amount of each raw material and product used or generated in the dehydrogenation equipment 10. The control devices are not particularly limited and known ones can be used, for example, flow meters such as differential pressure flow meters, area flow meters, electromagnetic flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, Coriolis flow meters, eddy flow meters, and turbine flow meters; flow regulators such as valves; and combinations of flow meters and flow regulators.

[0076] The flow rate control devices 11a, 12a, and 13a may be capable of sending and receiving data with the processing device 100 or other devices via a network. This allows the control unit 113 of the processing device 100 to control the opening and closing of the flow path by each flow rate control device. In addition, the management unit 111 of the processing device 100 can receive flow rate data from each flow rate control device and record it in the hydrogen production data 121 of the storage device 120.

[0077] Dehydrogenation catalysts may lose their catalytic activity over time as the reaction continues. Causes of this deterioration are not limited to impurity deposition (deposit of carbon and other impurities on the catalyst surface), surface oxidation (oxidation of the catalyst surface), chemical changes in the catalyst components, and catalyst sintering. Therefore, to regenerate the catalytic activity of a dehydrogenation catalyst, it is replaced or regenerated. Methods for regenerating a dehydrogenation catalyst are not limited to impurities on the catalyst surface (e.g., by volatilizing impurities on the catalyst surface through ignition), contacting the catalyst surface with high-temperature steam to volatilize impurities on the catalyst surface, or reducing the catalyst surface by hydrogen reduction.

[0078] When such a dehydrogenation catalyst is replaced or regenerated, the processing apparatus 100 is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to perform a process that acquires at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogenation carrier to hydrogen. It may also be possible to perform supply control of each raw material to each storage device, discharge control of products, and reaction control associated therewith via the control of flow rate control devices 11a, 12a, and 13a; and collect and record information on each raw material and product via analyzers 11b, 12b, and 13b.

[0079] Furthermore, the processing unit 100 may be a terminal installed in the dehydrogenation equipment 10, or it may be a server connected via the network N. The software and hardware configurations of the processing unit 100 will be described in detail below.

[0080] C1. Software configuration diagram 3A of the processing unit is a functional block diagram of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The processing unit 100 may have a processor 110 and a storage 120. The processor 110 can function as a management unit 111, an acquisition unit 112, and a control unit 113 by executing various programs stored in the storage 120. The storage 120 stores various information necessary for the operation of the dehydrogenation equipment 10. For example, it stores, accumulates, and manages various programs required by the processor 110, hydrogen production information 121, etc.

[0081] The control unit 111 acquires various information output from each flow control device and each analysis device, and records them as a single hydrogen production information 121 in the storage 120. Figure 3B shows an example of the hydrogen production information 121.

[0082] In hydrogen production information 121, the "hydrogen production ID" is identification information used to uniquely identify the dehydrogenation process that was carried out.

[0083] The "Catalyst Activity Information" section records information about catalyst activity obtained for each dehydrogenation process. Specifically, this includes reaction rate, the amount of energy required to produce hydrogen per unit amount (e.g., unit volume, unit mass), and various parameters obtained by methods such as linear sweep voltammography (LSV), cycle voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and chronoamperometry (CA), as described later.

[0084] The "information on consumed electricity" may include not only the electricity (kWh) consumed for each dehydrogenation process, but also the type and proportion of the power source (e.g., solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, tidal, wave, nuclear, coal-fired, oil-fired, liquefied natural gas, etc.), and the emission factor (gCO2e / kWh).

[0085] The "information on fuel used" may include the type of fuel used for each dehydrogenation process (e.g., natural gas), the amount (MJ), and the emission factor (kgCO2e / MJ).

[0086] "GHG emissions" record the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogenation carriers to hydrogen, calculated for each dehydrogenation process. In this disclosure, greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogenation carriers to hydrogen are calculated as the sum of GHG emissions based on the electricity consumed, GHG emissions based on the fuel used, and at least a portion of the GHG emissions associated with catalyst replacement or regeneration.

[0087] Greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen carriers to hydrogen can be obtained by summing up the GHG emissions for each emission inventory. The GHG emissions in a given emission inventory may also be calculated by multiplying the activity level by the emission factor. Since the emission factor can change from time to time, the acquisition unit 111 may acquire the emission factor from time to time. Examples include changes in the proportion of power sources in grid electricity, such as a change in thermal power generation from 40% to 60%, or changes in the emission factor related to fuel due to an increase or decrease in the cost of natural gas extraction.

[0088] Emission factors may be recorded in association with the emission inventory. Emission factors are calculated by measuring the CO2 generated by the emission inventory and deriving the ratio from that amount of activity. Examples include CO2 emissions per 1 kWh of electricity (kg-CO2 / kWh), CO2 emissions per 1 liter of fuel (kg-CO2 / L), CO2 emissions per ton of raw materials used (kg-CO2 / t), and CO2 emissions when a trailer travels 1 km (kg-CO2 / km). Standard values ​​calculated by international organizations or government agencies can be used for emission factors. For example, the acquisition unit 112 may refer to a server where such emission factors are recorded and acquire emission factors associated with the emission inventory.

[0089] Examples of key emission inventory information related to the dehydrogenation of LOHCs include the following:

[0090] Regarding allocation related to the dehydrogenation of LOHCs, the following are some examples:

[0091] In addition, the "Hydrogen Information" may include information on the purity and composition of hydrogen produced in the dehydrogenation process, obtained by the analyzer 13b. The "Hydrogenation Carrier Information" may include information on the purity and composition of hydrogenation carriers, obtained by the analyzer 11b. The "Dehydrogenation Carrier Information" may include information on the purity and composition of dehydrogenation carriers, obtained by the analyzer 12b.

[0092] The management unit 111 may continuously and automatically record the hydrogen production information 121 in the storage 120, or it may automatically record it at regular intervals.

[0093] Normally, the acquisition unit 112 calculates and acquires the GHG emissions in the dehydrogenation process based on information regarding the electricity consumed and the fuel used in the dehydrogenation process. In addition, the acquisition unit 112 may acquire information regarding the activity of the catalyst in each dehydrogenation process and determine whether or not the catalyst needs to be replaced or regenerated based on the acquired information regarding the activity of the catalyst.

[0094] Then, when the acquisition unit 112 determines that the catalyst needs to be replaced or regenerated, and the catalyst is replaced or regenerated, the acquisition unit 112 acquires the GHG emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst.

[0095] The acquisition unit 112 may record the GHG emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst, acquired in this manner, together with the GHG emissions in the dehydrogenation process, in the hydrogen production information 121.

[0096] The acquisition unit 112 may calculate the amount of energy required to produce hydrogen in the dehydrogenation process (H2 kg / kWh, H2 kg / MJ) based on the amount of hydrogen produced and the amount of electricity or combustion fuel used, as information regarding the activity of the catalyst. Here, the amount of hydrogen produced may be obtained from the analyzer 13b and the flow rate control device 13a. The amount of energy may be obtained from the dehydrogenation device 10a.

[0097] For other information regarding catalyst activity, electrochemical measurement methods can be used, for example. These methods make it possible to evaluate the basic activity and durability of the catalyst.

[0098] For example, in a method using a linear sweep voltammogram (LSV), the relationship between current density and voltage is measured by sweeping the potential at a constant rate in the electrolyte. From these results, it is possible to determine the onset potential and overpotential of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) or hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and evaluate the activity of the catalyst.

[0099] The cycle voltammetry (CV) method allows for the evaluation of the catalyst's redox behavior by recording the current response while repeatedly sweeping a certain range of potentials. In particular, by analyzing changes in the position and area of ​​the current peak, the activity state and stability of the catalyst surface can be confirmed.

[0100] Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) can be used to measure the charge transfer resistance of a catalyst and evaluate its reactivity. This method involves applying an AC voltage and analyzing the frequency response to obtain information about electron transfer and diffusion processes within the catalyst layer. In particular, catalysts exhibiting lower charge transfer resistance tend to have higher activity.

[0101] Chronoamperometry (CA) can also be used to evaluate the long-term stability of catalysts. In this method, a constant potential is applied, and the change in current density over time is measured to investigate whether catalyst degradation has occurred and how long its activity persists.

[0102] Furthermore, the evaluation of information regarding the activity of the catalyst can be performed by the control unit 113, which supplies electricity or combustion fuel to the dehydrogenation apparatus 10a. Specifically, test runs in accordance with the above methods may be performed during or before / after the dehydrogenation process, and the results may be obtained as information regarding the activity of the catalyst.

[0103] The acquisition unit 112 may acquire GHG emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogenation carriers to hydrogen based on GHG emissions based on information regarding the electricity consumed in the dehydrogenation process, GHG emissions based on information regarding the fuel used, and GHG emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst.

[0104] Furthermore, GHG emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of dehydrogenation catalysts may be added to the GHG emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogenation carriers to hydrogen, on a pro-rata basis. The calculation method and pro-rata method for GHG emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of dehydrogenation catalysts will be explained in detail below.

[0105] The GHG emissions acquired by the acquisition unit 112 in connection with the replacement of the dehydrogenation catalyst may include GHG emissions related to the replaced dehydrogenation catalyst and GHG emissions related to the energy required to replace the dehydrogenation catalyst.

[0106] "Greenhouse gas emissions related to the exchanged dehydrogenation catalyst" may be calculated, for example, by adding up the greenhouse gas emissions related to the production and transportation of the raw materials for the dehydrogenation catalyst, the greenhouse gas emissions related to the energy required to synthesize the dehydrogenation catalyst from the raw materials, and the greenhouse gas emissions related to the transportation of the dehydrogenation catalyst, and may also be pre-associated with the dehydrogenation catalyst used.

[0107] "The energy required to replace the dehydrogenation catalyst" refers, for example, to the electricity used if the replacement is carried out using electricity, and may also be calculated as the product of the energy consumed and the emission factor.

[0108] Next, the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst, acquired by the acquisition unit 112, may include greenhouse gas emissions related to the substances used for the regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst and greenhouse gas emissions related to the energy required for the regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst.

