WO2023091026A1 - System and method for production of green hydrogen - Google Patents

System and method for production of green hydrogen Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023091026A1
WO2023091026A1 PCT/NO2022/050266 NO2022050266W WO2023091026A1 WO 2023091026 A1 WO2023091026 A1 WO 2023091026A1 NO 2022050266 W NO2022050266 W NO 2022050266W WO 2023091026 A1 WO2023091026 A1 WO 2023091026A1
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Prior art keywords
hydrogen
production
plant
electricity
offshore
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French (fr)
Inventor
Harald Furu
Helge Brandsaeter
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Affin AS
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Affin AS
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Priority to EP22896198.3A priority Critical patent/EP4433704A4/en
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
    • F03G7/04—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using pressure differences or thermal differences occurring in nature
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/44—Floating buildings, stores, drilling platforms, or workshops, e.g. carrying water-oil separating devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G4/00—Devices for producing mechanical power from geothermal energy
    • F03G4/033—Devices for producing mechanical power from geothermal energy having a Rankine cycle
    • F03G4/035—Devices for producing mechanical power from geothermal energy having a Rankine cycle of the Organic Rankine Cycle [ORC] type or the Kalina Cycle type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
    • F03G7/04—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using pressure differences or thermal differences occurring in nature
    • F03G7/045—Environmental heat plants or OTEC plants using an Organic Rankine Cycle [ORC] or a Kalina Cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24T—GEOTHERMAL COLLECTORS; GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
    • F24T10/00—Geothermal collectors
    • F24T10/30—Geothermal collectors using underground reservoirs for accumulating working fluids or intermediate fluids
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B30/00—Heat pumps
    • F25B30/06—Heat pumps characterised by the source of low potential heat
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/08—Seawater, e.g. for desalination
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/009—Apparatus with independent power supply, e.g. solar cells, windpower or fuel cells
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
    • C25B1/01—Products
    • C25B1/02—Hydrogen or oxygen
    • C25B1/04—Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
    • C25B1/01—Products
    • C25B1/02—Hydrogen or oxygen
    • C25B1/04—Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
    • C25B1/042—Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water by electrolysis of steam
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B15/00—Operating or servicing cells
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24T—GEOTHERMAL COLLECTORS; GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
    • F24T10/00—Geothermal collectors
    • F24T10/20—Geothermal collectors using underground water as working fluid; using working fluid injected directly into the ground, e.g. using injection wells and recovery wells
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24T—GEOTHERMAL COLLECTORS; GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
    • F24T50/00—Geothermal systems 
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/10—Geothermal energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/44—Heat exchange systems
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/46—Conversion of thermal power into mechanical power, e.g. Rankine, Stirling or solar thermal engines
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/36—Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to means for production of hydrogen without pollution of the environment.
  • the hydrogen is produced using the process of electrolysis of water where hydrogen gas is released and can be used for fuel.
  • the electricity used comes from environmental friendly sources and emission free production
  • Hydrogen will be important in the decarbonisation of the whole transport sector, which carries heavy or long haul, and needs larger amounts of energy than is optimal for batteries. This makes hydrogen a good renewable alternative to fossil energy sources.
  • Windmills have become popular, and most of windmills have been placed on land; however, to increasing protests on large footprint - impact on landmasses, nature and birds. Windmills at sea are increasing, however this requires large investments, complex installations and large footprint. The performance is also uneven (dependent on wind - 41% of theoretical maximum) and must rely on backup power from shore or gas turbines. The total CO2 footprint is also an issue.
  • the circulation of water can be performed as a multi-well operation, or from a single well.
  • Most oil producing fields are being operated with producing wells and injector wells. Water is being injected into the reservoirs by the injector wells with the task of ‘pushing’ or ‘pressing’ the oil into the producing wells.
  • the producing wells are producing far more water than oil and as the wells are being closed off the producers are showing mainly water, and water is basically running in a cycle. In some cases, this cycle could be used to extract heat energy on the surface and recycle water, the advantage being that the existing well infrastructure can be used with limited modification.
  • Hydrogen is an environmentally friendly fuel of which at this moment in time is of high demand in the world market. Hydrogen used in fuel cells is still in minority amongst zero-emission vehicles. Cars loaded with heavy batteries is at the moment the usual solution but includes heavy weight and relative long charging cycles. This is why marine and air transport is still to be electrified or run-on other emission free fuel.
