EP4781113A1

EP4781113A1 - Mobile hydrogen storage, transportation, and refueling system and method of using the same

Info

Publication number: EP4781113A1
Application number: EP24869010.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nicholas Edmund MILLER; Russell Hiatt HIGGINS; Jared Michael RUGG; James Percy-Hughes
Original assignee: Cummins Inc
Current assignee: Cummins Inc
Priority date: 2023-09-18
Filing date: 2024-09-17
Publication date: 2026-07-29
Also published as: AU2024343549A1; CN121889614A; WO2025064407A1

Abstract

An apparatus for liquid hydrogen refueling on a mining site includes a mobile platform coupleable to a vehicle. A storage module removably coupleable to the mobile platform. The storage module stores a hydrogen tank that is configured to store liquid hydrogen. A transfer module is coupleable to the mobile platform, the transfer module configured to receive a first flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank, and communicate a first portion of the first flow to a mining vehicle and a second portion of the first flow back to the hydrogen tank. A refueling interface configured to engage a refueling interface of a liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and to selectively convey a flow of liquid hydrogen from the transfer module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

Description

MOBILE HYDROGEN STORAGE, TRANSPORTATION, AND REFUELING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/583,539, filed September 18, 2023, entitled “Mobile Hydrogen Storage, Transportation, and Refueling System and Method of Using the Same,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Embodiments described herein are related to hydrogen refueling systems and more particularly, to systems and methods for mobile hydrogen storage, transportation, and refueling that are, for example, suitable in large-scale industrial applications.

[0003] Despite contributing to harmful anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, the energy source for the most vehicles continues to be the burning of fossil fuels in internal combustion engines. In an effort to abate greenhouse gas emissions, considerable attention has been directed to the use of alternative and/or renewable energy sources in certain consumer and/or commercial vehicles. One such alternative energy source is hydrogen-powered fuel cells. In some instances, hydrogen power may be particularly attractive based at least in part on it being a virtually unlimited energy source, the ability to use renewable energy to produce hydrogen (e.g., “green” hydrogen), the primary by-product of using hydrogen being water, and/or the like.

[0004] Certain challenges continue to hinder wide adoption of hydrogen as an alternative energy source. For example, one such challenge is providing a hydrogen infrastructure that allows for storage and/or distribution having a level of convenience on par with current fossil fuel infrastructures. Some known systems and/or methods attempt to address the challenges associated with storing, transporting, and distributing hydrogen. For example, some such known solutions include using specialized tankers and/or trailers to transport pressurized cylinders/tubes of hydrogen.

[0005] Additional challenges of providing a hydrogen infrastructure arise when scaling to large industrial applications. For example, one such large-scale application is the mining industry. In some instances, hydrogen-powered fuel cells may replace large diesel engines typically used in very large mining vehicles. In such applications, known road-going hydrogen tankers and/or trailers may be unsuitable due to physical size restrictions associated with highway travel, etc. For example, some known high-capacity trailers are capable of transporting up to 1,100 kilograms (kg) of hydrogen, which is an amount of hydrogen consumed by just two mining vehicles in as little as a 24-hour period - this capacity is too small to be feasible for large scale mining operations with many vehicles and can increase safety risks associated with collision and/or interaction. Road-going hydrogen tankers and/or trailers are also unsuitable for movement around the rough terrain, undeveloped surfaces, and/or steep grades of a typical mine site, and would require preparation of smooth surfaced, shallower grade roadways for movement around the site. Moreover, the use of permanent and/or fixed storage and dispensing equipment, pipelines, and/or other high-volume hydrogen supplies may inhibit mine development and/or operational flexibility, or by their nature, be expensive to install and/or relocate.

[0006] Accordingly, a need exists for systems and methods for mobile hydrogen storage, transportation, and refueling suitable for large-scale industrial applications.

SUMMARY

[0007] Embodiments described herein are related to mobile hydrogen refueling systems and methods used, for example, in large-scale industrial applications. In some embodiments, an apparatus for liquid hydrogen refueling on a mining site includes a mobile platform coupleable to a vehicle. A storage module is removably coupleable to the mobile platform. The storage module stores a hydrogen tank that is configured to store liquid hydrogen. A transfer module is coupleable to the mobile platform, the transfer module configured to receive a first flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank, and communicate a first portion of the first flow to a mining vehicle and a second portion of the first flow back to the hydrogen tank. A refueling interface is configured to engage a refueling interface of a liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and to selectively convey a flow of liquid hydrogen from the transfer module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle. In some implementations, the transfer module further includes quick connect/disconnect couplings configured to releasably couple the hydrogen tank to the mobile platform. In some implementations, the transportation module further includes one or more pumps configured to pressurize the liquid hydrogen received from the hydrogen tank of the storage module, and communicate the pressurized liquid hydrogen to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle. [0008] In some embodiments, an apparatus for liquid hydrogen refueling on a mining site includes a mobile platform coupleable to a vehicle. A storage module is removably coupleable to the mobile platform. The storage module stores a hydrogen tank that is configured to store liquid hydrogen at a first pressure. A transfer module is coupleable to the mobile platform and including a pump, the transfer module configured to receive a flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank and pressurize the liquid hydrogen to a second pressure greater than the first pressure, and communicate the liquid hydrogen at the second pressure to a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle. A refueling interface is configured to engage a refueling interface of the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and to selectively convey a flow of liquid hydrogen at the second pressure from the transfer module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

[0009] In some embodiments, a method includes loading a storage module include one or more hydrogen tanks storing liquid hydrogen on a mobile platform that is coupleable to a vehicle. A refueling interface, fluidi cally coupled to the one or more hydrogen tanks via a transfer module, is releasably engaged to a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle. In response to a pressure differential between the one or more hydrogen tanks of the storage module and the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and via the transfer module, the method further includes conveying a first portion of a flow of the liquid hydrogen from the one or more hydrogen tanks of the storage module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, conveying a second portion of the flow to a first vaporizer to generate hydrogen gas, and conveying the hydrogen gas to the one or more hydrogen tanks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 A is a schematic illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system according to an embodiment and shown in a first implementation.

[0011] FIG. IB is a schematic illustration of a portable hydrogen refueling system that stores liquid hydrogen, according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 1C is a schematic illustration of the mobile hydrogen refueling system of FIG. 1 A shown in a second implementation.

[0013] FIG. ID is a schematic illustration of the mobile hydrogen refueling system of FIG. 1 A and a second mobile hydrogen refueling system configured to refuel the mobile hydrogen refueling system. [0014] FIG. IE is a schematic illustration of a portable hydrogen refueling system that stores liquid hydrogen and provides the liquid hydrogen to a mining vehicle that also stores and uses liquid hydrogen as its fuel source, in a first configuration, according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. IF is a schematic illustration of the portable hydrogen refueling system of FIG. IE in a second configuration.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a known heavy equipment vehicle such as a mining truck.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a side view illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 6A is a side view illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 6B is a side view illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system according to an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an industrial worksite implementing a mobile hydrogen refueling system according to an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a refueling location included in the industrial worksite of FIG. 8.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a mobile hydrogen refueling system according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a mobile hydrogen refueling system that stores liquid hydrogen, according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In some embodiments, an apparatus for liquid hydrogen refueling on a mining site includes a mobile platform coupleable to a vehicle. A storage module is removably coupleable to the mobile platform. The storage module stores a hydrogen tank that is configured to store liquid hydrogen. A transfer module is coupleable to the mobile platform, the transfer module configured to receive a first flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank, and communicate a first portion of the first flow to a mining vehicle and a second portion of the first flow back to the hydrogen tank. A refueling interface is configured to engage a refueling interface of a liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and to selectively convey a flow of liquid hydrogen from the transfer module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

[0028] In some embodiments, an apparatus for liquid hydrogen refueling on a mining site includes a mobile platform coupleable to a vehicle. A storage module is removably coupleable to the mobile platform. The storage module stores a hydrogen tank that is configured to store liquid hydrogen at a first pressure. A transfer module is coupleable to the mobile platform and includes a pump, the transfer module configured to receive a flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank and pressurize the liquid hydrogen via the pump to a second pressure greater than the first pressure, and communicate the liquid hydrogen at the second pressure to a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle. A refueling interface is configured to engage a refueling interface of the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and to selectively convey a flow of liquid hydrogen at the second pressure from the transfer module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

[0029] In some embodiments, a method includes loading a storage module include one or more hydrogen tanks storing liquid hydrogen on a mobile platform that is coupleable to a vehicle. A refueling interface, fluidi cally coupled to the one or more hydrogen tanks via a transfer module, is releasably engaged to a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle. In response to a pressure differential between the one or more hydrogen tanks of the storage module and the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and via the transfer module, the method further includes conveying a first portion of a flow of the liquid hydrogen from the one or more hydrogen tanks of the storage module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, conveying a second portion of the flow to a first vaporizer to generate hydrogen gas, and conveying the hydrogen gas to the one or more hydrogen tanks. [0030] In some embodiments, an apparatus for mobile hydrogen refueling includes a heavy equipment vehicle having a size exceeding highway size constraints and a platform coupled to the vehicle. A hydrogen storage module and a compression module are removably coupleable to the mobile platform. The storage module is configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks. The compression module is configured to receive a flow of hydrogen from a hydrogen tank in the storage module via a manifold and to compress the flow of hydrogen to produce a flow of high-pressure hydrogen. A refueling interface is configured to engage a refueling interface of a hydrogen powerplant and to selectively convey a flow of high-pressure hydrogen from the compression module. In some implementations, the compression module can include a chiller fluidically coupled between a compressor and the refueling interface and can be configured to cool the high-pressure hydrogen provided to the refueling interface. In some implementations, a power module is configured to provide electric power to at least the compression module. In some implementations, the power module can also provide electric power to one or more portions of the vehicle.

[0031] In some embodiments, a system includes a plurality of refueling locations at a mining site, a plurality of mining vehicles, and a mobile hydrogen refueling platform. The mining site includes multiple work locations at which one or more of the mining vehicles may perform work and between which one or more of the mining vehicles may travel while on-cycle. Such work locations can include an in-pit loading area, overburden dumping area, ore processing area and stockpile(s), and/or the like. Each refueling location is within a predetermined distance from one of the active work locations at the mining site. The mining vehicles include a hydrogen powerplant and are operated in part at an active work location at the mine site. The mobile hydrogen refueling platform is movable to or from at least one of the refueling locations. The refueling platform includes at least a storage module and a refueling interface. The storage module is configured to store multiple hydrogen tanks having a combined capacity greater than the hydrogen fuel consumption of two mining vehicles within a 24-hour period, for example, greater than 1,000 kg or more (e.g., 1,500 kg, 2,000 kg, 2,500 kg, 3,000 kg, 3,500 kg, 4,000 kg, 4,500 kg, 5,000 kg, 5,500 kg, 6,000 kg, 6,500 kg, 7,000 kg, 7,500 kg, 8,000 kg, 8,500 kg, 9,000 kg, 9,500 kg, or 10,000 kg, inclusive, or higher). Each hydrogen tank stores hydrogen at a first pressure. The refueling interface is configured to engage the refueling infrastructure to convey a flow of hydrogen from a hydrogen tank in the storage module to the refueling infrastructure when a mining vehicle is coupled to the refueling infrastructure. The flow of hydrogen selectively has a second pressure greater than the first pressure. [0032] In some embodiments, a method includes loading a storage module including a plurality of hydrogen tanks on a mobile hydrogen refueling platform. The mobile hydrogen refueling platform has a size that exceeds at least one constraint associated with traveling on a highway. A first flow of hydrogen is conveyed, via a manifold, from a hydrogen tank in the storage module. The first flow of hydrogen is compressed and cooled to produce cooled, high-pressure hydrogen. The cooled, high-pressure hydrogen is conveyed to a refueling interface of the mobile hydrogen refueling platform and a second flow of hydrogen is conveyed from the refueling interface to a refueling interface of a hydrogen powerplant included in a heavy equipment vehicle. In some implementations, the second flow of hydrogen can have a mass flow rate of at least 4 kilograms per minute (kg/min).

[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the full scope of any embodiment and/or the full scope of the claims. Unless defined otherwise, all technical, industrial, and/or scientific terms used herein are intended to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0034] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. With respect to the use of singular and/or plural terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the singular to the plurality and/or vice versa as is appropriate for the context and/or application. Furthermore, any reference herein to a singular component, feature, aspect, etc. is not intended to imply the exclusion of more than one such component, feature, aspect, etc. (and/or vice versa) unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0035] In general, terms used herein and in the appended claims are generally intended as “open” terms unless expressly stated otherwise. For example, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” etc. Similarly, the term “comprising” may specify the presence of stated features, elements, components, integers (or fractions thereof), steps, operations, and/or the like but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, integers (or fractions thereof), steps, operations, and/or the like unless such combinations are otherwise mutually exclusive.

[0036] As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should be understood that any suitable disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the written description or claims, contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A and/or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” alone, “B” alone, or a combination of “A and B.”

[0037] As used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and/or “substantially” when used in connection with stated value(s) and/or geometric structure(s) or relationship(s) is intended to convey that the value or characteristic so defined is nominally the value stated or characteristic described. For example, a first structure or feature may be described as being substantially parallel to a second structure or feature when the structures are nominally parallel. In some instances, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and/or “substantially” can generally mean and/or can generally contemplate a value or characteristic stated within a desirable tolerance (e.g., plus or minus 10% of the value or characteristic stated). For example, a value of about 0.01 can include 0.009 and 0.011, a value of about 0.5 can include 0.45 and 0.55, a value of about 10 can include 9 to 11, and a value of about 100 can include 90 to 110. While a value, structure, and/or relationship stated may be desirable, it should be understood that some variance may occur as a result of, for example, manufacturing tolerances or other practical considerations (such as, for example, applied pressures or forces, temperature variances, and/or the like). Accordingly, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and/or “substantially” can be used herein to account for such tolerances and/or considerations.

[0038] All ranges described herein include each individual member or value and are intended to encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof unless expressly stated otherwise. Any listed range should be recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal subparts unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0039] Embodiments described herein relate generally to refueling hydrogen powerplants (e.g., the fuel cells thereof) in large-scale, industrial applications. As will be understood, scaling from some known high-capacity hydrogen refueling solutions to a size suitable for large-scale industrial applications presents many challenges and requires, for example, more than merely selecting components with larger sizes, capacities, etc. For example, embodiments described herein can be used to provide hydrogen fuel to hydrogen powerplant(s) included in heavy, industrial equipment and/or vehicles such as mining trucks, earthmovers, etc. In general, the size of such equipment and/or vehicles far exceeds size constraints associated with traveling on roadways. Moreover, each hydrogen powerplant included in such equipment and/or vehicles can produce between about 1-3 megawatts (MW) or more of electric energy, requiring very large hydrogen storage. In this context, a need exists for hydrogen refueling systems and methods capable of supplying meaningful amounts of hydrogen to such large-scale applications.

[0040] The embodiments and methods described herein can provide hydrogen refueling for any suitable large-scale industry. For example, one such industry is mining. In some implementations, any of the systems and/or methods described herein can be configured to operate at a mining site, including the ability to move around rough, unfinished, and/or steep surfaces typically found at a mining site. While embodiments and/or methods may be described herein as being implemented in and/or for the mining industry, it should be understood that such an implementation is provided by way of example only and not limitation. Any of the embodiments and/or methods described herein can be used in any suitable industry including, but not limited to the rail industry, the shipping/cargo industry, the aerospace industry, the large-scale construction/fabrication industry (e.g., of large ocean vessels, etc.), and/or any other suitable industry.

[0041] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to have a hydrogen storage (e.g., liquid or gaseous hydrogen storage) and/or delivery capacity enabling greater utilization of hydrogen-powered equipment such as mining haul trucks than are otherwise possible using known hydrogen storage and/or delivery systems. In some implementations, for example, the systems and methods described herein can support continuous or substantially continuous use of hydrogen-powered equipment, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In some implementations, the systems and methods described herein can support utilization of hydrogen-powered equipment of greater than about 80% utilization within a period of 24 hours of continuous or substantially continuous use (e.g., total available capacity minus non-active or non-value-adding use like time associated with refueling, crew changes, and/or other inefficiencies). In some embodiments, any of the systems and methods described herein may enable storage of hydrogen (e.g., in a gaseous phase) at a higher pressure than a hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen powerplants being refueled such that hydrogen refueling may be performed via cascade filing that allows faster filling and reduces safety risks. In some embodiments, any of the systems and methods described herein may enable storage of hydrogen independent of pressure but at very cold temperatures (e.g., storage of hydrogen in a liquid phase). In some such embodiments, storage and/or delivery of liquid hydrogen may be desirable based at least in part on its high volumetric energy density. In some embodiments, any of the systems and methods described herein may be configured for storage and/or delivery of liquid hydrogen to mining vehicles or any hydrogen powerplant that is also configured to receive and store liquid hydrogen.

[0042] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 A is a schematic illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 100 according to an embodiment. The mobile hydrogen refueling system 100 (“system”) can be any suitable system configured to store and distribute a quantity of hydrogen fuel that meets a demand of large-scale industries such as, for example, the mining industry, the rail industry, the shipping/cargo industry, the aerospace industry, the large-scale fabrication industry, and/or the like. In addition, the system 100 is mobile allowing it to be moved between sites (e.g., mining sites) and/or work areas at a given site (e.g., different work areas at a mining site). In some embodiments, the system 100 can be designed for operation in rough, uneven, unpaved, and/or steep environments such as those encountered at mining sites or other heavy industrial work sites (e.g., the system 100 can be “ruggedized”). In some embodiments, the system 100 can be a modular and/or can include components that are modular, allowing components to be loaded, unloaded, serviced, replaced, etc. as needed or desired. In some implementations, the system 100 and/or one or more components thereof can be configured for autonomous or at least semi-autonomous operation.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1A and as described in further detail herein, the system 100 is configured to store, transport, and/or distribute a flow of hydrogen gas to one or more refueling infrastructures 105 and/or one or more hydrogen powerplants 106. For example, the refueling infrastructure 105 can be and/or can be included in a refueling location or the like at an industrial site such as, for example, a mining site, a rail yard, a shipyard, and/or other sites at which large-scale hydrogen powered equipment may be operated. In some implementations, the refueling infrastructure 105 can include one or more storage tanks or the like configured to receive a flow of hydrogen gas from the system 100. In other implementations, the refueling infrastructure 105 can be one or more components allowing engagement between a refueling interface of the system 100 and a refueling interface of one or more hydrogen powerplants 106. The hydrogen powerplants 106 can be, for example, a hydrogen powerplant of heavy, industrial equipment and/or vehicles. In some implementations, the hydrogen powerplant 106 can be included in and/or can power large industrial vehicles such as mining trucks, earthmovers, etc. In some implementations, the hydrogen powerplant 106 can be capable of producing between about 1-3 MW or more of electric energy, which in turn, can require very large hydrogen storage tanks or the like. Accordingly, the system 100 is configured to store, transport, and/or distribute large quantities of hydrogen gas/fuel suitable for such large-scale applications.

[0044] As shown, the system 100 includes a mobile platform 110 that is coupleable to a heavy equipment vehicle 102 via a vehicle interface 160. The mobile platform 110 includes, supports, and/or is coupled to at least one storage module 120, at least one manifold 132, at least one compression module 133, a refueling interface 140, and at least one power module 150. The storage module 120 can be configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 122 (e.g., tanks, tubes, canisters, etc.). The one or more manifold(s) 132 allow the compression module 133 to interface with the storage module 120. In some implementations, additionally or alternatively to the compression module 133, the system 100 can include a transfer module that can include any suitable component(s) configured to transfer and/or convey gaseous or liquid hydrogen from the storage module 120 to at least the refueling interface 140, and in some implementations, to a hydrogen powerplant that is also configured to receive and store liquid hydrogen. In some implementations, in which the stored hydrogen is gaseous hydrogen, the system 100 can include the compression module 133, which in turn can include at least one compressor 134 that is configured to produce a flow of high-pressure hydrogen. In such implementations, the compression module 133 may also include at least one chiller 136, which can cool the flow of high-pressure hydrogen from the compressor 134. As such, the mobile platform 110 selectively can provide a flow of cooled, high-pressure hydrogen for distribution via the refueling interface 140. In other implementations, the storage module 120 can be configured to store liquid hydrogen and the system 100 can include a transfer module in place of the compression module 133 that can include any suitable component(s) configured to transfer and/or convey liquid hydrogen from the storage module 120 to the refueling interface 140. For example, such components may include pumps, chillers, heaters, pressure regulators, expanders, vaporizers, valves, filters, etc. Example implementation of such a storage module and a portable hydrogen refueling system is described with respect to FIG. IB and FIGS. IE and IF. In some implementations, the refueling interface 140 can be configured to engage a refueling infrastructure 105 found, for example, at an operation site such as, for example, a mining site. In addition or as an alternative, the refueling interface 140 can be configured to engage a refueling interface corresponding to a hydrogen powerplant 106 such as, for example, hydrogen fuel cells of a hydrogen powerplant included in a mining truck or other equipment.

[0045] The mobile platform 110 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. For example, the mobile platform 110 can have a size that exceeds one or more constraints associated with roadway travel. As such, the mobile platform 110 is suitable for large-scale applications, where such size constraints are not encountered. In some embodiments, the mobile platform 110 can be a trailer or the like that can be coupled to the vehicle 102 via the vehicle interface 160. For example, while not shown in FIG. 1 A, the mobile platform 110 can include a set of wheels that are coupled to a platform, bed, etc., which in turn, supports the modules, components, and/or the like coupled thereto. In some implementations, instead of the mobile platform 110 being mobile, i.e., interfaced with a vehicle, the mobile platform 110 may include a mobile platform that can be moved to a desired location (e.g., along a route of a vehicle include a hydrogen powerplant). Such a mobile platform may be disposed at the desired location for an extended period of time after being disconnected from a vehicle or other mechanism used to move the portable platform to the desired location, until it is desired to move the mobile platform to another location.

[0046] The vehicle interface 160 can be, for example, a gooseneck hitch and/or other heavy- duty connection. Such a vehicle interface 160 can allow the mobile platform 110 to be connected to/disconnected from the vehicle 102. In some implementations, for example, the vehicle 102 can be an industrial, heavy-duty vehicle (e.g., also referred to as “heavy equipment vehicle”), and/or the like, such as a mining truck or the like. As such, the vehicle 102 can be significantly larger than conventional vehicles (e.g., semi-trucks or other vehicles capable of highway travel) used with some known mobile hydrogen refueling systems. For example, FIG. 2 is perspective view of a known heavy equipment vehicle 202, which may be used as the vehicle 102. More particularly, the vehicle 202 shown in FIG. 2 is a known mining haul truck produced by Caterpillar Inc., Deerfield, Illinois, USA (e.g., a CAT 797F). In other implementations, the vehicle 102 can be any other suitable heavy equipment vehicle (e.g., any suitable known or modified mining haul truck and/or the like). In some embodiments, the vehicle 102 may be rated at a horsepower of greater than about 2,000 horsepower (HP) (e.g., about 2,500 HP, 3,000 HP, 3,500 HP, 4,000 HP, 4,500 HP, 5,000 HP, 5,500 HP or 6,000 HP, inclusive, or more), and a hauling capacity of greater than about 135 metric tons (tonnes) (e.g., 150 tonnes, 200 tonnes, 250 tonnes, 300 tonnes, tonnes, 400 tonnes, 450 tonnes, inclusive, or more).