[0109] "Greenhouse gas emissions related to substances used for the regeneration of dehydrogenation catalysts" may, for example, be greenhouse gas emissions related to the manufacture and transportation of such substances, and may be associated with the substances used in advance. Such substances include acids such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and hydrogen peroxide; organic solvents such as acetone and ethanol; and H ２ PtCl ６ , PtCl ４ , PdCl ２ , Pd(NO ３ ) ２ Examples include supplemental compounds. Acids and organic solvents may be used to dissolve impurities deposited on the surface of the dehydrogenation catalyst. Supplemental compounds may be used to replenish depleted catalyst components.

[0110] "The energy required for the regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst" refers, for example, to the electricity used for the regeneration, and may also be calculated as the product of the energy consumed and the emission factor.

[0111] Furthermore, if the energy required to replace or regenerate the dehydrogenation catalyst is obtained through power generation that does not emit greenhouse gases, such as wind power or solar power, the greenhouse gas emissions related to the energy required to replace or regenerate the dehydrogenation catalyst may be zero.

[0112] If the energy required to replace or regenerate the dehydrogenation catalyst is obtained from both power generation that emits greenhouse gases and power generation that does not emit greenhouse gases, the acquisition unit 112 may calculate the amount of greenhouse gas emissions related to the energy required to replace or regenerate the dehydrogenation catalyst according to the ratio of each type of power generation.

[0113] The acquisition unit 112 may add the GHG emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst to the GHG emissions of the dehydrogenation process in which the replacement or regeneration was carried out, or it may add the GHG emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst to the GHG emissions of processes other than the dehydrogenation process in which the replacement or regeneration was carried out, as an apportioned value. In other words, the greenhouse gas emissions associated with past replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst may be multiplied by an apportionment rate and added as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion process from hydrogenation carrier to hydrogen carried out after the replacement or regeneration.

[0114] The following explanation details the apportionment of GHG emissions using the case of catalyst replacement as an example, but the same apportionment of GHG emissions may be performed when catalyst regeneration occurs. The apportionment rate is the value obtained by dividing the greenhouse gas emissions allocated to the hydrogen produced during the period between one dehydrogenation catalyst replacement or regeneration by the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by one dehydrogenation catalyst replacement or regeneration.

[0115] Since catalyst replacement is expected to be carried out every two to three years, the GHG emissions associated with this will vary greatly depending on how they are allocated as emissions per kilogram of hydrogen. In this disclosure, the following typical allocation methods can be applied.

[0116] Allocation method based on past production performance: In this method, when a catalyst replacement occurs, the GHG emissions associated with catalyst manufacturing and replacement are equally allocated using past production figures. Specifically, the GHG emissions when introducing a new catalyst may be divided by the total production figures of the most recent dehydrogenation process to calculate the additional emissions per kilogram of hydrogen. The past period may be the period from the previous catalyst replacement to the current catalyst replacement. For example, if 100 units of hydrogen were produced in the past period (the last three years), and the GHG emissions associated with catalyst manufacturing and replacement were 10 units, then 0.1 units of GHG emissions would be allocated for each unit of hydrogen produced after the catalyst replacement. In this case, the allocation rate is 0.1 / 10 × 100 = 1%. In this method, the allocation rate may also be determined as the reciprocal of the actual hydrogen production volume over the past period (1 (g) / 100 (g) × 100 = 1%) as the value per unit amount of hydrogen.

[0117] The advantages of this method are its high reliability because it is based on actual production data and its ability to smooth out short-term fluctuations. On the other hand, because it tracks past conditions, it has the challenge of not easily reflecting current production volume fluctuations and being difficult to apply to new equipment.

[0118] Allocation method based on predicted production volume: In this method, when the catalyst is replaced, the GHG emissions from the catalyst are calculated using the predicted production volume for the future. The lifespan of the new catalyst (expected number of years and production volume until the next replacement) is estimated, and the GHG emissions are equally distributed based on the amount of hydrogen produced during that period. For example, if the lifespan of the new catalyst is 10 years, and 100 units of hydrogen are expected to be produced during that time, and the GHG emissions associated with the catalyst replacement are 10 units, then 0.1 units of GHG emissions are allocated for each unit of hydrogen produced after the catalyst replacement. In this case, the allocation rate is 0.1 / 10 × 100 = 1%. In this method, the allocation rate may also be determined as the reciprocal of the predicted hydrogen production volume during the predicted period from the current replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst to the next replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst (1 (g) / 100 (g) × 100 = 1%) as a value per unit amount of hydrogen.

[0119] This method has the advantage of allowing for a clear estimation of emission intensity at the time of catalyst installation, as it can be aligned with future production plans. However, there is a risk of prediction errors, and revisions are necessary in response to changes in the calculation assumptions (catalyst lifespan, operating rate, etc.).

[0120] Actual calculation method based on actual performance: In this method, GHG emissions are added sequentially according to the usage status and degree of degradation of the catalyst. As the catalyst degradation progresses, the GHG emissions corresponding to the proportion consumed are allocated to the cumulative hydrogen production, and all emissions related to the catalyst are accounted for by the time the catalyst is replaced. For example, if the GHG emissions associated with catalyst manufacturing and replacement are 10 units, and the hydrogen produced by the replaced catalyst is 100 units, the degree of catalyst degradation may be monitored sequentially, and GHG emissions may be allocated according to that degree as follows. - Hydrogen production of 0 to 20 units: 0.01 units of GHG emissions per unit of hydrogen (proportional allocation: 0.1%) - Hydrogen production of 20 to 40 units: 0.02 units of GHG emissions per unit of hydrogen (proportional allocation: 0.2%) - Hydrogen production of 40 to 60 units: 0.05 units of GHG emissions per unit of hydrogen (proportional allocation: 0.5%) - Hydrogen production of 60 to 80 units: 0.12 units of GHG emissions per unit of hydrogen (proportional allocation: 1.2%) - Hydrogen production of 80 to 100 units: 0.30 units of GHG emissions per unit of hydrogen (proportional allocation: 3.0%) In this example, we are considering a case where catalyst degradation accelerates as the reaction progresses. In this method, the proportional allocation may also be determined based on the catalyst usage and degree of degradation. The usage status and degree of degradation of the catalyst are not particularly limited, but can be determined, for example, by monitoring the amount of electricity used to obtain a unit amount of hydrogen.

[0121] For example, if the GHG emissions associated with catalyst replacement are 10 units, and 10 units of hydrogen are produced using the replaced catalyst, the apportionment ratio may be determined as follows: First, the amount of electricity consumed is calculated for each unit of hydrogen produced. Next, the moving average of the electricity consumption is calculated. Then, the GHG emissions allocated based on the moving average are calculated.

[0122] For example, when producing one unit of hydrogen after producing four units, the GHG emissions allocated are calculated as follows: Moving average: (1.0 + 1.1 + 1.2 + 1.3 + 1.5) ÷ 5 = 1.22 GHG emissions: 10 (GHG emissions associated with catalyst replacement) ÷ 10 (hydrogen production amount) × (1.5 (electricity consumption) ÷ 1.22 (moving average)) = 1.23

[0123]

[0124] In the example above, the power consumption is measured each time one unit of hydrogen is produced, but the timing of measuring power consumption is not limited to this. For example, the power consumption per unit produced could be determined by measuring the power consumption every two units of hydrogen produced and dividing the resulting value by two.

[0125] In the example above, the moving average is calculated using all measured values, but the number of samples used to calculate the moving average is not limited to this. For example, the moving average could be calculated using the five most recent measured data points, and the first four data points could be calculated using all available data. Following the example in Table 3, when calculating the GHG emissions allocated when producing one more unit of hydrogen after producing five units, the moving average could be calculated as (1.05 + 1.10 + 1.15 + 1.22 + 1.32) ÷ 5. Also, when calculating the GHG emissions allocated when producing one more unit of hydrogen after producing two units, the moving average could be calculated as (1.0 + 1.1 + 1.2) ÷ 3.

[0126] In the example above, the actual GHG emissions associated with the catalyst replacement are 10 units, but the total GHG emissions calculated using the moving average are 13.2 units, resulting in an over-allocation of 3.2 units. Therefore, when calculating the allocation of hydrogen for the GHG emissions associated with the next catalyst replacement, it may be possible to subtract 3.2 units from the GHG emissions associated with the next catalyst replacement before calculating the allocation.

[0127] In the example above, a moving average is used, but an exponentially weighted moving average may also be used. In this case, the smoothing coefficient may be set as appropriate.

[0128] The advantages of this method are that it allows for precise allocation in accordance with real-time production conditions and enables detailed management of emission impacts due to catalyst degradation. However, it requires continuous data management, which may increase the operational burden.

[0129] GHG emission accounting method separate from hydrogen: Under this method, GHG emissions associated with catalyst manufacturing and replacement are not included in the emission intensity per kg of hydrogen, but are accounted for separately, for example, under the emissions of capital goods ("CAPEX emissions").

[0130] The advantage of this method is that it improves the transparency of emission sources and allows for a clear breakdown in environmental reports, etc. However, when comparing with hydrogen emission intensity, it is necessary to consider catalyst-related emissions, and adjustments are required during the comparison.

[0131] In this invention, it is desirable to appropriately manage GHG emissions derived from catalysts and select an appropriate method according to the usage situation and reporting purpose. For example, in facilities with a stable operating record, the method of allocating based on past production performance is easily applicable. In addition, in the case of new facilities or when prior planning is clear, the method of allocating based on predicted production volume is effective. Furthermore, when real-time management is required, the method of calculating on a case-by-case basis based on actual results is suitable. On the other hand, when it is necessary to ensure transparency in LCA reports, etc., it is conceivable to adopt a method of accounting for GHG emissions separately from hydrogen. As described above, this invention provides a variety of methods for managing GHG emissions associated with catalyst replacement, allowing for the selection of an appropriate method according to the situation.

[0132] Since the reaction that produces dehydrogenation carriers and hydrogen from hydrogenation carriers is an endothermic reaction, heating during the reaction is conceivable. That is, the use of electricity or fuel energy is conceivable in this reaction. Therefore, greenhouse gas emissions based on information about the electricity or fuel consumed may be measured, for example, as follows.

[0133] First, the management unit 111 may acquire the amount of greenhouse gas emissions emitted at power plants, etc., to obtain electricity per unit of energy, and the amount of energy required to obtain hydrogen, from an external database, an external power plant that produces energy, a dehydrogenation device 10a, etc., via a communication network, etc., and record them in the storage 120. Then, the acquisition unit 112 may multiply the amount of energy required to obtain hydrogen and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions to calculate greenhouse gas emissions based on information about the electricity or fuel consumed.

