WO2020060399A1

WO2020060399A1 - Method and system for distribution of hydrogen

Info

Publication number: WO2020060399A1
Application number: PCT/NL2019/050610
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sander MARKUS; Rob BREMER
Original assignee: Alliander N.V.
Priority date: 2018-09-18
Filing date: 2019-09-17
Publication date: 2020-03-26
Also published as: NL2021659B1; EP3853515A1

Abstract

Method for distributing fuel, comprising transport from a fuel production apparatus to at least one filling station, for example a transport means filling station, wherein the fuel to be transported substantially consists of hydrogen, wherein the fuel is transported through a transport network (N) by means of a transport medium, wherein the hydrogen is separated at least partly from the transport medium before the fuel is supplied to the filling station. The invention furthermore provides a system for distributing fuel.

Description

Title: Method and system for distribution of hydrogen

The invention relates to a method and system for distribution of hydrogen.

Different methods for distribution of hydrogen are known. Hydrogen can be transported in liquid form or gaseous state. Advantage of gas transport is that no special provisions are necessary to make the hydrogen liquid (which is normally done by cooling); a disadvantage is the higher transport volume per energy unit.

For distribution to vehicle filling stations, hydrogen is usually, in gaseous state under a high pressure, transported in dedicated transport trailers, which provide local filling stations with the hydrogen. In this manner, various, mutually spaced apart filling stations can be filled up with hydrogen, in order that vehicles can be filled up - locally - via the filling stations. Disadvantage is that this requires trailer road transport, which is relatively costly and inefficient.

Another form of gas transport comprises the transport of natural gas to households and other natural gas consumers, via a nationwide natural gas transport network. However, combustion of natural gas leads to emission of carbon dioxide. That is why hydrogen is regarded as a possible replacement of natural gas. Thus, it is for instance known to transport a gaseous mixture of hydrogen and natural gas, also called Hydrogen

Enriched Natural Gas (HENG), via gas hnes, to provide downstream HENG users (for example, CH boilers suitable for such a mixture) with fuel. With such a system, gas combustion heating apparatuses of the end users obviously need to be suitable to combust the alternative fuel.

The present invention contemplates an improved method, and system, for distribution of hydrogen. In particular, the invention contemplates a method with which a number of filling stations can be provided with hydrogen efficiently.

According to the invention, to this end, there is provided a method which is characterized by the features of claim 1.

According to an aspect of the invention, a method for distributing fuel comprises transport from a fuel production apparatus to at least one filhng station, for example a transport means filling station, wherein the fuel to be transported substantially consists of hydrogen, wherein the fuel is transported through a transport network by means of a transport medium, wherein the hydrogen is at least partly separated from the transport medium before the hydrogen is supplied to the filhng station.

Thus, hydrogen can be transported in an efficient manner over a relatively long distance (e.g., tens of kilometers), utilizing (in particular, mixed with) a transport medium, to be subsequently wholly or partly separated/removed locally from the transport medium for the purpose of passing on to, more specifically utilization by, the filling station. In this manner, the deployment of separate hydrogen transport trailers can be limited or avoided altogether, with concomitant advantages thereof.

According to an especially advantageous elaboration of the invention, an already existing gas transport infrastructure is employed to transport the mixture of the hydrogen and the transport medium. This infrastructure can for instance comprise a natural gas transport network, with the transport medium consisting substantially of natural gas.

The hydrogen, according to an especially advantageous elaboration, is transported in gaseous state (namely in a state mixed into the transport medium) through the network. The transport medium is preferably also gaseous, and may consist of one or more transport medium gases.

The transport medium as such may for example comprise a gas or gas mixture of substantially methane (for example more than 70% by volume methane, in particular at least 80% by volume methane), while the transport medium can also contain other gases, for example, other hydrocarbons (ethane, propane, butane, pentane and/or butane), nitrogen and carbon dioxide (preferably less than 1% by volume carbon dioxide). The transport medium to be used may even already contain a limited amount of hydrogen before the transport medium is provided with the hydrogen to be transported.

