Vanadium-based hydrogen storage material melting, casting and crushing integrated equipment and preparation method

Abstract

This invention provides an integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment and preparation method for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials. The integrated equipment includes a vacuum melting device, valves, and a crushing system. The vacuum melting device melts and cools raw materials to obtain strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials. The strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials enter the crushing system through the valves for crushing. The vacuum melting device is located in a first atmosphere environment, and the crushing system is located in a second atmosphere environment. The operation of the vacuum melting device and the crushing system can be carried out simultaneously without interference. This integrated equipment sets the vacuum melting device and the crushing system in different protective atmosphere environments, allowing the vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials to undergo independent melting and crushing processes simultaneously. This reduces the consumption of protective atmosphere, simplifies the preparation process, shortens the material preparation cycle, and improves production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen energy technology, and in particular to an integrated equipment and preparation method for melting, casting and crushing vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, the preparation of vanadium-based hydrogen storage alloys typically involves a combination of vacuum melting and crushing / powdering equipment. The production process generally involves: first, heating the raw materials to a molten state using vacuum melting; then, cooling the molten liquid material using cooling copper rollers and feeding it in a strip shape into a crushing device for initial crushing. All processes—melting, cooling, strip feeding, and crushing—must be carried out under the same inert gas atmosphere (such as argon). The initially crushed vanadium-based hydrogen storage material is then transferred to the crushing device for secondary crushing to obtain vanadium-based hydrogen storage powder. This process must also be carried out under an inert gas atmosphere.

[0003] The following problems exist in the actual preparation process: 1. During the initial crushing of vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials, the next batch of materials cannot be smelted simultaneously, resulting in a long waiting time and reduced smelting efficiency. Specifically: Because smelting, preliminary cooling, strip material ejection, and preliminary crushing are all carried out in the same inert gas protective atmosphere, the flake furnace is idle during the preliminary crushing of the strip material. The material can only be refilled and smelted after the preliminary crushing is completed and the flake vanadium-based hydrogen storage material is removed. If the material is filled and smelted during the preliminary crushing process, the protective atmosphere will be disrupted, leading to oxidation of the material during preparation, wasting valuable working time, and hindering large-scale production.

[0004] 2. Flake-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials need to be transported and broken into powder after being provided with a protective gas atmosphere again, which increases the consumption of protective gas, increases the cost of protective gas, makes the operation process complicated, prolongs the powder preparation cycle, and reduces production efficiency.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems existing in the current technology, there is an urgent need for an integrated equipment and preparation method for melting, casting and crushing vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated equipment and method for melting, casting and crushing vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials. This integrated equipment combines melting, primary crushing and secondary crushing, reduces the consumption of protective atmosphere, simplifies the preparation process, shortens the material preparation cycle and improves production efficiency.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: An integrated melting, casting, and crushing device for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials is disclosed. The integrated device includes a vacuum melting unit, valves, and a crushing system. The vacuum melting unit melts and cools raw materials to obtain strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials. The strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials enter the crushing system through the valves for crushing. The vacuum melting unit is located in a first atmosphere environment, and the crushing system is located in a second atmosphere environment. The first and second atmosphere environments are independent, allowing the vacuum melting unit and the crushing system to operate simultaneously without interference. The protective gases in both the first and second atmosphere environments are inert gases. While the crushing system crushes the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials in the first batch, the vacuum melting unit simultaneously melts and cools the raw materials in the second batch.

[0008] Furthermore, in the integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials, the valve is located between the first atmospheric environment and the second atmospheric environment. The valve connects or blocks the first atmospheric environment and the second atmospheric environment by opening or closing. The volume V1 of the first atmospheric environment is greater than the volume V2 of the second atmospheric environment, where V1:V2 = 2:1 to 1.5. The pressures of the first atmospheric environment and the second atmospheric environment are both 0.04 MPa - 0.06 MPa, the pressure of the first atmospheric environment is greater than or equal to the pressure of the second atmospheric environment, and the pressure difference between the first atmospheric environment and the second atmospheric environment does not exceed 0.02 MPa.