[0134] The acquisition unit 112 may record in the storage 120 a value obtained by adding the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst and the greenhouse gas emissions based on information regarding the electricity or fuel consumed, as the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogenation carrier to hydrogen.

[0135] The control unit 113 controls the overall operation of System 1. For example, based on information stored in the storage 120, the control unit 113 may control the flow rate of hydrogenation carriers from the first storage device 11 to the dehydrogenation device 10a, control the start and end timing of the dehydrogenation reaction in the dehydrogenation device 10a, control the reaction conditions, control the flow rate of dehydrogenation carriers from the dehydrogenation device 10a to the second storage device 12, or control the timing of replacing or regenerating the dehydrogenation catalyst used in the dehydrogenation device 10a, and the reaction conditions during regeneration.

[0136] Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the dehydrogenation apparatus 10a, the dehydrogenation reaction may not proceed sufficiently if the hydrogenation carrier is only passed through the dehydrogenation apparatus 10a once. In that case, a mixture containing the dehydrogenation carrier and an amount equal to or greater than the amount of hydrogenation carrier is obtained. Therefore, this mixture may be passed through the dehydrogenation apparatus 10a again. That is, the mixture containing the hydrogenation carrier may be passed through the dehydrogenation apparatus 10a multiple times. In determining whether the dehydrogenation reaction has proceeded sufficiently, information on the composition obtained by the analyzer 12b may be used, or an analyzer may be provided separately in the dehydrogenation apparatus 10a, and information on the composition obtained therefrom may be used. Specifically, the ratio of dehydrogenation carriers in the mixture obtained from the dehydrogenation apparatus 10a after the dehydrogenation reaction may be obtained using the analyzer, and if this ratio is above a predetermined value, it may be determined that the dehydrogenation reaction has proceeded sufficiently.

[0137] The control unit 113 may, based on the information regarding the purity of hydrogen detected by the analyzer 13b, cause the third storage device 13 to discard the stored gas. For example, if the information regarding the purity of hydrogen detected by the analyzer 13b is below a predetermined value, the control unit 113 may cause the third storage device 13 to discard the stored gas containing hydrogen. For example, the gas obtained from the dehydrogenation device 10a immediately after the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst may contain gases other than hydrogen, such as air. This operation makes it possible to store the hydrogen-containing gas in the third storage device 13 after further increasing the purity of the hydrogen.

[0138] Furthermore, the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst or hydrogenation catalyst obtained in this disclosure, as well as the greenhouse gas emissions calculated including these emissions, are not merely used as results of environmental load assessment or numerical calculation. The treatment apparatus 100 (or 200) determines whether or not to replace or regenerate the catalyst based on measured data regarding the reaction amount, product amount, energy consumption, and catalyst activity obtained from the flow rate control device and the analyzer, and controls the reaction conditions, supply amount, and operating timing of the dehydrogenation or hydrogenation apparatus according to the result of this determination.

[0139] Furthermore, the greenhouse gas emissions calculated in this disclosure are managed in conjunction with operational data reflecting the degradation and usage status of the catalyst, and are used to determine the timing of catalyst replacement or regeneration, as well as the setting of subsequent operating conditions. In other words, this disclosure provides technical processing for physically operating and maintaining a hydrogenation or dehydrogenation process while considering the emission impacts associated with catalyst degradation, and is not limited to abstract information processing or numerical calculations.

[0140] For example, during the operation of the dehydrogenation process, the control unit 111 may acquire measurement data regarding the amount of hydrogen produced, the amount of dehydrogenation carriers, the amount of power consumed, and the composition of the product, obtained from the flow rate control devices 11a, 12a, 13a and the analyzers 11b, 12b, 13b, and record these as hydrogen production information in the storage 120.

[0141] The acquisition unit 112 may calculate the amount of energy required to produce a unit amount of hydrogen and the reaction efficiency based on the measurement data, and evaluate the degree of degradation of the dehydrogenation catalyst using the change in these values ​​over time, or information on the activity of the catalyst obtained by linear sweep voltammography, cycle voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, or chronoamperometry.

[0142] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 112 may determine whether or not it is necessary to replace or regenerate the dehydrogenation catalyst based on the evaluation results. If the catalyst is replaced or regenerated, the unit may acquire the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration and calculate at least a portion of these emissions as part of the greenhouse gas emissions in the dehydrogenation process.

[0143] Furthermore, the control unit 113 may change the reaction conditions, supply amount, or operating timing in the dehydrogenation unit 10a based on the degree of catalyst degradation and the greenhouse gas emissions calculated including the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the catalyst, thereby controlling the dehydrogenation process to suppress the progression of catalyst degradation while satisfying the desired hydrogen production amount and environmental performance.

[0144] Thus, the greenhouse gas emissions obtained and calculated in this disclosure are not merely used as the result of an assessment or numerical calculation of environmental burden, but are used as technical information inextricably linked to control decisions and control processes for physically operating and maintaining the dehydrogenation or hydrogenation process, while taking into account the degradation state of the catalyst.

[0145] Although the configurations have been described in detail so far based on the assumption of a batch process, the dehydrogenation equipment 10 according to this disclosure is also applicable to a continuous process. In that case, for example, information regarding the purity of hydrogen discharged from the dehydrogenation equipment 10a may be measured at regular intervals, and the purity of the hydrogen may be analyzed based on these measurement results.

[0146] C2. Referring to the hardware configuration diagram 3C of the processing unit, an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the processing unit 100 described above will be explained. Note that the functions of each device can also be realized by dividing them among multiple devices.

[0147] As shown in Figure 3C, the processing unit 100 may consist of a processor 110, storage 120, input / output interface 130, communication interface 140, and memory 150, all connected by a bus 160.

[0148] The processor 110 controls various processes in the processing unit 100 by executing programs stored in the storage unit 120. For example, each functional unit of the processing unit 100 can be realized by the processor 110 executing programs stored in the storage unit 120.

[0149] The storage 120 is a non-volatile storage medium, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory. The storage 120 stores the operating system and various programs for realizing the above configurations. The storage medium storing these various programs may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In addition, the storage 120 can also store tables for registering various information and a database (DB) for managing these tables. Such programs and data are loaded into the storage 120 as needed and accessed by the processor 110.

[0150] The input / output interface 130 is a device for receiving input from the user. Specific examples of the input / output interface 130 include input devices such as cameras, buttons, microphones, keyboards, mice, touch panels, and various sensors, and output devices such as displays. The input / output interface 130 may be connected to the processing unit 100 via an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0151] The communication interface 140 is a device for performing data communication with an external device of the processing unit 100 via a communication network N, either by wire or wireless connection. The communication interface 140 may also be located outside the processing unit 100. In that case, the communication interface 140 is connected to the processing unit 100 via an interface such as USB.

[0152] Memory 150 is a storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM temporarily stores program code for programs executed by the processor 110, as well as data required during program execution.

[0153] D. Method for producing dehydrogenated carriers and / or hydrogen Next, a series of methods for producing dehydrogenated carriers and / or hydrogen using a production system that generates dehydrogenated carriers and hydrogen will be described. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an example of a method for producing dehydrogenated carriers and / or hydrogen according to this disclosure.

[0154] The following describes in detail each step that the method for producing dehydrogenation carriers and / or hydrogen related to this disclosure (also simply referred to as the "production method" in Chapter D) may comprise.

[0155] D1. Dehydrogenation Process The manufacturing method according to this disclosure includes a dehydrogenation step S1 in which a hydrogenation carrier is dehydrogenated using a dehydrogenation catalyst to produce a dehydrogenation carrier and hydrogen. In the dehydrogenation step S1, the control unit 113 transmits a signal to the dehydrogenation apparatus 10a to produce a dehydrogenation carrier and hydrogen from the hydrogenation carrier. As a result, the dehydrogenation apparatus 10a produces a dehydrogenation carrier and hydrogen from the hydrogenation carrier.

[0156] The method by which the dehydrogenation apparatus 10a generates dehydrogenation carriers and hydrogen from hydrogenation carriers is not particularly limited, but one example is heating the hydrogenation carriers. In this case, the heating temperature is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 300 to 500°C.

[0157] D2. Analysis Step The manufacturing method according to this disclosure may include an analysis step S2 for analyzing the activity of the dehydrogenation catalyst. In the analysis step S2, the control unit 111 stores information regarding the catalyst activity, including information obtained from each flow rate control device and analysis device, in the storage 120. The acquisition unit 112 then acquires the information regarding the catalyst activity stored in the storage 120 and stores it in the storage 120.

[0158] The acquisition unit 112 acquires information regarding the catalyst activity and, based on this information, determines whether the catalyst activity is above a certain level. If the acquisition unit 112 determines that the catalyst activity is below a certain level, the regeneration process S3, described later, is performed. On the other hand, if the acquisition unit 112 determines that the catalyst activity is above a certain level, the acquisition process S7, described later, is performed. The criteria for this determination are set appropriately according to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the required hydrogen and the price of hydrogen.

[0159] In analysis step S2, the activity of the dehydrogenation catalyst may be analyzed according to the energy efficiency of dehydrogenation. For example, the activity of the dehydrogenation catalyst may be analyzed based on the amount of energy required to produce hydrogen per unit volume or a value related to that amount of energy. The value related to the amount of energy required to produce hydrogen per unit volume is not particularly limited, but for example, the flow rate of hydrogen (volume per unit time) obtained from the flow rate control device 13a can be cited.

[0160] Instead of the analysis step S2, the catalyst may be automatically replaced or regenerated after a certain period of use.

[0161] D3. Regeneration Process The manufacturing method according to this disclosure may include a regeneration process S3 in which the dehydrogenation catalyst is replaced or regenerated based on the results of the activity analysis. If the acquisition unit 112 determines in the analysis process S2 that the catalyst activity is below a certain level, in the regeneration process S3, the control unit 113 transmits a signal to the dehydrogenation apparatus 10a to replace or regenerate the dehydrogenation catalyst. As a result, the dehydrogenation apparatus 10a performs the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst. Note that the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst may be performed using a separate device. Alternatively, the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst may be performed manually.