  • Hydrogen can also replace the use of natural gas for heating and stoves in countries that have a developed gas pipeline network.
  • the following invention will disclose how hydrogen can be environmentally friendly produced by using electricity from Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system, especially offshore from reuse of old marine hydrocarbon installations.
  • ORC Organic Rankine Cycle
  • the invention seeks to contribute towards transforming the offshore oil and gas industry into environmentally friendly energy production. Electricity production may extend an installation of lifetime and postpone cost of decommissioning.
  • the invention will include a system and method for using the produced electricity in an electrolysis process for releasing hydrogen and 02 from water.
  • US 6000471 Langset, Dec. 14, 1999, discloses a method for using old wells offshore, earlier used for the extraction of hydrocarbons, for the now new use for extraction of geothermal energy.
  • the offshore installation is proposed for using means for converting the heat energy into electricity using pipes in loops to conduct the heat exchange fluid through the existing wells.
  • US 2013/0300127 A1 DiNicolantonio, Nov.14, 2013, discloses a method and apparatus for recovering geothermal heat from abandoned sub sea oil wells and converting it to electricity.
  • US 8616000, Parella, Dec. 31 , 2013, also discloses a system for recovering geothermal heat from predrilled oil wells, other pre-drilled operations and new wells, to generate electricity.
  • KR20150074709 discloses a floating charging station for vessels, powered by windmills. This solution is however dependent on wind and the power of the wind as mentioned above.
  • the present invention relates to means for production of hydrogen without pollution of the environmental.
  • the hydrogen is produced using the process of electrolysis of water where hydrogen gas is released and can be used for fuel.
  • the electricity used comes from converting geothermal energy into electricity utilizing an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system.
  • ORC Organic Rankine Cycle
  • Offshore installations built for drilling and production of hydrocarbons is converted into geothermal energy plants, for production of electricity of which is used for production of green hydrogen and oxygen.
  • the plant or part of the plant may be located subsea but close to depleted, halted or abandoned oil and gas wells.
  • the electrolysis process may work either by using water from sea or by using steam,
  • the method for utilising steam in the electrolysis process makes the production more efficient and means that the electrolytes do not have to be of high cost metals.
  • Steam is available from the process of the ORC. It may also be produced exclusively from a heat exchanger directly connected with the electrolysis process.
  • the ORC plant and electrolysis plant may support a fuelling station offshore and support for marine vessels a hydrogen fuel station, out at sea. Such a station at sea, far from land, will include landing facilities for helicopters and means for refuelling of electrified and fuel friendly aircrafts.
  • Such a station can provide service to any marine vessel and helicopters or aeroplanes and their crew/passengers including hotel facilities and food production.
  • the invention therefore represents a system and method for production of hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis by use of electricity from ORC powerplant utilizing offshore geological sources.
  • the invention is further disclosed in the following description and as defined in claim 1 and following subclaims 2-7.
  • FIG. 1 shows an illustration of the production of hydrogen and oxygen
  • FIG. 2 shows an illustration of the offshore installations for providing of hydrogen and oxygen gas to a station where vessels at sea and to helicopters may refuel.
  • the station will have functions as a service station, with hotel services as accommodations and food.
  • the electricity produced by the ORC is used to produce green hydrogen according to the invention as the following will in more detail be disclosed.
  • the electricity is through the ORC produced via heat exchangers and turbines, several options are available to produce hydrogen and oxygen; either by method of electrolysis by use of sea water 107 or based on vaporized water available from ORC process.
  • FIG. 1 shows an illustration of the production of hydrogen and oxygen where the electrolysis plant 100 preferably is sited on an offshore platform with access to energy and other sources from an offshore geothermal powerplant 102 (ORC) as part of this invention.
  • ORC offshore geothermal powerplant 102
  • Electricity 104 and water 105 for the electrolysis process 1 10 is avalable from the pumpstation of the geothermal powerplant and ORC 102, or is pumped directly from sea 108’ or through a filtering system to split the components of sea water. If the electrolysis process use steam 109, this is available also from the heat exchange system of the ORC 102.
