Energy distribution network

• US 6,745,105 B1
• Filed: 09/01/1999
• Issued: 06/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/12/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hydrogenics Corporation (Cummins Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: 3793257 Canada, Inc. (Cummins Incorporated)
• Inventors: Stuart, Andrew T. B., Dong, Charlie, Stewart, William J., Fairlie, Matthew J., Thorpe, Steven J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Picard, Leo
• Assistant Examiner(s): FRANK, ELLIOT L
• Application Number:
  US09/387,828
• Time in Patent Office: 1,735 Days
• Field of Search: 700/266, 700/271, 700/273, 205/343, 205/628, 205/637, 48/61, 210/603
• US Class Current: 700/273
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2260/54 Energy consumption estimation
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2260/56 Temperature prediction, e.g. for pre-cooling
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/30 for monitoring or controlling fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/34 by heating
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 2203/0233 the reforming step being a steam reforming step
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 2203/025 containing a partial oxidation step
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 2203/1223 Methanol
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 2203/1235 Hydrocarbons
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 2203/1241 Natural gas or methane
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 2203/84 Energy production
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 3/00 Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it separation of gases by physical means B01D; Purification of hydrogen production of water gas or synthesis gas from solid carbonaceous material C10J; purifying or modifying the chemical compositions of combustible technical gases containing carbon monoxide C10K
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 3/02 Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 3/32 by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 3/36 using oxygen or mixtures containing oxygen as gasifying agents
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2250/20 Fuel cells in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2250/402 Combination of fuel cell with other electric generators combination of fuel cells with other electrochemical generator H01M16/003
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04216 characterised by the choice for a specific material, e.g. carbon, hydride, absorbent
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04298 Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0438 Pressure; Ambient pressure; Flow
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04753 of fuel cell reactants
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0612 : from carbon-containing material
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0656 : by electrochemical means H01M8/065 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/10 : Applications of fuel cells in buildings
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/32 : Hydrogen storage
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/36 : Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 : Fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 20/133 : Renewable energy sources, e.g. sunlight
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/60 : Electric or hybrid propulsion means for production processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/40 : Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells

Abstract

An energy distribution network is provided including an energy source; a hydrogen production facility connected to the energy source; a recipient for hydrogen from the hydrogen production facility; and a controller. The controller controls the production of hydrogen by the hydrogen production facility based on inputs including energy resource availability.

Claims

1. An energy distribution network comprising

a. at least one primary energy resource means for producing electricity;

b. hydrogen production means for producing hydrogen using electricity received from said primary energy resource means;

c. hydrogen storage means for storing at least some of said hydrogen produced by said hydrogen production means;

d. hydrogen fuel user means for using hydrogen received from at least one of said hydrogen production means and said hydrogen storage means; and

e. data collection, storage, control and supply means linked to said primary energy resource means, said hydrogen production means and said hydrogen fuel user means to determine, control and supply hydrogen by said hydrogen production means based on inputs including energy resource availability.

2. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein said energy resource means comprises an electricity generating power plant.

3. A network as defined in claim 2 wherein said hydrogen production means comprises one or more electrolysers.

4. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein said hydrogen production means comprises a plurality of electrolysers.

5. A network as defined in claim 4 wherein said hydrogen fuel user means is connected to at least one of said electrolysers.

6. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein said data collection, storage, control and supply means is linked to receive data from and transmit data to said hydrogen production means.

7. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein said data collection, storage, control and supply means is linked to receive data from and transmit data to said hydrogen fuel user means.

8. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein said data collection, storage, control and supply means is linked to receive data from and transmit data to said energy resource means.

9. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein said energy resource availability input is selected from the group consisting of the amount of energy available, the nature of energy available, the time availability of the energy, the type of energy source available, the unit prices per increment of energy available and the duration of delivery of said energy resource.

10. A network as defined in claim 1 further comprising

(i) a compression means for providing outlet hydrogen at an outlet pressure;

(ii) means for feeding hydrogen from said hydrogen production means to said compression means;

(iii) means for feeding said outlet hydrogen from said compression means to at least one of said hydrogen fuel user means and said hydrogen storage means.