[0009] Furthermore, in the integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials, the vacuum melting device includes a furnace body, a flow channel, and a water-cooled copper roller. The furnace body is used to melt raw materials into molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials. The flow channel is located between the furnace body and the water-cooled copper roller. The molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material melted in the furnace body flows through the flow channel to the water-cooled copper roller. The water-cooled copper roller cools the molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material to obtain strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials. The water-cooled copper roller throws the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials into the crushing system through the valve. The thickness of the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials is 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0010] Furthermore, in the integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials described above, the crushing system includes a primary crushing device, a secondary crushing device, and a powder receiving section. A valve is located at the inlet of the primary crushing device, through which the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material enters for initial crushing, yielding flake-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material. The flake-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material then enters the secondary crushing device for secondary crushing, yielding powdered vanadium-based hydrogen storage material. A discharge port is located at the lower end of the secondary crushing device, and the powder receiving section collects the powdered vanadium-based hydrogen storage material that falls from the discharge port.

[0011] Furthermore, in the integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials described above, the primary crushing device includes an outer shell and an inner shell. The inner shell is disposed inside the outer shell, and the valve is disposed on one side wall of the upper part of the outer shell. A feed inlet is disposed on one side wall of the upper part of the inner shell, and a receiving part is disposed inside the outer shell. One end of the receiving part is connected to the valve, and the other end of the receiving part extends from the feed inlet into the inner shell. The valve can open or close the receiving part. Both the outer shell and the inner shell are cylindrical, and the axis of the outer shell and the axis of the inner shell are collinear. The outer shell and the inner shell are connected by a support frame. A crushing mechanism is installed inside the inner shell, which can perform preliminary crushing of the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material entering the inner shell.

[0012] Furthermore, in the integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials described above, the crushing mechanism includes a rotating shaft, an auxiliary shaft, and a driving mechanism. The rotating shaft passes through the inner shell and the outer shell, and one end of the rotating shaft is connected to the output shaft of the driving mechanism. Protrusions are provided on opposite side walls of the outer shell, and a first bearing is installed within each protrusion. The rotating shaft is connected to the outer shell via the first bearing. A second bearing is provided on the side wall of the inner shell, and the rotating shaft is connected to the inner shell via the second bearing. The auxiliary shaft passes through the inner shell, and a... A third bearing is provided, and the auxiliary shaft is connected to the inner housing through the third bearing; a first crushing part is sleeved on the rotating shaft inside the inner housing, and a second crushing part is sleeved on the auxiliary shaft inside the inner housing, the first crushing part and the second crushing part meshing with each other; a main gear is provided on the rotating shaft, the main gear being located between the first crushing part and a side wall of the inner housing, and a driven gear is provided on the auxiliary shaft at a position corresponding to the main gear, the main gear and the driven gear meshing with each other; protective shields are installed on the outer side of both the main gear and the driven gear.

[0013] Furthermore, in the integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials described above, a fixed bracket is provided on the outer wall of the protrusion, and the fixed bracket provides support for the outer shell; shaft supports are provided on the rotating shafts located on both sides of the outer shell, and the shaft supports provide support for the rotating shafts; several through holes are evenly distributed on the inner shell, and the fine vanadium-based hydrogen storage material particles formed during the primary crushing process flow out of the inner shell into the outer shell through the through holes; the bottom of the inner shell and the bottom of the outer shell are both conical structures with a lower center and higher edges; a first discharge port is provided at the middle position of the bottom of the inner shell, and a second discharge port is provided at the middle position of the bottom of the outer shell, and both the first discharge port and the second discharge port are magnetically operated opening and closing structures.

[0014] Furthermore, in the vanadium-based hydrogen storage material integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment described above, a water-cooled heat exchange structure is provided between the outer shell and the inner shell; the second discharge port of the outer shell and the secondary crushing device are connected by a connecting part; a bidirectional meshing crushing structure is provided inside the secondary crushing device; the discharge port of the secondary crushing device can be opened or closed manually or by a solenoid valve.

[0015] On the other hand, a method for preparing vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials is provided, utilizing the aforementioned integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials, comprising the following steps: Step 1, smelting: Prepare the raw materials according to the stoichiometric ratio of the elements, and put the prepared raw materials into the furnace for smelting. Step 2, initial cooling and shaping: the molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material after furnace melting is poured into the flow channel. The molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material flows through the flow channel to the water-cooled copper roller, and is cooled and formed into strips under the dual action of cooling by the water-cooled copper roller and centrifugal force. Step 3: Receiving material. Open the valve and the water-cooled copper roller will throw the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material into the inner shell of the primary crushing device. After all the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material has entered the inner shell, close the valve. Step 4, preliminary crushing: The drive mechanism of the primary crushing device drives the rotating shaft to crush and cut the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material that enters the inner shell. During the crushing and cutting process, the particles formed with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the through hole of the inner shell flow directly out of the through hole and into the outer shell. After the primary crushing device has completed the crushing and cutting, the first discharge port is opened, and the flake-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material retained in the inner shell enters the outer shell through the first discharge port. Step 5, secondary crushing: Open the second discharge port, and the flake-like vanadium-based hydrogen storage material and particles inside the shell enter the secondary crushing device through the second discharge port. After all the vanadium-based hydrogen storage material inside the shell has entered the secondary crushing device, close the second discharge port of the shell. The vanadium-based hydrogen storage material in the secondary crushing device is crushed into powder through the bidirectional meshing crushing structure. Step 6, discharge: After the melting in Step 1 stops and the secondary crushing in Step 5 is completed, manually or by solenoid valve open the discharge port at the bottom of the secondary crushing device. The powdered vanadium-based hydrogen storage material inside the secondary crushing device falls into the receiving section under the protection of the second atmosphere.