[0047] As such, the vehicle interface 160 can include any suitable component and/or can have any suitable configuration that allows the mobile platform 110 to interface and/or couple to the vehicle 102. In some implementations, the vehicle interface 160 can be a physical interface as well as any other suitable interface such as an electrical and/or electronic interface. For example, such a vehicle interface 160 can provide an electric interface allowing electric power to be transferred between the vehicle 102 and the mobile platform 110. In other implementations, the vehicle interface 160 can be a platform, bed, and/or structure that is mounted to the chassis or other portion of the vehicle 102 (e.g., the mobile platform 110 is integrated with the vehicle 102), as described in further detail herein with reference to FIG. 1C.

[0048] Although not shown in FIG. 1A, the mobile platform 110 can include one or more features and/or structures that allow a modular arrangement and/or coupling between the mobile platform 110 and the storage module 120, the compression module 133, the power module 150, and/or any other suitable component, or subcomponent thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the mobile platform 110 can include rails, tracks, couplers, connectors, interfaces, etc. that are designed to removably engage one or more of the components and/or modules. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 110 can allow any of the modules and/or components to be loaded, unloaded, serviced, replaced, etc. as needed or desired. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 110 can allow for “hot swapping” of any of the modules and/or components (e.g., an exchange of modules without necessarily interrupting the operation of other modules).

[0049] In some embodiments, a modular arrangement can allow a mobile platform 110 to be configured with specific components and/or modules based at least in part on the conditions at a deployment/work site. For example, a mobile platform 110 configured to be deployed in a hot, desert environment may include components and/or modules such as extra chillers or the like that may not be desirable for a mobile platform 110 configured for deployment in a cold, artic or tundra environment. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110 can be configured with specific components and/or modules based at least in part on a desired use of the mobile platform 110. For example, in some implementations, a mobile platform 110 can be configured to provide maximum hydrogen storage and therefore, can include a large storage module that can store a large number of hydrogen tanks (e.g., gaseous or liquid hydrogen) and/or can include multiple storage modules (that can replace other components such as the compressor 134, chiller 136, etc. of the compression module 133, a heater and/or pressure regulator of a transfer module, a transfer module including vaporizers, valves and/or pressure regulators for handling liquid hydrogen, and/or the like). In some instances, for example, such a configuration can be suitable for a mobile platform that is designed to refuel other mobile platforms, as described in further detail herein with reference to FIG. ID. [0050] Optionally, the mobile platform 110 can further include an enclosure 115. The enclosure 115 can be any suitable structure configured to enclose, house, cover, etc. one or more component and/or module of the mobile platform 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the manifold 132, the compression module 133 (e.g., the compressor 134 and/or the chiller 136 thereof), and the power module 150 can be at least partially disposed in the enclosure 115. In such implementations, it may be unnecessary or undesirable to include the storage module 120 in the enclosure 115. In other implementations, each of the modules and/or components of the mobile platform 110 can be disposed in the enclosure 115. As such, the enclosure 115 can, for example, enclose and/or protect one or more modules and/or components of the mobile platform 110 from an environment external to the enclosure 115. In some embodiments, the enclosure 115 can be insulated or at least partially insulated, which in turn, can insulate one or more module and/or components of the mobile platform 110 being operated in a hot environment or a cold environment.

[0051] The mobile platform 110 can include any number of storage modules 120. The storage module 120 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the storage module 120 can be a single integrated frame structure or the like configured to store any number of the hydrogen tanks 122. In other embodiments, the storage module 120 can include and/or can be formed of any number of frame structures. Said another way, the mobile platform 110 can be coupled to and/or can include a single storage module 120 configured to store any number of the hydrogen tanks 122 or can be coupled to and/or can include multiple storage modules 120, each of which store any number of hydrogen tanks 122. In embodiments with multiple storage modules 120, the frames, structures, etc. of each storage module 120 can be similar or can be varied. In some embodiments, the storage modules 120 can include an open frame structure or the like designed to contain and/or immobilize the hydrogen tanks 122. In other embodiments, the storage modules 120 can include a closed structure similar to and/or substantially the same as, for example, an intermodal container and/or the like. In such embodiments, the storage modules 120 can enclose the hydrogen tanks 122 to, for example, protect the hydrogen tanks 122 from conditions outside of the intermodal container (e.g., weather, sunlight, potential debris, etc.).

[0052] The storage module 120 can be configured to store and/or contain any number of hydrogen tanks 122. The hydrogen tanks 122 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tanks 122 can be large pressure vessels configured to contain a compressed gas or a liquid (i.e., hydrogen). In some embodiments, the hydrogen tanks 122 can be similar to known tanks configured to store compressed hydrogen for typical or conventional use cases. In other embodiments, the hydrogen tanks 122 can be specialized tanks having a greater size and/or configured to store a greater volume of hydrogen or to store a volume of hydrogen at a greater pressure than known tanks. In some implementations, the amount of hydrogen stored by the hydrogen tanks 122 in the storage module can be much greater than an amount of hydrogen stored by some known high-capacity hydrogen tank (or “tube”) trailers. For example, some known high-capacity tube trailers are capable of transporting up to 1,100 kilograms (kg) of hydrogen, which is an amount of hydrogen fuel consumed by just two mining vehicles in as little as a 24-hour period. In contrast, the hydrogen tanks 122 stored by the storage module 120 can collectively contain, for example, at least about 2,000 kg of hydrogen. In some implementations, the storage module 120 can collectively contain at least about 3,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 5,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 10,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 15,000 kg of hydrogen, or more (inclusive of any amount or range therebetween).

[0053] In some implementations, such a storage capacity can be based at least in part on, for example, a number of hydrogen tanks 122 stored, a size or storage capacity of the hydrogen tank(s) 122, and/or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the storage module 120 may include a single module (e.g., a single high-capacity tube trailer) that contains, houses, or stores each of the hydrogen tanks 122. In some implementations, the storage module 120 may include multiple submodules that are coupled, linked, and/or stacked together. For example, the submodules may include and/or can be similar to some known high-capacity tube trailers having a size (e.g., length) of about 20 feet (ft), 40 ft, and/or the like. In some implementations, any combination of smaller or larger storage submodules may be included in the storage module 120. In certain implementations, the submodules may include and/or can be similar to some known 20 ft or 40 ft trailers that may include smaller subassemblies (e.g., racks, shelves, housings, etc.), each of which store a set of one or more of the hydrogen tanks 122.

[0054] As described above, in some embodiments, the storage module 120 (and/or submodules thereof) can be and/or can have a modular configuration allowing the storage module 120 (and/or submodules thereof) to removably couple to the mobile platform 110. In some instances, such an arrangement can allow the storage module 120 (and/or one or more submodules thereof) to be replaced, for example, when the hydrogen tanks 122 are running low or drop below a threshold quantity, pressure, etc. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110 can provide an indication of the amount, pressure, and/or fill level of the hydrogen tanks 122 in the storage module 120. In some implementations, the replacement of the storage module 120 (e.g., replacing an empty or nearly empty module with a full module) can be performed in an autonomous or at least semi-autonomous process.

[0055] The manifold(s) 132 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. For example, the manifold(s) 132 can be and/or can include any suitable structure configured to define one or more flow paths for hydrogen to flow between the storage module 120 and any suitable component of the mobile platform 110. While generally described as being flow of compressed gaseous hydrogen, in some implementations, the flow through the manifold may be of liquid hydrogen, as described in further detail with respect to FIG. IB. In some embodiments, for example, the manifold 132 can include at least an inlet or inlet interface that can be in fluid communication with the storage module 120 (or at least one hydrogen tank 122 included therein), an outlet or outlet interface that can be in fluid communication with one or more components of the mobile platform 110, and one or more fluid flow paths between the inlet and outlet. In some implementations, such as the implementation shown in FIG. 1A, the manifold(s) 132 is/are configured to interface with the storage module 120 and/or one or more of the hydrogen tanks 122 stored therein to allow a flow of hydrogen to be selectively transferred from the storage module 120 to, for example, the compressor 134. In some implementations, the manifold(s) 132 is/are configured to allow a flow of hydrogen between the storage module 120 and, for example, the refueling interface 140 (e.g., bypassing the compressor 134 and/or chiller 136).

[0056] The mobile platform 110 can include a single manifold 132 or multiple manifolds 132. For example, in some implementations, the mobile platform 110 can include a single manifold 132 (or multiple manifolds 132 collectively forming a single flow path) that can engage the storage module 120 and/or one or more hydrogen tank(s) 122 to provide a single stream or flow of hydrogen from the storage module 120 to one of the compressor 134, the refueling interface 140, or the power module 150, for example, in embodiments in which gaseous hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen tanks 122. In other implementations, the mobile platform 110 can include multiple manifolds 132 (or a single manifold 132 with multiple flow paths), which can engage the storage module 120 and/or one or more of the hydrogen tanks 122 to provide a number of parallel streams or flows of hydrogen from the storage module 120 to the compressor 134, the refueling interface 140, the power module 150, and/or the like.

[0057] In some implementations, the manifold 132 may include one or more components configured to control or manage the flow of hydrogen between the storage module 120 and any suitable component of the mobile platform 110. For example, the manifold 132 may include a mechanical nozzle interface for receiving hydrogen from the storage module 120 and/or communicating the hydrogen to any suitable module of the mobile platform 110. In some implementations, the manifold 132 may include a controller (e.g., a digital controller such as a programmable logic unit) configured to control one or more operations of the manifold 132. In some implementations, the manifold 132 may include one or more safety valves, pressure sensors, and any other safety devices that are configured to be selectively activated or deactivated, for example, in response to detecting a pressure above a threshold pressure, or an activation signal received from the controller so as to inhibit damage or prevent failure. In some implementations, the controller can be human-operated (e.g., a human operator provides an input into the controller) or can be at least semi-autonomous (e.g., configured to perform any suitable process(es) based on an input from any suitable source such as sensors, interfaces, valves, etc., substantially with or without human operation.

[0058] In some implementations in which the stored fuel is gaseous hydrogen, the system 100 includes the compression module 133. The compression module 133 of the mobile platform 110 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration, and/or can include any suitable component(s), subcomponent(s), etc. For example, the compression module 133 can be any suitable structure or the like that can include, house, contain, and/or couple (functionally and/or physically) any number of components. For example, in some implementations, the compression module 133 can be a modular storage structure or the like (e.g., similar to the storage module 120) that includes a number of components and that can be handled (e.g., loaded, unloaded, replaced, serviced, etc.) as an integrated or single assembly. In other embodiments, the compression module 133 can be an assembly of various components, each of which has a modular arrangement allowing that component to be handled relative to the other components of the compression module 133 and/or relative to the mobile platform 110 independently. In this manner, if a component of the compression module 133 requires maintenance, service, and/or replacement, such an arrangement can allow that component to be replaced substantially without impacting the operation of other components included in the compression module 133.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1 A, the compression module 133 can include at least one compressor 134. In some embodiments, the compression module 133 can also include at least one chiller 136 in communication with or configured to be placed in communication with the compressor 134. Although shown in FIG. 1 A as being independent components, in some embodiments, the compression module 133 can also include the manifold(s) 132 and/or the refueling interface 140.

[0060] The compressor(s) 134 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. In some embodiments, the compressor 134 can be similar to and/or substantially the same as some know compressors configured to compress a gas. For example, in some embodiments, the compressor 134 may be and/or may include a diaphragm compressor, a rotary compressor, and/or the like configured to compress and pressurize hydrogen received from the hydrogen tanks 122. In some embodiments, the compressor 134 can be, for example, a high-pressure compressor configured to receive an input flow of a pressurized gas and to provide an output flow of compressed/high-pressure gas at a higher pressure than the input flow of gas. In some implementations, for example, the compressor 134 can receive a flow of hydrogen gas having a pressure between about 200 bar and 400 bar and can output a flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas having a pressure between about 400 bar and 1,000 bar. As shown in FIG. 1A, the compressor 134 can be configured to provide an output flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas to one or more chiller(s) 136. Alternatively, the compression module 133 (or the compressor 134 thereof) can be configured to provide an output flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas to one or more other components, modules, interfaces, etc. of the mobile platform 110. In some instances, a high-pressure flow of hydrogen may be desirable as it can be used to produce a flow of hydrogen having a relatively high mass flow rate (e.g., about 4 kg/min of compressed hydrogen gas), which in turn, can reduce refueling times and increase utilization of the equipment having the hydrogen powerplant 106.

[0061] In embodiments including multiple compressors 134, each of compressor 134 can be configured to receive a flow of hydrogen and to output a flow of high-pressure hydrogen. In some such embodiments, the compressors 134 can be operated in any number of parallel processes and each compressor 134 can be configured to provide an output flow of high- pressure hydrogen gas to a different component, subcomponent, or portion thereof (e.g., different chillers 136, different refueling interfaces 140 or different portions of the refueling interface, one or more power modules 150, and/or the like). Moreover, each of the compressors 134 may be configured to pressurize the hydrogen to the same pressure or to different pressures. In some instances, different compressors 134 can be configured to compress a hydrogen to different pressures, for example, corresponding to different desired inlet hydrogen pressures for various hydrogen powerplants 106 (e.g., a desired inlet hydrogen pressure for the hydrogen powerplant 106 of a relatively smaller vehicle may be different than a desired inlet hydrogen pressure for the hydrogen powerplant 106 of a relatively larger vehicle, such as a large mining haul truck). In other embodiments, the compressors 134 can be operated in any number of parallel processes and each compressor 134 can be configured to provide an output flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas to a single component (e.g., a single chiller 136 or the refueling interface 140). For example, although not shown in FIG. 1A, in some such embodiments, a manifold or the like can receive multiple input flows of high-pressure hydrogen gas and can output a single flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas, which in turn, is provided to the refueling interface 140 or a single chiller 136 prior to being delivered to the refueling interface. In such embodiments, the manifold can be substantially similar to the manifold 132.

[0062] In some embodiments, the compression module 133 of the mobile platform 110 can also include any number of chillers 136. The chiller(s) 136 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. In some embodiments, the chiller 136 can be similar to and/or substantially the same as some known chillers configured to cool a flow or volume of fluid or gas. For example, in some embodiments, the chiller 136 can include a pump configured to transport a heat transfer fluid such as a refrigerant (e.g., R-22, R-290, R-134a, R-450A, etc.) between a location where the heat transfer fluid is in thermal contact with the hydrogen received from the compressor(s) 134 and a heat sink (e.g., a radiator) so as to remove heat from the hydrogen.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1A, the chiller 136 may be configured to receive a flow of high- pressure hydrogen having a first temperature from the compressor 134 (or a manifold therebetween), and to deliver to the refueling interface 140 a flow of high-pressure hydrogen having a second temperature lower than the first temperature. In some instances, the chiller 136 can provide a flow of cooled high-pressure hydrogen to, for example, the refueling interface 140 and/or the power module 150. For example, the power module 150 can include a hydrogen powerplant similar to or substantially the same as the hydrogen powerplant 106. Thus, the chiller 136 can provide a flow of hydrogen that can refuel the power module 150 providing electric power to the mobile platform 110 (e.g., a self-contained, self-powered system). In some embodiments, the chiller 136 can be, for example, a gas chiller configured to receive an input flow of a pressurized gas, to cool the high-pressure gas substantially without changing a pressure thereof (e.g., an isobaric process), and to provide an output flow of cold, high-pressure gas at a lower temperature than a temperature of the input flow of gas.

[0064] For example, the ideal gas law is used to describe a relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature of a gas, provided below as equation 1 : PV = nRT . Equation 1 where P is pressure, V is volume, T is temperature, n is an amount of the gas (in moles), and R is the ideal gas constant. Equation 2 below expresses the ideal gas law when comparing the same gas under two conditions: . Equation 2

[0065] As such, cooling the hydrogen gas without substantially changing a pressure thereof results in a reduction of a volume of the gas. In other implementations, cooling the hydrogen gas can reduce each of the pressure and the volume. In such implementations, the pressure of the cooled hydrogen gas output by the chiller 136 can be greater than a pressure of the hydrogen gas provided to the compressor 134.

[0066] By way of example, the chiller 136 can receive from the compressor 134 a flow of hydrogen gas having a pressure between about 200 bar and 400 bar, inclusive of any values and/or ranges therebetween, and a temperature between about 0 degrees Celsius (°C) and - 80°C, inclusive of any values and/or ranges therebetween. The chiller 136 can cool the flow hydrogen gas and can provide to the refueling interface 140 an output flow of cooled, high- pressure hydrogen gas having a pressure between about 400 bar and 1000 bar, inclusive of any values and/or ranges therebetween, and a temperature between about 0°C and -80°C, inclusive of any values and/or ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the chiller 136 can be selected, designed, adjusted, and/or configured to provide to the refueling interface 140 (or the power module 150) a flow of hydrogen gas having any suitable pressure and/or temperature.

[0067] While the compression module 133 is described above as compressing hydrogen received from the storage module 120 and providing high-pressure and potentially cooled hydrogen to the refueling interface 140, power module 150, and/or any other suitable component of the mobile platform 110, in some instances, the compression module 133 can provide a flow of hydrogen substantially without compressing the hydrogen and/or substantially without cooling the hydrogen. For example, in some implementations, it may be desirable to provide a flow of hydrogen gas having a relatively low pressure. In instances in which the mobile platform 110 is used to refuel a relatively smaller vehicle having a relatively low hydrogen storage volume, a high volumetric flow rate otherwise associated with the high- pressure output may be unnecessary. As such, the compression module 133 can provide a flow of hydrogen gas that is not compressed or that is compressed to a lower pressure. In some other instances, the manifold 132 can be configured to bypass the compression module 133 and to direct a flow of lower pressure hydrogen gas directly to the desired component.

[0068] The mobile platform 110 can include one or more refueling interface(s) 140. The refueling interface(s) 140 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. In some implementations, the refueling interface 140 can include one or more couplers, manifolds, hoses, nozzles, regulators, etc. configured to allow the refueling interface 140 to engage at least one of the refueling infrastructure 105 or a refueling interface of the hydrogen powerplant 106 and to transfer a flow of hydrogen (e.g., hydrogen gas) thereto.

[0069] In some implementations, the refueling interface 140 can include any suitable component configured to allow a flow of hydrogen gas having a high flow rate suitable for transferring relatively large volumes of hydrogen gas to storage tanks or the like associated with at least one of the refueling infrastructure 105 and/or the hydrogen powerplant 106. Although not shown in FIG. 1 A, in some implementations, the refueling interface 140 can be configured to provide a flow of hydrogen gas to the power module 150.

[0070] In some implementations, it may be desirable to transfer the hydrogen gas having at least a minimum flow rate of about 4 kg/min. Expanding further, some known high- capacity /high-flow hydrogen refueling systems can be configured to output a flow of hydrogen gas having a relatively limited volumetric flow rate. In the large-scale implementations described herein, however, such a flow rate can be insufficient and/or impracticable. Thus, in some implementations, the refueling interface 140 may be configured to provide a flow of hydrogen at a flow rate of greater than known hydrogen refueling systems (e.g., about 4 kg/min, 5 kg/min, 6 kg/min, 7 kg/min, 8 kg/min, 9 kg/min, 10 kg/min, 15 kg/min, 20 kg/min, 25 kg/min, 30 kg/min, or more), so as to allow rapid filling and/or refueling of the hydrogen powerplant 106.

[0071] The mobile platform 110 can include any number of power modules 150. The power module(s) 150 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. In some embodiments, the power module(s) 150 can have a modular configuration and/or the like allowing one or more power modules 150 to be handled relative to the mobile platform 110 independently. For example, in implementations including multiple power modules, if one power module 150 requires maintenance, service, and/or replacement, such an arrangement can allow that power module 150 to be replaced substantially without impacting the operation of other power modules 150 or other modules of the mobile platform 110. [0072] In some embodiments, the power module 150 can be and/or can include, for example, one or more hydrogen powerplants similar to or substantially the same as the hydrogen powerplant 106. In such embodiments, for example, the power module 150 can be configured to receive a flow of hydrogen directly from the chiller 136 (or via a manifold or interface therebetween). In some implementations, the power module 150 can include a hydrogen tank similar to and/or substantially the same as one or more of the hydrogen tanks 122 included in the storage module 120. As such, the hydrogen tank can receive a flow of hydrogen from the chiller 136, the refueling interface 140, and/or the like and, in turn, can supply the power module 150 with the hydrogen. In some implementations, the power module 150 can receive a flow of hydrogen directly from one or more hydrogen tanks 122 in the storage module (or via a manifold or interface therebetween). The flow of hydrogen provided to the power module 150 may include liquid or gaseous hydrogen. In other embodiments, the power module 150 can be any suitable power generator other than a hydrogen powerplant.

[0073] The power module 150 is configured to provide electric power to at least the compressor(s) 134 and chiller(s) 136. In some implementations, the power module 150 can provide electric power to the storage module 120, the refueling interface 140, and/or the vehicle interface 160. In still other embodiments, the power module 150 can be configured to provide electric power to any other component, module, system, and/or the like. For example, in some implementations, a mobile platform 110 can be operated at a refueling location or the like at an industrial work site such as a mine site or the like. In some such implementations, the power module 150 can provide a flow of electric power operable to power one or more components of the refueling location (e.g., a lighting system, the refueling infrastructure 105, and/or any other components).

[0074] As shown in FIG. 1A, the power module 150 can provide or receive a flow of electric power to/from the vehicle interface 160. For example, in some implementations, the power module 150 can output a flow of electric power operable to electrically power one or more electric and/or electronic components of the vehicle interface 160. In addition or alternatively, the power module 150 can provide a flow of electric power to the vehicle 102 (via the vehicle interface 160) operable to electrically power the vehicle 102. That is to say, in some implementations, the vehicle 102 coupled to the mobile platform 110 can be electrically powered by the power module 150 of the mobile platform 110.

[0075] While the power module 150 is described as being included in and/or coupled to the mobile platform 110, in some embodiments, the power module 150 can be and/or can include a power module 150 included in and/or otherwise powering the vehicle 102, as shown in FIG. 1A. In such embodiments, the power module 150 of the vehicle 102 can be a hydrogen powerplant such as the hydrogen powerplant 106. In other embodiments, the power module 150 of the vehicle 102 can be any suitable power generator. In some implementations, the power module 150 of the vehicle 102 can provide a flow of electric power (via the vehicle interface 160) to the mobile platform 110 to power any of the modules and/or components thereof. In some implementations, the power module 150 of the mobile platform 110 can be, for example, an energy storage device such as one or more batteries, capacitors, etc. that can receive electric power from the power module 150 of the vehicle 102. In such implementations, the energy storage device can, in turn, provide electric power to the storage module 120, the compressor 134, the chiller 136, the refueling interface 140, the vehicle interface 160, and/or any other suitable component and/or module.

[0076] FIG. IB is a schematic illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 100b that can be used for storing liquid hydrogen and providing gaseous hydrogen to a hydrogen powerplant, according to an embodiment. The mobile hydrogen refueling system 100b (“system”) can be any suitable system configured to store and distribute a quantity of liquid hydrogen fuel that meets a demand of large-scale industries as described with respect to the system 100. In addition, the system 100b is movable, i.e., can be moved to a refueling location such as, for example, a hydrogen refueling site along a route of a mining vehicle, and disposed at the refueling location for extended periods of time. In some implementations, the system 100b may be a mobile system similar to the system 100, allowing it to be moved between sites (e.g., mining sites) and/or work areas at a given site (e.g., different work areas at a mining site). In some embodiments, the system 100b can be modular and/or can include components that are modular, allowing components to be loaded, unloaded, serviced, replaced, etc. as needed or desired. In some implementations, the system 100b and/or one or more components thereof can be configured for autonomous or at least semi-autonomous operation.