11. A network as defined in claim 10 wherein said compressor means is incorporated within said hydrogen production means.

12. A network as defined in claim 10 wherein said hydrogen production means is disposed in a hydrogen fuel appliance.

13. A network as claimed in claim 10 wherein said means for feeding said outlet hydrogen comprises vehicle attachment means attachable to a vehicle to provide said outlet hydrogen as fuel to said vehicle.

14. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein said hydrogen fuel user means comprises electricity generating means to generate electricity.

15. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein said network comprises electrical conduits of a local area, wide area or national area electricity distribution network.

16. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein said hydrogen fuel user means comprises hydrogen combustion means for producing thermal energy.

17. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein said hydrogen user means is an internal combustion engine.

18. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein said hydrogen user means is an electricity generating fuel cell.

19. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is an exchange of data flow between said data collection, storage, control and supply means and said energy resource means, said hydrogen production means and said hydrogen fuel user means.

20. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein a plurality of said hydrogen production means are provided in said network and wherein each of said hydrogen production means are linked to said data collection, storage, control and supply means.

21. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein a plurality of said energy resource means are provided in said network and wherein each of said energy resource means are linked to said data collection, storage, control and supply means.

22. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein a plurality of said hydrogen fuel user means are provided in said network and wherein each of said hydrogen fuel user means are linked to said data collection, storage, control and supply means.

23. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein said production of hydrogen is dynamically controlled by said data collection, storage, control and supply means.

24. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein a plurality of said hydrogen production means are disposed at remote locations from one another other and wherein said plurality of said hydrogen production means are linked to said network through said data collection, storage, control and supply means.

25. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hydrogen production means is selected from the group consisting of:

alkaline electrolysers, PEM electrolysers and solid oxide electrolysers.

26. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein said inputs further include user demand and hydrogen production status.

27. A network as defined in claim 26 wherein said user demand, energy resource availability and hydrogen production status inputs are selected from the group consisting of:

(a) the amount of hydrogen required from said hydrogen production means by said user;

(b) time of delivery of electrical energy to said hydrogen production means;

(c) duration of period said energy is to be delivered to said hydrogen production means;

(d) energy level to be sent to said hydrogen production means;

(e) hydrogen pressure of said hydrogen fuel user means;

(f) rate of change in hydrogen pressure within said hydrogen fuel user means;

(g) volume of hydrogen fuel user means; and

(h) price of electricity and price forecast.

28. A network as defined in claim 27 wherein said group further comprises:

(i) rate of energy level or the type of modulation of said energy resource means to said hydrogen production means; and

(ii) types of electrical energy selected from fossil fuels, hydro, nuclear, solar and wind generated.

29. A network as claimed in claim 26 wherein said inputs of user demand, energy resource availability and hydrogen production status are received and processed by said data collection, storage, control and supply means on an ongoing basis as said data collection, storage, control and supply means controls the production of hydrogen.

30. A network as claimed in claim 29 wherein said data collection, storage, control and supply means processes said inputs of user demand, energy resource availability and hydrogen production status to facilitate the production of hydrogen at a desired level of efficiency according to specified efficiency criteria.

31. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein said inputs of energy resource availability include data pertaining to the nature of the energy resources.

32. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein said inputs of energy resource availability include data pertaining to the availability of energy from the energy resources.

33. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein said inputs of energy resource availability include data pertaining to the cost of energy from the energy resources.

34. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein said inputs of energy resource availability include data pertaining to the nature of the energy resources, the availability of energy from the energy resources and the cost of energy from the energy resources.

35. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein said inputs further include data pertaining to the operating status of the hydrogen production means.

36. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein said inputs further include data pertaining to demand criteria specified by said hydrogen fuel user means.

37. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein a plurality of energy resources, a plurality of hydrogen production means and a plurality of hydrogen fuel user means are all provided in said network.