Further, the transport medium as such may for example comprise a gas or gas mixture of one or more (at room temperature and atmospheric pressure) noncombustible gases. According to an especially advantageous elaboration of the invention, the transport medium comprises at least 50% by volume nitrogen (chemical formula N2), and preferably at least 90% by volume nitrogen, for example at least 98% by volume or at least 99% by volume nitrogen. In lieu of and/or in addition to nitrogen, for example one or more other gases may be used in the transport medium (for example, an inert gas, argon and/or carbon dioxide).

Different transport pressures can be applied in the transport network, for example usual transport pressures of natural gas in a natural gas network. Thus, a pressure prevailing in the transport network may, along at least a part of a fuel transport path, be higher than 5 bar, for example higher than 50 bar. The pressure in the transport network may be limited to a maximum pressure, for example using pressure limiting means, which will be clear to one skilled in the art.

According to a further elaboration, the transport medium is provided with a relatively small amount of hydrogen. The transport medium may for example be provided with at most 20% by volume hydrogen, and preferably at most 10% by volume hydrogen, for the purpose of the hydrogen transport. This is for instance advantageous when the transport medium itself comprises a second fuel (for example methane and/or natural gas), which second fuel is to be delivered at one or more other locations. It is noted here that a filhng station as mentioned may for instance be configured to supply hydrogen (via one or more respective hydrogen dispensing devices) as well as to supply such a second fuel (via one or more respective hydrogen dispensing devices). Further, it is noted here that a second fuel may for instance in itself be a fuel mixture which contains inter alia (molecular) hydrogen, besides other combustible gases such as, for example, fossil fuels (e.g. methane).

The second fuel mentioned may furthermore be supplied, for example via the transport network, to other end users, for example central heating boilers of one or more buildings or the like. In the latter case, it may be advantageous when the second fuel is separated from the hydrogen, in order that relatively little or no hydrogen reaches those end users (of second fuel), in order that conventional second fuel users (not suitable for hydrogen combustion) can keep functioning properly. The above-mentioned separation of hydrogen from the second fuel, to supply such second fuel to respective end users, may for example be such that this second fuel contains at most 35% by volume, and in particular at most 10% by volume hydrogen, for example at most 5% by volume (for example, at most 2% by volume).

According to an alternative elaboration, the transport medium is provided with a relatively large amount of hydrogen to be transported. The transport medium may for example be provided with at least 20% by volume hydrogen, and preferably at least 30% by volume hydrogen, for the purpose of hydrogen transport. This is for instance advantageous in the case of a relatively large demand for hydrogen in downstream parts of the network, for example if a relatively large number of filling stations need to be provided with hydrogen. In that case too, the transport medium itself may comprise a second fuel as mentioned (for example, methane and/or natural gas and/or biogas), and in that case too, it may be advantageous when this second fuel is separated from the hydrogen, for supply to end users of this second fuel. It is further advantageous if, from the transport network, the hydrogen separated from the transport medium is locally, temporarily, stored. Thus, for example, downstream local storage of the hydrogen, in particular at or near a filling station to be stocked, may be applied, in order that hydrogen is buffered to be able to effect continuous stocking of the filhng station. It is then preferred when the hydrogen (to be buffered) is compressed to be stored locally under high pressure, for example a pressure of at least 100 bar or more, for example at least around 300 bar.

Alternatively, or additionally, the hydrogen is locally stored in several high pressure storage holders (for example gas cylinders). In each of the cases, one or more hydrogen conduits may be provided in order for the locally stored hydrogen, in case of filling station hydrogen demand, to be discharged to the filling station for the purpose of refueling of end users.

In the case of local storage of the hydrogen in one or more separate gas holders, such holders, according to an advantageous elaboration of the invention, may comprise gas holders disposed fixedly on and/or in a ground, in order that a relatively large storage volume can be provided.

Alternatively or additionally, in the case of local storage of the hydrogen in separate gas holders, such holders in themselves can comprise mobile/displaceable gas holders (which are not fixed to/in a ground). Such a displaceable gas holder may for instance be a relatively hghtweight hydrogen transport holder, which is portable by, for example, just one or two persons, and/or which is displaceable using a handtruck. An example of such a separate gas holder is a loose gas cylinder. By the use of such separate, displaceable gas holders (for the hydrogen to be filled into), the hydrogen can be brought to specific delivery/dispensing locations or positions, at a distance from the filling station.