[0162] In the regeneration step S3, the dehydrogenation catalyst may be regenerated, or the dehydrogenation catalyst that has already been used may be replaced with a new dehydrogenation catalyst, or both regeneration and replacement of the dehydrogenation catalyst may be performed. For example, after repeated regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst, the regeneration of the activity of the dehydrogenation catalyst may become insufficient. In such cases, it is preferable to replace the dehydrogenation catalyst rather than regenerate it. From this viewpoint, in the regeneration step after the same dehydrogenation catalyst has been regenerated a certain number of times, the dehydrogenation catalyst may be replaced. Alternatively, if the catalytic activity is below a certain level (wherein "certain" is different from the above-mentioned "certain" which is the criterion for deciding whether to perform step S3 or S7) in the analysis step S2 immediately following the regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst, the dehydrogenation catalyst may be replaced in the next regeneration step. The above-mentioned certain number of regenerations and the catalytic activity below a certain level may be set appropriately according to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the required hydrogen and the price of hydrogen.

[0163] D4. Pre-dehydrogenation step The manufacturing method according to the present disclosure may include a pre-dehydrogenation step S5 in which a hydrogenation carrier is dehydrogenated using a replaced or regenerated dehydrogenation catalyst to produce a dehydrogenation carrier and hydrogen. After the regeneration step S3, in the pre-dehydrogenation step S5, the control unit 113 transmits a signal to the dehydrogenation apparatus 10a to produce a dehydrogenation carrier and hydrogen from the hydrogenation carrier. As a result, the dehydrogenation apparatus 10a produces a dehydrogenation carrier and hydrogen from the hydrogenation carrier.

[0164] The method by which the dehydrogenation apparatus 10a generates dehydrogenation carriers and hydrogen from hydrogenation carriers is not particularly limited, but one example is heating the hydrogenation carriers. In this case, the heating temperature is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 300 to 500°C.

[0165] D5. Purity Analysis Process The manufacturing method according to this disclosure may include a purity analysis process S6 in which the purity of the hydrogen generated in the pre-dehydrogenation process is analyzed. After the pre-dehydrogenation process S5, in the purity analysis process S6, the control unit 111 transmits a signal to the analyzer 13b to analyze the purity of the hydrogen generated in the pre-dehydrogenation process. As a result, the analyzer 13b analyzes the purity of the generated hydrogen and transmits information regarding the purity of the hydrogen to the control unit 111. The control unit 111 then stores the information regarding the purity of the hydrogen as purity information in the storage 120. Next, the control unit 113 determines, based on the purity information, whether the purity of the generated hydrogen is above a certain level. If the control unit 113 determines that the purity of the generated hydrogen is below a certain level, the pre-dehydrogenation process S5 is performed again. On the other hand, if the control unit 113 determines that the purity of the generated hydrogen is above a certain level, the dehydrogenation process S1 is performed. The criteria for judgment are set appropriately according to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the required hydrogen and the price of hydrogen.

[0166] If the control unit 113 determines that the purity of the generated hydrogen is below a certain level, the control unit 113 may cause the third storage device 13 to discard the gas stored in the third storage device 13 before the pre-dehydrogenation step S5 is performed again. Alternatively, if the control unit 113 determines that the purity of the generated hydrogen is below a certain level, the control unit 113 may cause the third storage device 13 to discard the gas stored in the third storage device 13 before the next dehydrogenation step S1 is performed.

[0167] D6. Transfer Step The manufacturing method according to this disclosure may include a transfer step in which heat generated according to an arbitrary heat generating device is transferred to a dehydrogenation device in the dehydrogenation step. In the transfer step, the control unit 113 transmits a signal to the arbitrary heat generating device to transfer the generated heat to the dehydrogenation device. As a result, the heat generating device transfers the generated heat to the dehydrogenation device. Since the dehydrogenation reaction of hydrogenation carriers may be an endothermic reaction, the transfer step allows the dehydrogenation reaction to proceed at a lower cost.

[0168] The heat generating device is not particularly limited, but examples include the hydrogenation device described later. The method of heat transfer is also not particularly limited, but examples include the use of a heat exchanger.

[0169] D7. Acquisition Process The manufacturing method according to this disclosure includes an acquisition step S4 in which, if the dehydrogenation catalyst has been replaced or regenerated in the past, at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst is acquired as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogenation carrier to hydrogen. After the regeneration step S3, in the acquisition step S4, the acquisition unit 112 uses the GHG emissions stored in the storage 120 to acquire the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst and stores them in the storage 120 as new GHG emissions.

[0170] Furthermore, the manufacturing method according to this disclosure may include an acquisition step S7 for acquiring greenhouse gas emissions associated with hydrogen. In acquisition step S7, the acquisition unit 112 may calculate a new GHG emission by summing up a plurality of GHG emissions stored in the storage 120, and this may be used as the greenhouse gas emission associated with hydrogen.

[0171] Multiple GHG emissions may include greenhouse gas emissions associated with hydrogen production, greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion of hydrogen to hydrogen carriers, greenhouse gas emissions associated with the transport of hydrogen carriers, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion of hydrogen carriers to hydrogen. Furthermore, greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion of hydrogen carriers to hydrogen may include greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of dehydrogenation catalysts.

[0172] The order in which steps S1 to S7 are performed is not particularly limited, as long as it does not create a contradiction. For example, if the activity of the dehydrogenation catalyst is above a certain level in the analysis step S2, the dehydrogenation step S1 may be performed again before the acquisition step S7. Also, the pre-dehydrogenation step S5 or the purity analysis step S6 may be performed before the acquisition step S4.

[0173] E. System of the Disclosure (Hydrogenation Process) Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the system of the Disclosure. Based on Figure 5, the case in which the system 1' of the Disclosure includes a hydrogenation facility 20 will be described. Note that the Disclosure is not limited to embodiments having a hydrogenation facility 20, but also includes embodiments in which the treatment device 200 is standalone. In the case of standalone treatment device 200, the treatment device 200 may acquire various information from the existing hydrogenation facility 20 and, when replacing or regenerating the hydrogenation catalyst, may acquire greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst.

[0174] As shown in Figure 5, System 1 may include a hydrogenation facility 20 and a processing device 200, which may be connected to each other via a network N.

[0175] The hydrogenation equipment 20 may include a hydrogenation device 20a, a fourth storage device 21, a fifth storage device 22, a sixth storage device 23, flow rate control devices 21a, 22a, 23a, and analyzers 21b, 22b, 23b.

[0176] The hydrogenator 20a uses hydrogen supplied from the fourth storage device 21 and dehydrogenation carriers supplied from the fifth storage device 22 to perform a hydrogenation reaction and produce hydrogenation carriers. Such a hydrogenator 20a is not particularly limited except that it is equipped with a hydrogenation catalyst to promote the hydrogenation reaction of dehydrogenation carriers, and may have, for example, a reaction vessel equipped with a catalyst and a treatment device for purifying hydrogenation carriers. Specific examples of reaction vessels include fixed-bed catalytic reactors and fluidized-bed catalytic reactors. In addition, although Figure 5 illustrates a configuration in which system 1' is equipped with one hydrogenator 20a, system 1' may be equipped with multiple hydrogenator 20a.

[0177] The fourth storage device 21 is not particularly limited as long as it is a device for storing hydrogen, and is configured to supply hydrogen to the hydrogenation device 20a via the flow rate control device 21a. The fourth storage device 21 may also have an analytical device 21b for analyzing the composition and purity of hydrogen.

[0178] The fifth storage device 22 is not particularly limited as long as it is a device for storing dehydrogenation carriers, and is configured to supply dehydrogenation carriers to the hydrogenation device 20a via a flow rate control device 22a. The fifth storage device 22 may also have an analytical device 22b for analyzing the composition and purity of the dehydrogenation carriers. The fifth storage device 22 may be a tank such as a low-temperature storage tank or a room-temperature storage tank.

[0179] The sixth storage device 23 is not particularly limited as long as it is a device for storing hydrogenation carriers, and is configured to receive hydrogenation carriers from the hydrogenation device 20a via a flow rate control device 23a. The sixth storage device 23 may also have an analytical device 23b for analyzing the composition and purity of the hydrogenation carriers. The sixth storage device 23 may be a tank such as a low-temperature storage tank or a room-temperature storage tank.

[0180] Immediately after replacing the hydrogenation catalyst, the substances discharged from the hydrogenation unit 20a may contain substances other than hydrogenation carriers (e.g., air). Furthermore, the concentration of hydrogenation carriers may not be sufficient. Therefore, immediately after replacing the hydrogenation catalyst, it is desirable to analyze the composition and purity of the hydrogenation carriers using the analyzer 23b. If the purity of the hydrogenation carriers is below a predetermined value, a hydrogenation carrier purification device (not shown) may be used to purify the hydrogenation carriers, and then the hydrogenation carriers may be stored in the sixth storage unit 23.

[0181] The analyzers 21b, 22b, and 23b may measure and acquire information regarding the composition of the object to be measured at the installation site, as well as information regarding its purity and density. The composition includes the types and ratios of the components that make up the composition. For example, when the analyzers 21b and 22b detect components that may inactivate or damage the hydrogenation catalyst, the processing apparatus 200 may close the flow path using the flow control devices 21a and 22a. Also, when the analyzer 23b detects components that may inactivate or damage the dehydrogenation catalyst used in the dehydrogenation apparatus, the processing apparatus 200 may close the flow path using the flow control device 23a.

[0182] The analytical devices 21b, 22b, and 23b are not particularly limited and known devices can be used. Examples include devices that measure information about composition, such as gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography-flame ionization (GC-FID), Raman spectrometer, and infrared spectrometer; and devices that measure information about density, such as digital densimeters, sonic densimeters, radiation densimeters, and Coriolis mass flowmeters.

[0183] Although Figure 5 illustrates the arrangement of the analytical devices 21b, 22b, and 23b within each storage device, their installation location is not limited as long as they are in a position where the object to be measured can be analyzed. They may also be installed at the entrances and exits of each device or in the flow paths connecting the devices.

[0184] The analyzers 21b, 22b, and 23b may be able to send and receive data with the processing unit 200 or other devices via a network. This allows the control unit 211 of the processing unit 200 shown in Figure 6A to receive measurement data from each analyzer and record it in the hydrogenation carrier production information 221 of the storage unit 220.