  • Numeral 106 denote heat fluids from well 101 and or rock/earth 103, numeral 108 water for cooling.
  • the electrolysis process produce hydrogen 112 and oxygen 1 13.
  • the hydrogen and oxygen can be compressed and stored as gas 120 or liquid 121.
  • the gas hydrogen gas can be compresses to for example to 70MPa for storing or transportation.
  • the gas must be cooled down to -252,87 Celsius and stored in cryotanks for transportation as liquid.
  • the process equipment electrolysis plant 100’ and storage can be installed on the seafloor, located subsea as indicated by numeral 140. This option will safeguard operations with regards to consequences of leakage than for operations onshore in that the hydrogen here is largely absorbed by the water and that explosions are far less likely to happen.
  • Subsea operations will require digital tools and artificial intelligence replacing personnel and improving safety and reducing costs.
  • the hydrogen is well suited for fuel and may be available from a station 130, for refuelling seagoing vessels.
  • the hydrogen and oxygen may also be sold and exported 132 all over the world, either compressed or as liquid, or directly to customer through a pipeline 134.
  • Ell’s Emission Trading System may include the world’s fleet of ships which therefore will have to convert to emission free fuel making energy stations out at sea for electrified vessels and refuelling of vessels with hydrogen technology, will be of demand. This will also save steaming time to port for vessels, which does not need to go to port.
  • Fig. 2 shows an overview of a possible reuse of an offshore installation including the powerplant 102 and plant for production of hydrogen and oxygen 100.
  • the installation is shown with an energy station 200/130 for refuelling of hydrogen.
  • an energy station 200/130 for refuelling of hydrogen.
  • a hotel 240 for all services for short- and long-term visitors.
  • the installations will function as refuelling station, hotel and food production, it can serve the needs for a variety of vessels and offshore service vessels, trawlers, passenger ships (ferries/cruise ships etc.) and smaller boats and vessels, like speedboats, rescue vessels, fishing and leisure boats, denoted numerals 250, 252 and 254.
  • the installation and platform and energy station 200 can have helicopter decks 220 with facilities for refuelling of hydrogen and or charging electricity.
  • the service station 200 is shown with replacing tanks of hydrogen are illustrated by tanks 260 and crane 270.
  • the platforms and installation will have systems for securing against fire and extinguishing of fire; this will involve the use of prior art from the offshore oil industry.

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  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
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  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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Abstract

A system for producing hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis using power from a geothermal power plant for production of electricity. The geothermal power plant is located proximity to the electrolysis plant. The geothermal power plant provides the said electrolysis plant with electricity, water, and steam. The plants Are located over wells offshore and built on former offshore oil and gas production platforms.

Description

Description
Title of Invention: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCTION OF GREEN HYDROGEN
Technical Field
[0001 ] The present invention relates to means for production of hydrogen without pollution of the environment. The hydrogen is produced using the process of electrolysis of water where hydrogen gas is released and can be used for fuel. The electricity used comes from environmental friendly sources and emission free production
Background Art
[0002] Hydrogen will be important in the decarbonisation of the whole transport sector, which carries heavy or long haul, and needs larger amounts of energy than is optimal for batteries. This makes hydrogen a good renewable alternative to fossil energy sources.
[0003] The existing world shipping fleet has enormous carbon emissions, and it is now proposed to be included in EU Emission trading system (ETS). In the future, the world’s fleet of ships, therefore will have to be electrified or use other means than today’s oil dependent vessels, for instance run on hydrogen.
[0004] The cost of producing hydrogen by electrolysis from water demands a lot of energy and has thus mostly been produced from methane gas Ch4. This is however not environmentally friendly if not the CO2 can be handled safely. Environmentally friendly (green) hydrogen may be produced from electricity from wind power plants, but again this relies on the available wind.
[0005] Windmills have become popular, and most of windmills have been placed on land; however, to increasing protests on large footprint - impact on landmasses, nature and birds. Windmills at sea are increasing, however this requires large investments, complex installations and large footprint. The performance is also uneven (dependent on wind - 41% of theoretical maximum) and must rely on backup power from shore or gas turbines. The total CO2 footprint is also an issue.
