A method for the production and transportation of hydrogen

Abstract

A method for the production and transportation of hydrogen is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: - producing (10) hydrogen (H2) through one or more hydrogen production reactions requiring a first amount of energy (Q1); - reacting (12) hydrogen (H2) from the preceding step with a dehydrogenated LOHC to obtain a hydrogenated LOHC, the reaction releasing a sec- ond amount of energy (Q2); - providing (13) at least part of the second amount of energy (Q2) from the preceding step to the step of producing hydrogen (10); - storing and / or transporting (14) said hydrogenated LOHC from the step of reacting (12) hydrogen (H2) with a dehydrogenated LOHC; - reacting (16) the hydrogenated LOHC from the preceding step to obtain hydrogen (H2) and dehydrogenated LOHC, the reaction requiring a third amount of energy (Q3); - reacting (18) at least part of the hydrogen (H2) from the preceding step in an exothermic hydrogenation process, wherein hydrogen is combusted and / or transformed into different chemical products, the reaction releasing a fourth amount of energy (Q4); and - providing (19) at least part of the fourth amount of energy (Q4) from the preceding step to the step of reacting (16) the hydrogenated LOHC to obtain hydrogen H2 and dehydrogenated LOHC.

Description

A METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION OF HYDROGENDescriptionTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure concerns a method for the production and transportation of hydrogen.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Hydrogen (H2) is projected to meet 30% of global energy demands by 2030. However, its low density of 0.08375 kg / m3presents significant storage and transportation challenges. Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) offer a potential solution, enabling hydrogen storage at much higher densities.

[0003] A known method for hydrogen storage and transportation involves producing hydrogen via steam methane reforming (SMR), subsequently reacting the hydrogen with a dehydrogenated LOHC such as toluene to form a hydrogenated LOHC (methylcyclohexane - MCH). The hydrogenated LOHC is then transported to a separate location for dehydrogenation, releasing the stored hydrogen. This method relies on external energy sources to address the energy requirements of the hydrogen production and the dehydrogenation processes, thereby reducing overall efficiency.

[0004] Another prior art method focuses on heat integration of a fuel cell with the dehydrogenation reaction of a LOHC system. The waste heat from the fuel cell is used to drive the endothermic dehydrogenation reaction.

[0005] Therefore, there exists a need for an improved method for hydrogen production and transportation that addresses the energy requirements of both hydrogen production and dehydrogenation, and allows for efficient utilization of the generated hydrogen, particularly in various industrial processes.SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a method that comprises the steps of:- producing hydrogen through one or more hydrogen production reactions requiring a first amount of energy;- reacting hydrogen from the preceding step with a dehydrogenated LOHC (Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier) to obtain a hydrogenated LOHC, the reaction releasing a second amount of energy;- providing at least part of the second amount of energy from the preceding step to the step of producing hydrogen;storing and / or transporting said hydrogenated LOHC from the step of reacting hydrogen with a dehydrogenated LOHC;- reacting said hydrogenated LOHC from the preceding step to obtain hydrogen and dehydrogenated LOHC, the reaction requiring a third amount of energy; - reacting at least part of the hydrogen from the preceding step in an exothermic hydrogenation process, wherein hydrogen is combusted and / or transformed into different chemical products, the reaction releasing a fourth amount of energy (Q4); andproviding at least part of the fourth amount of energy from the preceding step to the step of reacting said hydrogenated LOHC to obtain hydrogen and dehydrogenated LOHC.This integrated approach improves the overall energy efficiency of the hydrogen production and transportation process.

[0007] In one aspect, the step of producing hydrogen comprises one or more of the following: autothermal reforming of methane or natural gas, steam reforming of methane or natural gas, natural gas decomposition, partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, electrolysis of water, chlor-alkali process. This allows flexibility in hydrogen production methods, adapting to available resources and infrastructure.

[0008] In one aspect, the method further comprises the steps of reacting a fuel to produce a fifth amount of energy and an exhaust gas; and providing at least part of the fifth amount of energy from the step of reacting a fuel to the step of producing hydrogen. This provides an additional energy source for hydrogen production, further increasing efficiency.