[0185] The flow rate control devices 21a, 22a, and 23a may control the supply and discharge of each raw material and product by opening and closing the flow path, as well as measure the flow rate of the raw materials and products that have passed through. The measured quantity may be volume or mass. This makes it possible to control and monitor the amount of each raw material and product used or generated in the hydrogenation equipment 20. The control devices are not particularly limited and known ones can be used, for example, flow meters such as differential pressure flow meters, area flow meters, electromagnetic flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, Coriolis flow meters, eddy flow meters, and turbine flow meters; flow regulators such as valves; and combinations of flow meters and flow regulators.

[0186] The flow rate control devices 21a, 22a, and 23a may be capable of sending and receiving data with the processing device 200 or other devices via a network. This allows the control unit 213 of the processing device 200 to control the opening and closing of the flow path by each flow rate control device. In addition, the management unit 211 of the processing device 200 can receive flow rate data from each flow rate control device and record it in the hydrogenation carrier production information 221 of the storage device 220.

[0187] Hydrogenation catalysts may lose their catalytic activity over time as the reaction continues. Causes of this deterioration are not limited to impurity deposition (deposit of carbon and other impurities on the catalyst surface), surface oxidation, chemical changes in catalyst components, and catalyst sintering. Therefore, to restore the catalytic activity of a hydrogenation catalyst, it is replaced or regenerated. Methods for regenerating a hydrogenation catalyst are not limited to impurities on the catalyst surface (e.g., volatilization by ignition), volatilization by contacting the catalyst surface with high-temperature steam, and reduction of the catalyst surface by hydrogen reduction.

[0188] In the event of such a hydrogenation catalyst replacement or regeneration, the processing apparatus 200 is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to perform a process that acquires at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to hydrogenation carriers. It may also be capable of controlling the supply of each raw material to each storage device, controlling the discharge of products, and controlling the associated reactions via the flow rate control devices 21a, 22a, and 23a; and collecting and recording information on each raw material and product via the analyzers 21b, 22b, and 23b.

[0189] Furthermore, the processing unit 200 may be a terminal installed in the hydrogenation facility 20, or it may be a server connected via the network N. The software and hardware configurations of the processing unit 200 will be described in detail below.

[0190] E1. Software configuration diagram 6A of the processing unit is a functional block diagram of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The processing unit 200 may have a processor 210 and a storage 220. The processor 210 can function as a management unit 211, an acquisition unit 212, and a control unit 213 by executing various programs stored in the storage 220. The storage 220 stores various information necessary for the operation of the hydrogenation equipment 20. For example, it stores, accumulates, and manages various programs required by the processor 210, hydrogenation carrier manufacturing information 221, etc.

[0191] The control unit 211 acquires various information output from each flow control device and each analytical device, and records them in the storage 220 as a single hydrogenation carrier production information 221. Figure 6B shows an example of the hydrogenation carrier production information 221.

[0192] In the hydrogenation carrier manufacturing information 221, the "hydrogenation carrier manufacturing ID" is identification information used to uniquely identify the hydrogenation process that was carried out.

[0193] The "Catalyst Activity Information" section records information about catalyst activity obtained for each hydrogenation process. Specifically, this includes reaction rate, the amount of energy required to produce hydrogen per unit amount (e.g., unit volume, unit mass), and various parameters obtained by methods such as linear sweep voltammography (LSV), cycle voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and chronoamperometry (CA), as described later.

[0194] The "information on consumed electricity" may include not only the electricity (kWh) consumed for each hydrogenation process, but also the type and proportion of the power source (e.g., solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, tidal, wave, nuclear, coal-fired, oil-fired, liquefied natural gas, etc.), and the emission factor (gCO2e / kWh).

[0195] The "information on fuel used" may include the type of fuel used for each hydrogenation process (e.g., natural gas), the amount (MJ), and the emission factor (kgCO2e / MJ).

[0196] "GHG emissions" record the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to hydrogen carriers, calculated for each hydrogenation process. In this disclosure, greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to hydrogen carriers are calculated as the sum of GHG emissions based on the electricity consumed, GHG emissions based on the fuel used, and at least GHG emissions associated with catalyst replacement or regeneration.

[0197] Greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to hydrogenated carriers can be obtained by summing up the GHG emissions for each emission inventory. The GHG emissions in a given emission inventory may also be calculated by multiplying the activity level by the emission factor. Since the emission factor can change from time to time, the acquisition unit 111 may acquire the emission factor from time to time. Examples include changes in the proportion of power sources in grid electricity, such as a change in thermal power generation from 40% to 60%, or changes in the emission factor related to fuel due to an increase or decrease in the cost of natural gas extraction.

[0198] Emission factors may be recorded in association with the emission inventory. Emission factors are calculated by measuring the CO2 generated by the emission inventory and deriving the ratio from that amount of activity. Examples include CO2 emissions per 1 kWh of electricity (kg-CO2 / kWh), CO2 emissions per 1 liter of fuel (kg-CO2 / L), CO2 emissions per ton of raw materials used (kg-CO2 / t), and CO2 emissions when a trailer travels 1 km (kg-CO2 / km). Standard values ​​calculated by international organizations or government agencies can be used for emission factors. For example, the acquisition unit 112 may refer to a server where such emission factors are recorded and acquire emission factors associated with the emission inventory.

[0199] Examples of key emission inventories in the hydrogenation of LOHCs include the following:

[0200] Regarding the allocation related to the hydrogenation of LOHCs, the following are some examples:

[0201] In addition, the "information on hydrogenation carriers" may include information on the purity and composition of hydrogenation carriers generated in the hydrogenation process, obtained by the analyzer 23b. The "information on hydrogen" may include information on the purity and composition of hydrogen, obtained by the analyzer 21b. The "information on dehydrogenation carriers" may include information on the purity and composition of dehydrogenation carriers, obtained by the analyzer 22b.

[0202] The management unit 211 may continuously and automatically record the hydrogenation carrier manufacturing information 221 in the storage 220, or it may automatically record it at regular intervals.

[0203] Normally, the acquisition unit 212 calculates and acquires the GHG emissions in the hydrogenation process based on information regarding the electricity consumed and the fuel used in the hydrogenation process. In addition, the acquisition unit 212 may acquire information regarding the activity of the catalyst in each hydrogenation process and determine whether or not the catalyst needs to be replaced or regenerated based on the acquired information regarding the activity of the catalyst.

[0204] Then, when the acquisition unit 212 determines that the catalyst needs to be replaced or regenerated, and the catalyst is replaced or regenerated, the acquisition unit 212 acquires the GHG emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst.

[0205] The acquisition unit 212 may record the GHG emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst, acquired in this manner, together with the GHG emissions in the hydrogenation process, in the hydrogenation carrier production information 221.

[0206] The acquisition unit 212 may calculate the amount of energy (H2 kg / kWh, H2 kg / MJ) required to produce hydrogen carriers in the hydrogenation process, based on the amount of hydrogen produced and the amount of electricity or combustion fuel used, as information regarding the activity of the catalyst. Here, the amount of hydrogen produced may be obtained from the analyzer 23b and the flow rate control device 23a. The amount of energy may be obtained from the hydrogenation device 20a.

[0207] For other information regarding catalyst activity, electrochemical measurement methods can be used, for example. These methods make it possible to evaluate the basic activity and durability of the catalyst.

[0208] For example, in a method using a linear sweep voltammogram (LSV), the relationship between current density and voltage is measured by sweeping the potential at a constant rate in the electrolyte. From these results, it is possible to determine the onset potential and overpotential of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) or hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and evaluate the activity of the catalyst.

[0209] The cycle voltammetry (CV) method allows for the evaluation of the catalyst's redox behavior by recording the current response while repeatedly sweeping a certain range of potentials. In particular, by analyzing changes in the position and area of ​​the current peak, the activity state and stability of the catalyst surface can be confirmed.

[0210] Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) can be used to measure the charge transfer resistance of a catalyst and evaluate its reactivity. This method involves applying an AC voltage and analyzing the frequency response to obtain information about electron transfer and diffusion processes within the catalyst layer. In particular, catalysts exhibiting lower charge transfer resistance tend to have higher activity.

[0211] Chronoamperometry (CA) can also be used to evaluate the long-term stability of catalysts. In this method, a constant potential is applied, and the change in current density over time is measured to investigate whether catalyst degradation has occurred and how long its activity persists.

[0212] Furthermore, the evaluation of information regarding the activity of the catalyst can be performed by the control unit 213, which supplies electricity or combustion fuel to the hydrogenation apparatus 20a. Specifically, test runs in accordance with the above methods may be performed during or before / after the hydrogenation process, and the results may be obtained as information regarding the activity of the catalyst.

[0213] The acquisition unit 212 may acquire GHG emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to hydrogenation carriers based on GHG emissions based on information regarding the electricity consumed in the hydrogenation process, GHG emissions based on information regarding the fuel used, and GHG emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst. In addition, the GHG emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst may be added to the GHG emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to hydrogenation carriers as an apportioned value. The calculation method and apportionment method for GHG emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst will be explained in detail below.

[0214] The GHG emissions acquired by the acquisition unit 212 in connection with the replacement of the hydrogenation catalyst may include GHG emissions related to the replaced hydrogenation catalyst and GHG emissions related to the energy required to replace the hydrogenation catalyst.

[0215] "Greenhouse gas emissions related to the exchanged hydrogenation catalyst" may be calculated, for example, by adding up the greenhouse gas emissions related to the production and transportation of the raw materials for the hydrogenation catalyst, the greenhouse gas emissions related to the energy required to synthesize the hydrogenation catalyst from the raw materials, and the greenhouse gas emissions related to the transportation of the hydrogenation catalyst, and may also be pre-associated with the hydrogenation catalyst used.

[0216] "The energy required to replace the hydrogenation catalyst" refers, for example, to the electricity used to perform the replacement, and may also be calculated as the product of the energy consumed and the emission factor.

[0217] Next, the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst, acquired by the acquisition unit 212, may include greenhouse gas emissions related to the materials used for the regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst and greenhouse gas emissions related to the energy required for the regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst.