[0006] It is a well-known technology converting geothermal energy into electricity. By utilizing the hot rock to warm up water or other fluids found in wells and reservoirs deep beneath the earth surface, electric power can be produced by a plant, utilizing an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system.
[0007] Reservoir temperatures in the North Sea are typically in the range between 70 to 130 degrees Celsius for reservoir depth in range of 2000m to 4000m. Geothermal energy project onshore are in most cases trying to exploit higher temperatures in the subsurface as found in active rift zones with higher earth-quake activity. These efforts have mostly been carried out by multi-well operations. That is, water is circulated by injection in to the subsurface by dedicate wells and received and lifted to surface by dedicated receiver wells. Such operations with water circulation and water injections have proven to increase earthquake rates and cause damages on surface. See reference Presentation by Nicholas Deichmann, at AAPG Meeting on induced seismicity, London, 13-14 Feb. 2013, Using offshore wells, higher temperatures can be accessed at greater depth with very limited risks to the surface environment.
[0008] Offshore, this can be done by converting geothermal energy into electricity by capturing geothermal heat from offshore wells, drilled for oil and gas production from platforms installed on seabed or part of floating installations. This includes reuse of offshore oil and gas installations and production knowledge gained from decades of exploration and continue to utilize drilling and production investments from depleted, halted or abandoned oil and gas wells.
[0009] Depending on the capacity needs and the local reservoir conditions, the circulation of water can be performed as a multi-well operation, or from a single well. Most oil producing fields are being operated with producing wells and injector wells. Water is being injected into the reservoirs by the injector wells with the task of ‘pushing’ or ‘pressing’ the oil into the producing wells. As the field is being depleted, the producing wells are producing far more water than oil and as the wells are being closed off the producers are showing mainly water, and water is basically running in a cycle. In some cases, this cycle could be used to extract heat energy on the surface and recycle water, the advantage being that the existing well infrastructure can be used with limited modification.
[0010] One can not control how much electricity is produced by energy sources such as wind and solar. The surplus from such sources can be used to produce hydrogen so that the energy can be stored and used later when more electricity is needed. The energy can also be stored in batteries, but today's batteries struggle with the fact that they lose storage over time, which is not suitable when storing renewable energy for seasons when consumption is high. Batteries are also cumbersome to transport from places where you have renewable power production due to its weight.
[001 1 ] The production of hydrogen from water in an electrolysis process is well known technology. But by using steam means that the electrolytes do not have to be of high cost metals. This is proven in the Publication in nature Materials: “Mixed proton and electron conducting double perovskite anodes for stable and efficient tubular ceramic electrolyser”, project GAMER - 2019-2022, SINTEF et. Al. (www.sintef.no/gamer/). The material developed comprise of barium, lanthanum, gadolinium, cobalt and oxygen.
[0012] The operation of high temperature steam electrolyser is also disclosed in US2015/0004510 A1 , Bertier, Jan. 1 , 2015. Hydrogen is an environmentally friendly fuel of which at this moment in time is of high demand in the world market. Hydrogen used in fuel cells is still in minority amongst zero-emission vehicles. Cars loaded with heavy batteries is at the moment the usual solution but includes heavy weight and relative long charging cycles. This is why marine and air transport is still to be electrified or run-on other emission free fuel.
[0013] Hydrogen can also replace the use of natural gas for heating and stoves in countries that have a developed gas pipeline network.
[0014] The following invention will disclose how hydrogen can be environmentally friendly produced by using electricity from Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system, especially offshore from reuse of old marine hydrocarbon installations.
[0015] When the offshore hydrocarbon fields have been depleted and production has stopped, the permanent sealing of well and dismantling and/or removing of installations, will represent huge costs for the industry.
[0016] The invention seeks to contribute towards transforming the offshore oil and gas industry into environmentally friendly energy production. Electricity production may extend an installation of lifetime and postpone cost of decommissioning. The invention will include a system and method for using the produced electricity in an electrolysis process for releasing hydrogen and 02 from water.
[0017] There are however, different ideas on how to utilize offshore installations for future operations and for environmentally friendly energy production based on the existing technology. Production of hydrogen by electrolysis is a well-known technology. The basic idea to reuse of installations and wells for capturing geothermal heat contains some prior art of which are commented below.