38. A network as defined in claim 1 further comprising means for feeding hydrogen disposed in said hydrogen storage means to a vehicle.

41. A network as defined in claim 1 wherein said data collection storage, control and supply means comprises

(a) an energy resource processor for processing data concerning energy resources;

(b) a hydrogen supply processor for processing data concerning hydrogen supply; and

(c) a user demand processor for processing data concerning user demand for energy.

42. A network as claimed in claim 41 wherein said data collection storage, control and supply means controls the supply of hydrogen within said energy distribution network according to data from at least one of said energy resource processors said hydrogen supply processor and said user demand processor.

43. A network as claimed in claim 41 wherein said data collection storage, control and supply means controls the production of hydrogen by one or more hydrogen production facilities according to data from at least one of said energy resource processors said hydrogen supply processor and said user demand processor.

44. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hydrogen user means receives said hydrogen from said hydrogen storage means.

45. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hydrogen storage means comprises at least one hydride storage chamber.

46. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein said electricity is transmitted indirectly from said primary energy resource means to said hydrogen production means.

47. A network as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of said primary energy resource means is connected to an electrical power grid and wherein at least some of said electricity received by said hydrogen production means is provided from said electrical power grid.

48. A network as claimed in claim 47 wherein said energy resource availability input comprises data pertaining to said electrical power grid.

39. A network as claimed in 38 further comprising means for compressing said hydrogen prior to feeding said hydrogen to at least one of said hydrogen storage means and said vehicle.

40. A network as defined in 38 further comprising a user input interface for receiving user input data and communicating said user input data to said data collection storage, control and supply means.

49. An energy distribution network comprising

(a) energy resource means;

(b) hydrogen production means for producing hydrogen using energy received from said energy resource means;

(c) hydrogen fuel user means for using hydrogen received from said hydrogen production means; and

(d) data collection, storage, control and supply means linked to said energy resource means, said hydrogen production means and said hydrogen fuel user means to determine, control and supply hydrogen by said hydrogen production means,

wherein said hydrogen fuel user means serves a plurality of geographic zones located within or associated with at least one building structure selected from the group consisting of an office, plant, factory, warehouse, shopping mall, apartment, and linked, semi-linked or detached residential dwelling and wherein at least one of said geographic zones has zone data control and supply means linked to said data collection, storage, control and supply means.

50. A network as defined in claim 49 wherein each of at least two of said geographic zones has zone data control and supply means, and a building data control and supply means linked to (i) said data collection, storage, control and supply means, and (ii) each of at least two of said geographic zone data control and supply means in an interconnected network, to determine, control and supply hydrogen from said hydrogen production means to said hydrogen fuel user means.

51. A network as defined in claim 49 wherein said hydrogen fuel user means is selected from the group consisting of a fuel cell, boiler, furnace, steam generator, turbine/motor generator, catalytic converters, hydrogen generating electrolytic cell and hydrogen storage facility.

52. A network as claimed in claim 49 wherein said energy resource means comprises at least one of the following:

fossil fuel, hydro, nuclear, solar and wind.

53. A network as claimed in claim 49 wherein said hydrogen production means comprises one or more electrolyser.

54. A network as claimed in claim 49 wherein said hydrogen fuel user means comprises a conversion device for converting hydrogen into electricity.

55. A network as claimed in claim 49 wherein said hydrogen fuel user means comprises a conversion device for converting hydrogen into thermal energy.

56. A network as claimed in claim 49 wherein said zone data control and supply means comprises a zone controller that is associated with said zone.

57. A network as claimed in claim 56 wherein said data collection, storage, control and supply means comprises a unit controller for said building structure, said unit controller being operably connected to said zone controller for said building structure.

58. A network as claimed in claim 49 wherein said data collection, storage, control and supply means comprises a network controller for communicating with a plurality of building structures.

59. A network as claimed in claim 58 wherein a plurality of building structures are provided in said network and wherein each of said building structures has associated therewith a unit controller for processing data from zone controllers located in their building structure and communicating data concerning said building structure to said network controller.