Further, according to a further elaboration of the invention, a displaceable (loose) hydrogen holder as mentioned can be used as a fuel tank for a transport means as mentioned. In that case, the transport means may be configured to receive one or more hydrogen-filled hydrogen holders, preferably in a stable position, and then, with the holder(s) in place, to move away with utilization of (dispensing of) hydrogen contained in the holder(s).

Furthermore, the invention provides a system for transport of hydrogen, for example configured for carrying out a method according to the invention, the system comprising:

-a gas transport network comprising at least one transport line;

-at least one transport medium source, which is configured to be connected to the network to supply a transport medium to the transport line;

-at least one hydrogen source, which is configured to be connected to the network, in particular downstream of the transport medium source, to supply hydrogen to the transport medium;

-at least one hydrogen separation device, which is configured to be connected to the network, downstream of the hydrogen source, the separation device being implemented to substantially remove hydrogen present in the transport medium from that medium; and

-a hydrogen discharge and/or hydrogen storage for reception of hydrogen delivered by the separation device.

In this manner, the above-mentioned advantages can be achieved. In particular, in an efficient and economically favorable manner, the system can transport hydrogen safely over relatively large distances, to provide downstream filling stations (for example for filling up of transport means) with hydrogen, without use of hydrogen trailers.

Preferably, the system comprises one or more local storage holders for storing the hydrogen separated from the transport medium. As mentioned, such a holder can comprise, for example, a fixedly disposed (non-displaceable) holder for the purpose of local hydrogen delivery, or, for example, a holder that is displaceable for the purpose of hydrogen delivery elsewhere. More specific especially advantageous elaborations of the invention are described in the subclaims. The invention will now be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment and the drawing. In the drawing:

Figure 1 schematically shows a system according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 2 schematically shows a gas reception station of the system shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 schematically shows a system for distribution of hydrogen. The present system comprises a gas transport network N. The network N may for a large part comprise an existing gas transport network (for example, the already installed gas transport pipes of an existing network), and may be provided with a large number of gas lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, for example one or more main lines 2, 3 and, branched off therefrom, dividing lines 4 (one of which is shown).

The gas transport network N may for instance include several network parts Kl, K2, LI, L2, which are separated by control stations 12, 13 (and coupled for the purpose of passing gas from upstream to downstream network parts).

The high pressure part Kl, K2 of the gas network N can for example comprise a national, long-distance transport part (for transport over a distance of more than 50 km, for example at least 100 km). As will be clear to one skilled in the art, the high pressure part may further be provided with one or more mixing stations (not represented) for mixing and/or controlling incoming gas, and one or more compressor stations for adjusting and/or keeping gas flowing through this network part Kl, K2 to and at a required pressure.

In the present example, the high pressure network part is connected to one or more upstream transport medium sources S. Such a source S supplies a gaseous transport medium to a respective transport part 1 of the network. In the exemplary embodiment, the transport medium to be supplied to the network N is in itself a gaseous fuel, for example a methane- containing fuel (for example natural gas and/or biogas), as has been mentioned above.

The gas transport network can comprise, downstream of the high pressure part Kl, K2 (with respective high pressure gas transport lines 2,

3), a number of regional network parts LI, L2 connected to the high pressure part. In such network parts LI, L2, during use, a significantly lower transport pressure may prevail than a transport pressure prevailing in the high pressure part.

A high pressure network control station 12 may be configured to supply the gas from an upstream network part Kl to a branched-off low pressure network part LI, and, for example, to control gas pressure in that low pressure part LI. Such a high-pressure network control station 12 may comprise a measurement-and-control station.

The exemplary embodiment further includes a number of control stations 13 (one of which is represented), also called 'gas reception station', dividing the low pressure part of the network for gas delivery to end users (for example, a number of heating apparatuses Q), via a respective end user network 5.

To one skilled in the art, it will be clear that different gas transport pressures can be applied in the various network parts Kl, K2, LI, L2. Thus, a pressure prevailing in a high pressure part Kl, K2 as mentioned may be higher than 50 bar, for example higher than around 60 bar (and, for example, 100 bar at a maximum or 200 bar at a maximum). A pressure prevailing in a low pressure part LI, L2 as mentioned may for example be lower than 50 bar, for example around 40 bar at a maximum. In the present example, the low pressure part comprises an upstream part LI (for example, a regional transport network).