[0218] "Greenhouse gas emissions related to substances used for the regeneration of hydrogenation catalysts" may, for example, be greenhouse gas emissions related to the manufacture and transportation of such substances, and may be pre-associated with the substances used. Such substances include acids such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and hydrogen peroxide; organic solvents such as acetone and ethanol; and H ２ PtCl ６ , PtCl ４ , PdCl ２ , Pd(NO ３ ) ２ Examples include supplemental compounds. Acids and organic solvents may be used to dissolve impurities deposited on the surface of the dehydrogenation catalyst. Supplemental compounds may be used to replenish depleted catalyst components.

[0219] "The energy required for the regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst" refers, for example, to the electricity used for the regeneration, and may also be calculated as the product of the energy consumed and the emission factor.

[0220] Furthermore, if the energy required for replacing or regenerating the hydrogenation catalyst is obtained through power generation that does not emit greenhouse gases, such as wind power or solar power, the greenhouse gas emissions related to the energy required for replacing or regenerating the hydrogenation catalyst may be zero.

[0221] If the energy required to replace or regenerate the hydrogenation catalyst is obtained by both power generation that emits greenhouse gases and power generation that does not emit greenhouse gases, the acquisition unit 212 may calculate the amount of greenhouse gas emissions related to the energy required to replace or regenerate the hydrogenation catalyst in proportion to the ratio of each type of power generation.

[0222] The acquisition unit 212 may add the GHG emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst to the GHG emissions of the hydrogenation process in which the replacement or regeneration was carried out, or it may add the GHG emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst to the GHG emissions of processes other than the hydrogenation process in which the replacement or regeneration was carried out, as an apportioned value. In other words, the greenhouse gas emissions associated with past replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst may be multiplied by an apportionment rate and added as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the hydrogen-to-hydrogen carrier conversion process carried out after the replacement or regeneration.

[0223] The following explanation details the apportionment of GHG emissions using the example of catalyst replacement, but the same apportionment of GHG emissions may also be applied when catalyst regeneration is performed.

[0224] Since catalyst replacement is expected to be carried out every two to three years, the GHG emissions associated with this will vary greatly depending on how they are allocated as emissions per kilogram of hydrogen. In this disclosure, the following typical allocation methods can be applied.

[0225] Allocation method based on past production performance: In this method, when a catalyst replacement occurs, the GHG emissions associated with catalyst manufacturing and replacement are equally allocated using past production performance. Specifically, the GHG emissions when introducing a new catalyst may be divided by the total production performance of the most recent hydrogenation process to calculate the additional emissions per kilogram of hydrogenated carrier. The past period may be the period from the previous catalyst replacement to the current catalyst replacement. For example, if 100 units of hydrogenated carriers were manufactured during the past period (the last three years), and the GHG emissions associated with catalyst manufacturing and replacement were 10 units, then 0.1 units of GHG emissions would be allocated for each unit of hydrogenated carrier manufactured after the catalyst replacement. In this case, the allocation rate is 0.1 / 10 × 100 = 1%. In this method, the apportionment ratio can be said to be determined as the reciprocal of the actual production volume of hydrogenation carriers over a certain period in the past (1 (g) / 100 (g) × 100 = 1%), as the value per unit amount of hydrogenation carriers.

[0226] The advantages of this method are its high reliability because it is based on actual production data and its ability to smooth out short-term fluctuations. On the other hand, because it tracks past conditions, it has the challenge of not easily reflecting current production volume fluctuations and being difficult to apply to new equipment.

[0227] Allocation method based on predicted production volume: In this method, when a catalyst is replaced, the future predicted production volume is used to calculate the GHG emissions from the catalyst. The lifespan of the new catalyst (expected number of years and production volume until the next replacement) is estimated, and the GHG emissions are equally distributed based on the amount of hydrogenated carriers produced during that period. For example, if the lifespan of the new catalyst is 10 years, and it is expected that 100 units of hydrogenated carriers will be produced during that time, and the GHG emissions associated with catalyst production and replacement are 10 units, then 0.1 units of GHG emissions will be allocated for each unit of hydrogenated carrier produced after the catalyst replacement. In this case, the allocation rate is 0.1 / 10 × 100 = 1%. In this method, the allocation rate can also be said to be determined by the reciprocal of the predicted production volume of hydrogenated carriers during the predicted period from the current hydrogenation catalyst replacement or regeneration to the next hydrogenation catalyst replacement or regeneration (1 (g) / 100 (g) × 100 = 1%) as the value per unit amount of hydrogenated carriers.

[0228] This method has the advantage of allowing for a clear estimation of emission intensity at the time of catalyst installation, as it can be aligned with future production plans. However, there is a risk of prediction errors, and revisions are necessary in response to changes in the calculation assumptions (catalyst lifespan, operating rate, etc.).

[0229] Actual calculation method based on actual performance: In this method, GHG emissions are added sequentially according to the usage status and degree of degradation of the catalyst. As the catalyst degradation progresses, the GHG emissions corresponding to the proportion consumed are allocated to the cumulative hydrogenation carrier production, and all emissions related to the catalyst are accounted for by the time of catalyst replacement. For example, if the GHG emissions associated with catalyst replacement are 10 units and the hydrogenation carriers produced by the replaced catalyst are 100 units, the degree of catalyst degradation may be monitored sequentially, and GHG emissions may be allocated according to that degree as follows. - Production of 0 to 20 units of hydrogenated carriers: 0.01 units of GHG emissions per unit of hydrogenated carrier (proportional share: 0.1%) - Production of 20 to 40 units of hydrogenated carriers: 0.02 units of GHG emissions per unit of hydrogenated carrier (proportional share: 0.2%) - Production of 40 to 60 units of hydrogenated carriers: 0.05 units of GHG emissions per unit of hydrogenated carrier (proportional share: 0.5%) - Production of 60 to 80 units of hydrogenated carriers: 0.12 units of GHG emissions per unit of hydrogenated carrier (proportional share: 1.2%) - Production of 80 to 100 units of hydrogenated carriers: 0.30 units of GHG emissions per unit of hydrogenated carrier (proportional share: 3.0%) In this example, we are considering a case where catalyst degradation proceeds at an accelerating rate as the reaction progresses. In this method, the apportionment ratio can be said to be determined based on the catalyst's usage status and degree of degradation. The catalyst's usage status and degree of degradation are not particularly limited, but can be determined, for example, by monitoring the amount of electricity used to obtain a unit amount of hydrogen.

[0230] For example, if the GHG emissions associated with catalyst replacement are 10 units, and 10 units of hydrogenation carriers are produced by the replaced catalyst, the apportionment ratio may be determined as follows: First, the amount of electricity consumed is calculated for each unit of hydrogenation carrier produced. Next, the moving average of the electricity consumption is calculated. Then, the GHG emissions allocated based on the moving average are calculated.

[0231] For example, when producing one more unit of hydrogenated carrier after producing four units, the GHG emissions allocated are calculated as follows: Moving average: (1.0 + 1.1 + 1.2 + 1.3 + 1.5) ÷ 5 = 1.22 GHG emissions: 10 (GHG emissions associated with catalyst replacement) ÷ 10 (amount of hydrogenated carrier produced) × (1.5 (electricity consumption) ÷ 1.22 (moving average)) = 1.23

[0232]

[0233] In the example above, the power consumption is measured each time one unit of hydrogenation carrier is produced, but the timing of measuring power consumption is not limited to this. For example, the power consumption per unit produced could be determined by measuring the power consumption every two units of hydrogenation carrier produced and dividing the resulting value by two.

[0234] In the above example, the moving average is calculated using all measured values, but the number of samples used to calculate the moving average is not limited to this. For example, the moving average could be calculated using the five most recent measured data points, and the moving average for the first four data points could be calculated using all available data. Following the example in Table 6, when calculating the GHG emissions allocated when producing one more unit of hydrogenated carrier after producing five units, the moving average could be calculated as (1.05 + 1.10 + 1.15 + 1.22 + 1.32) ÷ 5. Also, when calculating the GHG emissions allocated when producing one more unit of hydrogenated carrier after producing two units, the moving average could be calculated as (1.0 + 1.1 + 1.2) ÷ 3.

[0235] In the example above, the actual GHG emissions associated with the catalyst replacement are 10 units, but the total GHG emissions calculated using the moving average are 13.2 units, resulting in an over-allocation of 3.2 units. Therefore, when calculating the allocation of GHG emissions associated with the next catalyst replacement to the hydrogenation carriers, it may be possible to subtract 3.2 units from the GHG emissions associated with the next catalyst replacement before calculating the allocation.

[0236] In the example above, a moving average is used, but an exponentially weighted moving average may also be used. In this case, the smoothing coefficient may be set as appropriate.

[0237] The advantages of this method are that it allows for precise allocation in accordance with real-time production conditions and enables detailed management of emission impacts due to catalyst degradation. However, it requires continuous data management, which may increase the operational burden.

[0238] GHG emission accounting method separate from hydrogenation carriers: Under this method, GHG emissions associated with catalyst manufacturing and replacement are not included in the emission intensity per kg of hydrogenation carrier, but are accounted for separately, for example, as emissions from capital goods ("CAPEX emissions").

[0239] The advantage of this method is that it improves the transparency of emission sources and allows for a clear breakdown in environmental reports, etc. However, when comparing with hydrogen emission intensity, it is necessary to consider catalyst-related emissions, and adjustments are required during the comparison.

[0240] In this invention, it is desirable to appropriately manage GHG emissions derived from catalysts and select an appropriate method according to the usage situation and reporting purpose. For example, in facilities with a stable operating record, the method of allocating based on past production performance is easily applicable. In addition, in the case of new facilities or when prior planning is clear, the method of allocating based on predicted production volume is effective. Furthermore, when real-time management is required, the method of calculating on a case-by-case basis based on actual results is suitable. On the other hand, when it is necessary to ensure transparency in LCA reports, etc., it is conceivable to adopt a method of accounting for GHG emissions separately from hydrogen. As described above, this invention provides a variety of methods for managing GHG emissions associated with catalyst replacement, allowing for the selection of an appropriate method according to the situation.

[0241] Since the reaction that produces dehydrogenated carriers and hydrogen from hydrogenated carriers is an exothermic reaction, cooling during the reaction may be necessary. That is, the use of electricity or fuel energy may be necessary in this reaction. Therefore, greenhouse gas emissions based on information about the electricity or fuel consumed may be measured, for example, as follows.