[0018] US 6000471 , Langset, Dec. 14, 1999, discloses a method for using old wells offshore, earlier used for the extraction of hydrocarbons, for the now new use for extraction of geothermal energy. The offshore installation is proposed for using means for converting the heat energy into electricity using pipes in loops to conduct the heat exchange fluid through the existing wells.
[0019] US 2013/0300127 A1 , DiNicolantonio, Nov.14, 2013, discloses a method and apparatus for recovering geothermal heat from abandoned sub sea oil wells and converting it to electricity.
[0020] US 8616000, Parella, Dec. 31 , 2013, also discloses a system for recovering geothermal heat from predrilled oil wells, other pre-drilled operations and new wells, to generate electricity.
[0021 ] KR20150074709, Lee et al. July. 2, 2015, discloses a floating charging station for vessels, powered by windmills. This solution is however dependent on wind and the power of the wind as mentioned above.
[0022] Most new offshore fields are being developed by subsea installations, reducing the need for surface structures. The equipment described herein should also preferably be installed subsea. This encompasses storage tanks for hydrogen as well as all other components. Operators of depleted fields will in nearly all cases have a government requirement to remove all surface installations.
[0023] Safe operations are extremely important considering handling of hydrogen. When hydrogen is generated subsea and stored subsea any leak has far less consequence than for operations onshore in that the hydrogen is largely absorbed by the water and that explosions are far less likely to happen. [0024] The offshore industry is moving towards the use of remotely controlled systems using new technology with digital tools and artificial intelligence improving personnel safety and reducing costs. The systems being described herein will or can use these new technologies in order to ensure profitable safe operations.
Summary of Invention
[0025] The present invention relates to means for production of hydrogen without pollution of the environmental. The hydrogen is produced using the process of electrolysis of water where hydrogen gas is released and can be used for fuel.
[0026] The electricity used comes from converting geothermal energy into electricity utilizing an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system. Offshore installations built for drilling and production of hydrocarbons is converted into geothermal energy plants, for production of electricity of which is used for production of green hydrogen and oxygen. The plant or part of the plant may be located subsea but close to depleted, halted or abandoned oil and gas wells.
[0027] The electrolysis process may work either by using water from sea or by using steam, The method for utilising steam in the electrolysis process makes the production more efficient and means that the electrolytes do not have to be of high cost metals. Steam is available from the process of the ORC. It may also be produced exclusively from a heat exchanger directly connected with the electrolysis process.
[0028] The ORC plant and electrolysis plant may support a fuelling station offshore and support for marine vessels a hydrogen fuel station, out at sea. Such a station at sea, far from land, will include landing facilities for helicopters and means for refuelling of electrified and fuel friendly aircrafts.
[0029] Such a station can provide service to any marine vessel and helicopters or aeroplanes and their crew/passengers including hotel facilities and food production.
[0030] The invention therefore represents a system and method for production of hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis by use of electricity from ORC powerplant utilizing offshore geological sources. [0031 ] The invention is further disclosed in the following description and as defined in claim 1 and following subclaims 2-7.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0032] The foregoing aspects and many of the advantages of the present invention will be more appreciated and better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig.1
[0033] Fig.1 ] [Fig. 1 shows an illustration of the production of hydrogen and oxygen
Fig.2
[0034] Fig.2] [Fig. 2 shows an illustration of the offshore installations for providing of hydrogen and oxygen gas to a station where vessels at sea and to helicopters may refuel. The station will have functions as a service station, with hotel services as accommodations and food.
Description of Embodiments
[0035] The electricity produced by the ORC is used to produce green hydrogen according to the invention as the following will in more detail be disclosed.
[0036] The electricity is through the ORC produced via heat exchangers and turbines, several options are available to produce hydrogen and oxygen; either by method of electrolysis by use of sea water 107 or based on vaporized water available from ORC process.
[0037] Fig. 1 shows an illustration of the production of hydrogen and oxygen where the electrolysis plant 100 preferably is sited on an offshore platform with access to energy and other sources from an offshore geothermal powerplant 102 (ORC) as part of this invention. The equation process is;
[0038] electrical energy + water — hydrogen gas + oxygen gas.