In the example, a low pressure part control station ('gas reception station') 13 as mentioned is configured to further lower the gas pressure, for example to cause a pressure prevailing in downstream network parts L2 to be lower than 20 bar, for example a pressure of 10 bar at a maximum (for example, around 8 bar).

The system is configured for transport of hydrogen. To this end, there is provided at least one hydrogen source B, which is configured to be connected to the network, via an in -feed station 11, in particular

downstream of the transport medium source S, to add the hydrogen to be transported to the transport medium (i.e., to form a hydrogen/transport medium mixture). A hydrogen source B as mentioned may in itself be implemented in different manners, which will be clear to one skilled in the art, and may for example comprise one or more hydrogen generators

(preferably configured to generate hydrogen in an environmentally friendly manner, for example utilizing wind energy, solar energy and/or hydropower, without emission of carbon dioxide) and/or hydrogen storage devices.

The hydrogen in-feed station 11 may be configured to mix supplied hydrogen with supplied transport medium, preferably in a predetermined mixing ratio, to pass the thus formed gas mixture to downstream parts of the network.

The system furthermore comprises at least one hydrogen separation device F, which is connected to the network, downstream of the hydrogen source B. The hydrogen source B in this example is connected to a high pressure part K1 of the transport network N.

Each hydrogen separation device F may be connected to the transport network N at different locations of this network.

In the exemplary embodiment represented, the hydrogen separation device F is part of a control station ('gas reception station') 13 as mentioned. The separation device F is configured to substantially remove hydrogen present in the transport medium from that medium. To this end, the separation device F may be implemented in different manners, for example with suitable hydrogen filters or hydrogen filtering means, membrane separator, an electrochemical compressor, or the like, which will be clear to one skilled in the art.

Alternatively or additionally, such a hydrogen separation device F' (drawn in broken lines) may for instance be coupled to a high pressure part Kl, K2 of the network.

Alternatively or additionally, such a hydrogen separation device F" (drawn in broken lines) may for instance be disposed upstream of a gas reception station 13 as mentioned and be coupled to the network, for example to a low pressure part LI of the network.

The system comprises one or more fuel dispensing stations, in particular one or more vehicle filling stations T which are disposed at respective vehicle filling locations (a vehicle or other transport means VH to be refueled is schematically represented).

Each fuel dispensing station T may be implemented in different manners. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the station T may for instance be provided with one or more filling devices, comprising a flexible fuel conduit tl with shutoff valve t2 which is connectible to a fuel receiving device (for example vehicle VH) to fill up that device VH. To that end, the flexible fuel conduit tl with shutoff valve t2 are preferably configured to form a gas-tight coupling with a tank inlet of the fuel receiving device VH, during filling-up, which coupling is manually releasable after filling-up.

In addition, a fuel dispensing station T may for instance be configured for filling separate, displaceable hydrogen holders 14' (for example high-pressure gas cylinders), which separate hydrogen holders 14' may in themselves be removable from the filling station T after filling, to be used for the purpose of hydrogen dispensing at a location elsewhere (at a distance from the filling station). A particular embodiment comprises use of such a separate hydrogen holder 14' as a loose fuel tank of a transport means VH. The system preferably comprises one or more hydrogen discharges 6, 6', 6" and one or more hydrogen storage devices 14, 14' for reception of hydrogen delivered by the one or more separation devices F, F', F". The hydrogen discharge 6 in this example comprises a hydrogen transport line which extends from the control station/gas reception station 13 to the filling station T. The hydrogen storage 14 is coupled to this discharge 6 for locally storing the delivered hydrogen, in particular to buffer hydrogen so that continuity of local hydrogen supply can be guaranteed.

As is further apparent from the drawing, other or alternative separation devices F', F” may be coupled, for example via respective hydrogen discharge lines 6', 6” (drawn in broken lines), to one or more (fixed) hydrogen storage devices 14 (for replenishing those storage devices).

As is apparent from Figures 1, 2, the gas reception station 13 may for instance be provided with a bypass hne with regulator/shutoff 15, to divert gas supply to bypass the separation device F. Via this bypass, a supplied transport medium (in this case a second fuel as mentioned) can be supplied directly to downstream end users Q (of such second fuel).