[0077] As shown in FIG. IB and as described in further detail herein, the system 100b is configured to store, and in some implementations, transport, liquid hydrogen, and/or distribute a flow of hydrogen gas generated from the stored liquid hydrogen to one or more refueling infrastructures 105 and/or one or more hydrogen powerplants 106, as described with respect to system 100. Accordingly, the system 100b is configured to store, transport, and/or distribute large quantities of liquid hydrogen suitable for such large-scale applications. In some implementations, the system 100b can be disposed at a site (e.g., a refueling site) where the refueling infrastructure is disposed for an extended period of time (e.g., at least semipermanently). For example, the system 100b can be transported to a refueling location by the vehicle 102 or any other vehicle or transportation mechanism and left at the refueling location for a predetermined period of time (e.g., until refueling is no longer desired or needed at the refueling location).

[0078] As shown, the system 100b includes a mobile platform 110b that is coupleable to, for example, the heavy equipment vehicle 102, for example via the vehicle interface 160. In some implementations, the vehicle 102 may be used to tow the mobile platform 110b to a refueling location and be disconnected from the mobile platform 110b after the mobile platform 110b is deployed at the refueling location. This may provide the benefit of reducing transportation and maintenance costs of the mobile platform 110b and equipment disposed thereon, and reduction in occupied space by disconnecting the vehicle 102 from the mobile platform 110b once it is deployed. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110b may be mobile platform similar to the mobile platform 110 and be configured to remain coupled to the vehicle 102 (e.g., via the vehicle interface 160) and to be moved between refueling infrastructures 105.

[0079] The mobile platform 110b can include, support, and/or be coupled to at least one storage module 120b, at least one manifold 132b, at least one transfer modulel33b, the refueling interface 140, and at least one power module 150. The storage module 120b can be configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 122 (e.g., tanks, tubes, canisters, etc.) that are designed or configured to store liquid hydrogen, for example, at a temperature at or below -253°C. The one or more manifold(s) 132b allow the transfer module 133b to interface with the storage module 120b and to receive liquid hydrogen therefrom. In some implementations, the transfer module 133b can include at least one heater 134b, heat exchanger, expander configured to generate gaseous hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen, and a pressure regulator 136b configured to control a pressure and/or flow rate of the gaseous hydrogen generated by the heater 134b or expander to the refueling interface 140. As such, the mobile platform 110b selectively can provide a flow of cooled, relatively high-pressure hydrogen gas generated from stored liquid hydrogen for distribution via the refueling interface 140. In other implementations, the storage module 120b can be configured to store liquid hydrogen and the system 100b can include a transfer module (e.g., in place of the transfer module 133b) that can include any suitable component(s) configured to transfer and/or convey liquid hydrogen from the storage module 120b to the refueling interface 140. For example, such components may include pumps, valves, connectors, conduits, pressure gauges, etc. [0080] The mobile platform 110b can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. For example, the mobile platform 110b can have a size that exceeds one or more constraints associated with roadway travel. As such, the mobile platform 110b is suitable for large-scale applications, where such size constraints are not encountered. In some embodiments, the mobile platform 110b can include a mobile platform that can be a trailer or the like, which can be couplable to the vehicle 102 via the vehicle interface 160, similar to the mobile platform 110. For example, while not shown in FIG. IB, the mobile platform 110b can include a set of wheels that are coupled to a platform, bed, etc., which in turn, supports the modules, components, and/or the like coupled thereto. In some implementations, instead of the mobile platform 110b being mobile, i.e., interfaced with a vehicle, the mobile platform 110b may be configured to be moved to a desired location (e.g., along a route of a vehicle include a hydrogen powerplant) and disposed at the location for an extended period of time. In such embodiments, the mobile platform 110b may include a container (e.g., shipping containers, cargo containers, flat rack containers, open top containers, etc.), skids, trailers, modular buildings, etc., that can be transported to the refueling site and disposed thereat. The mobile platform 110b may not be mounted on wheels but nonetheless can be readily deployed at the refueling location and moved therefrom. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110b may be integrated with the vehicle 102, as described with respect to the system 100, and described in further detail herein with reference to FIG. 1C.

[0081] Although not shown in FIG. IB, the mobile platform 110b can include one or more features and/or structures that allow a modular arrangement and/or coupling between the mobile platform 110b and the storage module 120b, the transfer module 133b, the power module 150, and/or any other suitable component, or subcomponent thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the mobile platform 110b can include rails, tracks, couplers, connectors, interfaces, etc. that are designed to removably engage one or more of the components and/or modules. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 110b can allow any of the modules and/or components to be loaded, unloaded, serviced, replaced, etc. as needed or desired. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 110b can allow for “hot swapping” of any of the modules and/or components (e.g., an exchange of modules without necessarily interrupting the operation of other modules), as described with respect to the mobile platform 110.

[0082] In some implementations, the mobile platform 110b can be configured to provide maximum hydrogen storage and therefore, can include a large storage module that can store a large number of hydrogen tanks (e.g., gaseous or liquid hydrogen) and/or can include multiple storage modules (that can replace other components such as the heater 134b and/or pressure regulator 136b of the transfer module 133b, and/or the like). In some instances, for example, such a configuration can be suitable for a mobile platform that is designed to refuel other movable or mobile platforms, as described in further detail herein with reference to FIG. ID.

[0083] Optionally, the mobile platform 110b can further include the enclosure 115, as described with respect the system 100. In some embodiments, the enclosure 115 can be insulated or at least partially insulated, which in turn, can insulate one or more modules and/or components of the mobile platform 110b being operated in a hot environment or a cold environment, and/or to provide additional insulation for the liquid hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tanks 122b.

[0084] The mobile platform 110b can include any number of storage modules 120b. The storage module 120b can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the storage module 120b can be a single integrated frame structure or the like configured to store any number of the hydrogen tanks 122b. In other embodiments, the storage module 120b can include and/or can be formed of any number of frame structures. Said another way, the mobile platform 110b can be coupled to and/or can include a single storage module 120b configured to store any number of the hydrogen tanks 122b or can be coupled to and/or can include multiple storage modules 120b, each of which store any number of the hydrogen tanks 122b. In embodiments with multiple storage modules 120b, the frames, structures, etc. of each storage module 120b can be similar or can be varied. In some embodiments, the storage modules 120b can include an open frame structure or the like designed to contain and/or immobilize the hydrogen tanks 122b. In other embodiments, the storage modules 120b can include a closed structure similar to and/or substantially the same as, for example, an intermodal container and/or the like. In such embodiments, the storage modules 120b can enclose the hydrogen tanks 122b to, for example, protect the hydrogen tanks 122b from conditions outside of the intermodal container (e.g., weather, sunlight, potential debris, etc.).

[0085] The storage module 120b can be configured to store and/or contain any number of the hydrogen tanks 122b. The hydrogen tanks 122b can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tanks 122b can be large pressure vessels configured to contain liquid hydrogen. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tanks 122b can be similar to known tanks configured to store liquid hydrogen for typical or conventional use cases, and in some implementations, may be sufficiently large to store thousands of liters of liquid hydrogen, for example, 20 ft or 40 ft ISO liquid hydrogen tanks. In other embodiments, the hydrogen tanks 122b can be specialized tanks having a greater size and/or configured to store a greater volume of hydrogen or to store a volume of hydrogen at a greater pressure than known tanks. In some implementations, the amount of hydrogen stored by the hydrogen tanks 122b in the storage module 120b can be much greater than an amount of liquid hydrogen stored by some known high-capacity liquid hydrogen tanks (or “tube”) trailers. The hydrogen tanks 122b may be cylindrical, spherical, or any other suitable shape, and may be configured to operate up to a pressure of, for example, 1,035 kPa. An insulation 123b may be disposed around, or be incorporated as part of, each of the hydrogen tanks 122b. Any suitable insulation may be used, for example, fiber glass, foam, vacuum panels, etc. In some implementations, the hydrogen tanks 122b may include an inner vessel in which the liquid hydrogen is disposed, an outer vessel (e.g., a steel or carbon vessel) disposed around the inner vessel such that a space is formed between the inner and outer vessel, and the insulation 123b disposed in the space. In some implementations, the space may be substantially evacuated, so that it is at about vacuum pressure, and serve as the insulation 123b. In some implementations, the hydrogen tanks 122b stored by the storage module 120b can collectively contain, for example, at least about 2,000 kg of hydrogen. In some implementations, the storage module 120b can collectively contain at least about 3,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 5,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 10,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 15,000 kg of hydrogen, or more (inclusive of any amount or range therebetween).

[0086] In some implementations, such a storage capacity can be based at least in part on, for example, a number of the hydrogen tanks 122b stored, a size or storage capacity of the hydrogen tank(s) 122b, and/or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the storage module 120b may include a single module (e.g., a single high-capacity tube trailer, container, or skid) that contains, houses, or stores each of the hydrogen tanks 122b. In some implementations, the storage module 120b may include multiple submodules that are coupled, linked, and/or stacked together. For example, the submodules may include and/or can be similar to some known high-capacity tube trailers having a size (e.g., length) of about 20 feet (ft), 40 ft, and/or the like. In some implementations, any combination of smaller or larger storage submodules may be included in the storage module 12bc. In certain implementations, the submodules may include and/or can be similar to some known 20 ft or 40 ft trailers that may include smaller subassemblies (e.g., racks, shelves, housings, etc.), each of which store a set of one or more of the hydrogen tanks 122b.

[0087] As described above, in some embodiments, the storage module 120b (and/or submodules thereof) can be and/or can have a modular configuration allowing the storage module 120b (and/or submodules thereof) to removably couple to the mobile platform 110b. In some instances, such an arrangement can allow the storage module 120b (and/or one or more submodules thereof) to be replaced, for example, when the hydrogen tanks 122b are running low or drop below a threshold quantity, pressure, etc. In some implementations, the mobile platform 110b can provide an indication of the amount, pressure, and/or fill level of the hydrogen tanks 122b in the storage module 120b. In some implementations, the replacement of the storage module 120b (e.g., replacing an empty or nearly empty module with a full module) can be performed in an autonomous or at least semi-autonomous process.

[0088] The manifold(s) 132b can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. For example, the manifold(s) 132b can be and/or can include any suitable structure configured to define one or more flow paths for liquid hydrogen to flow between the storage module 120b and any suitable component of the mobile platform 110b. In some implementations, insulation (e.g., fiberglass, foam, vacuum panels, etc.) may be disposed around the manifold to substantially maintain the temperature of the liquid hydrogen as it is transferred from the hydrogen tanks 122b to the transfer module 133b. The manifold 132b can include at least an inlet or inlet interface that can be in fluid communication with the storage module 120b (or at least one hydrogen tank 122b included therein), an outlet or outlet interface that can be in fluid communication with one or more components of the mobile platform 110b, and one or more fluid flow paths between the inlet and outlet. In some implementations, such as the implementation shown in FIG. IB, the manifold(s) 132b is/are configured to interface with the storage module 120b and/or one or more of the hydrogen tanks 122b stored therein to allow a flow of hydrogen to be selectively transferred from the storage module 120b to, for example, the heater 134b (or expander).

[0089] The mobile platform 110b can include a single manifold 132b or multiple manifolds 132b. For example, in some implementations, the mobile platform 110b can include a single manifold 132b (or multiple manifolds 132b collectively forming a single flow path) that can engage the storage module 120b and/or one or more of the hydrogen tanks 122b to provide a single stream or flow of hydrogen from the storage module 120b to one of the heater 134b or the pressure regulator 136b, the refueling interface 140, or the power module 150. In other implementations, the mobile platform 110b can include multiple manifolds 132b (or a single manifold 132b with multiple flow paths), which can engage the storage module 120b and/or one or more of the hydrogen tanks 122b to provide a number of parallel streams or flows of hydrogen from the storage module 120b to the heater 134b, the pressure regulator 136b, the refueling interface 140, the power module 150, and/or the like.

[0090] In some implementations, the manifold 132b may include one or more components configured to control or manage the flow of liquid hydrogen between the storage module 120b and any suitable component of the mobile platform 110b. For example, the manifold 132b may include a mechanical nozzle interface for receiving hydrogen from the storage module 120b and/or communicating the liquid hydrogen to any suitable module of the mobile platform 110b. In some implementations, the manifold 132b may include a controller (e.g., a digital controller such as a programmable logic unit) configured to control one or more operations of the manifold 132b. In some implementations, the manifold 132b may include one or more safety valves, pressure sensors, boiloff (evaporation) collectors, and any other safety and/or efficiency devices that are configured to be selectively activated or deactivated, for example, in response to detecting a pressure above a threshold pressure, or an activation signal received from the controller so as to inhibit damage or prevent failure. In some implementations, the controller can be human-operated (e.g., a human operator provides an input into the controller) or can be at least semi-autonomous (e.g., configured to perform any suitable process(es) based on an input from any suitable source such as sensors, interfaces, valves, etc., substantially with or without human operation.

[0091] The transfer module 133b of the mobile platform 110b can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration, and/or can include any suitable component(s), subcomponent s), etc. For example, the transfer module 133b can be any suitable structure or the like that can include, house, contain, and/or couple (functionally and/or physically) any number of components. For example, in some implementations, the transfer module 133b can be a modular storage structure or the like (e.g., similar to the storage module 120b) that includes a number of components and that can be handled (e.g., loaded, unloaded, replaced, serviced, etc.) as an integrated or single assembly. In other embodiments, the transfer module 133b can be an assembly of various components, each of which has a modular arrangement allowing that component to be handled relative to the other components of the transfer module 133b and/or relative to the mobile platform 110b independently. In this manner, if a component of the transfer module 133b requires maintenance, service, and/or replacement, such an arrangement can allow that component to be replaced substantially without impacting the operation of other components included in the transfer module 133b.

[0092] As shown in FIG. IB, the transfer module 133b can include at least one heater 134b and/or pressure regulator 136b. The heater 134b can be in communication with or configured to be placed in communication with the pressure regulator 136b. Although shown in FIG. IB as being independent components, in some embodiments, the transfer module 133b can also include the manifold(s) 132b and/or the refueling interface 140.

[0093] The heater(s) 134b can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. For example, in some implementations, the heater 134b can include an electric heater, a radiator, a heat exchanger, fuel cell heater, any other suitable heater or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the heater 134b may be configured to evaporate the liquid hydrogen to generate low pressure hydrogen gas, for example, in a range of 200 bar to 400 bar, inclusive. In other implementations, the heater 134b may be configured to evaporate the liquid hydrogen to generate a high-pressure hydrogen gas, for example, in a range of 400 bar to 1,000 bar.

[0094] As shown in FIG. IB, the heater(s) 134b can be configured to provide an output flow of relatively high-pressure hydrogen gas to one or more pressure regulator(s) 136b. Alternatively, the transfer module 133b (or the heater 134b thereof) can be configured to provide an output flow of relatively high-pressure hydrogen gas to one or more other components, modules, interfaces, etc. of the mobile platform 110b. In some instances, a relatively high-pressure flow of hydrogen gas may be desirable as it can be used to produce a flow of hydrogen having a relatively high mass flow rate (e.g., about 4 kg/min of compressed hydrogen gas), which in turn, can reduce refueling times and increase utilization of the equipment having the hydrogen powerplant 106.

[0095] In some embodiments, the pressure regulator 136b may be configured to receive gaseous hydrogen from the heater 134b and regulate a pressure of the gaseous hydrogen for communicating the gaseous hydrogen to the refueling interface 140 at a desired pressure, for example, at a high-pressure in a range of 400 bar to 1,000 bar, inclusive. Moreover, the pressure regulator 136b may be configured to communicate the gaseous hydrogen to the refueling interface 140 at a relatively high mass flow rate (e.g., about 4 kg/min of compressed hydrogen gas).

[0096] In some implementations, the pressure regulator 136b may be configured to receive gaseous hydrogen from the heater(s) 134b (or expander) at a relatively high pressure, and configured to adjust the pressure to be within a range acceptable by the hydrogen powerplant 106. In other implementations, the pressure regulator 136b may be configured to receive gaseous hydrogen at a relatively low pressure (e.g., below 400 bar) from the heater(s) 134b. In such implementations, the pressure regulator 136b may include one or more pumps or compressors to pressurize the gaseous hydrogen to a suitable pressure (e.g., in a range of 400 bar to 1,000 bar) for communicating to the hydrogen powerplant 106 via the refueling infrastructure 105.

[0097] In some embodiments, the heater(s) 134b and/or pressure regulator(s) 136b can be operated in any number of parallel processes and each heater 134b can be configured to provide an output flow of relatively high-pressure hydrogen gas to a different component, subcomponent, or portion thereof (e.g., different pressure regulators 136b, different refueling interfaces 140 or different portions of the refueling interface, one or more power modules 150, and/or the like). Moreover, each heater 134b may be configured to heat the hydrogen to the same temperature/pressure or to different temperatures/pressures. In some embodiments, multiple heaters 134b can be operated in any number of parallel processes and each heater 134b can be configured to provide an output flow of hydrogen gas to a single component (e.g., a single pressure regulator 136b or the refueling interface 140). For example, although not shown in FIG. IB, in some such embodiments, a manifold or the like can receive multiple input flows of liquid hydrogen gas and can output a single flow of hydrogen gas, which in turn, is provided to the refueling interface 140 or pressure regulator 136b prior to being delivered to the refueling interface. In such embodiments, the manifold can be substantially similar to the manifold 132b.

[0098] In some implementations, the pressure regulator 136b may be configured to receive hydrogen gas at a temperature, for example, between 0°C and -80°C, inclusive of any values and/or ranges therebetween, from the heater 134b, and configured to regulate a pressure of the gaseous hydrogen (e.g., between 200 bar to 1,000 bar), for providing to the refueling interface 140.

[0099] In some implementations, it may be desirable to provide a flow of hydrogen gas having a relatively low pressure. For example, in instances in which the mobile platform 110b is used to refuel a relatively smaller vehicle having a relatively low hydrogen storage volume, a high volumetric flow rate otherwise associated with the high-pressure output may be unnecessary. As such, the transfer module 133b can provide a flow of hydrogen gas that is not pressurized, for example, without pressurizing the gaseous hydrogen generated by evaporating the liquid hydrogen. In some other instances, the manifold 132b can be configured to bypass the transfer module 133b and to direct a flow of lower pressure hydrogen gas directly to the desired component.

[0100] The mobile platform 110b can include one or more refueling interface(s) 140, as described in detail with respect to the system 100 and therefore, not described in further detail herein. The mobile platform 110 can include any number of power modules 150, as described in detail with respect to FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the power module 150 can be and/or can include, for example, one or more hydrogen powerplants similar to or substantially the same as the hydrogen powerplant 106. In such embodiments, for example, the power module 150 can be configured to receive a flow of hydrogen directly from the pressure regulator 136b or the heater(s) 134b (or via a manifold or interface therebetween). In some implementations, the power module 150 can include a hydrogen tank similar to and/or substantially the same as one or more of the hydrogen tanks 122b included in the storage module 120b. As such, the hydrogen tank 122b can receive a flow of hydrogen from the pressure regulator 136b, the refueling interface 140, and/or the like and, in turn, can supply the power module 150 with the hydrogen. In some implementations, the power module 150 can receive a flow of liquid hydrogen directly from one or more of the hydrogen tanks 122b in the storage module (or via a manifold or interface therebetween). In some implementations, the power module 150 can receive a flow of hydrogen gas that is associated with and/or resulting from boiloff or unintended evaporation of liquid hydrogen as the liquid hydrogen is transferred from the hydrogen tank(s) 122b to, for example, the heater 134b and/or the pressure regulator 136b (or as part of a process of heating or regulating a pressure of the hydrogen gas flowing through the transfer module 133b or refueling interface 140). In other embodiments, the power module 150 can be any suitable power generator other than a hydrogen powerplant.

[0101] The power module 150 is configured to provide electric power to at least the heater(s) 134b and the pressure regulator(s) 136b. In some implementations, the power module 150 can provide electric power to the storage module 120b, the refueling interface 140, and/or the vehicle interface 160. Various implementations of the power module 150 are described in detail with respect to the system 100 and therefore, not described in further detail herein.

[0102] FIG. 1C is a schematic illustration of the mobile hydrogen refueling system 100 of FIG. 1 A shown in a second implementation. The implementation shown in FIG. 1C is substantially similar to the implementation shown in FIG. 1A with similar reference numerals depicting similar components as described in detail with respect to the implementation shown in FIG. 1 A. Expanding further, the system 100 includes the vehicle 102 and the mobile platform 110, for example, with the mobile platform 110 being integrated with the vehicle 102, or optionally, coupled to the mobile platform 110 via the vehicle interface 160. As shown in FIG. 1C, the mobile platform 110 includes the storage module 120 housing, containing, or including a number of the hydrogen tanks 122 that store hydrogen. The mobile platform 110 also includes the compression module 133 having the compressor 134 and the chiller 136 (e.g., in embodiments in which gaseous hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen tanks 122) and being configured to provide pressurized and cooled hydrogen to the hydrogen powerplant 106 via the refueling infrastructure 105, as previously described herein. In some implementations in which the storage module 120 is configured to store liquid hydrogen (e.g., include the storage module 120b), the system 100 shown in FIG. 1C may include the heater(s) 134b and/or the pressure regulator 136b in place of the compressor 134 and the chiller 136.

[0103] Different from the implementation of FIG. 1A, the power module 150 (e.g., hydrogen powerplant) may be included in the vehicle 102 and may be configured to provide electrical power to vehicle systems 103 (e.g., electronics, motors, displays, gages, sensors, etc.) of the vehicle 102, as well as to the compression module 133. In some implementations, a power module 150 may additionally, or alternatively, be included in and/or coupled to the mobile platform 110 and configured to provide electrical power to the compression module 133 and/or the vehicle systems 103. For example, the power module 150 included in the vehicle 102 may serve as a primary power module to provide electrical power to the vehicle systems 103 and the compression module 133, and the power module 150 included in the mobile platform 110 may serve as a secondary power module (e.g., a backup or reserve source of power) to provide backup power to the vehicle systems 103 and/or the compression module 133 (e.g., when the power module 150 is running low on power and/or hydrogen), or to the transfer module 133b in implementations in which liquid hydrogen is used as the fuel.

[0104] FIG. ID is a schematic illustration of the mobile hydrogen refueling system 100 of FIG. 1A showing the mobile platform 110 (e.g., a first mobile platform) and a second mobile platform 110A, which can be configured to refuel the first mobile platform 110. The second mobile platform 110A is coupled to a vehicle 102A via a vehicle interface 160A. A power module 150A, for example, a hydrogen powerplant, may be included in the vehicle 102A and configured to provide electrical power to vehicle systems (not shown) of the vehicle 102 A, the vehicle interface 160A (e.g., for uncoupling or coupling the vehicle interface 160A to the second mobile platform 110A), and optionally, to a refueling interface 140A included in the second mobile platform 110A. The vehicle 102A, the power module 150A, and the vehicle interface 160A may be substantially similar to the vehicle 102, the power module 150, and the vehicle interface 160, respectively, as previously described.

