Hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage device and solid-state hydrogen storage system

Abstract

This invention provides a hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage device and a solid-state hydrogen storage system. The solid-state hydrogen storage device includes a hydrogen inlet, a hydrogen diffusion section, several reaction tubes, a hydrogen collection section, and a hydrogen outlet. The first end of each reaction tube is connected to the hydrogen diffusion section, and the second end of each reaction tube is connected to the hydrogen collection section. A vent pipe is installed inside each reaction tube, and hydrogen storage material is filled between them. The increased volume due to the expansion of the hydrogen storage material can be absorbed by the deformation of the vent pipe. The solid-state hydrogen storage system consists of the aforementioned hydrogen storage device, a heater, a cooler, a circulating fan, and circulating pipelines. In the solid-state hydrogen storage device provided by this invention, hydrogen directly exchanges heat with the hydrogen storage material, improving the mass and heat transfer process and increasing the system's heat exchange efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a solid-state hydrogen storage device, and more particularly to a hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage device, and a solid-state hydrogen storage system based thereon, belonging to the field of solid-state hydrogen storage technology. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen is a clean and efficient energy source with high energy density and environmentally friendly characteristics. It is a crucial carrier for achieving a green and low-carbon transition in energy consumption and an important component of the future energy system. However, hydrogen storage and transportation face technological challenges. Hydrogen storage and transportation technology is a key link in hydrogen energy utilization and also the biggest obstacle hindering its large-scale application.

[0003] Currently, hydrogen storage and transportation methods mainly include high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage, liquid hydrogen storage and transportation, solid-state hydrogen storage, and organic liquid hydrogen storage, all of which present challenges related to safety, energy consumption, and volume. Solid-state hydrogen storage devices typically rely on the chemical reaction between the storage material and hydrogen to achieve hydrogen adsorption and release, offering advantages such as high hydrogen storage density, safety, reliability, and long service life. Therefore, solid-state hydrogen storage technology has become a current research hotspot.

[0004] Since solid-state hydrogen storage devices generally involve heat absorption and release processes, most publicly available solid-state hydrogen storage devices currently use electric heating or heat exchange media such as superheated steam, hot air, molten salt, heat transfer oil, and liquid metal. Hydrogen storage material powders have poor heat transfer properties, and most existing solid-state hydrogen storage devices suffer from problems such as low system thermal efficiency and large equipment temperature gradients. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is that existing solid-state hydrogen storage devices have low thermal efficiency and large temperature gradients.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides a hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage device, comprising:

[0007] Hydrogen inlet, used to introduce hydrogen into the solid hydrogen storage device;

[0008] Hydrogen diffusion section, connected to hydrogen inlet;

[0009] Hydrogen outlet, used to discharge hydrogen from the solid hydrogen storage device;

[0010] The hydrogen collection section is connected to the hydrogen outlet.

[0011] Several reaction tubes are located between the hydrogen diffusion section and the hydrogen collection section. The interior of the reaction tubes is configured to serve both as a filling material for hydrogen storage and as part of the hydrogen circulation channel.

[0012] The interior of the reaction tube is configured to function both as a filling material for hydrogen storage and as part of a hydrogen circulation channel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the hydrogen diffusion section is a hollow structure formed by connecting a first end cap and a first tube sheet, and the hydrogen collection section is a hollow structure formed by connecting a second end cap and a second tube sheet. Both the first tube sheet and the second tube sheet are provided with a plurality of reaction tube mounting holes.

[0014] In some embodiments, the hydrogen inlet is connected to the middle of the first end cap; the hydrogen outlet is connected to the middle of the second end cap.

[0015] In some embodiments, the reaction tubes are arranged parallel to the axial direction of the solid hydrogen storage device and perpendicular to the first tube sheet and the second tube sheet.

[0016] In some embodiments, a vent pipe is provided in each reaction tube, and the wall of the vent pipe is provided with a plurality of vent holes; the first end of the vent pipe faces the hydrogen diffusion section and is open, but the connection end face between the first end of the vent pipe and the reaction tube is closed; the second end of the vent pipe faces the hydrogen collection section and is closed.

[0017] In some embodiments, the space between the reaction tube and the venting tube is used to fill hydrogen storage material, and the wall of the venting tube can deform inward to accommodate the volume expansion of the hydrogen storage material.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the vent pipe is polygonal or circular.