The gas reception station 13 comprises furthermore a shutoff valve 16, for controlling gas flow to be supplied to the separation device F.

As is apparent from the drawing, the gas reception station 13 can comprise various other regulators/shutoff valves 17, 18 and flow control means, in a downstream control part 19, for controlling gas to be supplied to one or more end user lines (i.e., an end user network) 5.

Preferably, the hydrogen separation device F is configured to remove hydrogen present in transport medium supplied (to that device F) to an extent of at least 50% by volume from that transport medium. The hydrogen separation device F may for instance be configured to deliver substantially pure hydrogen (preferably in gaseous state), in particular a hydrogen fuel comprising at least 95% by volume and more particularly at least 98 or 99% by volume hydrogen. According to a further elaboration, the gas transport network includes several high-pressure network parts Kl, K2, which in themselves are separated by control stations 12, while at least one of such control stations 12 may be configured to control passage of hydrogen to a

downstream network part, for example in order that a first downstream network part LI is provided with hydrogen and a second downstream network part K2 is not, or to a lesser extent, provided with hydrogen. In the example, the control station 12 is configured to pass on substantially no hydrogen to a second, downstream high-pressure network part K2. In this manner, hydrogen supplied by a hydrogen source B can be passed to a specific part of the total network N, for example a part that is already connected to hydrogen filhng stations T, thereby avoiding a situation where other network parts that have not been connected to such filling stations yet, still receive large amounts of hydrogen. Controlling or separating hydrogen at a control station 12 as mentioned may for instance be done in a manner analogous to that in a low pressure network part as mentioned (i.e., as in a gas reception station 13 as mentioned).

With great advantage, use of the system comprises a method for distributing fuel, comprising transport from the fuel production apparatus B to the filling station T, for example a transport means filhng station, wherein the fuel to be transported substantially consists of the hydrogen, wherein the hydrogen is transported through the transport network N by means of the gaseous transport medium (for example methane, natural gas, or the like). The hydrogen is at least partly separated from the transport medium by the hydrogen separation device F, to be supplied to the filling station T via the hydrogen transport line 6. The separated hydrogen can moreover be stored locally, for example in or near the filhng station T, preferably under high pressure, in a reservoir 14 suitable therefor. In that case, it is especially advantageous to provide one or more compressors, to compress hydrogen supplied via the hydrogen line 6 to an increased storage pressure, for example a pressure of at least 100 bar or more, preferably at least 200 bar or at least 300 bar. The thus compressed hydrogen can be stored under such a high pressure in the reservoir (holder) 14.

As mentioned, the transport medium, during use, may be provided with at most 20% by volume hydrogen (i.e., at the in -feed station 11), and preferably at most 10% by volume hydrogen, for the purpose of the hydrogen transport. A different mixing ratio, for example more than 20% by volume, is also one of the possibilities.

Fuel to be supplied via the hydrogen line 6 to the filling station T is, in particular, gaseous, and preferably contains more than 90% by volume hydrogen, preferably more than 95% by volume and more preferably more than 99% by volume.

Besides hydrogen supply, the present method offers the additional advantage that distribution of a second fuel is available, in particular continuation of distribution of natural gas to respective natural gas end users CH. This way, in a simple manner, an existing gas transport network can be expanded and rendered suitable for distribution of hydrogen.

To one skilled in the art, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described. Various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention which is set forth in the appended claims.

Thus, a hydrogen dispensing device (filling station) may for instance be configured to provide vehicles with hydrogen, in particular to fill up a hydrogen tank (of such a vehicle), but is not limited thereto. Such a hydrogen dispensing device may for instance, additionally or alternatively, be implemented and arranged to refuel vessels or airplanes, and/or fill up other hydrogen users and/or other hydrogen storage units.

An end user to be filled up at a filling station is, in particular, a mobile end user, for example a transport means VH, for example a vehicle, vessel, airplane, truck, forklift truck, or the like. Such a transport means VH may be provided, for example, with one or a plurality of its own hydrogen holders, for reception of the hydrogen taken in at the filling station. Such a transport means VH may further be provided with one or more drives (for example, fuel cells) which can convert hydrogen into driving energy for the purpose of driving the respective transport means.

As mentioned, such a transport means VH may for instance be additionally provided with one or more loose, mobile, hydrogen-filled

(portable, displaceable) hydrogen holders 14', which holders, in particular, have been filled by a filling station T as mentioned.

