Method of hydrogen liquefaction using optimized claude refrigeration cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen liquefaction processes are energy-intensive, require expensive equipment, and use environmentally unfriendly refrigerants, while failing to efficiently convert ortho-hydrogen to para-hydrogen during liquefaction, leading to instability and vaporization issues.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing optimized Claude refrigeration cycles with nitrogen and hydrogen refrigerants, incorporating serial low-temperature catalytic converters to convert ortho-hydrogen to para-hydrogen, and employing a combined nitrogen and hydrogen Claude cycles for efficient liquefaction with reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional hydrogen liquefaction processes are used, then hydrogen can be liquefied, but energy consumption is excessive and equipment costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-stage ortho-para hydrogen conversion at different temperature stages (initial conversion at higher temperature, intermediate conversion at 80-120K, final conversion at 20-40K). This staged parameter change approach optimizes the conversion efficiency at each stage while minimizing energy consumption, achieving greater than 95% para-hydrogen content with energy consumption reduced to less than 9.5 kWh/kg-LH2
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary cooling of hydrogen to cryogenic temperatures (80-120K) before the main ortho-para conversion process. This preliminary action prepares the hydrogen in an optimal state for subsequent conversion stages, improving overall process efficiency while reducing the energy required for the conversion itself
2Reliability
If ortho-hydrogen is not converted to para-hydrogen during liquefaction, then the process is simpler, but the liquid hydrogen becomes unstable and vaporizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ortho-para conversion process into three distinct stages with different temperature ranges and catalyst configurations. The first stage occurs at higher temperatures during initial cooling, the second stage occurs at intermediate temperatures (80-120K) with specific catalysts, and the third stage occurs at final low temperatures (20-40K). This segmentation ensures complete conversion to achieve greater than 95% para-hydrogen content while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs catalysts as intermediaries to facilitate the ortho-para hydrogen conversion process. Specific catalysts are selected for each temperature stage to optimize conversion efficiency. These catalytic intermediaries enable the conversion process to proceed effectively at each stage without requiring extreme conditions, thereby ensuring stable liquid hydrogen production
3Productivity
If single-stage ortho-para conversion is used, then equipment is simpler, but conversion efficiency is insufficient leading to vaporization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a three-stage ortho-para conversion system with distinct temperature ranges and catalyst configurations for each stage. The first stage occurs during initial cooling at higher temperatures, the second stage occurs at intermediate temperatures (80-120K) with optimized catalysts, and the third stage occurs at final low temperatures (20-40K). This segmentation achieves greater than 95% para-hydrogen content while managing system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes conversion efficiency by changing key parameters at each stage: temperature ranges are adjusted progressively from higher to lower, catalyst types are selected specifically for each temperature stage, and pressure conditions are optimized for maximum conversion efficiency at each step. This parameter optimization across three stages achieves superior conversion efficiency compared to single-stage systems
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
Achieves efficient hydrogen liquefaction with greater than 95% para-hydrogen content, reducing energy consumption to less than 9.5 kWh/kg-LH2 and minimizing equipment costs.
Implementation Method 1
reducing the pressure of the subcooled high-pressure p-H2 enriched liquid hydrogen stream with a J/T valve to form a low-pressure liquid hydrogen product stream
Implementation Method 2
cooling the first split gaseous hydrogen stream to about 82K inside a precooling main heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
passing the deep purified cold gaseous hydrogen stream through a fixed-bed catalyst ortho-para hydrogen converter
Implementation Method 4
the first p-H2 enriched gaseous hydrogen stream increases in temperature due to the exothermic process of the ortho to para hydrogen conversion
Implementation Method 5
combining the purified gaseous hydrogen feed stream and a mixed intermediate-pressure circulation gaseous hydrogen stream inside a second hydrogen circulation compressor forming a second hydrogen circulation compressor final stage discharge stream
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems providing a process for cooling and liquefying a purified gaseous hydrogen feed stream to a liquid hydrogen stream that may be stored in a liquid hydrogen storage tank, as well as a system wherein ortho-hydrogen (o-H2) contained in the purified gaseous hydrogen feed stream may be converted to para-hydrogen (p-H2) through serial low-temperature catalytic converters along the cooling process from normal ambient temperature (300K) to the liquefied temperature about (20K) of the hydrogen.