[0016] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned method for preparing vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials, steps 1 and 2 are carried out in a first atmosphere, and steps 4 and 5 are carried out in a second atmosphere; while the first batch of vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials is crushed in steps 4 and 5, steps 1 to 2 can be used to melt and cool the second batch of vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials for initial shaping.

[0017] Analysis reveals that this invention discloses an integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment and preparation method for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials. This integrated equipment sets up a vacuum melting device and a crushing system in different protective atmospheres. During the preparation of vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials, the vacuum melting device, located in the first atmosphere, requires vacuuming and inert gas filling once per batch of vanadium-based hydrogen storage material melted. The crushing system, located in the second atmosphere, only requires vacuuming and inert gas filling once during the overall preparation of the vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials. This structural design effectively reduces the use of inert gas during the overall preparation of vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials, while enabling continuous production. The vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials can undergo independent melting and crushing processes (primary crushing and secondary crushing) simultaneously, reducing protective atmosphere consumption, simplifying the preparation process, shortening the material preparation cycle, and improving production efficiency.

[0018] This integrated equipment enables a continuous production line from smelting vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials to primary and secondary crushing into powder form. It eliminates the need for intermediate transfers, achieving powder production directly from raw materials. Furthermore, the first and second protective atmospheres ensure that the material remains under inert gas protection throughout the entire preparation process. By simultaneously featuring a continuous smelting-to-crushing structure and combining two protective atmospheres, the equipment effectively achieves and ensures the successful production of vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials from smelting to powdering. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the crushing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a preparation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1 Vacuum melting device; 11 Furnace body; 12 Flow channel; 13 Water-cooled copper roller; 14 Divider plate; 15 Guide port; 16 Liquid outlet; 2 Primary crushing device; 21 Outer shell; 22 Inner shell; 23 Valve; 24 Receiving part; 25 Feed port; 26 Support frame; 27 Rotating shaft; 28 Auxiliary shaft; 29 Drive mechanism; 30 First bearing; 31 Second bearing; 32 Third bearing; 33 First crushing part; 34 Second crushing part; 35 Main gear; 36 Driven gear; 37 Protective baffle plate; 38 Fixed bracket; 39 Shaft bracket; 40 First discharge port; 41 Second discharge port; 5 Connecting part; 6 Secondary crushing device; 61 Feed port; 62 Discharge port; 63 Bidirectional meshing crushing structure; 7 Powder receiving part. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Various examples are provided by way of explanation and not by way of limitation. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its scope or spirit. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is desirable that the invention encompass such modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0024] In the description of this invention, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," and "bottom," 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 the invention and do not require the invention to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. The terms "connected," "linked," and "set up" used in this invention should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through intermediate components; a wired connection, a radio connection, or a wireless communication signal connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more examples of the invention. The detailed description uses numerals and letters to refer to features in the drawings. Similar or analogous reference numerals in the drawings and description have been used to refer to similar or analogous parts of the invention. As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the location or importance of individual components.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an integrated melting, casting, and crushing device for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials is provided, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the integrated equipment includes a vacuum melting device 1, a valve 23, and a crushing system. The vacuum melting device 1 melts and cools raw materials to obtain strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material. The strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material obtained by the vacuum melting device 1 enters the crushing system through the valve 23 for crushing. The vacuum melting device 1 is located in a first atmosphere environment, and the crushing system is located in a second atmosphere environment. The first and second atmosphere environments can operate independently, allowing the vacuum melting device 1 and the crushing system to operate simultaneously without interference. The protective gases for both the first and second atmosphere environments are inert gases; preferably, the protective gases for both atmosphere environments are argon.