Further, it is to be added here that the hydrogen fuel to be transported is, in particular, molecular hydrogen (chemical formula ¾), which will be clear to one skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for distributing fuel, comprising transport from a fuel production apparatus to at least one filling station, for example a transport means filling station, wherein the fuel to be transported substantially consists of hydrogen, wherein the fuel is transported through a transport network (N) by means of a transport medium, wherein the hydrogen is at least partly separated from the transport medium before the hydrogen is supplied to the filling station (T).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen is transported through the transport network (N) in gaseous state.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transport network (N) is a natural gas transport network.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport medium is a gaseous transport medium.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the transport medium substantially consists of a second fuel, for example natural gas.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the transport medium substantially consists of a noncombustible gas or gas mixture, for example nitrogen.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pressure prevailing in the transport network, along at least a part of a fuel transport path, is higher than 5 bar.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pressure prevailing in the transport network, along at least a part of a fuel transport path, is higher than 50 bar.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising downstream, local storage of the hydrogen, in particular at or near a filling station to be stocked.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the hydrogen is compressed to be locally stored under high pressure, for example a pressure of at least 100 bar or more.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport medium is provided with at most 20% by volume hydrogen, and preferably at most 10% by volume hydrogen, for the purpose of the hydrogen transport.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein fuel to be supplied to the filhng station is gaseous and contains more than 90% by volume hydrogen, preferably more than 95% by volume and more preferably more than 99% by volume.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport medium contains a second fuel, for example natural gas, wherein the second fuel is supplied to one or more end users (Q), for example one or more combustion apparatuses.

14. A system for distribution of hydrogen, for example configured for carrying out a method according to any one of the preceding claims, the system comprising:

-a gas transport network (N) comprising at least one transport line (2, 3,4); -at least one transport medium source (S), which is configured to be connected to the network to supply a transport medium to said transport line;

-at least one hydrogen source (B), which is configured to be connected to the network, in particular downstream of said transport medium source (S), to supply hydrogen to the transport medium;

-at least one hydrogen separation device (F), which is configured to be connected to the network, downstream of said hydrogen source (B), wherein the separation device is implemented to substantially remove hydrogen present in the transport medium from that medium; and -a hydrogen discharge and/or hydrogen storage (14) for reception of hydrogen delivered by the separation device (F).

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the hydrogen separation device (F) is configured to remove hydrogen present in supplied transport medium to an extent of at least 50% by volume from that transport medium.

16. The system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the hydrogen separation device (F) is configured to deliver substantially pure hydrogen, in particular a fuel comprising at least 99% by volume hydrogen.

17. The system according to any one of claims 14-16, wherein the system comprises one or more fuel dispensing stations, in particular one or more vehicle filling stations (T) which are set up at respective vehicle filling locations, wherein each fuel dispensing station in particular is provided with at least one flexible fuel conduit (t 1) with shutoff valve (t2) which is connectible to a fuel receiving device.

18. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 14-17, wherein the gas transport network comprises at least one high-pressure part, as well as, connected to the high pressure part, a number of regional network parts in which a lower transport pressure prevails than a transport pressure prevailing in the high pressure part, wherein said hydrogen source (B) is preferably connected to the high pressure part of the transport network.

19. The system according to any one of claims 14-18, wherein the gas transport network comprises several network parts which are separated by control stations, wherein at least one of said control stations is configured to control passage of hydrogen to a downstream network part, for instance so that a first downstream network part is provided with hydrogen and a second downstream network part is not, or to a lesser extent, provided with hydrogen.

20. The system according to any one of claims 14-19, wherein said at least one transport medium source (S) is configured to supply a second fuel, different from the hydrogen, to the network (N), for example natural gas.

21. The system according to any one of claims 14-19, wherein said at least one transport medium source (S) is configured to supply a

noncombustible transport medium to the network (N), for example nitrogen.

22. The system according to any one of claims 14-21, wherein the system comprises at least one fixedly disposed hydrogen storage (14) for locally storing hydrogen delivered by the separation device (F).

23. The system according to any one of claims 14-22, wherein the system comprises at least one mobile hydrogen separation device (14') for storing hydrogen delivered by the separation device (F).