[0105] The second mobile platform 110A is configured to provide substantially larger hydrogen storage capacity than the first mobile platform 110 and as such, may be configured to provide hydrogen to the mobile platform(s) 110 on-site (e.g., on the mining or other work site). Thus, whenever the mobile platform(s) 110 are low on stored hydrogen, instead of the mobile platform(s) 110 returning to a hydrogen production site or storage location, the second mobile platform 110A may deliver hydrogen to the mobile platform(s) 110. In this manner, continuous hydrogen delivery may be possible, saving time and fuel as only the second mobile platform 110A may have to make trips to the hydrogen production site or storage location. In some implementations, the storage module 120 A may be configured to store gaseous hydrogen. In some implementations, the storage module 120 A may be configured to store liquid hydrogen.

[0106] As shown in FIG. ID, the second mobile platform 110A can include any number of storage modules 120A. The storage module 120A can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the storage module 120 A can be a single integrated frame structure or the like configured to store any number of the hydrogen tanks 122A (e.g., configured to store hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen). In other embodiments, the storage module 120A can include and/or can be formed of a number of frame structures. Said another way, the second mobile platform 110A can be coupled to and/or can include a single storage module 120 A configured to store a number of the hydrogen tanks 122 A or can be coupled to and/or can include multiple storage modules 120A, each of which store a number of hydrogen tanks 122 A. In embodiments with multiple storage modules 120 A, the frames, structures, etc. of each storage module 120 can be similar or can be varied. In some embodiments, the storage modules 120 A can include an open frame structure or the like designed to contain and/or immobilize the hydrogen tanks 122A. In other embodiments, the storage modules 120A can include a closed structure similar to and/or substantially the same as, for example, an intermodal container and/or the like. In such embodiments, the storage modules 120 A can enclose the hydrogen tanks 122 A to, for example, protect the hydrogen tanks 122 A from conditions outside of the intermodal container (e.g., weather, sunlight, potential debris, etc.). In implementations in which the hydrogen tanks 122A are configured to store liquid hydrogen, the hydrogen tanks 122 A may include or be provided with insulation (e.g., the insulation 123b) to maintain the liquid hydrogen contained therewithin at a temperature at which the liquid hydrogen is maintained substantially in its liquid state.

[0107] The storage module 120A can be configured to store and/or contain any number of hydrogen tanks 122A. However, different from the first mobile platform 110, the storage module 120A of the second mobile platform 110A spans a substantial area of the second mobile platform 110A and includes a substantially larger number of hydrogen tank 122A than the number of hydrogen tanks 122 included in the storage module 120 of the first mobile platform 110. For example, the storage module 120A may include 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 7x, 8x, 9x, lOx, or higher multiple of hydrogen tanks 122 A relative to the hydrogen tanks 122 included in the storage module 120 of the first mobile platform 110. In this manner, the storage module 120A may provide 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 7x, 8x, 9x, lOx, or higher hydrogen storage capacity relative to the storage module 120.

[0108] The hydrogen tanks 122A can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tanks 122A can be large pressure vessels configured to contain a compressed gas or a liquid (i.e., hydrogen). In some embodiments, the hydrogen tanks 122A can be similar to known tanks configured to store compressed hydrogen for typical or conventional use cases. In some implementations, the hydrogen tanks 122A can be similar to known tanks configured to store liquid hydrogen for typical or conventional use cases. In other embodiments, the hydrogen tanks 122A can be specialized tanks having a greater size and/or configured to store a greater volume of hydrogen in liquid or gaseous state, or to store a volume of hydrogen at a greater pressure than known tanks. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tanks 122A may be substantially similar to the hydrogen tanks 122 included in the first mobile platform 110, or to the hydrogen tanks 122b included in the mobile platform 110b. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the hydrogen tanks 122 A included in the mobile platform 110A may have a larger storage volume than each of the hydrogen tank 122 included in the mobile platform 110. For example, the amount of hydrogen storage by the hydrogen tanks 122A may be much greater than an amount of hydrogen stored by some known high-capacity hydrogen tank (or “tube”) trailers, for example, at least about 2,000 kg of hydrogen. In some implementations, the storage module 120A of the mobile platform 110A can contain at least about 10,000 kg of hydrogen (e.g., 12,000 kg, 14,000 kg, 16,000 kg, 18,000 kg, 20,000 kg, 25,000 kg, inclusive, or more).

[0109] In some implementations, such a storage capacity can be based at least in part on, for example, a number of hydrogen tanks 122 A stored, a size or storage capacity of the hydrogen tank(s) 122A, and/or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the storage module 120 A may include a single module (e.g., a single high-capacity tube trailer) that contains, houses, or stores each of the hydrogen tanks 122 A. In some implementations, the storage module 120 A may include multiple submodules that are coupled, linked, or stacked together. For example, the submodules may include high-capacity tube trailers (e.g., 20 ft trailers or 40 ft trailers, or the like). In some implementations, any combination of smaller or larger storage submodules may be included in the storage module 120 A. In certain implementations, the submodules may include 20 ft or 40 ft trailers that may include smaller subassemblies (e.g., racks, shelves, housings, etc.), each of which store a set of the hydrogen tanks 122A.

[0110] As described above, in some embodiments, the storage module 120A can be and/or can have a modular configuration allowing the storage module 120 A to removably couple to the second mobile platform 110A. In some instances, such an arrangement can allow the storage module 120A to be replaced, for example, when the hydrogen tanks 122 A are running low or drop below a threshold quantity, pressure, etc. In some implementations, the second mobile platform 110A can provide an indication of the amount, pressure, and/or fill level of the hydrogen tanks 122 A in the storage module 120 A. In some implementations, the replacement of the storage module 120A (e.g., replacing an empty or nearly empty module with a full module) can be performed in an autonomous or at least semi-autonomous process.

[OHl] The second mobile platform 110A also includes the refueling interface 140A that is configured to selectively communicate the hydrogen stored in the storage module 120 A to the storage module 120. In some embodiments, a pressure of the hydrogen stored in the storage tanks 122 A of the storage module 120 A may be higher than a pressure of the hydrogen tanks 122 of the storage module 120 such that when the refueling interface 140A is coupled to the storage module 120 and the refueling interface 140A is activated (e.g., a valve included in the refueling interface 140 A is opened), the higher pressure of the hydrogen tanks 122 A results in the hydrogen being communicated from the hydrogen tanks 122 A to the hydrogen tanks 122 via the refueling interface 140 A along the pressure gradient. In some embodiments, the refueling interface 140 A may include pumps, compressors, or electrically activated sensors, actuators, etc. that may be powered by electrical power provided, for example, by the power module 150A. In some implementations in which liquid hydrogen is used, the second mobile platform 110A may include the heater(s) 134b and/or the pressure regulator 136b to generate gaseous hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen and provide gaseous hydrogen at a desired pressure to the refueling interface 140 A. [0112] Although not shown in FIG. ID, in implementations in which liquid hydrogen is used, the storage module 120A, the hydrogen tanks 122A, and/or any other/additional portion of the second mobile platform 110A, as well as the storage module 120, the hydrogen tanks 122, the manifold 132, the compression module 133, and/or any other/addition portion of the mobile platform 110, can include a boiloff or vapor management system configured to capture boiloff or evaporated hydrogen. In some implementations, the mobile platforms 110 and/or 110A can include additional components not shown in FIG. ID such as compressors, reliquefiers, and/or the like configured to process the boiloff or evaporated hydrogen allowing the processed hydrogen (e.g., in gaseous or liquid form) to be returned to the hydrogen tanks 122 and/or 122A, the power modules 150 and/or 150A, and/or any other suitable component(s). Additionally, or in the alternate, the hydrogen tanks 122A, and/or any other/additional portion of the second mobile platform 110A, as well as the storage module 120, the hydrogen tanks 122, the manifold 132, the compression module 133, and/or any other/addition portion of the mobile platform 110, can include a pumping system configured to pressurize liquid hydrogen to a pressure higher than a pressure of a liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle 102, and can be used to communicate the pressurized liquid hydrogen to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle 102.

[0113] In some embodiments, any of the mining vehicles or hydrogen powerplants described herein may be configured to store and be operated on liquid hydrogen (LH2). To accommodate such mining vehicles or hydrogen powerplants, mobile or portable hydrogen refueling systems described herein may be configured to store liquid hydrogen as well as deliver liquid hydrogen to such mining vehicles or hydrogen powerplants on demand. For example, FIG. IE is a schematic illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system lOOe that stores liquid hydrogen and provides the liquid hydrogen to a mining vehicle 106e (for purposes of illustration in this embodiment, but as noted, instead of a mining vehicle, the mobile hydrogen refueling system lOOe may provide liquid hydrogen to any hydrogen powerplant) that also stores and uses liquid hydrogen as its fuel source, in a first configuration, according to an embodiment. FIG. IF is a schematic illustration of the mobile hydrogen refueling system lOOe in a second configuration, as described in further detail herein.

[0114] The mobile hydrogen refueling system lOOe (“system”) can be any suitable system configured to store and distribute a quantity of liquid hydrogen fuel that meets a demand of large-scale industries as described with respect to the system 100. In addition, the system lOOe is movable, i.e., can be moved to a refueling location such as, for example, a hydrogen refueling site along a route of a mining vehicle, and disposed at the refueling location for extended periods of time. In some implementations, the system lOOe may be a mobile system similar to the system 100, allowing it to be moved between sites (e.g., mining sites) and/or work areas at a given site (e.g., different work areas at a mining site). In some embodiments, the system lOOe can be modular and/or can include components that are modular, allowing components to be loaded, unloaded, serviced, replaced, etc. as needed or desired. In some implementations, the system lOOe and/or one or more components thereof can be configured for autonomous or at least semi-autonomous operation.

[0115] Different from the systems 100 and 100b, the system lOOe is configured to provide liquid hydrogen to the mining vehicle 106e that includes a mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e also configured to store liquid hydrogen. The mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. In some embodiments, the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e can be large pressure vessels configured to contain liquid hydrogen. In some embodiments, the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e can be similar to known tanks configured to store liquid hydrogen for typical or conventional use cases, and in some implementations, may be sufficiently large to store thousands of liters of liquid hydrogen. The mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e may be cylindrical, spherical, or any other suitable shape, and may be configured for use under any suitable pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure or any suitable above-atmospheric pressure up to, for example, about 1345 kPa. In some implementations, the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e may include an inner vessel in which the liquid hydrogen is disposed, an outer vessel (e.g., a steel or carbon vessel) disposed around the inner vessel such that a space is formed between the inner and outer vessel. In some embodiments, the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e may include a 20 ft ISO LH2 tank or a 40 ft ISO LH2 tank that is configured to hold about 1,000 kg of LH2.

[0116] As shown in FIG. IE and as described in further detail herein, the system lOOe is configured to store, and in some implementations, transport liquid hydrogen, and/or distribute a flow of liquid hydrogen to one or more refueling infrastructures 105e and/or one or more mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e which may be included in a mining vehicle 106e or otherwise a hydrogen powerplant (e.g., the hydrogen powerplant 106 or any other hydrogen powerplant described herein). Accordingly, the system lOOe is configured to store, transport, and/or distribute large quantities of liquid hydrogen suitable for such large-scale applications. In some implementations, the system lOOe can be disposed at a site (e.g., a refueling site) where the refueling infrastructure is disposed for an extended period of time (e.g., at least semi- permanently). For example, the system lOOe can be transported to a refueling location by the vehicle 102 or any other vehicle or transportation mechanism and left at the refueling location for a predetermined period of time (e.g., until refueling is no longer desired or needed at the refueling location).

[0117] As shown, the system lOOe includes a mobile platform I lOe that is coupleable to, for example, the heavy equipment vehicle 102 via the vehicle interface 160. In some implementations, the vehicle 102 may be used to tow the mobile platform 1 lOe to a refueling location and be disconnected from the mobile platform 1 lOe after the mobile platform 1 lOe is deployed at the refueling location. This may provide the benefit of reducing transportation and maintenance costs of the mobile platform 1 lOe and equipment disposed thereon, and reduction in occupied space by disconnecting the vehicle that 102 from the mobile platform 1 lOe once it is deployed. In some implementations, the mobile platform I lOe may be a mobile platform similar to the mobile platform 110b and be configured to remain coupled to the vehicle 102 (e.g., via the vehicle interface) and to be moved between refueling infrastructures 105e.

[0118] The mobile platform I lOe can include, support, and/or be coupled to at least one storage module 120e, at least one transfer modulel33e, the refueling interface 140e, and at least one power module 150e. The storage module 120e can be configured to store any number of hydrogen tank(s) 122e (e.g., tanks, tubes, canisters, etc.) that are designed or configured to store liquid hydrogen, for example, at a temperature of at or below -253°C. While not shown, the mobile platform I lOe may also include one or more manifolds (e.g., the one or more manifold(s) 132b) configured to allow the transfer module 133e to interface with the storage module 120e and to receive liquid hydrogen therefrom or communicate liquid or gaseous hydrogen back to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e. In addition, the mobile platform I lOe and/or the storage module 120e may also include any suitable boiloff or vapor management system configured to capture and optionally compress or reliquefy evaporated hydrogen.

[0119] The transfer module 133e is configured receive liquid hydrogen from the storage module 120e (e.g., via one or more manifolds) and to provide liquid hydrogen at a desired pressure and/or temperature to the refueling infrastructure 105e or the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e in the first configuration as shown in FIG. IE. In some instances, the transfer of the liquid hydrogen can be based on the relative pressure difference between the hydrogen tank(s) 122e and the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e and/or can be in response to any other motive force (e.g., pumps, gravity feeds, etc.). In some embodiments, the transfer module 133e may also be configured to provide reverse flow of liquid hydrogen from the LH2 tank(s) 107e to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e in the second configuration as shown in FIG. IF, based on the relative pressure difference between the hydrogen tank(s) 122e and the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e.

[0120] The mobile platform I lOe can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. For example, the mobile platform I lOe can have a size that exceeds one or more constraints associated with roadway travel. As such, the mobile platform I lOe is suitable for large-scale applications, where such size constraints are not encountered. In some embodiments, the mobile platform I lOe can include a mobile platform can be a trailer or the like that can be couplable to the vehicle 102 via the vehicle interface 160, similar to the mobile platform 110. For example, while not shown in FIG. IE, the mobile platform I lOe can include a set of wheels that are coupled to a platform, bed, etc., which in turn, supports the modules, components, and/or the like coupled thereto. In some implementations, instead of the mobile platform I lOe being mobile, i.e., interfaced with a vehicle, the mobile platform I lOe may be configured to be moved to a desired location (e.g., along a route of a vehicle include a hydrogen powerplant) and disposed at the location for an extended period of time. In such embodiments, the mobile platforms I lOe may include a container (e.g., shipping containers, cargo containers, flat rack containers, open top containers, etc.), skids, trailers, modular buildings, etc., that can be transported to the refueling site and disposed thereat. The mobile platform I lOe may not be mounted on wheels but nonetheless can be readily deployed at the refueling location and moved therefrom. In some implementations, the mobile platform I lOe may be integrated with the vehicle 102, as described with respect to the system 100.

[0121] Although not shown in FIG. IE, the mobile platform 110b can include one or more features and/or structures that allow a modular arrangement and/or coupling between the mobile platform I lOe and the storage module 120e, the transfer module 133e, the power module 150e and/or any other suitable component, or subcomponent thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the mobile platform I lOe can include rails, tracks, couplers, connectors, interfaces, etc. that are designed to removably engage one or more of the components and/or modules. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform I lOe can allow any of the modules and/or components to be loaded, unloaded, serviced, replaced, etc. as needed or desired. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform I lOe can allow for “hot swapping” of any of the modules and/or components (e.g., an exchange of modules without necessarily interrupting the operation of other modules), as described with respect to the mobile platform 110. [0122] In some implementations, the mobile platform I lOe can be configured to provide maximum hydrogen storage and therefore, can include a large storage module that can store one or more liquid hydrogen tank(s) 122e and/or can include multiple storage modules. In some instances, for example, such a configuration can be suitable for a mobile platform that is designed to refuel other mobile or mobile platforms, as described in further detail herein with reference to FIG. ID. In some implementations, the storage module 120e of the mobile platform 1 lOe is configured to include, hold, or carry a single liquid hydrogen tank 122e.

[0123] Optionally, the mobile platform I lOe can further include an enclosure 115e (e.g., the enclosure 115 as described with respect the system 100). In some embodiments, the enclosure 115e can be insulated or at least partially insulated, which in turn, can insulate one or more modules and/or components of the mobile platform I lOe being operated in a hot environment or a cold environment, and/or to provide additional insulation for the liquid hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank(s) 122e.

[0124] The mobile platform I lOe can include any number of storage modules 120e. The storage module 120e can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the storage module 120e can be a single integrated frame structure or the like configured to store any number of the hydrogen tank(s) 122e (e.g., one or more). In other embodiments, the storage module 120e can include and/or can be formed of any number of frame structures. Said another way, the mobile platform I lOe can be coupled to and/or can include a single storage module 120e configured to store any number of the hydrogen tank(s) 122e (e.g., one or more) or can be coupled to and/or can include multiple storage modules 120e, each of which store any number of hydrogen tank(s) 122e. In embodiments with multiple storage modules 120e, the frames, structures, etc. of each storage module 120e can be similar or can be varied. In some embodiments, the storage modules 120e can include an open frame structure or the like designed to contain and/or immobilize the hydrogen tank(s) 122e. In other embodiments, the storage modules 120e can include a closed structure similar to and/or substantially the same as, for example, an intermodal container and/or the like. In such embodiments, the storage modules 120e can enclose the hydrogen tank(s) 122e to, for example, protect the hydrogen tank(s) 122e from conditions outside of the intermodal container (e.g., weather, sunlight, potential debris, etc.).

[0125] The storage module 120e can be configured to store and/or contain any number of hydrogen tank(s) 122e (e.g., one or more). The hydrogen tank(s) 122e can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tank(s) 122e can be large pressure vessels configured to contain liquid hydrogen. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tank(s) 122e can be similar to known tanks configured to store liquid hydrogen for typical or conventional use cases, and in some implementations, may be sufficiently large to store thousands of liters of liquid hydrogen. In other embodiments, the hydrogen tank(s) 122e can be specialized tanks having a greater size and/or configured to store a greater volume of hydrogen or to store a volume of hydrogen at a greater pressure than known tanks. In some implementations, the amount of hydrogen stored by the hydrogen tank(s) 122e in the storage module 120e can be much greater than an amount of liquid hydrogen stored by some known high-capacity liquid hydrogen tanks (or “tube”) trailers. The hydrogen tank(s) 122e may be cylindrical, spherical, or any other suitable shape, and may be configured to operate up to a pressure of, for example, 1,035 kPa. An insulation 123e may be disposed around, or be incorporated as part of the hydrogen tank(s) 122e. Any suitable insulation may be used, for example, fiber glass, foam, vacuum panels, etc. In some implementations, the hydrogen tank(s) 122e may include an inner vessel in which the liquid hydrogen is disposed, an outer vessel (e.g., a steel or carbon vessel) disposed around the inner vessel such that a space is formed between the inner and outer vessel, and the insulation 123e disposed in the space. In some implementations, the space may be substantially evacuated, so that it is at about vacuum pressure, and serve as the insulation 123e. In some implementations, the storage module 120e may include a plurality of hydrogen tanks 122e stored by the storage module 120e, which can collectively contain, for example, at least about 1,000 kg of hydrogen. In some implementations, the storage module 120e can collectively contain at least about 2,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 5,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 10,000 kg of hydrogen, at least about 15,000 kg of hydrogen, or more (inclusive of any amount or range therebetween). In some implementations, the one or more hydrogen tank(s) 122e may include a 20 ft ISO or 40 ft ISO liquid hydrogen tank configured to hold about 1,000 kg of liquid hydrogen.

[0126] In some implementations, such a storage capacity can be based at least in part on, for example, a number of hydrogen tank(s) 122e stored, a size or storage capacity of the hydrogen tank(s) 122e, and/or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the storage module 120e may include a single module (e.g., a single high-capacity tube trailer, container, or skid) that contains, houses, or stores the hydrogen tank(s) 122e. In some implementations, the storage module 120e may include multiple submodules that are coupled, linked, and/or stacked together. For example, the submodules may include and/or can be similar to some known high- capacity tube trailers having a size (e.g., length) of about 20 feet (ft), 40 ft, and/or the like. In some implementations, any combination of smaller or larger storage submodules may be included in the storage module 120e. In certain implementations, the submodules may include and/or can be similar to some known 20 ft or 40 ft trailers that may include smaller subassemblies (e.g., racks, shelves, housings, etc.), each of which store a set of one or more of the hydrogen tank(s) 122e.

[0127] As described above, in some embodiments, the storage module 120e (and/or submodules thereof) can be and/or can have a modular configuration allowing the storage module 120e (and/or submodules thereof) to removably couple to the mobile platform HOe. In some instances, such an arrangement can allow the storage module 120e (and/or one or more submodules thereof) to be replaced, for example, when the hydrogen tank(s) 122e are running low or drop below a threshold quantity, pressure, etc. In some implementations, the mobile platform HOe can provide an indication of the amount, pressure, and/or fill level of the hydrogen tank(s) 122e in the storage module 120e. In some implementations, the replacement of the storage module 120e (e.g., replacing an empty or nearly empty module with a full module) can be performed in an autonomous or at least semi-autonomous process.

[0128] In some implementations, the hydrogen tank(s) 122e may be releasably coupleable to the storage module 120e (e.g., to a manifold included in the storage module 120e) via couplers 125e. In some embodiment, the couplers 125e may include bayonet connectors. Such connectors may include a male connector on one end, for example, on an end of the hydrogen tank(s) 122e or fluidic conduits or hoses coupled thereto, which may include guide pins and slots configured to enable easy alignment and secure connection. In some implementations, the coupling of the hydrogen tank(s) 122e to the storage module 120e may include inerting cycles with gaseous nitrogen to remove oxygen from the connecting volume between the hydrogen tank(s) 122e and the storage module 120e, purging cycles with gaseous hydrogen to remove any trapped nitrogen left over from the inerting cycles, and cooling cycles to cool the volume to LH2 temperatures before liquid hydrogen can be communicated from the hydrogen tank(s) to other components of the storage module 120e and thereto, the transfer module 133e. In some implementations, the storage module 120e may include quick connect/disconnect couplers for rapid coupling of the hydrogen tank(s) 122e to the storage module 120e such that inerting, purging, and/or cooling cycles are excluded. Examples of quick connect/disconnect couplers include, but are not limited to: breakaway couplings configured to automatically disconnect when a certain force is applied to prevent damage to the system and reducing the risk of leaks; cryogenic quick disconnects that can be constructed with cryogen materials configured to withstand low temperatures and including self-sealing valves to prevent leakage upon disconnection; latching connectors configured to withstand vibrations and movement and including positive locking mechanism to ensure the connector remains attached until intentionally released; threaded connectors; quick release clamps that include clamps to hold connectors together; and/or dry disconnect couplings that are configured to minimize spillage and reduce the risk of contamination during disconnection.