[0009] In one aspect, the step of reacting a fuel to produce energy comprises reacting a hydrocarbon with oxygen. This utilizes readily available hydrocarbons for energy generation.

[0010] In one aspect, the step of reacting a fuel to produce energy comprises reacting natural gas with oxygen. This leverages existing natural gas infrastructure for energy production.

[0011] In one aspect, the dehydrogenated LOHC is chosen among the following: toluene, dibenzyl -toluene (DBT), naphthalene, and N-phenyl carb azole (Nphcz). This offers a selection of suitable LOHCs with varying properties and performance characteristics.

[0012] In one aspect, the energy is heat. This simplifies the energy transfer between process steps, minimizing energy losses.

[0013] In one aspect, the step of storing and / or transporting hydrogenated LOHC is performed by using an infrastructure designed for storing and / or transporting gasoline, and / or dehydrogenated LOHC for transport to a remote location; or utilizing the hydrogenated LOHC within a co-located facility wherein the steps of reacting (12) hydrogen (H2) with a dehydrogenated LOHC, storing and / or transporting (14) the hydrogenated LOHC and reacting (16) the hydrogenated LOHC are thermally and fluidically integrated, optionally via turbomachinery. This facilitates the implementation of the method by utilizing existing infrastructure.

[0014] In one aspect, the exothermic hydrogenation process comprises one or more of: ammonia production, power generation, steel production, or a refinery process. This highlights the broad applicability of the generated hydrogen in diverse industrial sectors.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] A more complete appreciation of the disclosed embodiments of the invention and many of the attended advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:Fig.l illustrates a block diagram of a method for the production and transportation of hydrogen, according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure, not limitation of the disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” means that the particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment s). Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0017] When introducing elements of various embodiments the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0018] Referring now to the drawings, Fig.l shows a block diagram of a method for the production and transportation of hydrogen, according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the method includes a step of producing 10 hydrogen EE, a step of reacting 12 hydrogen EE with a dehydrogenated Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC(-)) to obtain a hydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(+)), a step of storing and / or transporting 14 hydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(+)), a step of reacting 16 hydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(+)) to obtain hydrogen H2 and dehydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(-)), and a step of reacting 18 at least part of the hydrogen H2 in an exothermic process. The step of producing 10 hydrogen H2 requires a first amount of energy QI, whereas the step of reacting 12 hydrogen H2 with a dehydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(-)) to obtain a hydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(+)) releases a second amount of energy Q2. At least part ofthe energy Q2, released during the step of reacting 12 hydrogen H2 with a dehydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(-)), is provided to the step of producing 10 hydrogen H2. The hydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(+)) is then stored and / or transported, as indicated by step 14. At a separate location, the hydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(+)) is reacted in the step of reacting 16 hydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(+)) to obtain hydrogen H2 and dehydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(-)), the step requiring a third amount of energy Q3. Finally, the step of reacting 18 at least part of the hydrogen H2 in an exothermic process, in which the hydrogen H2 can be either combusted or transformed into different chemical products, releases a fourth amount of energy Q4. At least part of the energy Q4 sourced from the exothermic process is then provided 19 to supplement the energy Q3 required for the step of reacting 16 hydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(+)) to obtain hydrogen H2 and dehydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(-)).

[0019] The hydrogen production step 10 can include one or more processes selected from autothermal reforming of methane or natural gas, steam reforming of methane or natural gas, natural gas decomposition, partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, electrolysis of water, or hydrogen production from the chlor-alkali industry. The exothermic process 18 can utilize the hydrogen H2 in various hydrogenation processes or hydrogenconsuming industries, such as ammonia production, power generation, steel production, or refinery processes. The dehydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(-)) can be chosen from toluene, dibenzyltoluene (DBT), naphthalene, or N-ethyl carb azole (NEC). The energy transferred between the stages is primarily in the form of heat. The storage and transportation 14 of the hydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(+)) can be achieved using existing infrastructure designed for gasoline or the dehydrogenated LOHC (LOHC(-)).