60. A network as claimed in claim 49 wherein said hydrogen production means located remotely from said at least one building structure.

61. A network as claimed in claim 49 wherein said hydrogen production means is located proximate to said at least one building structure.

62. A network as claimed in claim 49 wherein said hydrogen production means is located within said at least one building structure.

63. A network as claimed in claim 49 wherein said hydrogen fuel user means includes a hydrogen storage facility located proximate to said at least one building structure for receiving hydrogen from said hydrogen production means and for storing hydrogen for use by a device that converts hydrogen into electricity.

64. A network as claimed in claim 63 wherein said hydrogen storage facility is disposed within said building.

65. A network as claimed in claim 63 wherein said hydrogen storage facility includes a hydrogen delivery system for delivering hydrogen from said hydrogen storage facility to a vehicle.

66. A network as claimed in claim 65 further comprising a compressor for compressing said hydrogen prior to its delivery to a vehicle.

67. A network as claimed in claim 66 wherein said compressor is disposed between said hydrogen production means and said hydrogen storage facility.

68. A network as claimed in claim 49 wherein said hydrogen fuel user means includes a hydrogen storage facility located proximate to said at least one building structure for receiving hydrogen from said hydrogen production means and for storing hydrogen for use by a device that converts hydrogen into thermal energy.

69. A network as claimed in claim 68 wherein said hydrogen storage facility is disposed within said building.

70. An energy distribution network comprising

(a) at least one primary energy resource for producing electricity;

(b) a hydrogen production facility for producing hydrogen from electricity received from said primary energy resource;

(c) a hydrogen storage apparatus for storing at least some of said hydrogen produced by said hydrogen production facility;

(d) a hydrogen user for using hydrogen received from at least one of said hydrogen production facility and said hydrogen storage apparatus; and

(e) a controller linked to each of said primary energy resource, said hydrogen production facility and said hydrogen user to control the production of hydrogen by said hydrogen production facility based on inputs including energy resource availability.

71. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein said inputs further include user demand and hydrogen production status.

72. A network as defined in claim 70 wherein said energy resource comprises at least one of the following:

fossil fuel, hydro, nuclear, solar and wind.

73. A network as defined in claim 72 wherein said hydrogen production facility comprises one or more electrolysers.

74. A network as defined in claim 70 wherein said hydrogen production facility comprises a plurality of electrolysers.

75. A network as defined in claim 74 wherein said hydrogen user is connected to at least one of said electrolysers.

76. A network as defined in claim 70 wherein said controller is linked to receive data from and transmit data to said hydrogen production facility.

77. A network as defined in claim 70 wherein said controller is linked to receive data from and transmit data to said hydrogen user.

78. A network as defined in claim 70 wherein said controller is linked to receive data from and transmit data to said energy resource.

79. A network as defined in claim 70 wherein said energy resource availability input is selected from the group consisting of the amount of energy available, the nature of energy available, the time availability of the energy, the type of energy source available, the unit prices per increment of energy available and the duration of delivery of said energy resource.

80. A network as defined in claim 70 wherein said user demand, energy resource availability and hydrogen production status inputs are selected from the group consisting of

(a) the amount of hydrogen required from said hydrogen production facility by said user;

(b) time of delivery of electrical energy to said hydrogen production facility;

(c) duration of period said energy is to be delivered to said hydrogen production facility;

(d) energy level to be sent to said hydrogen production facility;

(e) hydrogen pressure of said hydrogen user;

(f) rate of change in hydrogen pressure within said hydrogen user;

(g) volume of said hydrogen storage apparatus; and

(h) price of electricity and price forecast.

81. A network as defined in claim 80 wherein said group further comprises

(i) rate of energy level or the type of modulation of said energy source to said hydrogen production facility;

and

(ii) types of electrical energy selected from fossil fuels, hydro, nuclear, solar and wind generated.