[0019] A second aspect of the present invention provides a hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage system, comprising:

[0020] The hydrogen storage device adopts the aforementioned solid-state hydrogen storage device;

[0021] The heater is located upstream of the solid hydrogen storage device and is connected to the solid hydrogen storage device via a connecting pipeline.

[0022] The cooler is located upstream of the solid hydrogen storage device and is connected to the solid hydrogen storage device via connecting pipelines.

[0023] The circulating fan is located upstream of the heater and cooler;

[0024] The circulation pipeline is used to connect the solid hydrogen storage device, heater, cooler, and fan; the circulation pipeline is equipped with a hydrogen release port and a hydrogen filling port.

[0025] In some embodiments, the heater and cooler are installed in parallel in the circulation line.

[0026] In some embodiments, a separator is also included, which is installed between the solid hydrogen storage device and the hydrogen outlet.

[0027] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: In the solid hydrogen storage device provided by the present invention, hydrogen directly exchanges heat with the hydrogen storage material, which improves the mass and heat transfer process and increases the heat exchange efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage device provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the inlet cross-section of the reaction tube in a hydrogen-heated solid hydrogen storage device provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the reaction tube outlet in a hydrogen-heated solid hydrogen storage device provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure and working state of a hydrogen-heated solid hydrogen storage system provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] The meanings of the markings in the above attached diagrams are as follows:

[0033] 100 Solid-state hydrogen storage device

[0034] 110 Hydrogen import

[0035] 120 Hydrogen Diffusion Section

[0036] 121 Head

[0037] 122 tube sheet

[0038] 130 reaction tube

[0039] 131 Hydrogen Storage Materials

[0040] 132 Ventilation Tube

[0041] 132a Ventilation tube opening end

[0042] 132b Ventilation tube closed end

[0043] 133 Thermal Insulation Material

[0044] 140 Hydrogen Gathering Unit

[0045] 141 end cap

[0046] 142 tube sheet

[0047] 150 Hydrogen outlet

[0048] 200 heater

[0049] 300 Cooler

[0050] 400 fan

[0051] 500 Separation Tank

[0052] 600 Circulation Pipeline

[0053] 601 Hydrogen Filling Port

[0054] 602 Hydrogen release port Detailed Implementation

[0055] The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in this specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. The terms "an" or "a" and similar words do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. In the description of this patent, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0056] In the description of this patent, words such as "comprising" or "having" mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "having" cover the elements or objects listed after "comprising" or "having" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects.

[0057] In the description of this patent, when an element is referred to as being "fixed to / mounted on (or similarly)" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be intervening elements. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0058] In the description of this patent, the terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "horizontal", "horizontal", "vertical", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this patent and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this patent.

[0059] This invention provides a hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage device and system. By directly heating and cooling hydrogen, the temperature of the hydrogen storage material is controlled to regulate the hydrogen absorption and release process. The hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage device has a simple structure and is easy to operate, enabling efficient and safe hydrogen storage and release. The ingeniously designed hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage system is suitable for various applications requiring large-scale, stable hydrogen storage. It is particularly suitable for hydrogen energy storage and hydrogen fuel cell supply systems, such as renewable energy power plants and distributed energy systems. In these scenarios, this invention can improve the efficiency of hydrogen storage and release while effectively ensuring the safety and stability of the system.

[0060] The hydrogen heating solid hydrogen storage device provided by this invention is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the solid-state hydrogen storage device is used to store hydrogen. The solid-state hydrogen storage device 100 includes a hydrogen inlet 110, a hydrogen diffusion section 120, multiple reaction tubes 130, a hydrogen collection section 140, and a hydrogen outlet 150. The reaction tubes 130 are located in the middle of the solid-state hydrogen storage device 100, and their length accounts for approximately one-third of the total length of the device. The left and right ends of the reaction tube 130 are close to the hydrogen diffusion section 120 and the hydrogen collection section 140, respectively, but the left end of the reaction tube 130 is not directly connected to the hydrogen diffusion section 120. The hydrogen inlet 110 is connected to the hydrogen diffusion section 120, and the hydrogen outlet 150 is connected to the hydrogen collection section 140.