[0242] First, the management unit 211 may acquire the amount of greenhouse gas emissions emitted at power plants, etc., to obtain electricity per unit of energy, and the amount of energy required to obtain hydrogenation carriers from an external database, an external power plant that produces energy, a hydrogenation device 20a, etc., via a communication network, etc., and record them in the storage 220. Then, the acquisition unit 212 may multiply the amount of energy required to obtain hydrogenation carriers and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions to calculate greenhouse gas emissions based on information about the electricity or fuel consumed.

[0243] The acquisition unit 212 may record in the storage 120 a value obtained by adding the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst and the greenhouse gas emissions based on information regarding the electricity or fuel consumed, as the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from the hydrogenation carrier to hydrogen.

[0244] The control unit 213 controls the overall operation of system 1'. For example, based on information stored in the storage 220, the control unit 213 may control the flow rate of hydrogen from the fourth storage device 21 to the hydrogenation device 20a, control the start and end timing of the hydrogenation reaction in the hydrogenation device 20a, control the flow rate of dehydrogenation carriers from the fourth storage device 21 to the hydrogenation device 20a, or control the timing of replacing or regenerating the hydrogenation catalyst used in the hydrogenation device 20a, as well as the reaction conditions during regeneration.

[0245] Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the hydrogenation apparatus 20a, the hydrogenation reaction may not proceed sufficiently if hydrogen and dehydrogenation carriers are only passed through the hydrogenation apparatus 20a once. In that case, a mixture containing hydrogenation carriers and dehydrogenation carriers in an amount equal to or greater than that of the hydrogenation carriers is obtained. Therefore, this mixture may be passed through the hydrogenation apparatus 20a again. That is, the mixture containing dehydrogenation carriers may be passed through the hydrogenation apparatus 20a multiple times. In determining whether the hydrogenation reaction has proceeded sufficiently, information on the composition obtained by the analytical device 23b may be used, or an analytical device may be provided separately in the hydrogenation apparatus 20a, and information on the composition obtained therefrom may be used. Specifically, the proportion of hydrogenation carriers in the mixture obtained from the hydrogenation apparatus 20a after the hydrogenation reaction may be obtained using the analytical device, and if this proportion is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it may be determined that the hydrogenation reaction has proceeded sufficiently.

[0246] The control unit 213 may, based on the information regarding the purity of the hydrogenation carriers detected by the analyzer 23b, cause the sixth storage unit 23 to discard the stored substance. For example, if the information regarding the purity of the hydrogenation carriers detected by the analyzer 23b is below a predetermined value, the control unit 213 may cause the sixth storage unit 23 to discard the stored substance containing the hydrogenation carriers. For example, the substance obtained from the hydrogenator 20a immediately after the hydrogenation catalyst has been replaced or regenerated may contain substances other than hydrogenation carriers, such as air. This operation makes it possible to further increase the purity of the hydrogenation carriers before storing the substance containing the hydrogenation carriers in the sixth storage unit 23.

[0247] Although the configurations have been described in detail so far based on the assumption of a batch process, the hydrogenation equipment 20 described herein is also applicable to a continuous process. In that case, for example, information regarding the purity of the hydrogenation carriers discharged from the hydrogenation device 20a may be measured at regular intervals, and the purity of the hydrogenation carriers may be analyzed based on these measurement results.

[0248] E2. Hardware Configuration of the Processing Unit The hardware configuration for realizing the processing unit 200 described above is not particularly limited, but may be the same as, for example, the hardware configuration for realizing the processing unit 100 shown in Figure 3C. For example, the processing unit 200 may have a processor 210, storage 220, input / output interface, communication interface, and memory connected by a bus, and each of these devices may have the same functions and configurations as each device in the processing unit 100. Furthermore, the functions of each device can be divided and realized by multiple devices.

[0249] F. Method for Manufacturing Hydrogenated Carriers Next, a series of methods for manufacturing hydrogenated carriers using a manufacturing system that hydrogenates dehydrogenated carriers with a hydrogenation catalyst will be described. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of an example of a method for manufacturing hydrogenated carriers according to this disclosure.

[0250] The following describes in detail each step that the method for producing hydrogenated carriers related to this disclosure (also simply referred to as the "production method" in Chapter F) may comprise.

[0251] F1. Hydrogenation Process The manufacturing method according to this disclosure includes a hydrogenation step S8 in which a hydrogenation catalyst is used to hydrogenate a dehydrogenation carrier to generate a hydrogenation carrier. In the hydrogenation step S8, the control unit 213 transmits a signal to the hydrogenation apparatus 20a to generate a hydrogenation carrier from hydrogen and a dehydrogenation carrier. As a result, the hydrogenation apparatus 20a generates a hydrogenation carrier from hydrogen and a dehydrogenation carrier.

[0252] The method by which the hydrogenation apparatus 20a generates hydrogenation carriers from hydrogen and dehydrogenation carriers is not particularly limited, but examples include using a noble metal catalyst such as platinum and / or a non-noble metal hydrogenation catalyst such as Ni in a fixed-bed or fluidized-bed reactor. Furthermore, since the hydrogenation reaction is an exothermic reaction, cooling water may be circulated during the hydrogenation reaction to recover thermal energy.

[0253] F2. Analysis Step The manufacturing method according to this disclosure may include an analysis step S9 for analyzing the activity of the hydrogenation catalyst. In the analysis step S9, the control unit 211 stores information regarding the catalyst activity, including information obtained from each flow rate control device and analysis device, in the storage 220. The acquisition unit 212 then acquires the information regarding the catalyst activity stored in the storage 220 and stores it in the storage 220.

[0254] The acquisition unit 212 acquires information regarding the catalyst activity and, based on this information, determines whether the catalyst activity is above a certain level. If the acquisition unit 212 determines that the catalyst activity is below a certain level, the regeneration process S10, described later, is performed. On the other hand, if the acquisition unit 212 determines that the catalyst activity is above a certain level, the acquisition process S13, described later, is performed. The criteria for this determination are set appropriately according to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the required hydrogen and the price of hydrogen.

[0255] In analysis step S9, the activity of the hydrogenation catalyst may be analyzed according to the energy efficiency of hydrogenation. For example, the activity of the hydrogenation catalyst may be analyzed based on the amount of energy required to produce hydrogenation carriers per unit volume, or a value related to that amount of energy. The value related to the amount of energy required to produce hydrogenation carriers per unit volume is not particularly limited, but for example, the flow rate of hydrogenation carriers (volume per unit time) obtained from the flow rate control device 23a can be cited.

[0256] Instead of the analysis step S9, the catalyst may be automatically replaced or regenerated after a certain period of use.

[0257] F3. Regeneration Process The manufacturing method according to this disclosure may include a regeneration process S10 in which the hydrogenation catalyst is replaced or regenerated based on the results of the activity analysis. If the acquisition unit 212 determines in the analysis process S9 that the catalyst activity is below a certain level, in the regeneration process S10, the control unit 213 transmits a signal to the hydrogenation apparatus 20a to replace or regenerate the hydrogenation catalyst. As a result, the hydrogenation apparatus 20a performs the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst. Note that the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst may be performed using a separate device. Alternatively, the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst may be performed manually.

[0258] In the regeneration step S10, the hydrogenation catalyst may be regenerated, or the already used hydrogenation catalyst may be replaced with a new hydrogenation catalyst, or both regeneration and replacement of the hydrogenation catalyst may be performed. For example, after repeated regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst, the regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst's activity may become insufficient. In such cases, it is preferable to replace the hydrogenation catalyst rather than regenerate it. From this viewpoint, in the regeneration step after the same hydrogenation catalyst has been regenerated a certain number of times, the hydrogenation catalyst may be replaced. Alternatively, in the analysis step S9 immediately following the regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst, if the catalyst activity is below a certain level (the term "certain level" here is different from the "certain level" mentioned above, which is the criterion for deciding whether to perform steps S10 or S13), the hydrogenation catalyst may be replaced in the next regeneration step. The aforementioned certain number of regenerations and the catalyst activity below a certain level may be appropriately set according to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the required hydrogen and the price of hydrogen.

[0259] F4. Pre-hydrogenation step The manufacturing method according to the present disclosure may include a pre-dehydrogenation step S12 in which a dehydrogenation carrier is hydrogenated using a replaced or regenerated hydrogenation catalyst to generate a hydrogenation carrier. After the regeneration step S10, in the pre-dehydrogenation step S12, the control unit 213 transmits a signal to the hydrogenation apparatus 20a to generate a hydrogenation carrier from the dehydrogenation carrier. As a result, the hydrogenation apparatus 20a generates a hydrogenation carrier from the dehydrogenation carrier.

[0260] F5. Purity Analysis Process The manufacturing method according to this disclosure may include a purity analysis process S13 after the pre-hydrogenation process S12 in which the purity of the generated hydrogen carriers is analyzed. After the pre-hydrogenation process S12, in the purity analysis process S13, the control unit 211 transmits a signal to the analyzer 23b to analyze the purity of the generated hydrogen carriers. The analyzer 23b then analyzes the purity of the generated hydrogen carriers and transmits information regarding the purity of the hydrogen carriers to the control unit 211. The control unit 211 then stores the information regarding the purity of the hydrogen carriers as purity information in the storage 220. Next, the control unit 213 determines, based on the purity information, whether the purity of the generated hydrogen carriers is above a certain level. If the control unit 213 determines that the purity of the generated hydrogen carriers is below a certain level, the pre-hydrogenation process S12 is performed again. On the other hand, if the control unit 213 determines that the purity of the generated hydrogen carriers is above a certain level, the hydrogenation process S8 is performed. The criteria for evaluation will be set as appropriate, depending on the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the required hydrogen and the price of hydrogen.

[0261] If the control unit 213 determines that the purity of the generated hydrogenation carriers is below a certain level, the control unit 213 may cause the sixth storage device 23 to discard the material stored in the sixth storage device 23 before the pre-hydrogenation step S12 is performed again. Alternatively, if the control unit 213 determines that the purity of the generated hydrogenation carriers is below a certain level, the control unit 213 may cause the sixth storage device 23 to discard the material stored in the sixth storage device 23 before the next hydrogenation step S8 is performed.