82. A network as defined in any one of claim 70 further comprising

(i) a compressor for providing outlet hydrogen at an outlet pressure;

(ii) a conduit for transferring hydrogen from said hydrogen production facility to said compressor; and

(iii) a dispenser for transferring outlet hydrogen from said compressor to at least one of said hydrogen user and said hydrogen storage apparatus.

83. A network as defined in claim 82 wherein said compressor is incorporated within said hydrogen production facility.

84. A network as defined in claim 83 wherein said hydrogen production facility is disposed in a hydrogen fuel appliance.

85. A network as defined in claim 70 wherein said hydrogen user comprises a conversion device for converting hydrogen into electricity.

86. A network as defined in claim 85 wherein said network comprises electrical conduits of a local area, wide area or national area electricity distribution network and wherein at least some electricity produced by said hydrogen user is delivered to said network.

87. A network as defined in claim 70 wherein said hydrogen user comprises a conversion device for converting hydrogen into thermal energy.

88. A network as defined in claim 70 wherein said hydrogen user is an internal combustion engine.

89. A network as defined in claim 70 wherein said hydrogen user is a fuel cell.

90. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein there is an exchange of data flow between said controller and said energy resource, said hydrogen production facility and said hydrogen user.

91. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein a plurality of said hydrogen production facilities are provided in said network and wherein each of said hydrogen production facilities are linked to said controller.

93. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein a plurality of said hydrogen users are provided in said network and wherein each of said hydrogen users are linked to said controller.

94. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein a plurality of hydrogen storage apparatii are provided in said network and wherein each of said hydrogen storage apparatii are linked to said controller.

95. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein said production of hydrogen is dynamically controlled by said controller.

96. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein a plurality of said hydrogen production facilities are disposed at remote locations from one another other and wherein said plurality of said hydrogen production facilities are linked to said network through said controller.

97. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein said hydrogen production facility is selected from the group consisting of:

alkaline electrolysers, PEM electrolysers and solid oxide electrolysers.

98. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein said inputs further include user demand and hydrogen production status.

99. A network as claimed in claim 98 wherein said inputs of user demand, energy resource availability and hydrogen production status are received and processed by said controller on an ongoing basis as said controller controls the production of hydrogen.

100. A network as claimed in claim 98 wherein said controller processes said inputs of user demand, energy resource availability and hydrogen production status to facilitate the production of hydrogen at a desired level of efficiency according to specified efficiency criteria.

101. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein said hydrogen user is disposed on a vehicle for powering the vehicle.

102. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein said input of energy resource availability includes data pertaining to the nature of the energy resources.

103. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein said input of energy resource availability includes data pertaining to the availability of energy from the energy resources.

104. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein said input of energy resource availability includes data pertaining to the cost of energy from the energy resource.

105. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein said input of energy resource availability includes data pertaining to the nature of the energy resources, the availability of energy from the energy resources and the cost of energy from the energy resources.

106. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein said input further includes data pertaining to the operating status of the hydrogen production facility.

107. A network as defined in claim 70 wherein said input further includes data pertaining to demand criteria specified by said hydrogen user.

108. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein a plurality of energy resources, a plurality of hydrogen production facilities and a plurality of hydrogen users are all provided in said network.

109. A network as defined in claim 70 further comprising a dispenser for transferring hydrogen disposed in said hydrogen storage apparatus to a vehicle.

112. A network as defined in claim 70 wherein said controller comprises:

(a) an energy resource processor for processing data concerning energy resources;

(b) a hydrogen supply processor for processing data concerning hydrogen supply; and

(c) a user demand processor for processing data concerning user demand for energy.

113. A network as claimed in claim 112 wherein said controller controls the supply of hydrogen within said energy distribution network according to data from at least one of said energy resource processor, said hydrogen supply processor and said user demand processor.

114. A network as claimed in claim 112 wherein said controller controls the production of hydrogen by one or more hydrogen production facilities according to data from at least one of said energy resource processor, said hydrogen supply processor and said user demand processor.

115. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein said hydrogen user receives said hydrogen from said hydrogen storage apparatus.

116. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein said hydrogen storage apparatus comprises a hydride storage device.

117. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein said electricity is transmitted indirectly from said primary energy resource to said hydrogen production apparatus.

118. A network as claimed in claim 70 wherein at least one of said primary energy resources is connected to an electrical power grid and wherein at least some of said electricity received by said hydrogen production facility is provided from said electrical power grid.

119. A network as claimed in claim 118 wherein said energy resource availability input comprises data pertaining to said electrical power grid.

92. A network as claimed in claim 92 wherein a plurality of said energy resources are provided in said network and wherein each of said energy resources are linked to said controller.

110. A network as claimed in 109 further comprising a compressor for compressing said hydrogen prior to feeding said hydrogen to at least one of said hydrogen storage apparatus and said vehicle.

111. A network as defined in 109 further comprising a user input interface for receiving user input data and communicating said user input data to said controller.

120. An energy distribution network comprising

(a) at least one primary energy resource for producing electricity;

(b) an electrolyser connected to said primary energy resource for receiving said electricity and producing hydrogen;

(c) a hydrogen storage apparatus for storing at least some of said hydrogen Produced by said electrolyser;

(d) a hydrogen user for using hydrogen received from at least one of said electrolyser and said hydrogen storage apparatus; and

(e) a controller linked to each of said primary energy resource, said electrolyser and said hydrogen user to control the production of hydrogen by said electrolyser.

121. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein said controller controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including energy resource availability.

122. A network as claimed in claim 121 wherein said inputs further include user demand and hydrogen production status.

123. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein said inputs of user demand, energy resource availability and hydrogen production status are received and processed by said controller on an ongoing basis as said controller controls the production of hydrogen.

124. A network as claimed in claim 123 wherein said controller processes said inputs of user demand, energy resource availability and hydrogen production status to facilitate the production of hydrogen at a desired level of efficiency according to specified efficiency criteria.

125. A controller for an energy distribution network as claimed in claim 120 wherein said controller comprises:

(a) an energy resource processor for processing data concerning energy resources;

(b) a hydrogen supply processor for processing data concerning hydrogen supply; and

(c) a user demand processor for processing data concerning user demand for energy.

126. A controller as claimed in claim 125 wherein said controller controls the supply of hydrogen within said energy distribution network according to data from at least one of said energy resource processor, said hydrogen supply processor and said user demand processor.

127. A controller as claimed in claim 125 wherein said controller controls the production of hydrogen by one or more electrolysers according to data from at least one of said energy resource processor, said hydrogen supply processor and said user demand processor.

128. A network as defined in claim 120 wherein said energy resource comprises at least one of the following:

fossil fuel, hydro, nuclear, solar and wind.

129. A network as defined in claim 120 wherein said hydrogen user is connected to said electrolyser.

130. A network as defined in claim 120 wherein said controller is linked to receive data from and transmit data to said electrolyser.

131. A network as defined in claim 120 wherein said controller is linked to receive data from and transmit data to said hydrogen user.

132. A network as defined in claim 120 wherein said controller is linked to receive data from and transmit data to said energy source.

133. A network as defined in claim 120 wherein said controller controls the production of hydrogen based upon inputs including energy resource availability inputs selected from the group consisting of the amount of energy available, the nature of energy available, the time availability of the energy, the type of energy source available, the unit prices per increment of energy available and the duration of delivery of said energy resource.

134. A network as defined in claim 120 wherein said controller controls the production of hydrogen based upon inputs including user demand, energy resource availability and hydrogen production status inputs selected from the group consisting of:

(a) the amount of hydrogen required from said electrolyser by said user;

(b) time of delivery of electrical energy to said electrolyser;

(c) duration of period said energy is to be delivered to said electrolyser;

(d) energy level to be sent to said electrolyser;

(e) hydrogen pressure of said hydrogen user;

(f) rate of change in hydrogen pressure within said hydrogen user;

(g) volume of said hydrogen storage apparatus; and

(h) price of electricity and price forecast.