[0129] In some implementations, the system lOOe may include a high-pressure system in which the hydrogen tank(s) 122e is at first pressure including a high pressure, for example, a higher pressure than the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e. In some implementations, the high pressure may be in a range of about 7 bar to about 12 bar, inclusive (e.g., 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 bar, inclusive). In such embodiments, the system lOOe, for example, the transfer module 133e may include one or more vaporizers configured to evaporate a portion of the liquid hydrogen communicated from the hydrogen tank(s) 122e and to generate gaseous hydrogen that is routed back to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e. The gaseous hydrogen is configured to maintain a head pressure on the liquid hydrogen in the hydrogen tank(s) 122 to cause the liquid hydrogen to be at the high pressure.

[0130] For example, as shown in FIGS. IE to IF, the system lOOe can include a first vaporizer 134el configured to be fluidly coupled to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e and configured to receive a portion of the liquid hydrogen therefrom. The first vaporizer 134el may include an electric heater, a radiator, a heat exchanger, fuel cell heater, an ambient heater, an ambient heat exchanger, a coil heat exchanger, a shell and tube heat exchanger, a radiator, a heater, any other suitable heat exchanger or combination thereof. In some implementations, the first vaporizer 134el includes an ambient heat exchanger, i.e., any heat exchanger (e.g., a shell and tube heat exchanger) that is exposed to ambient temperature for exchanging heat with the liquid hydrogen flowing therethrough to vaporize the liquid hydrogen. The first vaporizer 134el is configured to receive the portion of the liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank(s) 122e and vaporize the liquid hydrogen to generate hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is recirculated back to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e to provide a head of hydrogen gas on the liquid hydrogen contained in the hydrogen tank(s) 122e, for example, to maintain or increase a pressure of the liquid hydrogen in the hydrogen tank(s) to the high pressure. While FIGS. IE and IF show the first vaporizer 134el being disposed in the enclosure 115e, in some embodiments, the first vaporizer 134el may be integrated with the hydrogen tank(s) 122e and/or included in the storage module 120e. The mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e is at a lower pressure than the hydrogen tank 122e thus, causing the liquid hydrogen to flow along the pressure gradient from the hydrogen tank(s) 122e to the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e when the refueling interface 140e is fluidically coupled to the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e, for example, via the refueling infrastructure 105e. The mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e may be maintained at a pressure lower than the hydrogen tank(s) 122e by venting gaseous hydrogen that may be present in the mining vehicle LH2 tank to atmosphere.

[0131] In some implementations, a flare stack may be coupled to the gaseous hydrogen vent of the mining vehicle LH2 tank to combust the vented gaseous hydrogen in a controlled fashion. In other implementations, the vented gaseous hydrogen may be recirculated back to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e. For example, in some implementations, the system lOOe may include a return line configured to selectively communicate at least a portion of gaseous hydrogen generated from liquid hydrogen being communicated to the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e from the hydrogen tank 122e, or gaseous hydrogen released from the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e back to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e. For example, the system lOOe may include a boiloff or vapor management and/or recapture system configured to collect gaseous and/or evaporated hydrogen at any suitable point(s) along a flow path between the hydrogen tank(s) 122e to the LH2 tank(s) 107e.

[0132] In some implementations, the refueling interface 140e may be releasably coupleable to the refueling infrastructure 105e or otherwise, the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e via bayonet connector. In such implementations, inerting, purging, and/or chilling cycles may be performed after coupling the refueling interface 140e to the refueling infrastructure or the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e (e.g. via the refueling infrastructure 105e) after the coupling but before LH2 is communicated from the hydrogen tank(s) 122e to the mining vehicle LH tank(s) 107e, as previously described herein. In some implementations, the refueling interface 140e may be releasably coupleable to the refueling infrastructure 105e or otherwise, the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e via quick connect/disconnect couplings, for example, any of the quick connect/disconnect couplings previously described herein, which may obviate the use of inerting, purging, and/or cooling cycles.

[0133] In some implementations, the system lOOe may be a low-pressure system, i.e., a system in which the hydrogen tank(s) 122e have a first pressure that is a low pressure, for example, a pressure that is about equal to or less than the pressure of the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e. In some implementations, the low pressure may be in a range of 3 bar to about 7 bar, inclusive (e.g., about 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 bar, inclusive). In such implementations, the transfer module 133e (e.g., the pressure regulator 136e or any other suitable location of the transfer module 133e) may include one or more pumps (e.g., an centrifugal pump, a vacuum pump, a positive displacement pump, etc.) configured to pressurize the liquid hydrogen received from the hydrogen tank(s) 122e of the storage module 120e from the first pressure to a second pressure greater than the first pressure, and communicate the pressurized liquid hydrogen to the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e. The second pressure may be in a range of about 7 bar to about 12 bar, inclusive (e.g., about 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 bar, inclusive). In such implementations, the first vaporizer 134el may be excluded.

[0134] In some embodiments, the system lOOe may include one or more manifolds (e.g., the manifold 132b described with respect to FIG. IB) to allow communication of liquid hydrogen from the storage module 120e to the transfer module 133e. In some implementations, the storage module 120e may be releasably coupleable to the transfer module 133e via bayonet connectors. In some implementations, the storage module 120e may be releasably coupleable to the transfer module 133e via quick connect/disconnect couplings. The manifold(s) can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. For example, the manifold(s) can be and/or can include any suitable structure configured to define one or more flow paths for liquid hydrogen to flow between the storage module 120e and any suitable component of the mobile platform HOe.

[0135] In some implementations, insulation (e.g., fiberglass, foam, vacuum panels, etc.) may be disposed around the manifold to substantially maintain the temperature of the liquid hydrogen as it is transferred from the hydrogen tank(s) 122e to the transfer module 133e. The manifold can include at least an inlet or inlet interface that can be in fluid communication with the storage module 120e (or at least one hydrogen tank 122e included therein), an outlet or outlet interface that can be in fluid communication with one or more components of the mobile platform HOe, and one or more fluid flow paths between the inlet and outlet. The mobile platform HOe can include a single manifold or multiple manifolds. For example, in some implementations, the mobile platform 1 lOe can include a single manifold or multiple manifolds collectively forming a single flow path that can engage the storage module 120e and/or one or more hydrogen tank(s) 122e to provide a single stream or flow of hydrogen from the storage module 120e to one of the transfer module 133e, the refueling interface 140e, or the power module 150e. In other implementations, the mobile platform HOe can include multiple manifolds (or a single manifold with multiple flow paths), which can engage the storage module 120e and/or one or more of the hydrogen tank(s) 122e to provide a number of parallel streams or flows of hydrogen from the storage module 120e to the transfer module 133e, the refueling interface 140e, the power module 150e, and/or the like. In some implementations, the manifold may include one or more components configured to control or manage the flow of liquid hydrogen between the storage module 120e and any suitable component of the mobile platform I lOe, for example, as described in detail with respect to the manifold 132b of FIG. IB, and therefore not described in further detail.

[0136] The transfer module 133e of the mobile platform 110b can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration, and/or can include any suitable component(s), subcomponent s), etc. For example, the transfer module 133e can be any suitable structure or the like that can include, house, contain, and/or couple (functionally and/or physically) any number of components. For example, in some implementations, the transfer module 133e can be a modular storage structure or the like (e.g., similar to the storage module 120e) that includes a number of components and that can be handled (e.g., loaded, unloaded, replaced, serviced, etc.) as an integrated or single assembly. In other embodiments, the transfer module 133e can be an assembly of various components, each of which has a modular arrangement allowing that component to be handled relative to the other components of the transfer module 133e and/or relative to the mobile platform I lOe independently. In this manner, if a component of the transfer module 133e requires maintenance, service, and/or replacement, such an arrangement can allow that component to be replaced substantially without impacting the operation of other components included in the transfer module 133b.

[0137] As shown in FIG. IE, the transfer module 133e can include a pressure regulator 136e configured to provide liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank(s) 122e to the refueling interface 140e. The pressure regulator 136e may include any suitable components to enable communication of liquid hydrogen from or to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e at any desirable pressure or flow rate. Suitable components may include, but are not limited to pumps (e.g., piston pumps or centrifugal pumps), air blowers, pressure controllers (e.g., front pressure or back pressure controllers, pneumatic actuator, electric actuators, etc.), valves (e.g., gate valves, ball valves, globe valves, check valves, butterfly valves, three way valves, etc.), temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc., to enable control of a pressure, flow rate, or direction of flow between the hydrogen tank(s) 122e and the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e. In some implementations, the pressure regulator 136e may include one or more pumps to pressurize the liquid hydrogen to a pressure higher than a pressure of the mining vehicle LH2 tank 107e, for example, when the hydrogen tank(s) 122e is at low pressure, as previously described herein. [0138] In some embodiments, the transfer module 133e may be configured to receive a first flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank(s) 122e and communicate the first portion of the first flow to the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e and the second portion of the first flow back to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e in the first configuration. In the second configuration, the transfer module 133e may be configured to receive a second flow of liquid or gaseous hydrogen from the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e and communicate a second portion of the second flow to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e, and communicate a second portion of the second flow back to the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e. In some embodiments, the transfer module 133e may be configured to support a flow rate of liquid hydrogen in a range of about 30 kg/min to about 70 kg/min, inclusive (e.g., about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, or 70 kg/min, inclusive), and a pressure in a range of about 7 bar to about 12 bar, inclusive (e.g., about 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 bar, inclusive) for example, receive liquid hydrogen at the high pressure from the hydrogen tank(s) 122e, or pressurize low pressure hydrogen gas received the hydrogen tank(s) 122e via pumps to the high pressure, as previously described.

[0139] The transfer module 133e can include a second vaporizer 134e2 that may be substantially similar in structure and function to the first vaporizer 134el. Although shown in FIG. IE and IF as being independent components, in some embodiments, the transfer module 133e can also include the manifold(s) (not shown) and/or the refueling interface 140e. The second vaporizer 134e2 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. For example, in some implementations, the second vaporizer 134e2 can include may include an electric heater, a radiator, a heat exchanger, fuel cell heater, an ambient heater, an ambient heat exchanger, a coil heat exchanger, a shell and tube heat exchanger, a radiator, a heater, any other suitable heat exchanger or combination thereof. In some implementations, the second vaporizer 134e2 includes an ambient heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the second vaporizer 134e2 may be configured to evaporate the liquid hydrogen to generate low pressure hydrogen gas, for example, in a range of 200 bar to 400 bar. In other implementations, the second vaporizer 134e2 may be configured to evaporate the liquid hydrogen to generate a high-pressure hydrogen gas, for example, in a range of 400 bar to 1,000 bar, inclusive.

[0140] As shown in FIGS. IE and IF, the second vaporizer 134e2 is configured to receive a portion of liquid hydrogen being provided from the hydrogen tank(s) 122e to the pressure regulator 136b, for example, in the instance that a pressure of the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e exceeds a predetermined pressure, and vaporize the liquid hydrogen to generate gaseous hydrogen. The gaseous hydrogen is then returned back to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e. In some embodiments, the transfer module 133e may include one or more valves to control a direction or flow path of liquid hydrogen or gaseous hydrogen between the various components of the system lOOe. For example, the transfer module 133e can include at least a first valve 14 le located in a line downstream of the second vaporizer 134e2 that fluidly couples the second vaporizer 134e2 to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e. The transfer module 133e may also include a second valve 143e located in a line that fluidly couples the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e to a location downstream of the second vaporizer 134e2 but upstream of the first valve 141e, a third valve 145e located in a line that fluidly couples the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e to atmosphere (e.g., an atmospheric vent located at a safe location). Moreover, the transfer module 133e may also include a fourth valve 147e located in a line that fluidly couples a location downstream of the first valve 141e to atmosphere (e.g., the atmospheric vent located at the safe location). While shown as included in the transfer module 133e, one or more of the valves 141e, 143e, 145e, and 147e may be located in the refueling interface 140e. The transfer module 133e may also include additional valves, bypass lines, filters (e.g., to filter particles from the liquid hydrogen), temperature sensors, or any other components for providing the liquid hydrogen at a desired pressure, temperature, and/or flow rate to the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e.

[0141] In the first configuration shown in FIG. IE, liquid hydrogen is communicated from the hydrogen tank(s) 122e to the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e, for example, through the pressure regulator 136b, the refueling interface 140e, and/or the refueling infrastructure 105e. In some implementations, the system lOOe in the first configuration can be associated with and/or can be based at least in part on a pressure of the liquid hydrogen tank(s) 122e being higher than a pressure in the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e. In other implementations, the configuration of the system lOOe is not associated with and/or is not based at least in part on a pressure differential (positive or negative) between the liquid hydrogen tanks 122e and the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e.

[0142] In this configuration, the transfer module 133e may be configured to open the first valve 141e and the third valve 145e, and close the second valve 143e and the fourth valve 147e. In this configuration, the hydrogen gas generated by the second vaporizer 134e2 flows through the first valve 14 le to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e, and hydrogen gas that may be released from the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e, for example, due to a pressure within the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e exceedingly a threshold and/or due to undesirable boiloff or evaporation of a portion of the liquid hydrogen in the LH2 tank(s) 107e or being communicated into the LHS tank(s) 107e, the hydrogen gas is routed through the third valve 145e to the atmospheric vent.

[0143] In the second configuration shown in FIG. IF, liquid hydrogen may be communicated from the mining vehicle LH2 tanks(s) 107e to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e, for example, through the refueling infrastructure 105e, the refueling interface 140e, and/or the pressure regulator 136e. In some implementations, the system lOOe in the second configuration can be associated with and/or can be based at least in part on the pressure in the mining vehicle LHS tank(s) 107e being higher than a pressure in the hydrogen tank(s) 122e. In other implementations, the configuration of the system lOOe is not associated with and/or is not based at least in part on a pressure differential (positive or negative) between the liquid hydrogen tanks 122e and the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e.

[0144] In this configuration, the transfer module 133e may be configured to close the first valve 141e and the third valve 145e and open the second valve 143e and the fourth valve 147e. This prevents hydrogen gas generated in the second vaporizer 134e2 from flowing back to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e by the closed first valve 141e, and instead flows back to the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e through the open second valve 143e. Moreover, at least a portion of a head of hydrogen gas that may be in the hydrogen tank(s) 122e may be routed through the open fourth valve 147e to the atmospheric vent. In this manner, the transfer module 133e can be configured to maintain relative pressures in the hydrogen tank(s) 122e, and the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e, for example, to prevent over pressurization of the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e, the hydrogen tank(s) 122e and/or various components of the system lOOe.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first vaporizer 134el, the second vaporizer 134e2, and/or pressure regulator(s) 136e can be operated in any number of parallel processes and each of the first vaporizer 134el and the second vaporizer 134e2 can be configured to provide an output flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas to a different component, subcomponent, or portion thereof (e.g., different pressure regulators 136e, different refueling interfaces 140e or different portions of the refueling interface, one or more power modules 150e, and/or the like). Moreover, each of the first vaporizer 134el and the second vaporizer 134e2 may be configured to heat the hydrogen to the same pressure or to different pressures. In some embodiments, the first vaporizer 134el and/or the second vaporizer 134e2 can be operated in any number of parallel processes can be configured to provide an output flow of hydrogen gas to a single component (e.g., a single pressure regulator 136e or the refueling interface 140e). For example, although not shown in FIG. IE and IF, in some such embodiments, a manifold or the like can receive multiple input flows of liquid hydrogen gas and can output a single flow of liquid hydrogen gas, which in turn, is provided to the refueling interface 140e or pressure regulator 136e prior to being delivered to the refueling interface 140e.

[0146] Although the third valve 145e is shown in FIGS. IE and IF and described above as providing vaporized or gaseous hydrogen that is vented to the atmosphere, in other implementations, the third valve 145e can provide vaporized or gaseous hydrogen to any suitable boiloff or vapor management or recapture system, In some such implementations, the mobile platform I lOe can include additional components not shown in FIGS. IE and IF such as compressors, reliquefiers, and/or the like configured to process the vented/captured hydrogen allowing the processed hydrogen (e.g., in gaseous or liquid form) to be returned to the hydrogen tank(s) 122e the power module 150, the mining vehicle LH2 tanks 107e, the transfer module 133e, and/or any other suitable component(s) of the system lOOe.

[0147] The mobile platform 1 lOe can include one or more refueling interface(s) 140e that can be configured to communicated liquid hydrogen from the pressure regulator 136e or the hydrogen tank(s) 122e to the refueling infrastructure 105e or vice versa. In some implementations, the refueling interface 140e may include bayonet connectors to releasably couple the refueling interface 140e to the refueling infrastructure 105e or the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e. In such implementations, the refueling interface may include connectors for inerting, purging, and/or cooling the coupling volume, as previously described herein. In some implementations, the refueling interface 140e may include quick connect/ disconnect couplings to releasably couple the refueling interface 140e to the refueling infrastructure 105e or the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e. In such implementations, the inerting, purging, and/or cooling connectors may be excluded.

[0148] The mobile platform 1 lOe can include any number of power modules 150e, as described in detail with respect to FIG. 1 A. In some embodiments, the power module 150e can be and/or can include, for example, one or more hydrogen powerplants similar to or substantially the same as the hydrogen powerplant 106. In such embodiments, for example, the power module 150 can be configured to receive a flow of hydrogen directly from the pressure regulator 136e or the hydrogen tank(s) 122e) (or via a manifold or interface therebetween). In some implementations, the power module 150e can include a hydrogen tank similar to and/or substantially the same as one or more of the hydrogen tank(s) 122e included in the storage module 120e. As such, the hydrogen tank(s) 122e can receive a flow of liquid hydrogen from the pressure regulator 136e, the refueling interface 140e, and/or the like and, in turn, can supply the power module 150e with the hydrogen. In some implementations, the power module 150e can receive a flow of liquid hydrogen directly from one or more hydrogen tank(s) 122e in the storage module (or via a manifold or interface therebetween). In other embodiments, the power module 150e can be any suitable power generator other than a hydrogen powerplant.

[0149] The power module 150e is configured to provide electric power to the transfer module 133e and the pressure regulator(s) 136e. In some implementations, the power module 150e can provide electric power to the storage module 120e, the refueling interface 140e, and/or the vehicle interface 160. Various implementations of the power module 150e are described in detail with respect to the system 100 and therefore, not described in further detail herein. In some implementations, the power module 150e or the storage module 120e may have a ground connection to ground any short circuits or stray electric charges. In some implementations, the mobile platform I lOe may be configured to communicate with the power module 150 of the vehicle 102 or to a controller of the mining vehicle 106e via lower voltage communications. In some implementations, the mobile platform 1 lOe may be configured to receive telemetry data indicative of the status of the mining vehicle LH2 tank(s) 107e (e.g., status, health, LH2 level, pressure, temperature, etc.) and based on the telemetry data, adjust parameters of the LH2 being communicated to the mining vehicle LH2 tank (e.g., pressure, flow rate, temperature, etc.).

[0150] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 300, according to an embodiment. The mobile hydrogen refueling system 300 (“system”) can be any suitable system configured to store and distribute a quantity of hydrogen fuel (e.g., hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen) that meets a demand of large-scale industries such as, for example, the mining industry, the rail industry, the shipping/cargo industry, the aerospace industry, the large-scale fabrication industry, and/or the like. In addition, the system 300 is mobile allowing it to be moved between sites (e.g., mining sites) and/or work areas at a given site (e.g., different work areas at a mining site). In some embodiments, the system 300 can be designed for operation in rough, uneven, unpaved, and/or steep environments such as those encountered at mining sites or other heavy industrial work sites (e.g., the system 100 can be “ruggedized”). In some embodiments, the system 300 can be a modular and/or can include components that are modular, allowing components to be loaded, unloaded, serviced, replaced, etc. as needed or desired. In some implementations, the system 100 and/or one or more components thereof can be configured for autonomous or at least semi-autonomous operation.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 3 and as described in further detail herein, the system 300 is configured to store, transport, and/or distribute a flow of hydrogen gas to one or more refueling infrastructures and/or one or more hydrogen powerplants, for example, the refueling infrastructure 105 and the hydrogen powerplant 106, as described herein detail with respect to FIG. 1 A. Accordingly, the system 300 is configured to store, transport, and/or distribute large quantities of hydrogen gas/fuel suitable for large-scale applications, as previously described herein.

[0152] As shown, the system 300 includes a mobile platform 310 that is coupleable to a heavy equipment vehicle 302 via a vehicle interface 360. The vehicle 302 and the vehicle interface 360 may be substantially similar to the vehicle 102 and/or the vehicle 202, and the vehicle interface 160, as previously described herein. The mobile platform 310 includes, supports, and/or is coupled to at least one storage module 320, a refueling interface 340, and one or more compressor(s) 334 (e.g., in implementations in which hydrogen gas is stored in the storage module). In implementations in which liquid hydrogen is used, the mobile platform 310 may include, support, and/or is coupled to heater(s) 134b and/or pressure regulator(s) 136b in place of the compressors 334. The storage module 320 can be configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 322 (e.g., tanks, tubes, canisters, etc.). The storage module 320 is configured to provide pressurized hydrogen to the refueling interface 340, or to provide liquid hydrogen to heater(s) and/or pressure regulator(s) to generate hydrogen gas at a desired pressure for distribution via the refueling interface 340. In some implementations, the refueling interface 340 can be configured to engage a refueling infrastructure (e.g., the refueling infrastructure 105) found, for example, at an operation site such as a mining site. In addition or as an alternative, the refueling interface 340 can be configured to engage a refueling interface corresponding to a hydrogen powerplant such as, for example, hydrogen fuel cells of a hydrogen powerplant included in a mining truck or other equipment (e.g., the hydrogen powerplant 106).

[0153] The mobile platform 310 can have a size that exceeds one or more constraints associated with roadway travel. For example, a length, a width, a weight, and/or power of the mobile platform may exceed a constraint or threshold associated with roadway travel. As such, the mobile platform 310 is suitable for large-scale applications (e.g., a mining or excavation operation), where such size constraints are not encountered. As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile platform 310 can be a trailer coupled to the vehicle 302 via the vehicle interface 360. The mobile platform 310 includes a set of wheels that are coupled to a platform, bed, etc., which in turn, supports the modules, components, and/or the like coupled thereto. The bed of the mobile platform 310 may be substantially flat to allow stable positioning of the various modules of the mobile platform 310 thereon.

[0154] In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 310 can allow any of the modules and/or components to be loaded, unloaded, serviced, replaced, etc., as needed, or desired. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 310 can allow for “hot swapping” of any of the modules and/or components (e.g., an exchange of modules without necessarily interrupting the operation of other modules). The mobile platform 310 does not include an enclosure such that each of the storage module 320, compressors 334, and refueling interface 340 are openly visible. As such, the mobile platform 310 may be configured to be deployed in a suitable geographical environment, where environmental damage or corrosion of the exterior surfaces or components included in the components, modules, and/or interfaces may not be a concern (e.g., temperate environments). In some implementations, the various components, modules, interfaces, etc. may be formed from or coated with weather resistant materials (e.g., weather resistant paint) such that the mobile platform 310 may be used in any geographical environment (e.g., a temperate environment, a hot or cold environment, a desert environment, a dry environment, or a wet environment) even without an enclosure.