[0061] The hydrogen diffusion section 120 and the hydrogen collection section 140 are located at both ends of the solid-state hydrogen storage device 100. The hydrogen diffusion section 120 is formed by connecting a head 121 and a tube sheet 122, and has an internal cavity to allow hydrogen to flow and diffuse. The head 121 is a hemispherical surface, and its center is connected to the hydrogen inlet 110. The tube sheet 122 is a flat surface with multiple reaction tube mounting holes (not shown in the figure) on it. The shape, size, and number of the reaction tube mounting holes match the inlet end of the reaction tube 130.

[0062] The hydrogen collecting section 140 is symmetrical to the hydrogen diffusion section 120, and is also formed by connecting a hemispherical end cap 141 and a flat tube sheet 142. The center of the end cap is connected to the hydrogen outlet 150. Multiple reaction tube mounting holes (not shown in the figure) are formed on the tube sheet, and the shape, size, and number of these holes match the outlet end of the reaction tube 130. The hydrogen collecting section 140 is responsible for collecting the hydrogen from each reaction tube 130 and exporting it, which then enters the hydrogen circulation pipeline via the hydrogen outlet 150.

[0063] The reaction tube 130 is the core component of the hydrogen storage device and is also the focus of this invention. The outer ring inside each reaction tube 130 is used to fill hydrogen storage material, such as... Figure 2As shown, the outer wall of the reaction tube 130 is wrapped with insulation material 133. The inner ring inside the reaction tube 130 also serves as part of the hydrogen circulation channel. The first end of each reaction tube 130 is closed and connected to the hydrogen diffuser 120 through the middle vent, and the second end is connected to the hydrogen collecting section 140.

[0064] During the manufacturing and installation of the solid-state hydrogen storage device 100, after the first end of the reaction tube 130 is inserted into the reaction tube mounting hole of the tube sheet 122, the outer wall of the reaction tube 130 is welded or expanded to seal the tube sheet 122. Similarly, the second end of the reaction tube 130 is welded or expanded to seal the tube sheet of the hydrogen collection section 140. To facilitate welding, a gap is provided between each reaction tube and the adjacent reaction tube. After welding and installation, the gaps are filled with insulation material 133. The reaction tubes 130 are arranged parallel to the axial direction of the solid-state hydrogen storage device 100 and perpendicular to the tube sheets on both sides.

[0065] A vent pipe 132 is installed inside each reaction tube 130 for rapid hydrogen flow. Figure 2 As shown, the opening end 132a of the vent pipe faces the hydrogen diffusion section 120. The area between the opening end 132a of the vent pipe and the reaction tube 130 is sealed, as shown. Figure 2 The area marked with a diagonal line. The second end of the vent tube 132 is closed, as shown. Figure 3 The area marked with a slash (dash) indicates that the closed end 132b of the vent pipe faces the hydrogen collection section 140. The area between the closed end 132b of the vent pipe and the reaction tube 130 is open, as shown in the image. Figure 3 The inner region of the tube is filled with hydrogen storage material 131.

[0066] The space between the vent pipe 132 and the reaction pipe 130 is used to fill the hydrogen storage material 131, in which the hydrogen storage material 131 is... Figure 3 The hydrogen is represented by a dot array. The internal space of the hydrogen collection section 140 is also filled with hydrogen storage material 131 (represented by a dot array). Before the solid hydrogen storage device 100 is put into use, the internal hydrogen storage material 131 is loaded into the device from the hydrogen outlet 150, filling the hydrogen collection section 140, and then filling the space between the vent pipe 132 and the reaction pipe 130.

[0067] The vent pipe 132 has multiple vent holes (not shown in the figure) on its wall. When hydrogen flows in the vent pipe 132, it passes through these vent holes to the outside of the vent pipe 132 wall. Most of it reacts with the hydrogen storage material 131 after contact and is stored.

[0068] Besides serving as a rapid flow channel for hydrogen, the vent pipe 132 also functions as an expansion space for the hydrogen storage material in this invention. During operation, the hydrogen storage material expands, compressing both the reaction tube 130 and the vent pipe 132. The reaction tube 130 is a relatively thick metal cylindrical tube to maintain its shape stability. The vent pipe 132 is a thin-walled, soft metal tube. When compressed by the expansion of the hydrogen storage material 131, the thin wall of the vent pipe 132 deforms inward to accommodate the increased volume of the expanded hydrogen storage material 131, preventing structural damage due to pressure and ensuring the safety of the reaction tube 130 and the entire device. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the vent pipe 132 is polygonal, such as a regular hexagon, which is more easily deformable than a cylindrical tube.

