Liquefied Hydrogen Plant with Buffer-Driven Liquefier Capacity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquefiers have limited flexibility in adjusting operating points, making it difficult to handle fluctuations in hydrogen production from intermittent energy sources, and current control solutions are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A plant design with a buffer store between a hydrogen gas generator and liquefier, equipped with a means to determine the fill level of the buffer store, allowing the liquefier to adjust cooling power and liquefaction capacity based on the fill level, using sensors and predictive algorithms to optimize operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a buffer store is added to handle fluctuations in hydrogen production, then the ability to manage intermittent energy sources is improved, but the device complexity and investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that continuously monitors the fill level of the buffer store and uses this information to adjust the liquefier's operating parameters. The controller receives signals from fill level sensors and automatically modifies the liquefaction capacity to optimize buffer utilization, creating a closed-loop feedback system that manages fluctuations without requiring complex manual intervention or oversized buffer infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The liquefier's liquefaction capacity is made dynamically adjustable through the control system, which can modify operating parameters such as cooling power and processing rate in real-time based on buffer fill level. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying hydrogen production rates from intermittent sources, effectively using the buffer store to smooth out fluctuations without requiring the buffer to be constantly at maximum capacity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cooling power and liquefaction capacity of the liquefier are made adjustable between multiple levels, then the adaptability to buffer fill level is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system adjusts the liquefier's operating parameters, specifically cooling power and liquefaction capacity, by modifying operational settings rather than physically reconfiguring the system. The controller can establish the cooling power at different levels (e.g., first level, second level) based on buffer fill level, achieving adaptability through parameter modulation of existing components rather than adding complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: it monitors buffer fill level, determines optimal liquefaction capacity, adjusts cooling power, and manages overall plant coordination. By making the control system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated devices for each control function, thereby achieving high adaptability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
3Reliability
If buffer stores are provided to manage intermittent power supply, then the reliability of hydrogen liquefaction is improved, but the investment costs and loss of space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the buffer store partially rather than keeping it constantly full. The control system allows the buffer fill level to vary within an operating range, utilizing the buffer's capacity only when needed to manage fluctuations. This partial utilization approach maintains reliability by having buffer capacity available when required, while avoiding the space waste of maintaining constant maximum fill levels or oversized buffer infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer store serves itself through the automated control system that monitors its fill level and adjusts the liquefier's intake accordingly. The control system automatically manages the buffer's utilization without requiring external intervention or additional infrastructure, allowing the same buffer volume to effectively handle a wider range of production scenarios through intelligent control rather than physical expansion
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances production efficiency by reducing the need for buffer storage investments, minimizing energy losses, and lowering production costs through adaptive control of liquefier capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerator having a cycle circuit configured to supply the cooling power and cool the hydrogen gas from the feed line with a view to the liquefaction thereof
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerator with a cycle circuit in which a cycle gas flow is subjected to a given thermodynamic cycle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a plant and a method for producing liquefied hydrogen comprising a hydrogen gas generator, a liquefier, a feed line connecting an outlet of the hydrogen gas generator to an inlet of the liquefier, the liquefier comprising a refrigerator having a cycle circuit to cool the hydrogen gas from the feed line, the plant comprising a buffer store configured to store the compressed hydrogen gas between the hydrogen gas generator and the liquefier, the liquefier being configured to supply a cooling power and/or the liquefaction capacity that can be modified between at least two levels, the plant comprising a means for determining the fill level of the buffer store, the plant being configured to modify the cooling power and/or liquefaction capacity of the liquefier as a function of the fill level of the buffer store determined by the determining means.