135. A network as defined in claim 134 wherein said group further comprises

(i) rate of energy level or the type of modulation of said energy resource to said electrolyser;

and

(ii) types of electrical energy selected from fossil fuels, hydro, nuclear, solar and wind generated.

136. A network as defined in claim 120 further comprising:

(i) a compressor for providing outlet hydrogen at an outlet pressure;

(ii) a conduit for transferring hydrogen from said electrolyser to said compressor; and

(iii) a dispenser for transferring outlet hydrogen from said compressor to at least one of said hydrogen user and said hydrogen storage apparatus.

137. A network as defined in claim 136 wherein said electrolyser is disposed in a hydrogen fuel appliance.

138. A network as defined in claim 137 wherein said compressor is incorporated within said hydrogen fuel appliance.

139. A network as defined in claim 120 wherein said hydrogen user comprises a conversion device for converting hydrogen into electricity.

140. A network as defined in claim 139 wherein said network comprises electrical conduits of a local area, wide area or national area electricity distribution network.

141. A network as defined in claim 120 wherein said hydrogen user comprises a conversion device for converting hydrogen into thermal energy.

142. A network as defined in claim 120 wherein said hydrogen user is an internal combustion engine.

143. A network as defined in claim 120 wherein said hydrogen user is a fuel cell.

144. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein there is an exchange of data flow between said controller and said energy resource, said electrolyser and said hydrogen user.

145. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein a plurality of said electrolysers are provided in said network and wherein each of said electrolysers are linked to said controller.

146. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein a plurality of said energy resources are provided in said network and wherein each of said energy resources are linked to said controller.

147. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein a plurality of said hydrogen users are provided in said network and wherein each of said hydrogen users are linked to said controller.

148. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein a plurality of said hydrogen storage apparatii are provided in said network and wherein each of said hydrogen storage apparatii are linked to said controller.

149. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein said production of hydrogen is dynamically controlled by said controller.

150. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein a plurality of said electrolysers are disposed at remote locations from one another other and wherein said plurality of said electrolysers are linked to said network through said controller.

151. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein said electrolyser is selected from the group consisting of:

alkaline electrolysers, PEM electrolysers and solid oxide electrolysers.

152. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein said hydrogen user is disposed on a vehicle for powering the vehicle.

153. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein said controller controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including data pertaining to the nature of the energy resources.

154. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein said controller controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including data pertaining to the availability of energy from the energy resources.

155. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein said controller controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including data pertaining to the cost of energy from the energy resources.

156. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein said controller controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including data pertaining to the nature of the energy resources, the availability of energy from the energy resources and the cost of energy from the energy resources.

157. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein said controller controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including data pertaining to the operating status of the electrolyser.

158. A network as defined in claim 120 wherein said controller controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including data pertaining to demand criteria specified by said hydrogen user.

159. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein a plurality of energy resources, a plurality of electrolysers and a plurality of hydrogen users are all provided in said network.

160. A network as defined in claim 120 further comprising a dispenser for transferring hydrogen disposed in said hydrogen storage apparatus to a vehicle.

163. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein said hydrogen user receives said hydrogen from said hydrogen storage apparatus.

164. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein said hydrogen storage apparatus comprises a hydride storage device.

165. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein said electricity is transmitted indirectly from said primary energy resource to said electrolyser.

166. A network as claimed in claim 120 wherein at least one of said primary energy resources is connected to an electrical power grid and wherein at least some of said electricity received by said electrolyser is provided from said electrical power grid.

167. A network as claimed in claim 166 wherein said controller controls the production of hydrogen based on inputs including data pertaining to said electrical power grid.

161. A network as claimed in 160 further comprising a compressor for compressing said hydrogen prior to feeding said hydrogen to at least one of said hydrogen storage apparatus and said vehicle.

162. A network as defined in 160 further comprising a user input interface for receiving user input data and communicating said user input data to said controller.