[0069] Hydrogen inlet 110 is used to introduce hydrogen into the solid-state hydrogen storage device 100, enabling the circulation of hydrogen. Hydrogen enters the hydrogen diffuser 120 through hydrogen inlet 110, then flows evenly through tube sheet 122 into each vent pipe 132, and reaches each reaction pipe 130 after passing through the through-holes in the vent pipe 132. A portion of the hydrogen reacts with the hydrogen storage material 131 in the reaction pipe 130 and is stored; another portion of the hydrogen does not participate in the reaction and flows through the reaction pipe 130 to the hydrogen collection section 140, where it reacts with the hydrogen storage material 131 and is stored. The remaining unreacted hydrogen flows out from hydrogen outlet 150, restarting a new cycle.

[0070] Based on the above-mentioned solid-state hydrogen storage device, this invention also constructs a solid-state hydrogen storage system for direct hydrogen heating, the connection structure and operating state of which are as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the solid-state hydrogen storage system mainly consists of a solid-state hydrogen storage device 100, a heater 200, a cooler 300, a hydrogen circulation fan 400, a separator 500, and a circulation pipeline 600. The circulation pipeline 600 connects the solid-state hydrogen storage device 100, the heater 200, the cooler 300, and the hydrogen circulation fan 400 into a single system. The circulation pipeline 600 is equipped with a hydrogen filling port 601 and a hydrogen discharging port 602. During the hydrogen filling stage, hydrogen is added to the circulation pipeline through the hydrogen filling port 601. During the hydrogen discharging stage, the hydrogen released from the solid-state hydrogen storage device 100 is released through the circulation pipeline from the hydrogen discharging port 602.

[0071] The heater 200 is located upstream of the solid-state hydrogen storage device 100 and is connected to it via a connecting pipe. The cooler 300 is also located upstream of the solid-state hydrogen storage device 100 and is connected to it via a connecting pipe. In this embodiment, the heater 200 and the cooler 300 are a set of heat exchangers connected in parallel. The heater 200 and the cooler 300 are key components in the hydrogen storage system used for temperature control.

[0072] The circulating hydrogen gas is rapidly cooled as it passes through cooler 300. During the hydrogen charging process, the cooled circulating hydrogen gas is used to cool the hydrogen storage material, thereby increasing its hydrogen absorption rate. Heater 200 heats the hydrogen gas during the hydrogen release process, raising the temperature of the hydrogen storage material and enabling it to release hydrogen more stably. Heater 200 and cooler 300 are installed in parallel in the circulation pipeline, each with its own independent valve (not shown in the figure), allowing for free switching of operating states as needed. When the solid-state hydrogen storage device 100 requires heating, the circulating hydrogen gas is heated by heater 200. When the solid-state hydrogen storage device 100 requires cooling, the circulating hydrogen gas is cooled by cooler 300. Heater 200 and cooler 300 can utilize various temperature-matched cold and heat sources, which are not limited here.

[0073] The circulating fan 400 is located upstream of the heater 200 and the cooler 300. The circulating fan 400 provides power for the circulating flow of hydrogen, ensuring smooth hydrogen circulation within the system. This hydrogen circulating fan 400 can be a high-temperature resistant fan; the system utilizes the pressure boosting of the hydrogen source, and the fan provides the circulating hydrogen with a pressure head to overcome system resistance, thereby reducing energy consumption. The hydrogen circulating fan 400 can also be a gas compressor for the pre-cooler 300.

[0074] Separator 500 is installed between solid hydrogen storage device 100 and hydrogen outlet 602. The hydrogen gas released from solid hydrogen storage device 100 may contain some dust. The function of separator 500 is to separate and remove this dust, ensuring the purity of the hydrogen gas. Separator 500 can be a gravity settling device, inertial separator, cyclone separator, or bag filter, etc.

[0075] The workflow of a solid-state hydrogen storage system is as follows:

[0076] When the system needs to be filled with hydrogen, hydrogen enters the system through the hydrogen filling port 601, flows to the solid hydrogen storage device 100, and is then evenly distributed to each reaction tube 130 through the hydrogen diffusion section 120. The hydrogen storage material filled inside the reaction tube 130 absorbs the hydrogen, and the unabsorbed hydrogen enters the system through the hydrogen outlet 150 for recirculation. It is then cooled by the cooler 300 and used as a cooling medium.