[0155] The mobile platform 310 includes the storage module 320 that stores, contains, or holds a set of hydrogen tanks 322. The hydrogen tanks 322 may be substantially similar to the hydrogen tanks 122 described in detail with respect to FIG. 1 A. As shown in FIG 3, the storage module 320 may include a single integrated frame structure or the like configured to store the set of hydrogen tanks 322 in a horizontal and vertical array. In other embodiments, the storage module 320 can include and/or can be formed of a number of frame structures. Said another way, the mobile platform 310 can be coupled to and/or can include a single storage module 320 configured to store a number of the hydrogen tanks 322 or can be coupled to and/or can include multiple storage modules 320, each of which store a number of hydrogen tanks 322. While FIG. 3 shows the storage module 320 as including an open frame structure, in other embodiments, the storage module 320 may include a closed structure similar to and/or substantially the same as, for example, an intermodal container and/or the like. In such embodiments, the storage module 320 can enclose the hydrogen tanks 322 to, for example, protect the hydrogen tanks 322 from conditions outside of the intermodal container (e.g., weather, sunlight, potential debris, etc.). [0156] Although not shown in FIG. 3, the mobile platform 310 may include a manifold (e.g., similar to or substantially the same as the manifold 132) to communicate hydrogen stored in the storage module 320 to the one or more compressors 334 and/or the refueling interface 340. For example, the manifold may be routed from the storage module 320 to the compressor(s) 334 and/or to the refueling interface 340 from an underside of the mobile platform 310, e.g., run along or proximate to a surface of the mobile platform 310 that faces the ground. In other implementations, the manifold may be disposed on an upper side of the mobile platform 310, e.g., a side that faces away from the ground. The manifold may include an inlet or inlet interface that can be in fluid communication with the storage module 320 (or at least one hydrogen tank 322 included therein), an outlet or outlet interface that can be in fluid communication with one or more components of the mobile platform 310, and one or more fluid flow paths between the inlet and outlet. In some embodiments, the manifold may be insulated, for example, in implementations in which liquid hydrogen is stored in the storage module 320. In some implementations, the storage module 320 and/or the manifold may include one or more components to control or manage the flow of hydrogen between the storage module 320 and any suitable component of the mobile platform 310. In some implementations, the manifold may include a mechanical nozzle interface for receiving hydrogen from the storage module 320 and/or communicating the hydrogen to any suitable module of the mobile platform 310. In some implementations, the storage module 320 and/or the manifold may include one or more safety valves, pressure sensors, and any other safety devices that are configured to be selectively activated or deactivated to, for example, in response to detecting a pressure above a threshold pressure, or an activation signal received from a controller so as to inhibit damage or prevent failure.

[0157] In implementations in which gaseous hydrogen is stored in the storage module 320, the mobile platform 310 may include the compressors 334. The compressors 334 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration, and/or can include any suitable component(s), subcomponent(s), etc. As described above with reference to the mobile platform 110 shown in FIG. 1 A, in some embodiments, the compressors 334 can be included in a compression module (e.g., the compression module 133) or similar module or assembly. In some embodiments, the compressor(s) 334 can be similar to and/or substantially the same as some know compressors configured to compress a gas. For example, in some embodiments, the compressor 334 may be and/or may include a diaphragm compressor, a rotary compressor, and/or the like configured to compress and pressurize hydrogen received from the hydrogen tanks 322 (e.g., via a manifold or the like). In some embodiments, the compressor(s) 334 can be, for example, a high- pressure compressor configured to receive an input flow of a pressurized gas and to provide an output flow of compressed/high-pressure gas at a higher pressure than the input flow of gas. In some implementations, for example, the compressor(s) 334 can receive a flow of hydrogen gas having a pressure between about 200 bar and 400 bar and can output a flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas having a pressure between about 400 bar and 1,000 bar. In some implementations, the hydrogen may be liquid hydrogen having a pressure in a range of 7 bar to 12 bar. In some instances, the compressors 334 can be configured to provide an output flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas (or liquid hydrogen) one or more components, modules, interfaces, etc. of the mobile platform 310 such as, for example, the refueling interface 340. In some instances, a high-pressure flow of hydrogen may be desirable as it can be used to produce a flow of hydrogen having a relatively high mass flow rate (e.g., about 4 kg/min or compressed hydrogen gas), which in turn, can reduce refueling times and increase utilization of the equipment having the hydrogen powerplant (e.g., the hydrogen powerplant 106 described above). As such, the compressor(s) 334 can be substantially similar to the compressors 134 described in detail above with reference to FIG. 1 A.

[0158] In some implementations, the refueling interface 340 can include any suitable component configured to allow a flow of hydrogen gas having a high flow rate suitable for transferring relatively large volumes of hydrogen gas to storage tanks or the like associated with at least one of a refueling infrastructure and/or the hydrogen powerplant (e.g., associated with a mining vehicle). In some implementations, the refueling interface 340 can be configured to provide a flow of hydrogen gas to the power module. In some embodiments, the storage module 320 may be configured to store hydrogen gas at a pressure in a range of 200 bar to 1,000 bar, inclusive so as to provide high pressured hydrogen gas to the refueling interface 340 for providing to the refueling infrastructure and/or the hydrogen powerplant, as previously described. In some implementations the refueling interface may be configured to provide a flow of hydrogen at a flow rate of at least about 4 kg/min (e.g., about 4 kg/min, 5 kg/min, 6 kg/min, 7 kg/min, 8 kg/min, 9 kg/min, 10 kg/min, 15 kg/min, 20 kg/min, 25 kg/min, 30 kg/min, or more), so as to allow rapid filling and/or refueling of the hydrogen powerplant of, for example, a mining haul truck or other hydrogen-powered equipment. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the refueling interface 340 can include any suitable hosing, tubes, conduits, pipes, etc. configured to covey the compressed hydrogen to an outlet of the refueling interface 340. [0159] The system 300 also includes one or more power modules (not shown in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the power module(s) is/are included in the mobile platform 310 and has/have a modular configuration and/or the like allowing one or more power modules to be handled or operated relative to the mobile platform 310 independently. Thus, if one power module requires maintenance, service, and/or replacement, such an arrangement can allow that power module to be replaced substantially without impacting the operation of other power modules or other modules of the mobile platform 310. In other embodiments, the power module can be included in and/or otherwise can be the power module of the vehicle 302. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the power module can be a hydrogen powerplant of the vehicle 302. As such, the power module can be configured to supply power to each of the vehicle 302 and the mobile platform 310 (or components thereof) via the vehicle interface 360.

[0160] With the power module being the hydrogen powerplant of the vehicle 302, the power module can be configured to receive a flow or supply of hydrogen from the mobile platform 310 (e.g., directly from the storage module 320 (or via a manifold or interface therebetween) or via the refueling interface 340. In some implementations, the power module can include one or more hydrogen tanks similar to and/or substantially the same as one or more of the hydrogen tanks 322 included in the storage module 320. As such, the hydrogen tank(s) can receive a flow of hydrogen from the storage module 320, the refueling interface 340, and/or the like and, in turn, can supply the power module with the hydrogen. In some implementations, the power module can receive a flow of hydrogen directly from one or more hydrogen tanks 322 in the storage module (or via a manifold or interface therebetween).

[0161] The power module is configured to provide electric power to at least the vehicle 302 and the mobile platform 310 (e.g., the compressors 334 and/or the refueling interface 340) via the vehicle interface 360. In some implementations, the power module can also provide electric power to the storage module 320 and/or any other component, module, system, and/or the like. For example, in some implementations, a mobile platform 310 can be operated at a refueling location or the like at an industrial work site such as a mining site or the like. In some such implementations, the power module can provide a flow of electric power operable to power one or more components of the refueling location (e.g., a lighting system, a refueling infrastructure, and/or any other components).

[0162] In some implementations, the power module can be configured to output a flow of electric power operable to electrically power one or more electric and/or electronic components of the vehicle interface 360. [0163] While the power module is described above it should be understood that the description is provided by way of example only. In some embodiments, the system 300 can include any other or additional power module, generator, storage device, and/or the like. For example, in some implementations, the mobile platform 310 can include, for example, an energy storage device such as one or more batteries, capacitors, flywheels, etc. that can receive electric power from the power module of the vehicle 302. In such implementations, the energy storage device can, in turn, provide electric power to the storage module 320, the compressors 334, the refueling interface 340, and/or any other suitable component and/or module.

[0164] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 400, according to an embodiment. The mobile hydrogen refueling system 400 (“system”) can be any suitable system configured to store and distribute a quantity of hydrogen fuel that meets a demand of large-scale industries such as, for example, the mining industry, the rail industry, the shipping/cargo industry, the aerospace industry, the large-scale fabrication industry, and/or the like. In addition, the system 400 is mobile allowing it to be moved between sites (e.g., mining sites) and/or work areas at a given site (e.g., different work areas at a mining site). In some embodiments, the system 400 can be designed for operation in rough, uneven, unpaved, and/or steep environments such as those encountered at mining sites or other heavy industrial work sites (e.g., the system 400 can be “ruggedized”). In some embodiments, the system 400 can be modular and/or can include components that are modular, allowing components to be loaded, unloaded, serviced, replaced, etc. as needed or desired. In some implementations, the system 400 and/or one or more components thereof can be configured for autonomous or at least semi-autonomous operation.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 4 and as described in further detail herein, the system 400 is configured to store, transport, and/or distribute a flow of hydrogen gas to one or more refueling infrastructures and/or one or more hydrogen powerplants, for example, the refueling infrastructure 105 and the hydrogen powerplant 106, as described herein detail with respect to FIG. 1 A. Accordingly, the system 400 is configured to store, transport, and/or distribute large quantities of hydrogen gas/fuel suitable for large-scale applications, as previously described herein. While generally shown and described as being configured to store gaseous hydrogen, in some implementations, the system 400 may be configured to store liquid hydrogen.

[0166] As shown, the system 400 is substantially similar to the system 300 and includes a mobile platform 410 that is coupleable to a heavy equipment vehicle 402 via a vehicle interface 460. The vehicle 402 and the vehicle interface 460 may be substantially similar to the vehicle 102, 202, 302 and the vehicle interface 160, 360, respectively, as previously described herein. The mobile platform 410 includes, supports, and/or is coupled to at least one storage module 420 including a number of hydrogen tanks 422, one or more compressors 434, and a refueling interface 440. The storage module 420, compressors 434, and the refueling interface 440 may be substantially similar to the storage module 320, the compressors 434, and the refueling interface 340, respectively, described with respect to the system 300, and therefore not described in further detail herein. Moreover, although not shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle 402 can include a power module similar to or substantially the same as the power module described above with reference to the system 300. In some implementations, the system 400 may be configured to include liquid hydrogen. In such implementations, the system 400 may include the heater(s) 134b and/or the pressure regulator(s) 136b instead of the compressors 434.

[0167] Different from the system 300, the mobile platform 410 includes an enclosure 415. The enclosure 415 can be any suitable structure configured to enclose, house, cover, etc., one or more component and/or module of the mobile platform 410. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the compressors 434 and the refueling interface 440 can be at least partially disposed in the enclosure 415, while the storage module 420 is disposed substantially outside the enclosure 415. In some implementations, at least a portion of the refueling interface 440 may be accessible through the enclosure 415 to allow the refueling interface 440 to be interfaced with a refueling infrastructure and/or a hydrogen powerplant, as previously described. In some implementations, the enclosure 415 may include one or more openings (e.g., a door, windows, apertures, etc.) through which fluidic couplings, fluid or gas transport lines, tubes, nozzles, etc. may be accessible to allow interfacing with the refueling infrastructure and/or the hydrogen powerplant.

[0168] As such, the enclosure 415 can, for example, enclose and/or protect one or more modules and/or components of the mobile platform 410 from an environment external to the enclosure 415. In some embodiments, the enclosure 415 can be insulated or at least partially insulated, which in turn, can insulate the compressors 434 (or heater(s) and/or pressure regulator(s)) and the refueling interface 440 disposed therewithin, thus allowing the mobile platform 410 to be operated in any geographical environment (e.g., a temperate environment, a hot or cold environment, a desert environment, a tundra environment, a dry environment, or a wet environment).

[0169] FIG. 5 is a side view illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 500, according to an embodiment. The mobile hydrogen refueling system 500 (“system”) can be any suitable system configured to store and distribute a quantity of hydrogen fuel that meets a demand of large-scale industries such as, for example, the mining industry, the rail industry, the shipping/cargo industry, the aerospace industry, the large-scale fabrication industry, and/or the like. In addition, the system 500 is mobile allowing it to be moved between sites (e.g., mining sites) and/or work areas at a given site (e.g., different work areas at a mining site). In some embodiments, the system 500 can be designed for operation in rough, uneven, unpaved, and/or steep environments such as those encountered at mining sites or other heavy industrial work sites (e.g., the system 500 can be “ruggedized”). In some embodiments, the system 500 can be a modular and/or can include components that are modular, allowing components to be loaded, unloaded, serviced, replaced, etc. as needed or desired. In some implementations, the system 500 and/or one or more components thereof can be configured for autonomous or at least semi- autonomous operation.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 5, the system 500 is configured to store, transport, and/or distribute a flow of hydrogen gas to one or more refueling infrastructures and/or one or more hydrogen powerplants, for example, the refueling infrastructure 105 and the hydrogen powerplant 106, as described herein in detail with respect to FIG. 1 A. Accordingly, the system 500 is configured to store, transport, and/or distribute large quantities of hydrogen gas/fuel or liquid hydrogen/fuel suitable for large-scale applications, as previously described herein.

[0171] As shown, the system 500 is substantially similar to the system 300 and 400 and includes a mobile platform 510 that is coupleable to a heavy equipment vehicle 502 via a vehicle interface 560. The vehicle 502 and the vehicle interface 560 may be substantially similar to the vehicle 102, 202, 302, 402 and the vehicle interface 160, 360, 460, respectively, as previously described herein. The mobile platform 510 includes, supports, and/or is coupled to at least one storage module 520 including a number of hydrogen tanks 522, one or more compressors 534 (or heater(s) and/or pressure regulator(s) in implementations in which liquid hydrogen is used), and a refueling interface 540. The storage module 520, compressors 534, and the refueling interface 540 may be substantially similar to the storage module 320, 420, the compressors 334, 434, and the refueling interfaces 340, 440, respectively, as described with respect to the system 300, 400 and therefore, not described in further detail herein. Moreover, although not shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle 502 can include a power module similar to or substantially the same as the power module described above with reference to the system 300.

[0172] The mobile platform 510 includes an enclosure 515. Similar to the enclosure 415, the enclosure 515 can be any suitable structure configured to enclose, house, cover, etc. one or more component, module, and/or interface of the mobile platform 510. However, different from the mobile platform 410, each of the storage module 520, the compressors 434, and the refueling interface 540 are disposed within the enclosure 515. As such, the enclosure 515 can, for example, enclose and/or protect each of the storage module 520, the compressors 534, and the refueling interface 540 from an environment external to the enclosure 515. In some embodiments, the enclosure 515 can be insulated or at least partially insulated, which in turn, can insulate the compressors 534 and the refueling interface 540 disposed therewithin, thus allowing the mobile platform 510 to be operated in any geographical environment (e.g., a temperate environment, a hot or cold environment, a desert environment, a tundra environment, a dry environment, or a wet environment).

[0173] For example, in some implementations, at least a portion of the refueling interface 540 may be accessible through the enclosure 515 to allow the refueling interface 540 to be interfaced with a refueling infrastructure and/or a hydrogen powerplant, as previously described. In some implementations, the enclosure 515 may include one or more openings (e.g., a door, windows, apertures, etc.) through which fluidic couplings, fluid or gas transport lines, tubes, nozzles, etc. may be accessible to allow interfacing with the refueling infrastructure and/or the hydrogen powerplant.

[0174] FIG. 6A is a side view illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 600 (“system”), according to an embodiment. The system 600 is configured for maximum storage of hydrogen, for example, to provide onsite refueling to other mobile hydrogen fueling systems (e.g., the systems 100, 300, 400, 500) in the field. As shown in FIG. 6A, the system 600 includes a vehicle 602 coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to a mobile platform 610 via a vehicle interface 660. The vehicle 602 and the vehicle interface 660 may be substantially similar to the vehicle 102, 202, 302, 402, or 502, and the vehicle interface 160, 360, 460, 560, respectively, as previously described herein.

[0175] The mobile platform 610 includes a storage module 620 including a set of hydrogen tanks 622 that may be configured to store gaseous or liquid hydrogen. However, different from the mobile platforms 310, 410, and 510, the mobile platform 610 is configured primarily for hydrogen storage such that a substantial area of the mobile platform 610 is occupied by the storage module 620, as described above with reference to the second mobile platform 110A shown in FIG. ID. The storage module 620 can include any number of storage modules 620. The storage module 620 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration, for example, have a substantially rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the storage module 620 can include and/or can be formed of a number of frame structures, as shown in FIG. 6A. In other embodiments, the storage module 620 can be a single integrated frame structure or the like configured to store any number of the hydrogen tanks 622. Said another way, the mobile platform 610 can be coupled to and/or can include a single storage module 620 configured to store a number of the hydrogen tank(s) 622 or can be coupled to and/or can include multiple storage modules 620, each of which store a number of hydrogen tank(s) 622. In embodiments with multiple storage modules 620, the frames, structures, etc. of each module 620 can be similar or can be varied. In some embodiments, the storage modules 620 can include an open frame structure or the like designed to contain and/or immobilize the hydrogen tanks 622, as shown in FIG. 6A. In other embodiments, the storage modules 620 can include a closed structure similar to and/or substantially the same as, for example, an intermodal container and/or the like. In such embodiments, the storage modules 620 can enclose the hydrogen tanks 622 to, for example, protect the hydrogen tanks 622 from conditions outside of the intermodal container (e.g., weather, sunlight, potential debris, etc.). Such an embodiment is shown, for example, in FIG. 6B and described below.

[0176] As described herein, the storage module 620 of the mobile platform 610 spans a substantial area of the mobile platform 610 and includes a substantially larger number of hydrogen tanks 622 than the number of hydrogen tanks 522 included in the storage module 520 of the mobile platform 510. For example, the storage module 620 may include 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 7x, 8x, 9x, lOx, or higher multiple of hydrogen tanks 622 relative to the hydrogen tanks 322, 422, 522 included in the storage module 320, 420, 520 of the mobile platforms 310, 410, 510, respectively. In this manner, the storage module 620 may provide 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 7x, 8x, 9x, lOx, or more hydrogen storage capacity relative to the storage modules 320, 420, and/or 520. For example, the amount of hydrogen stored by the hydrogen tanks 622 may be much greater than an amount of hydrogen stored by some known high-capacity hydrogen tank (or “tube”) trailers, for example, at least about 2,000 kg of hydrogen. In some implementations, the storage module 620 of the mobile platform 610 can contain at least about 10,000 kg of hydrogen (e.g., 12,000 kg, 14,000 kg, 16,000 kg, 18,000 kg, 20,000 kg, 25,000 kg, inclusive, or more), as described above with reference to the storage module 120 A. The hydrogen may be stored in gaseous or liquid form, as previously described herein.

[0177] In some implementations, such a storage capacity can be based at least in part on, for example, a number of hydrogen tanks 622 stored in the storage module 620, a size or storage capacity of the hydrogen tank(s) 622, and/or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the storage module 620 may include a single module (e.g., a single high-capacity tube trailer) that contains, houses, or stores at least one hydrogen tank (e.g., a high-capacity liquid hydrogen tank). For example, while storage module 620 is shown as storing the multiple hydrogen tanks 622 (e.g., relatively smaller gaseous or liquid hydrogen tanks), in some implementations, the storage module 620 can store, protect, at least partially enclose, and/or otherwise provide structure supporting, a single relatively large or high-capacity hydrogen tank (e.g., such as a high-capacity liquid hydrogen tank). In some implementations, the storage module 620 may include multiple submodules that are coupled, linked, or stacked together. For example, the submodules may include high-capacity tube trailers (e.g., 20 ft trailers or 40 ft trailers, or the like). In some implementations, any combination of smaller or larger storage submodules may be included in the storage module 620.

[0178] As described above, in some embodiments, the storage module 620 can be and/or can have a modular configuration allowing the storage module 620 to removably couple to the mobile platform 610. In some instances, such an arrangement can allow the storage module 620 to be replaced, for example, when the hydrogen tanks 622 are running low or drop below a threshold quantity, pressure, etc. In some implementations, the mobile platform 610 can provide an indication of the amount, pressure, and/or fill level of the hydrogen tanks 622 in the storage module 620. In some implementations, the replacement of the storage module 620 (e.g., replacing an empty or nearly empty module with a full module) can be performed in an autonomous or at least semi-autonomous process.

[0179] While not shown, the mobile platform 610 may also include a refueling interface (e.g., the refueling interface 140, 340, 440, 540) that is configured to selectively communicate the hydrogen stored in the storage module 620 to storage modules of other mobile hydrogen refueling systems (e.g., the systems 100, 300, 400, 500). In some embodiments, a pressure of the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tanks 622 of the storage module 620 may be higher than a pressure of the hydrogen tanks of storage modules of systems to which the hydrogen is being delivered. In such implementations, when the refueling interface is coupled to a storage module of a system being refueled, and the refueling interface is activated, the higher pressure of the hydrogen tanks 622 may result in the hydrogen being communicated from the hydrogen tanks 622 to the hydrogen tanks of the system being refueled via the refueling interface along the pressure gradient. In some embodiments, the refueling interface may include pumps, compressors, or electrically activated sensors, actuators, etc. that may be powered by electrical power provided by a power module, for example, a power module included in the vehicle 602. In some implementations in which liquid hydrogen is used, the mobile platform 610 may include a heater(s) (e.g., the heater(s)134b) and/or a pressure regulator (e.g., the pressure regulator(s) 136b) to generate gaseous hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen and provide gaseous hydrogen at a desired pressure to the refueling interface.

[0180] While described as including a refueling interface configured to selectively communicate hydrogen (gaseous or liquid) from the hydrogen tank(s) 622 to storage modules of other mobile hydrogen refueling systems, in some implementations, the system 600 can be used to communicate hydrogen (gaseous or liquid) to any permanent, semi-permanent, and/or mobile refueling infrastructure. In some implementations, such an infrastructure can be, for example, a fluid movement assembly configured to move, communicate, convey, and/or transfer hydrogen from the mobile platform 610 to any equipment, vehicle, storage facility, and/or the like. In some implementations, such a fluid movement assembly can provide any suitable infrastructure, equipment, module(s), and/or the like that allow the fluid movement assembly to receive hydrogen (gaseous or liquid) from the hydrogen tank(s) 622 of the mobile platform 610 and allow the fluid movement assembly to convey hydrogen (gaseous or liquid) to any equipment, vehicle, asset, storage structure, etc. configured to receive hydrogen. For example, the mobile platform 610 can be movable around a mining worksite and/or the like and can be at least temporarily parked, docked, or positioned at a desired refueling location including a permanent, semi-permanent, and/or mobile refueling infrastructure; fluid communication can be established between the hydrogen tank(s) 622 of the mobile platform 610 and the refueling infrastructure; and hydrogen can be transferred via the refueling infrastructure from the hydrogen tanks(s) 622 of the mobile platform 610 to a hydrogen tank or storage of a mining vehicle or asset (e.g., a mining haul truck) for which refueling is sought (e.g., the vehicle or asset traveled to a refueling location or the like for at least the purpose of receiving fuel).

[0181] FIG. 6B is a side view illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 600’ (“system”), according to an embodiment. The system 600’ can be substantially similar to system 600 described above with reference to FIG. 6A. For example, the system 600’ can include a vehicle 602’ coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to a mobile platform 610’ via a vehicle interface 660’. The vehicle 602’ and the vehicle interface 660’ may be substantially similar to the vehicle 602 and the vehicle interface 660, respectively, as described above with reference to FIG. 6A. The mobile platform 610’ can include a storage module 620’ configured to store any suitable number of hydrogen tanks (not shown), for example, hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen tanks. In this embodiment, the storage module(s) 620’ enclose the hydrogen tanks to, for example, protect the hydrogen tanks from outside conditions (e.g., weather, sunlight, potential debris, etc.).