[0020] The present disclosure provides an integrated approach to hydrogen production, transportation, and utilization. By utilizing the exothermic nature of both the LOHC hydrogenation and the subsequent hydrogen utilization process, the energy efficiency of the overall system is significantly improved. The heat generated during hydrogenation is directly used to power the hydrogen production, reducing reliance on external energy sources. Furthermore, the heat generated from the exothermic process using the released hydrogen is used to support the dehydrogenation reaction, again minimizing external energy input. The ability to transport the hydrogenated LOHC using existing infrastructure offers practical advantages for implementation. This invention is particularly relevant for industrial applications where hydrogen is requiredfor exothermic processes such as hydrogenation reactions in chemical and refinery industries, providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution for hydrogen supply.

[0021] While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodi¬ ments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications, changes, and omissions are possible without departing form the spirt and scope of the claims. In addition, unless specified otherwise herein, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative em¬ bodiments.

Claims

A METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION OF HYDROGENCLAIMS1. A method for the production and transportation of hydrogen; the method comprising the steps of:producing (10) hydrogen (H2) through one or more hydrogen production reactions requiring a first amount of energy (QI);reacting (12) hydrogen (H2) from the preceding step with a dehydrogenated LOHC to obtain a hydrogenated LOHC, the reaction releasing a second amount of energy (Q2);providing (13) at least part of the second amount of energy (Q2) from the preceding step to the step of producing hydrogen (10);storing and / or transporting (14) said hydrogenated LOHC from the step of reacting (12) hydrogen (H2) with a dehydrogenated LOHC; reacting (16) said hydrogenated LOHC from the preceding step to obtain hydrogen (H2) and dehydrogenated LOHC, the reaction requiring a third amount of energy (Q3);reacting (18) at least part of the hydrogen (H2) from the preceding step in an exothermic hydrogenation process, wherein hydrogen is combusted and / or transformed into different chemical products, the reaction releasing a fourth amount of energy (Q4); andproviding (19) at least part of the fourth amount of energy (Q4) from the preceding step to the step of reacting (16) said hydrogenated LOHC to obtain hydrogen H2 and dehydrogenated LOHC.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of producing (10) hydrogen comprises one or more of the following: autothermal reforming of methane or natural gas, steam reforming of methane or natural gas, natural gas decomposition, partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, electrolysis of water, chlor-alkali process.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising the steps of:reacting a fuel to produce a fifth amount of energy and an exhaust gas; andproviding at least part of the fifth amount of energy from the step of reacting a fuel to the step of producing hydrogen (10).

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of reacting a fuel to produce energy comprises reacting a hydrocarbon with oxygen.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of reacting a fuel to produce energy comprises reacting natural gas with oxygen.

6. The method of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said dehydrogenated LOHC is chosen among the following: toluene, dibenzyl -toluene (DBT), naphthalene, and N-phenyl carb azole (Nphcz).

7. The method of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said energy is heat.

8. The method of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said step of storing and / or transporting (14) hydrogenated LOHC is performed by:using an infrastructure designed for storing and / or transporting gasoline and / or dehydrogenated LOHC for transport to a remote location; or- utilizing the hydrogenated LOHC within a co-located facility wherein the steps of reacting (12) hydrogen (H2) with a dehydrogenated LOHC, storing and / or transporting (14) the hydrogenated LOHC and reacting (16) the hydrogenated LOHC are thermally and fluidically integrated.

9. The method of the preceding claim, wherein the steps of reacting (12) hydrogen (H2) with a dehydrogenated LOHC, storing and / or transporting (14) the hydrogenated LOHC and reacting (16) the hydrogenated LOHC are thermally and fluidically integrated via turbomachinery.

10. The method of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said exothermic hydrogenation process (18) comprises one or more of: ammonia production, power generation, steel production, or a refinery process.

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