Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

Patrick J Smith

Gregory W Henzler

Ghassan Altimany

Nicolas John Haryett

A stable discharge pressure of compressed hydrogen gas generated from the electrolysis of water is achieved and maintained at the outlet of a 'hybrid' multistage compression system comprising at least a first section comprising at least one centrifugal compressor powered at least in part by electricity generated from at least one renewable energy source and a further section downstream of the first section, wherein the further section comprises at least one reciprocating compressor.

Process and apparatus for compressing hydrogen gas in a hybrid compression system

Operation of a multistage compression system comprising at least one centrifugal compressor having a dry gas seal with opposed seal faces, for compressing a gas feed having a variable flow rate is improved by operating the or at least one centrifugal compressor in a low power mode where the opposed faces of the dry gas seal are not in contact during periods when gas flow through the centrifugal compressor(s) is not sufficient for normal operation. Such operation not only reduces damage to the dry gas seals and hence improves reliability, but also reduces the overall power requirement of the overall compression system.

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Schnecksville, PA, United States of America

Patrick J Smith