[0182] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustration of a mobile hydrogen refueling system 700, according to an embodiment. The mobile hydrogen refueling system 700 (“system”) can be any suitable system configured to store and distribute a quantity of hydrogen fuel that meets a demand of large-scale industries such as, for example, the mining industry, the rail industry, the shipping/cargo industry, the aerospace industry, the large-scale fabrication industry, and/or the like. In addition, the system 700 is mobile allowing it to be moved between sites (e.g., mining sites) and/or work areas at a given site (e.g., different work areas at a mining site). In some embodiments, the system 700 can be designed for operation in rough, uneven, unpaved, and/or steep environments such as those encountered at mining sites or other heavy industrial work sites (e.g., the system 100 can be “ruggedized”). In some embodiments, the system 700 can be a modular and/or can include components that are modular, allowing components to be loaded, unloaded, serviced, replaced, etc. as needed or desired. In some implementations, the system 100 and/or one or more components thereof can be configured for autonomous or at least semi-autonomous operation.

[0183] The system 700 is configured to store, transport, and/or distribute a flow of hydrogen gas to one or more refueling infrastructures and/or one or more hydrogen powerplants, as previously described. As shown, the system 700 includes a mobile platform 710 that is coupleable to a heavy equipment vehicle (e.g., the vehicle 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602) via a vehicle interface 760. The vehicle interface 760 may be substantially similar to the vehicle interface 160, 360, 460, 560, 660, as previously described herein.

[0184] The mobile platform 710 includes, supports, and/or is coupled to a storage module 720, a set of compressors 734, a set of chillers 736, a refueling interface 740, and at least one power module 750. In other implementations in which liquid hydrogen is used, the mobile platform 710 can include, supports, and/or can be coupled to heater(s) and/or pressure regulator(s) instead of the set of compressors 734 and the set of chillers 736. The storage module 720 can be configured to store any number of hydrogen tanks 722 (e.g., tanks, tubes, canisters, etc.). While not shown, the mobile platform 710 may also include one or more manifolds that couple the storage module 720 to the compressors 734 and/or the chillers 736. The one or more manifolds may allow the compressors 734 to interface with the storage module 720. The one or more manifolds may be substantially similar to the manifold 132 or 132b described with respect to the mobile platform 110 or 110b, respectively, and not described in further detail herein.

[0185] The compressors 734 are configured to produce a flow of high-pressure hydrogen, which in turn, can be cooled by the chillers 736. As such, mobile platform 710 selectively can provide a flow of cooled, high-pressure hydrogen for distribution via the refueling interface 740. In some implementations, the refueling interface 740 can be configured to engage a refueling infrastructure (e.g., the refueling infrastructure 105) found, for example, at an operation site such as, for example, a mining site. In addition or as an alternative, the refueling interface 740 can be configured to engage a refueling interface corresponding to a hydrogen powerplant (e.g., the hydrogen powerplant 106) such as, for example, hydrogen fuel cells of a hydrogen powerplant included in a mining truck or other equipment.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 7, the mobile platform 710 has a shape, size, and/or configuration that exceeds one or more constraints associated with roadway travel. As such, the mobile platform 710 is suitable for large-scale applications, where such size constraints are not encountered. In some embodiments, the mobile platform 710 includes a trailer that can be coupled to a vehicle (e.g., the vehicle 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, or 602) via a vehicle interface 760. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the mobile platform 710 includes a set of wheels 711 that are coupled to a platform, bed, etc., which in turn, supports the modules, components, and/or the like coupled thereto.

[0187] The vehicle interface 760 can be and/or can include, for example, a gooseneck hitch or connection (as shown in FIG. 7), and/or other heavy-duty connection. The vehicle interface 760 may be substantially similar to the vehicle interface 160, 360, 460, 560, 660, or any other vehicle interface described herein. As such, the vehicle interface 760 can include any suitable component and/or can have any suitable configuration that allows the mobile platform 710 to interface and/or couple to the vehicle. In some implementations, the vehicle interface 760 can be a physical interface as well as any other suitable interface such as an electrical and/or electronic interface. For example, such a vehicle interface 760 can provide an electric interface allowing electric power to be transferred between the vehicle and the mobile platform 710. In other implementations, the vehicle interface 760 can be a platform, bed, and/or structure that is mounted to the chassis or other portion of the vehicle (e.g., the mobile platform 710 is integrated with the vehicle), as previously described herein. [0188] Although not shown in FIG. 7, the mobile platform 710 can include one or more features and/or structures that allow a modular arrangement and/or coupling between the mobile platform 710 and the storage module 720, the compressors 734, the chillers 736 (or alternatively, the heater(s) and/or the pressure regulator(s) instead of the compressors 734 and the chillers 736 in implementations in which the mobile platform 710 store liquid hydrogen in the storage module 720), the power module 750, and/or any other suitable component. For example, the mobile platform 710 may include rails, tracks, couplers, connectors, interfaces, etc. that are designed to removably engage one or more of the components and/or modules. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 710 can allow any of the modules and/or components to be loaded, unloaded, serviced, replaced, etc. as needed or desired. In some implementations, the modular arrangement of the mobile platform 710 can allow for “hot swapping” of any of the modules and/or components (e.g., an exchange of modules without necessarily interrupting the operation of other modules).

[0189] The mobile platform 710 may have a modular arrangement allowing the mobile platform 710 to be configured with specific components and/or modules based at least in part on the conditions at a deployment/work site. For example, the mobile platform 710 may be configured to be deployed in a hot, desert environment may include components and/or modules such as extra chillers or the like that may not be desirable for a mobile platform 710 configured for deployment in a cold, artic or tundra environment. While not shown, in some embodiments, the mobile platform 710 can further include an enclosure (e.g., similar to the enclosures 115, 415, and/or 515), that can cover or enclose at least some of the modules included in the mobile platform 710, as previously described.

[0190] The mobile platform 710 can include any number of storage modules 720 that can be configured to store hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen. While FIG. 7 shows the storage module 720 as being rectangular in shape and including a single integrated frame structure configured to store a number of hydrogen tanks, in other embodiments, the storage module 720 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. In other embodiments, the storage module 720 can include and/or can be formed of a number of frame structures. Said another way, the mobile platform 710 can be coupled to and/or can include a single storage module 720 configured to store a number of the hydrogen tanks 722 or can be coupled to and/or can include multiple storage modules 720, each of which store a number of hydrogen tanks 722. In embodiments with multiple storage modules 720, the frames, structures, etc. of each module 720 can be similar or can be varied. While shown as including an open frame structure, in other embodiments, the storage module 720 can include a closed structure similar to and/or substantially the same as, for example, an intermodal container and/or the like. In such embodiments, the storage modules 720 can enclose the hydrogen tanks 722 to, for example, protect the hydrogen tanks 722 from conditions outside of the intermodal container (e.g., weather, sunlight, potential debris, etc.).

[0191] The storage module 720 can be configured to store and/or contain any number of hydrogen tanks 722. The hydrogen tanks 722 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. The hydrogen tanks 722 may be substantially similar to the hydrogen tanks 122, 322, 422, 522, or 622, and therefore, not described in further detail herein. The storage capacity of the storage module 720 can be based at least in part on, for example, a number of hydrogen tanks 722 stored, a size or storage capacity of the hydrogen tanks 722, and/or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the storage module 720 may include a single module (e.g., a single high-capacity tube trailer) that contains, houses, or stores each of the hydrogen tanks 722. In some implementations, the storage module 720 may include multiple submodules that are coupled, linked, or stacked together. For example, the submodules may include high- capacity tube trailers (e.g., 20 ft trailers or 40 ft trailers). In some implementations, any combination of smaller or larger storage submodules may be included in the storage module 720. In certain implementations, the submodules may include 20 ft or 40 ft trailers that may include smaller subassemblies (e.g., racks, shelves, housings, etc.), each of which store a set of the hydrogen tanks 722.

[0192] As described above, in some embodiments, the storage module 720 can be and/or can have a modular configuration allowing the storage module 720 to removably couple to the mobile platform 710. In some instances, such an arrangement can allow the storage module 720 to be replaced, for example, when the hydrogen tanks 722 are running low or drop below a threshold quantity, pressure, etc. In some implementations, the mobile platform 710 can provide an indication of the amount, pressure, and/or fill level of the hydrogen tanks 722 in the storage module 720. In some implementations, the replacement of the storage module 720 (e.g., replacing an empty or nearly empty module with a full module) can be performed in an autonomous or at least semi-autonomous process.

[0193] The mobile platform 710 can include any number of compressors 734. The compressor(s) 734 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. As described above with reference to the mobile platform 110 shown in FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, the compressors 734 can be included in a compression module (e.g., the compression module 133) or similar module or assembly. In some embodiments, the compressors 734 can be similar to and/or substantially the same as some known compressors (e.g., diaphragm compressors, rotary compressors, and/or the like) configured to compress or pressurize the hydrogen received from the hydrogen tanks 722. In some implementations, each of the compressors 734 may be configured to pressurize the hydrogen to the same pressure. In some implementations, one or more of the compressors 734 may be configured to pressurize the hydrogen gas to different pressures, for example, corresponding to various inlet hydrogen pressure demands for various hydrogen powerplants, as described above with reference to the compressors 134.

[0194] In some embodiments, the compressors 734 can be, for example, a high-pressure compressor configured to receive an input flow of a pressurized gas and to provide an output flow of compressed/high-pressure gas at a higher pressure than the input flow of gas. In some implementations, for example, the compressors 734 can receive a flow of hydrogen gas having a pressure between about 200 bar and 400 bar and can output a flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas (or liquid hydrogen) having a pressure between about 400 bar and 1,000 bar.

[0195] The compressors 734 may be configured to provide an output flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas to one or more components, modules, interfaces, etc. of the mobile platform 710 such as, for example, one or more chillers 736 and/or the refueling interface 740. In some instances, a high-pressure flow of hydrogen may be desirable as it can be used to produce a flow of hydrogen having a relatively high mass flow rate (e.g., about 4 kg/min or compressed hydrogen gas), which in turn, can reduce refueling times and increase utilization of the equipment having the hydrogen powerplant (e.g., the hydrogen powerplant 106 described above). As such, the compressor(s) 734 can be substantially similar to the compressors 134 and/or 334 described in detail above. In some implementations, the hydrogen tanks 722 may be configured to store liquid hydrogen. In such implementation, the mobile platform 710 may include heater(s) and/or pressure regulator(s) (e.g., the heater(s) 134b and the pressure regulator(s) 136b) instead of the compressors 734 and/or the one or more chillers 736, and that may be configured to generate gaseous hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen and produce a flow of hydrogen gas having the relatively high volumetric or mass flow rate and/or pressure, as described herein.

[0196] The mobile platform 710 can include any number of chillers 736. The chillers 736 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. In some embodiments, the chillers 736 can be similar to and/or substantially the same as some known chillers configured to cool a flow of fluid or gas. For example, in some embodiments, the chillers 736 can include a pump configured to transport a heat transfer fluid such as a refrigerant (e.g., R-22, R-290, R-134a, R- 450A, etc.) between a location where the heat transfer fluid is in thermal contact with the hydrogen received from the compressors 734 and a heat sink (e.g., a radiator) so as to remove heat from the hydrogen.

[0197] The chillers 736 may be configured to receive a flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas having a first temperature from the compressors 734 (or a manifold therebetween), and to deliver to the refueling interface 740 a flow of high-pressure hydrogen having a second temperature lower than the first temperature. In some instances, the chillers 736 can provide a flow of cooled high-pressure hydrogen to, for example, the refueling interface 740 and/or the power module 750. For example, the power module 750 can include a hydrogen powerplant and the chiller 736 can provide a flow of hydrogen that can refuel the power module 750 providing electric power to the mobile platform 710 (e.g., a self-contained, self-powered system). In some embodiments, the chiller 736 can be, for example, a gas chiller configured to receive an input flow of a pressurized gas, to cool the high-pressure gas substantially without changing a pressure thereof (e.g., an isobaric process), and to provide an output flow of cold, high-pressure gas at a lower temperature than a temperature of the input flow of gas.

[0198] By way of example, the chiller(s) 736 can receive from the compressor(s) 734 a flow of hydrogen gas having a pressure between about 200 bar and 400 bar and a temperature between about 0°C and -80°C. The chiller 736 can cool the flow hydrogen gas and can provide to the refueling interface 740 an output flow of cooled, high-pressure hydrogen gas having a pressure between about 400 bar and 1,000 bar and a temperature between about 0°C and -80°C. In some embodiments, the chiller 736 can be selected, designed, adjusted, and/or configured to provide to the refueling interface 740 (or the power module 750) a flow of hydrogen gas having any suitable pressure and/or temperature.

[0199] The mobile platform 710 can include one or more refueling interfaces 740. The refueling interface(s) 740 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. In some implementations, the refueling interface 740 can include one or more couplers, manifolds, hoses, nozzles, regulators, etc. configured to allow the refueling interface 740 to engage at least one of a refueling infrastructure or a refueling interface of the hydrogen powerplant and to transfer a flow of hydrogen gas thereto. In some implementations, the refueling interface 740 can include any suitable component configured to allow a flow of hydrogen gas having a high volumetric and/or mass flow rate suitable for transferring relatively large volumes of hydrogen gas to storage tanks or the like associated with at least one of the refueling infrastructure and/or the hydrogen powerplant being refueled. In some implementations, the refueling interface 740 can be configured to provide a flow of hydrogen gas to the power module 750.

[0200] The mobile platform 710 can include any number of power modules 750. The power modules 750 can be any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration. In some embodiments, the power modules 750 can have a modular configuration and/or the like allowing one or more power modules 750 to be handled relative to the mobile platform 710 independently. For example, in implementations including multiple power modules, if one power module 750 requires maintenance, service, and/or replacement, such an arrangement can allow that power module 750 to be replaced substantially without impacting the operation of other power modules 750 or other modules of the mobile platform 710. As shown in FIG. 7, the power module 750 is disposed on an elevated platform 752 that is axially displaced from the mobile platform 710. In other embodiments, the power module 750 may be disposed at any suitable location on the mobile platform 710, for example, adjacent to the storage module 720, the compressors 734, the chillers 736, and/or the refueling interface 740.

[0201] In some embodiments, the power module 750 can be and/or can include, for example, one or more hydrogen powerplants and can be configured to receive a flow of hydrogen gas/fuel directly from the chillers 736 (or via a manifold or interface therebetween). In some implementations, the power module 750 can include a hydrogen tank similar to and/or substantially the same as one or more of the hydrogen tanks 722 included in the storage module 720. As such, the hydrogen tank can receive a flow of hydrogen gas/fuel from the chillers 736, the refueling interface 740, and/or the like and, in turn, can supply the power module 750 with the hydrogen gas/fuel. In some implementations, the power module 750 can receive a flow of hydrogen directly from one or more hydrogen tanks 722 in the storage module (or via a manifold or interface therebetween). In other embodiments, the power module 750 can be any suitable power generator other than a hydrogen powerplant.

[0202] The power module 750 is configured to provide electric power to at least the compressors 734 and chillers 736 (or alternatively, a heater(s) and/or pressure regulator(s)). In some implementations, the power module 750 can also provide electric power to the storage module 720, the refueling interface 740, the vehicle interface 760, and/or any other component, module, system, and/or the like. For example, in some implementations, a mobile platform 710 can be operated at a refueling location or the like at an industrial work site such as a mining site or the like. In some such implementations, the power module 750 can provide a flow of electric power operable to power one or more components of the refueling location (e.g., a lighting system, a refueling infrastructure, and/or any other components).

[0203] In some implementations, the power module 750 can provide a flow of electric power to the vehicle via the vehicle interface 760. For example, in some implementations, the power module 750 can output a flow of electric power operable to electrically power one or more electric and/or electronic components of the vehicle interface 760. In addition or alternatively, the power module 750 can provide a flow of electric power to a vehicle that may be coupled to the mobile platform 710 (e.g., via the vehicle interface 760) operable to electrically power the vehicle. That is to say, in some implementations, the vehicle coupled to the mobile platform 710 can be electrically powered by the power module 750 of the mobile platform 710.

[0204] FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic illustrations of an industrial worksite 801 (“worksite”) and a refueling location 803 at the work site, respectively, according to an embodiment. In this example, the worksite 801 includes, operates, and/or implements a first mobile hydrogen refueling platform (“first platform”) 810A and, optionally, a second mobile hydrogen refueling platform 810B (“second platform”). In some embodiments, the worksite 801 may be and/or may include a mining site, for example, quartz, gravel, mica, gold, silver, uranium, copper, iron ore, coal, or any other suitable mining site. The mining worksite 801 includes multiple active work locations and multiple refueling locations. A number of hydrogen-powered mining vehicles may be present on or at the mining worksite 801, with each mining vehicle being operated in part at one or more work locations.

[0205] For example, as seen in FIG. 8 the industrial worksite 801 includes a first mining vehicle 806A operating at a first active work location 802A, a second mining vehicle 806B operating at a second active work location 802B, and a third mining vehicle 806C operating at a third active work location 802C (collectively referred to as “mining vehicles 806” and “active work locations 802,” respectively). The active work locations 802 may correspond to specific locations within the industrial worksite 801 where work (e.g., mining, excavation, loading/unloading, hauling, etc.) is being actively performed. Such locations may include, for example, an in-pit loading area, overburden dumping area, ore processing area and/or stockpile(s), and/or the like. While three active work locations 802 are shown in FIG. 8, it should be understood that the worksite 801 can include any number of active work locations 802 (e.g., four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, fifteen, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, or more). [0206] Each of the mining vehicles 806 may be involved in performing mining operations at the respective work locations 802. For example, in some implementations, the mining vehicles 806 may be, for example, mining haul trucks configured to be loaded/unloaded at a work location 802 as well as to transport material between one or more active work locations 802 and/or any other location on or off the worksite 801. In some implementations, one or more of the mining vehicles 806 may be a mining haul truck, a hydraulic mining shovel, a large dozer, an electric rope shovel, a rotary drill rig, a rock rig, a motor grader, a large wheel loader, one or more draglines, a wheel tractor scraper, an underground or above ground mining loader, or any other suitable mining vehicle described herein that includes a hydrogen powerplant.

[0207] As shown in FIG. 8, the mining worksite 801 includes a first refueling location (“refueling location 1”) 803 A, a second refueling location (“refueling location 2”) 803B, and a third refueling location 803C (“refueling location 3”), which are collectively referred to herein as “refueling locations 803”. Each of the refueling locations 803A, 803B, 803C includes a refueling infrastructure 805A, 805B, 805C (collectively “805”) configured to engage and/or interface with a hydrogen powerplant (e.g., the hydrogen powerplant 106 described above with reference to FIG. 1A) that may be included in the mining vehicles 806. In some implementations, the refueling infrastructure 805 can include one or more storage tanks or the like configured to receive, at least store, and provide hydrogen gas. In other implementations, the refueling infrastructure 805 can be one or more components allowing engagement between a refueling interface between a hydrogen source (e.g., the mobile platform 810A or the like) and a refueling interface of one or more hydrogen powerplants included in the mining vehicle 806. In addition, each of the refueling locations 803 may optionally include a lighting system 804A, 804B, 804C (collectively “804”) for providing lighting to the refueling location 803. The lighting systems 804 may include LED lights, fluorescent lights, halogen lights, incandescent lights, or any other suitable lights to illuminate the refueling location 803 and/or a surrounding area so as to allow worker visibility, and/or allow 24-hour operation by illuminating the refueling locations 803 during nighttime or if the refueling location 803 is underground or otherwise poorly lit.

[0208] In some implementations, each refueling location 803 may be within a predetermined distance from a respective active work location 802. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the first refueling location 803 A is located proximate to the first active work location 802A, the second refueling location 803B is located proximate to the second active work location 802B, and the third refueling location 803 C is located proximate to the third active work location 802C. In some implementations, the locations of the refueling locations 803 relative to the active work locations 802 is selected and/or configured to increase or substantially maximize utilization of the mining vehicles 806. In some implementations, the refueling locations 803 can be, for example, at least semi-permanent structures that can remain in a desired position as long as work is performed at the corresponding active work location 802. In other implementations, the refueling locations 803 may be mobile and/or movable structures that can be readily moved to desired locations at the worksite 801.

[0209] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the worksite 801 includes, uses, and/or implements the first mobile hydrogen refueling platform 810A and optionally, a second mobile hydrogen refueling platform 810B. As described above with reference to the mobile platforms 110, 310, 410, 510, 610, and/or 710, the mobile refueling platforms 810A and/or 810B may designed and/or configured for use at the mining worksite 801. For example, the mobile platforms 810A and/or 810B may have a size that exceeds at least one constraint associated with traveling on a highway. In addition, the mobile platforms 810A and/or 810B may be designed for operation in rough, uneven, unpaved, and/or steep environments such as those encountered at mining sites or other heavy industrial work sites (e.g., the mobile platforms 810A and/or 810B can be “ruggedized”). For example, the mobile platforms 810A and/or 810B may be integrated into and/or at least temporarily coupled to a mining haul truck (e.g., corresponding to any of the vehicles 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, and/or 602, and/or any other vehicle described herein). In some instances, the mining haul truck can be operable to move at least the mobile platform 810A on, at, and/or along the worksite 801 such as, for example, to, from, or between the refueling locations 803A, 803B, and 803C, as indicated by thick arrows shown in FIG. 8. In some instances, the second mobile platform 810B may also be movable around the worksite 801, for example, to refuel the first mobile platform 810A, as described in further detail herein.

[0210] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a refueling location 803 (e.g., the first refueling location 803 A, the second refueling location 803B, or the third refueling location 803C). The first mobile platform 810A is shown at and/or engaged with the refueling location 803 to provide a flow of hydrogen to a mining vehicle 806 (e.g., the first mining vehicle 806A, the second mining vehicle 806B, or the third mining vehicle 806C) also at the refueling location 803 and at least temporarily coupled to and/or engaged with the refueling infrastructure 805 thereof. As shown, the mobile platform 810A can include any number of components, modules, interfaces, etc., such as any of those previously described herein. For example, the mobile platform 810A may include at least a storage module 820 A, a compression/transfer module 833A, and a refueling interface 840A, and a power module 850A.

[0211] The power module 850A of the mobile platform 810A may include a hydrogen powerplant configured to provide electric power to the mining haul truck (e.g., the vehicle 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, and/or 602) coupled to the mobile platform 810A. In some implementations, the power module 850A may include one or more hydrogen tanks, and may be configured to receive a flow of hydrogen from the refueling interface 840 A or directly from the compression/transfer module 833 A and/or the storage module 820A. As described in detail above, the power module 850A may be included in and/or disposed on the mobile platform 810A (e.g., the trailer or other support structure of the mobile platform 810A) or, in addition or as an alternative, may be a power module included in the mining haul truck to which the mobile platform 810A is coupled (e.g., the power module 850A can be a hydrogen powerplant similar to and/or substantially the same as the hydrogen powerplants included in the mining vehicles 806. In some embodiments, the power module 850A may be similar to and/or substantially the same as the power modules 150, 150A, and/or 750, and/or any other power module described herein. As such, the power module 850A can generate electrical power operable to power the mobile platform 810A and/or the mining haul truck used to move the mobile platform 810A.