[0027] Furthermore, valve 23 is located between the first atmospheric environment and the second atmospheric environment. Valve 23 connects or blocks the first atmospheric environment and the second atmospheric environment by opening or closing. The volume V1 of the first atmospheric environment is greater than the volume V2 of the second atmospheric environment, where V1∶V2=2∶1~1.5; the pressure of both the first atmospheric environment and the second atmospheric environment is 0.04 MPa-0.06 MPa (for example, it can be selected from any pressure among 0.04 MPa, 0.045 MPa, 0.048 MPa, 0.05 MPa, 0.052 MPa, 0.055 MPa, 0.057 MPa, and 0.06 MPa as needed), the pressure of the first atmospheric environment is greater than or equal to the pressure of the second atmospheric environment, and the pressure difference between the first atmospheric environment and the second atmospheric environment does not exceed 0.02 MPa (for example, it can be 0.005 MPa, 0.01 MPa, 0.015 MPa, and 0.018 MPa). The above-mentioned volume and pressure settings can ensure that the pressure in the second atmosphere environment remains stable during multiple operations of the crushing system, without the need for repeated vacuuming and argon filling.

[0028] For example, when the powder receiving section 7 in the crushing system can receive 500 kg of powdered vanadium-based hydrogen storage material, and the furnace body 11 of the vacuum melting device 1 can only melt 100 kg of vanadium-based hydrogen storage material per batch, the vacuum melting device 1 needs to melt the material 5 times. Each time the filling material is melted, it needs to be vacuumed and filled with argon gas, which needs to be repeated 5 times. However, the crushing system only performs vacuuming and argon filling once when the vacuum melting device 1 melts the first batch of material. After the 500 kg of vanadium-based hydrogen storage material is crushed into powder by the crushing system and all of it is received by the powder receiving section 7, the melting stops and the powdered vanadium-based hydrogen storage material in the powder receiving section 7 is packaged and transferred. In this process, the crushing system located in the second atmosphere only needs to perform vacuuming and inert gas filling once during the overall preparation of vanadium-based hydrogen storage material (thanks to the volume and pressure settings of the first and second atmospheres). This structural setting can effectively reduce the use of argon gas in the overall preparation of vanadium-based hydrogen storage material and also ensure that the powdered vanadium-based hydrogen storage material does not come into contact with the outside air.

[0029] In the integrated melting, casting and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials, the volume of powdered vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials that can be received by the powder receiving section 7 in the crushing system is greater than the volume of vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials that can be melted by the furnace body 11 of the vacuum melting device 1. After the vacuum melting device 1 has been melted multiple times (more than twice), the powder receiving section 7 only performs packaging and transfer of powdered vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials once.

[0030] When filling the furnace body 11 with raw materials, the first atmosphere environment needs to be shut off, and the protective gas in the first atmosphere environment is released. At this time, valve 23 is in the closed state, isolating the first atmosphere environment and the second atmosphere environment. After the raw materials are filled, the first atmosphere environment is turned on, and a vacuum is drawn and an inert gas is filled in the first atmosphere environment before the vanadium-based hydrogen storage material is smelted. Therefore, in the process of preparing vanadium-based hydrogen storage material, the vacuum melting device 1 located in the first atmosphere environment needs to perform a vacuum drawing and inert gas filling once for each batch of vanadium-based hydrogen storage material smelted; the crushing system located in the second atmosphere environment only needs to perform a vacuum drawing and inert gas filling once in the overall preparation process of vanadium-based hydrogen storage material, effectively reducing the use of inert gas, reducing production costs, and enabling continuous production.

[0031] Furthermore, the vacuum melting apparatus 1 includes a furnace body 11, a flow channel 12, and a water-cooled copper roller 13. The furnace body 11 is used to melt raw materials into molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material. The flow channel 12 is disposed between the furnace body 11 and the water-cooled copper roller 13. There is a fluid flow gap between the bottom of the flow channel 12 and the water-cooled copper roller 13. The water-cooled copper roller 13 can rotate, and the interior of the water-cooled copper roller 13 is provided with a channel for cooling water to flow. The molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material melted in the furnace body 11 is poured into the flow channel 1. After step 2, the molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material flows through the flow channel 12 to the outer edge of the water-cooled copper roller 13. The water-cooled copper roller 13 performs initial cooling on the molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material. Under the combined action of cooling by the water-cooled copper roller 13 and centrifugal force, the molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material forms a strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material. The water-cooled copper roller 13 throws the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material into the primary crushing device 2 through the valve 23 for initial crushing. The thickness of the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material is usually 0.2mm-0.8mm.