[0039] electrical energy + 2H2O — 2H2 + 02.
[0040] Electricity 104 and water 105 for the electrolysis process 1 10 is avalable from the pumpstation of the geothermal powerplant and ORC 102, or is pumped directly from sea 108’ or through a filtering system to split the components of sea water. If the electrolysis process use steam 109, this is available also from the heat exchange system of the ORC 102. Numeral 106 denote heat fluids from well 101 and or rock/earth 103, numeral 108 water for cooling.
[0041 ] The electrolysis process produce hydrogen 112 and oxygen 1 13. When using salt seawater minerals 1 14 are also extracted. The hydrogen and oxygen can be compressed and stored as gas 120 or liquid 121. The gas hydrogen gas can be compresses to for example to 70MPa for storing or transportation. The gas must be cooled down to -252,87 Celsius and stored in cryotanks for transportation as liquid.
[0042] The process equipment electrolysis plant 100’ and storage can be installed on the seafloor, located subsea as indicated by numeral 140. This option will safeguard operations with regards to consequences of leakage than for operations onshore in that the hydrogen here is largely absorbed by the water and that explosions are far less likely to happen.
[0043] Subsea operations will require digital tools and artificial intelligence replacing personnel and improving safety and reducing costs.
[0044] The hydrogen is well suited for fuel and may be available from a station 130, for refuelling seagoing vessels. The hydrogen and oxygen may also be sold and exported 132 all over the world, either compressed or as liquid, or directly to customer through a pipeline 134.
[0045] Ell’s Emission Trading System (ETS) may include the world’s fleet of ships which therefore will have to convert to emission free fuel making energy stations out at sea for electrified vessels and refuelling of vessels with hydrogen technology, will be of demand. This will also save steaming time to port for vessels, which does not need to go to port.
[0046] Fig. 2 shows an overview of a possible reuse of an offshore installation including the powerplant 102 and plant for production of hydrogen and oxygen 100.
[0047] The installation is shown with an energy station 200/130 for refuelling of hydrogen. Along with living accommodation for the workers, there will also be a hotel 240 for all services for short- and long-term visitors. As the installations will function as refuelling station, hotel and food production, it can serve the needs for a variety of vessels and offshore service vessels, trawlers, passenger ships (ferries/cruise ships etc.) and smaller boats and vessels, like speedboats, rescue vessels, fishing and leisure boats, denoted numerals 250, 252 and 254.
[0048] The installation and platform and energy station 200 can have helicopter decks 220 with facilities for refuelling of hydrogen and or charging electricity.
[0049] The service station 200, is shown with replacing tanks of hydrogen are illustrated by tanks 260 and crane 270.
[0050] The platforms and installation will have systems for securing against fire and extinguishing of fire; this will involve the use of prior art from the offshore oil industry.
[0051 ] It should be understood that the system here disclosed for offshore geothermal energy production and production of hydrogen is easily converted into an onshore power plant.

Claims

Claims
[Claim 1 ] A system and method for production of green hydrogen, whereas the means comprise of;
- a plant 100 for producing hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis,
- a geothermal power plant 102 for production of electricity, whereas the said power plant 102 is located in close proximity to plant 100 producing electricity to the said plant 100, characterize in that; the geothermal powerplant 102 provides the said hydrogen plant 100 with electricity, water and steam.
2. A system and method according to claim 1 , whereas the plants 100 and 102 is part of an offshore installation
3. A system and method according to claim 1 , whereas the plants 100 and 102 is built on former offshore oil and gas production platforms.
4. A system and method according to claim 1 , whereas the geothermal energy acquisition is based on usage of depleted oil- or gas wells.
5. A system and methods according to claim 1 , where process equipment and storage
140 are installed on the seafloor.
6. A system and method according to claim 1 , where process equipment 140 is remotely operated.
7. A system and method according to claim 1 , whereas the installation provides energy and hydrogen to an offshore service station 130, 200 supporting remote marine activity including refuelling of hydrogen to seagoing vessels 250, 252, 254 and propelled vessels and aircrafts 220 with hotel 240 accommodation facilities, i
PCT/NO2022/050266 2021-11-18 2022-11-17 System and method for production of green hydrogen Ceased WO2023091026A1 (en)

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