[0262] F6. Transfer Process The manufacturing method according to this disclosure may include a transfer process for transferring the heat generated in accordance with the hydrogenation process S8 to an arbitrary heat utilization device. In the transfer process, the control unit 213 transmits a signal to the hydrogenation device 20a to transfer the generated heat to an arbitrary heat utilization device. As a result, the hydrogenation device 20a transfers the generated heat to the arbitrary heat utilization device. Since the hydrogenation reaction of the dehydrogenation carrier may be an exothermic reaction, the transfer process allows for efficient use of the generated heat, which tends to reduce the cost of hydrogen production.

[0263] The heat utilization device is not particularly limited, but examples include dehydrogenation devices. The method of heat transfer is also not particularly limited, but examples include using a heat exchanger.

[0264] F7. Acquisition Process The manufacturing method relating to this disclosure includes an acquisition step S11 in which, if the hydrogenation catalyst has been replaced or regenerated in the past, at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst is acquired as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to hydrogenation carriers. After the regeneration step S10, in the acquisition step S11, the acquisition unit 212 uses the GHG emissions stored in the storage 220 to acquire the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst and stores them in the storage 220 as new GHG emissions.

[0265] Furthermore, the manufacturing method according to this disclosure may include an acquisition step S14 for acquiring greenhouse gas emissions associated with hydrogen. In the acquisition step S14, the acquisition unit 212 may calculate a new GHG emission by summing up a plurality of GHG emissions stored in the storage 220, and this may be used as the greenhouse gas emission associated with hydrogen.

[0266] Multiple GHG emissions may include greenhouse gas emissions associated with hydrogen production, greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion of hydrogen to hydrogen carriers, greenhouse gas emissions associated with the transportation of hydrogen carriers, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion of hydrogen carriers back to hydrogen. Furthermore, greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion of hydrogen to hydrogen carriers may include greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of hydrogenation catalysts.

[0267] The order in which steps S8 to S14 are performed is not particularly limited, as long as it does not create a contradiction. For example, if the activity of the hydrogenation catalyst is above a certain level in the analysis step S9, the hydrogenation step S8 may be performed again before the acquisition step S14. Also, the pre-hydrogenation step S12 or the purity analysis step S13 may be performed before the acquisition step S11.

[0268] G. Notes [1] A method for producing a dehydrogenated carrier and / or hydrogen, comprising: a dehydrogenation step of dehydrogenating a hydrogenation carrier using a dehydrogenation catalyst to produce a dehydrogenated carrier and hydrogen; and an acquisition step of acquiring at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from the hydrogenation carrier to the hydrogen. [2] The method according to [1], wherein in the acquisition step, a value obtained by multiplying the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst by an apportionment rate is acquired as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from the hydrogenation carrier to the hydrogen. [3] The method according to [2], wherein the apportionment rate is determined based on the reciprocal of past actual hydrogen production volume as a value per unit amount of hydrogen, the reciprocal of future predicted hydrogen production volume as a value per unit amount of hydrogen, or the usage status and degree of degradation of the catalyst. [4] The manufacturing method according to [1] or [2], wherein the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from the hydrogenation carrier to the hydrogen include information on the energy used and a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst. [5] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to [4], comprising an analysis step of analyzing the activity of the dehydrogenation catalyst and a regeneration step of replacing or regenerating the dehydrogenation catalyst based on the results of the activity analysis. [6] The manufacturing method according to [5], wherein in the analysis step, the activity of the dehydrogenation catalyst is analyzed according to the energy efficiency of dehydrogenation. [7] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to [6], comprising a pre-dehydrogenation step of dehydrogenating the hydrogenation carrier using the replaced or regenerated dehydrogenation catalyst to produce the dehydrogenation carrier and the hydrogen, and a purity analysis step of analyzing the purity of the hydrogen produced in the pre-dehydrogenation step, wherein the dehydrogenation step is performed when the purity of the hydrogen satisfies predetermined conditions. [8] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to [7], further comprising a transfer step of transferring heat generated according to an arbitrary heat generating device to a dehydrogenation device in the dehydrogenation step.[9] A manufacturing system for producing a dehydrogenated carrier and hydrogen by dehydrogenating a hydrogenation carrier using a dehydrogenation catalyst, comprising a processing device for obtaining at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst as part of the greenhouse gas emissions in the dehydrogenation.

[10] The manufacturing system according to [9], comprising a dehydrogenation apparatus for producing a dehydrogenated carrier and hydrogen by dehydrogenating a hydrogenation carrier using a dehydrogenation catalyst, wherein the processing device analyzes the activity of the dehydrogenation catalyst.

[11] A method for producing a hydrogenation carrier, comprising a hydrogenation step of hydrogenating a hydrogenation carrier using a hydrogenation catalyst to produce a hydrogenation carrier, and an acquisition step of obtaining at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to the hydrogenation carrier.

[12] The manufacturing method according to

[11] , wherein in the acquisition step, a value obtained by multiplying the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst by a proportional ratio is obtained as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to the hydrogenation carrier.

[13] The manufacturing method according to

[11] or

[12] , wherein the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to the hydrogenation carrier include information on the energy used and a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst.

[14] The manufacturing method according to any one of

[11] to

[13] , comprising an analysis step of analyzing the activity of the hydrogenation catalyst and a regeneration step of replacing or regenerating the hydrogenation catalyst based on the results of the activity analysis.

[15] The manufacturing method according to

[14] , wherein in the analysis step, the activity of the hydrogenation catalyst is analyzed according to the energy efficiency of hydrogenation.

[16] The manufacturing method according to any one of

[11] to

[15] , further comprising a transfer step for transferring the heat generated in accordance with the hydrogenation step to an arbitrary heat utilization device.

[17] A manufacturing system for producing hydrogenated carriers by hydrogenating dehydrogenation carriers using a hydrogenation catalyst, comprising a processing device that obtains at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to the hydrogenated carriers.

[18] The manufacturing system according to

[17] , comprising a hydrogenation apparatus for producing hydrogenated carriers by hydrogenating dehydrogenation carriers using a hydrogenation catalyst, wherein the processing device analyzes the activity of the hydrogenation catalyst.

[0269] 1, 1'... System, 10... Dehydrogenation equipment, 10a... Dehydrogenation device, 11... First storage device, 11a... Flow rate control device, 11b... Analytical device, 12... Second storage device, 12a... Flow rate control device, 12b... Analytical device, 13... Third storage device, 13a... Flow rate control device, 13b... Analytical device, 20... Hydrogenation equipment, 20a... Hydrogenation device, 21... Fourth storage device, 21a... Flow rate control device, 21b... Analytical device, 22... Fifth storage device, 22a... Flow rate control device, 22b... Minutes Analysis device, 23...6th storage device, 23a...flow control device, 23b...analytical device, 100, 200...processing device, 110, 210...processor, 111, 211...management unit, 112, 212...acquisition unit, 113, 213...control unit, 120, 220...storage, 121...hydrogen production information, 221...hydrogen carrier production information, 130, 230...input / output IF, 140, 240...communication IF, 150, 250...memory, 160, 260...bus, N...network.

Claims

1. A method for producing a dehydrogenated carrier and / or hydrogen, comprising: a dehydrogenation step of dehydrogenating a hydrogenation carrier using a dehydrogenation catalyst to produce a dehydrogenated carrier and hydrogen; and an acquisition step of acquiring at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion of the hydrogenation carrier to hydrogen.

2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein in the acquisition step, a value obtained by multiplying the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst by a proportional ratio is acquired as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from the hydrogenation carrier to the hydrogen.

3. The manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein the apportionment rate is determined based on the reciprocal of past actual hydrogen production volume as a value per unit amount of hydrogen, the reciprocal of future predicted hydrogen production volume as a value per unit amount of hydrogen, or the usage status and degree of degradation of the catalyst.

4. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from the hydrogenation carrier to the hydrogen include information on the energy used and a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst.

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, comprising: an analytical step of analyzing the activity of the dehydrogenation catalyst; and a regeneration step of replacing or regenerating the dehydrogenation catalyst based on the results of the activity analysis.

6. The manufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein in the analysis step, the activity of the dehydrogenation catalyst is analyzed according to the energy efficiency of dehydrogenation.

7. A manufacturing method according to claim 1, comprising: a pre-dehydrogenation step of dehydrogenating the hydrogenation carrier using the replaced or regenerated dehydrogenation catalyst to produce the dehydrogenation carrier and hydrogen; and a purity analysis step of analyzing the purity of the hydrogen produced in the pre-dehydrogenation step, wherein the dehydrogenation step is performed when the purity of the hydrogen satisfies predetermined conditions.

8. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, further comprising a transfer step of transferring heat generated according to an arbitrary heat generating device to a dehydrogenation device in the dehydrogenation step.

9. A manufacturing system for producing a dehydrogenated carrier and hydrogen by dehydrogenating a hydrogenation carrier using a dehydrogenation catalyst, the manufacturing system comprising a processing device for obtaining at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the dehydrogenation catalyst as part of the greenhouse gas emissions in the dehydrogenation.

10. A manufacturing system according to claim 9, comprising a dehydrogenation apparatus that dehydrogenates a hydrogenation carrier using a dehydrogenation catalyst to produce a dehydrogenation carrier and hydrogen, wherein the apparatus analyzes the activity of the dehydrogenation catalyst.

11. A method for producing a hydrogenated carrier, comprising: a hydrogenation step of hydrogenating a dehydrogenation carrier using a hydrogenation catalyst to produce a hydrogenated carrier; and an acquisition step of acquiring at least a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to the hydrogenated carrier.

12. The manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein in the acquisition step, a value obtained by multiplying the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst by a proportional ratio is acquired as part of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to the hydrogenation carrier.

13. The manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the conversion from hydrogen to the hydrogenation carrier include information on the energy used and a portion of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement or regeneration of the hydrogenation catalyst.

14. The manufacturing method according to claim 11, comprising: an analytical step of analyzing the activity of the hydrogenation catalyst; and a regeneration step of replacing or regenerating the hydrogenation catalyst based on the results of the activity analysis.

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, wherein in the analysis step, the activity of the hydrogenation catalyst is analyzed according to the energy efficiency of hydrogenation.

16. The manufacturing method according to claim 11, further comprising a transfer step for transferring the heat generated in accordance with the hydrogenation step to an arbitrary heat utilization device.

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