[0032] Furthermore, the vacuum melting device 1 is located on one side of the crushing system. The crushing system includes a primary crushing device 2, a secondary crushing device 6, and a powder receiving unit 7. A valve 23 is located at the inlet of the vacuum melting device 1. Strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material enters the primary crushing device 2 through the valve 23 for preliminary crushing, resulting in flake-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material. The secondary crushing device 6 is located below the primary crushing device 2. The upper end of the secondary crushing device 6 is provided with a feed inlet 61, which is connected to the lower end of the primary crushing device 2. The flake-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material enters the secondary crushing device 6 through the feed inlet 61 for secondary crushing, resulting in powdered vanadium-based hydrogen storage material. The powder receiving unit 7 is located below the secondary crushing device 6. The lower end of the secondary crushing device 6 is provided with a discharge outlet 62. The powder receiving unit 7 collects the powdered vanadium-based hydrogen storage material that falls from the discharge outlet 62.

[0033] Furthermore, the upper end of the flow channel 12 is open; a partition plate 14 is laterally arranged inside the flow channel 12, dividing the flow channel 12 into an upper layer and a lower layer. A guide port 15 is provided on the partition plate 14, and the upper and lower layers of the flow channel 12 are connected through the guide port 15; a liquid outlet 16 is provided at the lower end of the flow channel 12, through which the molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material entering the flow channel 12 flows out. The flow channel 12 adopts a double-layer structure design, which can slow down the flow rate of the molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material and match the flow rate of the molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material with the rotational speed and width of the water-cooled copper roller 13.

[0034] Furthermore, the primary crushing device 2 includes an outer shell 21 and an inner shell 22. The inner shell 22 is disposed inside the outer shell 21, and a valve 23 is disposed on one side wall of the upper part of the outer shell 21. An inlet 25 is provided on one side wall of the upper part of the inner shell 22, and a receiving part 24 is provided inside the outer shell 21. One end of the receiving part 24 is connected to the valve 23, and the other end of the receiving part 24 extends from the inlet 25 into the inner shell 22. The valve 23 can open or close the receiving part 24. The outer shell 21 and the inner shell 22 have the same shape, preferably a cylindrical shape that is easy to manufacture. The axis of the outer shell 21 and the axis of the inner shell 22 are collinear or horizontal in space. The outer shell 21 and the inner shell 22 are connected by a support frame 26. A crushing mechanism is installed inside the inner shell 22, which can perform preliminary crushing on the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material entering the inner shell 22. The receiving section 24 and the outer shell 21 can be assembled into an integral structure, or the receiving section 24 and the outer shell 21 can be integrally formed. After the valve 23 is opened, the receiving section 24 receives the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material thrown by the water-cooled copper roller 13 through the valve 23, and provides the strip-shaped hydrogen storage alloy material to the primary crushing device 2.

[0035] Furthermore, the crushing mechanism includes a rotating shaft 27, an auxiliary shaft 28, and a drive mechanism 29. The rotating shaft 27 passes through the inner housing 22 and the outer housing 21, and one end of the rotating shaft 27 is connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism 29. Each of the opposite side walls of the outer housing 21 has a protrusion, and a first bearing 30 is installed within the protrusion. The rotating shaft 27 is connected to the outer housing 21 via the first bearing 30. A second bearing 31 is provided on the side wall of the inner housing 22, and the rotating shaft 27 is connected to the inner housing 22 via the second bearing 31. Figure 2As shown, the auxiliary shaft 28 penetrates the inner housing 22. A third bearing 32 is provided on the side wall of the inner housing 22, and the auxiliary shaft 28 is connected to the inner housing 22 through the third bearing 32. A first crushing part 33 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 27 inside the inner housing 22, and a second crushing part 34 is sleeved on the auxiliary shaft 28 inside the inner housing 22. The first crushing part 33 and the second crushing part 34 mesh with each other. A main gear 35 is provided on the rotating shaft 27, and the main gear 35 is located between the first crushing part 33 and a side wall of the inner housing 22. A driven gear 36 is provided on the auxiliary shaft 28 at a position corresponding to the main gear 35. The main gear 35 and the driven gear 36 mesh with each other. Protective shielding plates 37 are installed on the outside of the main gear 35 and the outside of the driven gear 36. The protective shielding plates 37 can prevent vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials from entering the main gear 35 and the driven gear 36, ensuring the normal operation of the equipment. The drive mechanism 29 drives the rotating shaft 27 to rotate. The cooperation of the main gear 35 and the driven gear 36 causes the auxiliary shaft 28 and the rotating shaft 27 to rotate synchronously, thereby crushing and cutting the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material that enters the inner shell 22 through the first crushing part 33 and the second crushing part 34.