[0077] When the system needs to release hydrogen, the heater 200 is turned on, allowing the hydrogen gas remaining in the circulation pipeline 600 to be heated by the heater 200 and flow. At this time, the hot hydrogen gas is used as a heat transfer medium, which heats the hydrogen storage material 131, allowing the hydrogen storage material to continuously release more hydrogen gas.

[0078] In practical applications, the condition of the hydrogen storage material 131 should be checked regularly to ensure that its hydrogen storage and release efficiency meets expectations. Simultaneously, the dust accumulation in the separator 500 should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent dust from affecting operational efficiency. The system's fan 400, heater 200, and cooler 300 also require regular maintenance to ensure their long-term safe and efficient operation.

[0079] The hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage device and solid-state hydrogen storage system of the present invention have the following advantages:

[0080] (1) High safety: Solid hydrogen storage reduces the risk of hydrogen leakage and improves the overall safety of the device.

[0081] (2) High-efficiency hydrogen storage and release: The hydrogen absorption and release process of the hydrogen storage material is controlled by heating and cooling with hydrogen, which simplifies the system structure and improves the hydrogen storage and release efficiency of the device.

[0082] (3) Reasonable design and compact structure: The device adopts a multi-distributed structure, which makes the hydrogen flow uniform, and the reaction tubes are arranged in a compact manner and are easy to expand.

[0083] (4) Anti-expansion design: The structure of the vent pipe can adapt to the expansion of hydrogen storage materials, effectively extending the service life of the device.

[0084] (5) Easy maintenance: The detachable structure design facilitates regular inspection and maintenance, improving the durability and reliability of the system.

[0085] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of the present invention without creative effort. Therefore, all technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of the present invention through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage device, characterized in that, include: A hydrogen inlet is used to introduce hydrogen into the solid hydrogen storage device. A hydrogen diffusion section is connected to the hydrogen inlet; A hydrogen outlet is provided for discharging hydrogen from the solid-state hydrogen storage device. A hydrogen collection section is connected to the hydrogen outlet; Several reaction tubes are located between the hydrogen diffusion section and the hydrogen collection section. The interior of the reaction tubes is configured to serve both as a filling material for hydrogen storage and as part of a hydrogen circulation channel. The hydrogen diffusion section is a hollow structure formed by connecting the first end cap and the first tube sheet, and the hydrogen collection section is a hollow structure formed by connecting the second end cap and the second tube sheet. Both the first tube sheet and the second tube sheet are provided with a number of reaction tube mounting holes. The reaction tubes are arranged parallel to the axis of the solid hydrogen storage device and perpendicular to the first tube sheet and the second tube sheet; A vent pipe is provided in each of the reaction tubes, and the wall of the vent pipe is provided with multiple vent holes; the first end of the vent pipe faces the hydrogen diffusion section and is open, but the connection end face between the first end of the vent pipe and the vent pipe is closed; the second end of the vent pipe faces the hydrogen collection section and is closed. The space between the reaction tube and the venting tube is used to fill the hydrogen storage material, and the wall of the venting tube can deform inward to accommodate the volume expansion of the hydrogen storage material.

2. The hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen inlet is connected to the middle of the first end cap; the hydrogen outlet is connected to the middle of the second end cap.

3. The hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the vent pipe is polygonal or circular.

4. A hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage system, characterized in that, include: The hydrogen storage device adopts the solid-state hydrogen storage device as described in claim 1; A heater is located upstream of the solid hydrogen storage device and is connected to the solid hydrogen storage device via a connecting pipeline. A cooler is located upstream of the solid hydrogen storage device and is connected to the solid hydrogen storage device via a connecting pipeline. A circulating fan is located upstream of the heater and the cooler; A circulation pipeline is used to connect the solid hydrogen storage device, the heater, the cooler, and the fan; the circulation pipeline is provided with a hydrogen discharge port and a hydrogen filling port.

5. A hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heater and the cooler are installed in parallel in the circulation pipeline.

6. A hydrogen-heated solid-state hydrogen storage system according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a separator installed between the solid hydrogen storage device and the hydrogen outlet.

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