[0212] The storage module 820A is configured to store, contain, or house a plurality of hydrogen tanks (e.g., configured to store hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen) having a combined capacity greater than, for example, the hydrogen consumption of at least two mining vehicles 806 within a 24-hour period (e.g., up to 10,000 kg of hydrogen or more at a pressure between about 200 bar and about 400 bar, inclusive). For example, in some implementations, the storage module 820A may be similar to or substantially the same as the storage modules 120, 320, 420, 520, 620, and/or 720 described in detail above.

[0213] The compression/transfer module 833A may be configured to receive a flow of hydrogen from one or more of hydrogen tanks included in the storage module 820A, for example, via a manifold (e.g., the manifold 132) and to provide a flow of hydrogen to the refueling interface 840A. In some implementations in which the storage module 820A stores gaseous hydrogen, the compression/transfer module 833A can be and/or can include a compression module similar to or substantially the same as, for example, the compression module 133. In such implementations, the compression module can convey to the refueling interface 840A a flow of high-pressure hydrogen having a pressure, for example, between about 400 bar and about 1,000 bar, inclusive. In some implementations, the compression module may include at least a compressor (e.g., the compressor 134, 734) and a chiller (e.g., the chiller 136, 736) fluidically coupled between the compressor and the refueling interface 840 A. The compressor may be configured to compress the flow of hydrogen and to provide the flow of high-pressure hydrogen to the refueling interface 840A after the flow of high-pressure hydrogen has been cooled by the chiller. Each of the compressors and the chillers may be powered by the power module 850A. In some implementations, the flow of high-pressure hydrogen provided to the refueling interface 840A from the compression module is a first flow of high-pressure hydrogen, and the power module 850A may be configured to receive a second flow of high-pressure hydrogen from the compression module after the second flow is cooled by the chiller. Thus, the compression module may be configured to provide, for example, high pressure, cooled hydrogen to the refueling interface 840A and/or the power module 850A.

[0214] In some implementations in which the storage module 820A stores liquid hydrogen, the compression/transfer module 833A can be and/or can include a transfer module similar to or substantially the same as, for example, the transfer module 133b and/or 133e. For example, such a transfer module can include one or more heater(s), vaporizer(s), pump(s), and/or pressure regulator(s) (e.g., the heater 134b, and the vaporizers 134el and 134e2, the pressure regulator 136b or 136e).

[0215] As shown in FIG. 9, the refueling interface 840A can include any suitable components, connectors, valves, hoses, tubes, pipes, pumps, etc. to allow the refueling interface 840A to engage, couple to, and/or interface with the refueling infrastructure 805. In some embodiments, the refueling interface 840A may be similar to or substantially the same as the refueling interface 140, 340, 440, 540, and/or 740, and/or any other suitable refueling interface described herein. As such, the refueling interface 840A may be configured to convey a flow of hydrogen from the mobile platform 810A (e.g., the storage module 820A of the mobile platform 810A) to the refueling infrastructure 805 at the refueling location 803 when a mining vehicle 806 is present at the refueling location and coupled to and/or otherwise engaged with the refueling infrastructure 805. The flow of hydrogen may selectively have a second pressure greater than the first pressure, as previously described. In some implementations, the second pressure may be between 400 bar and 1,000 bar, inclusive. In some implementations, the refueling interface 840 A may be configured to convey the second flow of hydrogen from the compression/transfer module 833 A to the refueling infrastructure 805 with a mass flow rate of at least 4 kg/min. [0216] Referring back to FIG. 8, the second mobile platform 81 OB may be coupled to a mining haul truck (e.g., the vehicle 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, and/or 602) operable to move the second mobile platform 810B on, along, and/or around the worksite 801. The second mobile platform 810B includes at least a storage module 820B that is configured to maximize storage. For example, second mobile platform 810B can be similar to the first mobile platform 810A but can be configured to maximize an amount of hydrogen storage. In some embodiments, for example, the storage module 820B may be configured to store 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 7x, 8x, 9x, lOx, or more of the amount of hydrogen that is or can be stored by the storage module 820A of the first mobile platform 810A. In some implementations, the mobile platform 810B may be substantially similar to the mobile platform 110A or 610 as previously described in detail herein.

[0217] As shown in FIG. 8, the second mobile platform 810B may be movable to or from at least one refueling location 803 (e.g., the first refueling location 803 A, the second refueling location 803B, and/or the third refueling location 803C) to provide hydrogen to the first mobile platform 810A. Although not shown, the second mobile platform 810B may also include a refueling interface (e.g., the refueling interface 140, 340, 440, 540, and/or 740) that is configured to engage and/or interface with a portion of the first mobile platform 810A to allow a transfer of hydrogen from the storage module 820B of the second mobile platform 810B to at least one hydrogen tank in the storage module 820 A of the first mobile platform 810A. In this manner, while the first mobile platform 810A is used to refuel the mining vehicles 806 at a corresponding refueling location 803, the second mobile platform 810B can be used to refuel the hydrogen tanks of the storage module 820 A of the first mobile platform 810A. In some implementations, the refueling of the storage module 820 A of the first mobile platform 810A by the second mobile platform 810B may also be performed at one of the refueling locations 803. In other implementations, the refueling of the storage module 820A of the first mobile platform 810A can be performed at any suitable location of the worksite 801 or can be performed at a location off or outside of the worksite 801.

[0218] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method 10 of using a mobile hydrogen refueling system according to an embodiment. The mobile hydrogen refueling system can be similar to or substantially the same as, for example, the systems 100, 100b, lOOe, 300, 400, 500, 600, and/or 700 described in detail above. While described with respect to the system 100 and 100b, it should be appreciated that the operations of the method 10 may be performed with any of the mobile hydrogen refueling systems described herein, or any other suitable mobile hydrogen refueling systems.

[0219] The method 10 includes loading a storage module including any number of hydrogen tanks on a mobile hydrogen refueling system, at 11. The mobile hydrogen refueling platform has a size that exceeds at least one constraint associated with traveling on a highway. For example, the storage module 120 storing, containing, or housing the set of hydrogen tanks 122 is loaded on the mobile platform 110. The mobile platform 110 is coupled to a heavy equipment vehicle 102 (e.g., a mining truck) that is operable to move the mobile platform to or from the at least one refueling location (e.g., the refueling locations 803) at a mining site (e.g., the industrial worksite 801). In some implementations, the storage module 120 may be loaded with multiple hydrogen tanks 122 together containing 1,000 kg, 2,000 kg, 3,000 kg, 4,000 kg, 5,000 kg, 6,000 kg, 7,000 kg, 8,000 kg, 9,000 kg, 10,000 kg, 15,000 kg, inclusive, or more of hydrogen (e.g., hydrogen gas or liquid).

[0220] A first flow of hydrogen is conveyed from a hydrogen tank 122 of the set of hydrogen tanks 122 included in the storage module 120 via the manifold 132, at 12. For example, the first flow of hydrogen may be communicated to the one or more compressor(s) 134 included in the mobile platform 110. In some implementations, the first flow of hydrogen is at a first pressure between 200 bar and 400 bar, inclusive of any value or range therebetween.

[0221] The first flow of hydrogen is compressed and cooled to produce cooled, high-pressure hydrogen, at 13. For example, the compressor(s) 134 may receive the first flow of hydrogen gas from the manifold 132 and compress the hydrogen gas to pressurize the hydrogen gas. The pressurized hydrogen gas can then be communicated to the chiller(s) 136 that cool the hydrogen gas, thus producing the cooled, high-pressure hydrogen gas. In implementations in which the fuel source is liquid hydrogen, the heater(s) 134b (or expander) may heat or expand the liquid hydrogen to generate gaseous hydrogen, and the pressure regulator 136b may regulate a pressure of the generated hydrogen gas to generate high-pressure hydrogen gas.

[0222] The cooled or otherwise cool, high-pressure hydrogen is conveyed to the refueling interface 140 of the mobile platform 110, at 14. For example, the first flow of hydrogen that has been compressed by the compressor 134 and cooled by the chiller 136 is conveyed to the refueling interface 140 of the mobile platform. At 15, a second flow of hydrogen is conveyed from the refueling interface 140 of the mobile platform 110 to a refueling interface of a hydrogen powerplant included in a heavy equipment vehicle. In some implementations, the heavy equipment truck may include a mining truck, for example, the mining vehicle 806. In some implementations, the second flow of hydrogen may be at a second pressure between 400 bar and 1,000 bar, inclusive of any value or range therebetween. In some instances, the relatively high pressure of the second flow of hydrogen can allow and/or can result in the second flow of hydrogen having a mass flow rate of at least 4 kg/min.

[0223] In some embodiments, the mobile platform 110 may include a power module 150 that is configured to provide electric power to at least the compressor 134 and the chiller 136 of the mobile platform 110. The power module 150 may include a hydrogen powerplant. In such embodiments, the method 10 may also include conveying a third flow of hydrogen from the chiller 136 to the hydrogen powerplant included in the power module 150, which is used by the power module 150 to generate electricity.

[0224] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method 20 of using a mobile hydrogen refueling system that stores and delivers liquid hydrogen, according to an embodiment. The mobile hydrogen refueling system can be similar to or substantially the same as, for example, the systems 100, 100b, lOOe, 300, 400, 500, 600, and/or 700 described in detail above. While described with respect to the system lOOe, it should be appreciated that the operations of the method 20 may be performed with any of the hydrogen refueling systems described herein, or any other suitable mobile hydrogen refueling system.

[0225] The method 20 includes loading a storage module including any number of hydrogen tanks that store liquid hydrogen on a mobile hydrogen refueling system, at 21. The mobile hydrogen refueling platform has a size that exceeds at least one constraint associated with traveling on a highway. For example, the storage module 120e storing, containing, or housing the set of hydrogen tank(s) 122e is loaded on the mobile platform HOe. The mobile platform 1 lOe may be coupled to a mining vehicle 102 (e.g., a haul truck or the like) that is operable to move the mobile platform to or from the at least one refueling location (e.g., the refueling locations 803) at a mining site (e.g., the industrial worksite 801). In some implementations, the storage module 120e may be loaded with multiple hydrogen tanks 122e together containing 1,000 kg, 2,000 kg, 3,000 kg, 4,000 kg, 5,000 kg, 6,000 kg, 7,000 kg, 8,000 kg, 9,000 kg, 10,000 kg, 15,000 kg, inclusive, or more of liquid hydrogen.

[0226] At 22, a refueling interface, which is fluidically coupled to the one or more hydrogen tanks via a transfer module, is releasably engaged to a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle. The refueling interface may include the refueling interface 140e or any other refueling interface described in detail herein. For example, the refueling interface may be releasably engaged, coupled, or connected to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle 106e using quick connect/disconnect couplings.

[0227] At 23, it is determined whether a pressure in the set of hydrogen tank(s) 122e is greater than a pressure in the mining truck LH2 tank(s) 107e that may be coupled to the refueling infrastructure 105e for refueling or to the refueling interface 140e of the mobile hydrogen refueling system lOOe. If there is a positive pressure differential between the set of hydrogen tank(s) 122e and the mining truck LH2 tank(s) 107e (i.e., the pressure in the set of hydrogen tank(s) 122e is greater than a pressure in the mining truck LH2 tank(s) 107e (23:YES)), a portion (e.g., a first portion) of a flow of liquid hydrogen is conveyed via the transfer module 133e to the mining truck LH2 tank(s) 107e from the set of hydrogen tanks, at 24, as previously described herein with respect to FIG. IE. A second portion of the flow is conveyed via the transfer module 133e to a vaporizer (e.g., the second vaporizer 134e2) to generate hydrogen gas, at 25. The generated hydrogen gas is conveyed via the transfer module 133e to the set of hydrogen tank(s) 122e, at 26, for example, to maintain a pressure of liquid hydrogen in the set of hydrogen tank(s) 122e and reduce hydrogen loss.

[0228] If at operation 23, it is determined that there is a negative pressure differential or substantially no pressure differential (i.e., a non-positive pressure differential in which the pressure in the set of hydrogen tank(s) 122e is less than or substantially equal to the pressure in the mining truck LH2 tank(s) 107e (23:NO)), a portion (e.g., a first portion) of a flow of liquid hydrogen is conveyed via the transfer module 133e from the mining truck LH2 tank(s) 107e to the set of hydrogen tank(s) 122e, at 27, as previously described herein with respect to FIG. IF. A second portion of the flow from the mining truck LH2 tank(s) 107e is conveyed via the transfer module 133e to a vaporizer (e.g., the second vaporizer 134e2) to generate hydrogen gas, at 28. The generated hydrogen gas is conveyed via the transfer module 133e to the mining truck LH2 tank(s) 107e, at 29, for example, to maintain a pressure of liquid hydrogen in the mining truck LH2 tank(s) 107e and reduce hydrogen loss.

[0229] In some embodiments, the method 20 may also include communicating, via a return line, at least a portion of gaseous hydrogen generated from the liquid hydrogen being communicated to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle from the hydrogen tank of the storage module, or released from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle back to the hydrogen tank of the storage module. This may inhibit loss of gaseous hydrogen released from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle (e.g., released or otherwise lost as a result of boiloff and/or evaporation of the liquid hydrogen). For example, gaseous hydrogen may be released from a safety or return valve of the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle (or via any other suitable boiloff or vapor management system) in response to a pressure within the liquid hydrogen tank exceeding a pressure threshold, by recirculating the gaseous hydrogen back to the hydrogen tanks of the storage module. In some embodiments, the hydrogen tank of the storage module includes a 20 ft ISO tank or a 40 ft ISO tank, or any other tank as previously described herein. In some embodiments, a pressure of liquid hydrogen in the hydrogen tank of the storage module is in a range of about 7 bar to about 12 bar, or any other pressure as previously described herein.

[0230] In some embodiments, the mobile platform I lOe may include a power module 150e that is configured to provide electric power to at least the transfer module 133e. The power module 150e may include a hydrogen powerplant. In such embodiments, the method 20 may also include conveying a third flow of hydrogen from the set of hydrogen tank(s) 122e to the hydrogen powerplant included in the power module 150e, which is used by the power module 150e to generate electricity. In some embodiments, the mobile platform I lOe or the storage module 120e may include a vaporizer (e.g., the first vaporizer 134el) that receives a fourth flow of liquid hydrogen from the set of hydrogen tank(s) 122e and generates hydrogen gas that is communicated back to the set of hydrogen tank(s) 122e so as to maintain a pressure therein at a desirable pressure. In some embodiments, the vaporizers include ambient heat exchangers. In some embodiments, the method 20 may include pressurizing, via one or more pumps, the liquid hydrogen received from the hydrogen tank of the storage module, and communicating the pressurized liquid hydrogen to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

[0231] The specific terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and/or features or components thereof and is not intended to be limiting. While various schematics, embodiments, and/or implementations have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Various modifications, changes, and/or variations in form and/or detail may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure and/or without altering the function and/or advantages thereof unless expressly stated otherwise. Likewise, while embodiments (and/or features, components, configurations, aspects, etc. thereof) may be described above in the context of certain implementations, it should be understood that such implementations are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Any of the embodiments (and/or features, components, configurations, aspects, etc. thereof) can be used in, and/or adapted for use in, other implementations unless expressly stated otherwise. Functionally equivalent embodiments, implementations, and/or methods, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions and are intended to fall within the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure.

[0232] Where schematics, embodiments, and/or implementations described above indicate certain components arranged in certain orientations, configurations, or positions, the arrangement of components may be modified. Although various embodiments have been described as having particular features, configurations, and/or combinations of components, other embodiments are possible having a combination of any features, configurations, and/or components from any of embodiments described herein, except mutually exclusive combinations. The embodiments described herein can include various combinations and/or sub-combinations of the functions, components, configurations, and/or features of the different embodiments described.

[0233] The specific configurations of the various components can also be varied. For example, the size and specific shape of the various components can be different from the embodiments shown, while still providing the functions as described herein. More specifically, the size and shape of the various components can be specifically selected for a desired or intended usage. Thus, it should be understood that the size, shape, and/or arrangement of the embodiments and/or components thereof can be adapted for a given use unless the context explicitly states otherwise.

[0234] Where methods described above indicate certain events, steps, and/or procedures occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events, steps, and/or procedures may be modified. Additionally, certain of the events, steps, and/or procedures may be performed concurrently in a parallel process, when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. While methods have been described as having particular steps and/or combinations of steps, other methods are possible having a combination of any steps from any of methods described herein, except mutually exclusive combinations and/or unless the context clearly states otherwise.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. An apparatus for liquid hydrogen refueling on a mining site, the apparatus comprising: a mobile platform coupleable to a vehicle; a storage module removably coupleable to the mobile platform, the storage module storing a hydrogen tank that is configured to store liquid hydrogen; a transfer module coupleable to the mobile platform; and a refueling interface configured to engage a refueling interface of a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle, the transfer module configured to receive a flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank and to communicate a first portion of the flow to the refueling interface and a second portion of the flow back to the hydrogen tank, the refueling interface configured to convey the first portion of the flow of liquid hydrogen from the transfer module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank of the storage module is a first flow, the transfer module in a first configuration is configured to receive the first flow and to communicate the first portion of the first flow to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and the second portion of the first flow back to the hydrogen tank of the storage module, and the transfer module in a second configuration is configured to receive a second flow of liquid or gaseous hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and to communicate a first portion of the second flow to the hydrogen tank of the storage module and a second portion of the second flow back to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a first vaporizer configured to (i) receive a portion of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank of the storage module, (ii) vaporize the portion of liquid hydrogen to generate gaseous hydrogen, and (iii) communicate the gaseous hydrogen back to the hydrogen tank of the storage module in each of the first configuration and the second configuration.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a second vaporizer configured to receive the second portion of the first flow of the liquid hydrogen and vaporize the second portion of the first flow to generate gaseous hydrogen, the transfer module configured to communicate the gaseous hydrogen back to the hydrogen tank of the storage module in the first configuration.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second vaporizer is configured to receive the second portion of the second flow of liquid hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and vaporize the second portion of the second flow to generate gaseous hydrogen, the transfer module configured to communicate the gaseous hydrogen back to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle in the second configuration.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer include an ambient heat exchanger.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transfer module further comprises quick connect/disconnect couplings configured to releasably couple the hydrogen tank to the mobile platform.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transfer module further comprises one or more pumps configured to pressurize the liquid hydrogen received from the hydrogen tank of the storage module, and communicate the pressurized liquid hydrogen to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a return line configured to selectively communicate at least a portion of gaseous hydrogen generated from the liquid hydrogen being communicated to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle from the hydrogen tank of the storage module, or released from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle back to the hydrogen tank of the storage module.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hydrogen tank of the storage module includes a

20 ft ISO tank or a 40 ft ISO tank.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a pressure of liquid hydrogen in the hydrogen tank of the storage module is in a range of about 7 bar to about 12 bar.

12. An apparatus for liquid hydrogen refueling on a mining site, the apparatus comprising: a mobile platform coupleable to a vehicle; a storage module removably coupleable to the mobile platform, the storage module storing a hydrogen tank that is configured to store liquid hydrogen at a first pressure; a transfer module coupleable to the mobile platform and including a pump, the transfer module configured to receive a flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank, pressurize the liquid hydrogen to a second pressure greater than the first pressure, and communicate the liquid hydrogen at the second pressure to a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle; and a refueling interface configured to engage a refueling interface of the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and to selectively convey a flow of liquid hydrogen at the second pressure from the transfer module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first pressure is in a range of about 3 bar to about 7 bar, and the second pressure is in a range of about 7 bar to about 12 bar.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the hydrogen tank of the storage module includes a 20 ft ISO tank or a 40 ft ISO tank.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the transfer module includes quick connect/disconnect couplings configured to releasably couple the refueling interface to the mining vehicle.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a return line configured to selectively communicate at least a portion of gaseous hydrogen generated from the liquid hydrogen being communicated to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle from the hydrogen tank of the storage module, or released from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle back to the hydrogen tank of the storage module.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a first vaporizer configured to receive a portion of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank of the storage module, vaporize the portion of liquid hydrogen to generate gaseous hydrogen, and communicate at least a portion of the gaseous hydrogen back to the hydrogen tank of the storage module.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a second vaporizer configured to receive a portion of the flow of hydrogen from the hydrogen tank of the storage module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and vaporize the portion of the liquid hydrogen to generate gaseous hydrogen, the transfer module configured to communicate a portion of the gaseous hydrogen back to the hydrogen tank of the storage module.

19. A method, comprising: loading a storage module including a hydrogen tank storing liquid hydrogen on a mobile platform that is coupleable to a vehicle; releasably engaging a refueling interface to a liquid hydrogen tank of a mining vehicle, the refueling interface fluidically coupled to the hydrogen tank via a transfer module; and in response to a pressure differential between the hydrogen tank of the storage module and the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and via the transfer module: conveying a first portion of a flow of the liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank of the storage module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, conveying a second portion of the flow to a vaporizer to generate hydrogen gas, and conveying the hydrogen gas to the hydrogen tank of the storage module.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the pressure differential is a positive pressure differential in which a pressure of the hydrogen tank of the storage module is greater than a pressure of the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, the method further comprising: in response to a non-positive pressure differential between the hydrogen tank of the storage module and the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and via the transfer module: conveying a first portion of a flow of the liquid hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle to the hydrogen tank of the storage module, conveying a second portion of the flow to the vaporizer to generate hydrogen gas, and conveying the hydrogen gas to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: conveying to at least one of the hydrogen tank of the storage module or the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle and via a return line, at least a portion of gaseous hydrogen generated as a result of evaporation during at least one of the conveying the first portion of the flow of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank of the storage module to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle, or the conveying the first portion of the flow of liquid hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle to the hydrogen tank of the storage module.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the transfer module includes a first vaporizer and a second vaporizer, the vaporizer being the second vaporizer, the method further comprising: conveying, via the transfer module, a portion of liquid hydrogen from the hydrogen tank of the storage module to the first vaporizer to generate hydrogen gas; and conveying, via the transfer module, the hydrogen gas to the hydrogen tank of the storage module.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer include ambient heat exchangers.

24. The method of claim 19, wherein the refueling interface is releasably engaged with the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle using quick connect/disconnect couplings.

25. The method of claim 19, further comprising: pressurizing, via one or more pumps, the liquid hydrogen received from the hydrogen tank of the storage module; and communicating the pressurized liquid hydrogen to the liquid hydrogen tank of the mining vehicle.

26. The method of claim 19, wherein the hydrogen tank of the storage module includes a

20 ft ISO tank or a 40 ft ISO tank.

27. The method of claim 19, wherein a pressure of liquid hydrogen in the hydrogen tank of the storage module is in a range of about 7 bar to about 12 bar.

28. The method of claim 19, wherein the hydrogen tank is included in a plurality of hydrogen tanks loaded in the storage module, each hydrogen tank from the plurality of hydrogen tanks is configured to store liquid hydrogen.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein each hydrogen tank from the plurality of hydrogen tanks is fluidically coupled to the transfer module via a manifold.

30. The method of claim 19, wherein the mining vehicle is a first mining vehicle, the method further comprising: coupling the mobile platform to a second mining vehicle; and moving the mobile platform, via the second mining vehicle, from a first location at a mining site to a second location at the mining site.