[0036] Furthermore, a fixed bracket 38 is provided on the outer wall of the protrusion, which provides support for the outer shell 21; a shaft bracket 39 is provided on the rotating shaft 27 on both sides of the outer shell 21, which provides support for the rotating shaft 27; several through holes are evenly distributed on the inner shell 22, through which the fine vanadium-based hydrogen storage material particles formed during the primary crushing process of the vanadium-based hydrogen storage material flow out from the inner shell 22 into the outer shell 21. Both the bottom of the inner shell 22 and the bottom of the outer shell 21 are conical structures with a lower center and higher edges. A first discharge port 40 is provided at the center of the bottom of the inner shell 22, and a second discharge port 41 is provided at the center of the bottom of the outer shell 21. The size of the first discharge port 40 is larger than that of the second discharge port 41, which allows the vanadium-based hydrogen storage material after primary crushing in the inner shell 22 to quickly enter the outer shell 21, and the vanadium-based hydrogen storage material in the outer shell 21 to slowly enter the feed port 61 of the secondary crushing device 6 through the connecting part 5. Both the first discharge port 40 and the second discharge port 41 are magnetically operated. The first discharge port 40 and the second discharge port 41 are opened or closed according to the electromagnetic force of a preset electromagnet. This structure can automatically open and close the first discharge port 40 and the second discharge port 41, making unloading simpler and more convenient. The bottom of the outer shell 21 can store some flake-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material and particles to ensure that when the secondary crushing device 6 crushes the vanadium-based hydrogen storage material into powder form, it can continuously provide flake-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material and particles, thus avoiding the secondary crushing device 6 running empty.

[0037] Furthermore, a water-cooled heat exchange structure is provided between the outer shell 21 and the inner shell 22. After the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material is thrown into the primary crushing device 2 by the valve 23, the water-cooled heat exchange structure cools the vanadium-based hydrogen storage material entering the inner shell 22 a second time to quickly reduce the temperature of the vanadium-based hydrogen storage material. When the temperature of the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material drops to a suitable temperature, the secondary crushing device 6 is activated to crush the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material. The second discharge port 41 of the outer shell 21 and the feed port 61 of the secondary crushing device 6 are connected by a connecting part 5. The secondary crushing device 6 is provided with a bidirectional meshing crushing structure 63. The discharge port 62 of the secondary crushing device 6 can be opened or closed manually or by a solenoid valve. The bidirectional meshing crushing structure 63 crushes the vanadium-based hydrogen storage material entering the secondary crushing device 6 into powder.

[0038] This invention also discloses a method for preparing vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials, utilizing the aforementioned integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials, such as... Figure 3 As shown, it includes the following steps: Step 1, smelting: Prepare the raw materials according to the stoichiometric ratio of the elements, and put the prepared raw materials into the furnace body 11 for smelting. Step 2, initial cooling and shaping: the molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material after being smelted in the furnace body 11 is poured into the flow channel 12. The molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material flows through the flow channel 12 to the water-cooled copper roller 13, and is cooled and formed into strips under the dual action of cooling and centrifugal force of the water-cooled copper roller 13. Step 3, receiving material, opening valve 23, water-cooled copper roller 13 throws strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material into the inner shell 22 of primary crushing device 2. After all the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material has entered the inner shell 22, close valve 23. Step 4, preliminary crushing: The drive mechanism 29 of the primary crushing device 2 drives the rotating shaft 27 to crush and cut the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material that enters the inner shell 22. During the crushing and cutting process, particles with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the through hole in the inner shell 22 flow directly out of the through hole and into the outer shell 21. After the primary crushing device 2 has completed the crushing and cutting, the first discharge port 40 is opened, and the flake-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material retained in the inner shell 22 enters the outer shell 21 through the first discharge port 40. Step 5, secondary crushing: Open the second discharge port 41. The flake-like vanadium-based hydrogen storage material and particles inside the outer shell 21 enter the secondary crushing device 6 through the second discharge port 41. After all the vanadium-based hydrogen storage material inside the outer shell 21 has entered the secondary crushing device 6, close the second discharge port 41 of the outer shell 21. The hydrogen storage material in the secondary crushing device 6 is crushed into powder by the bidirectional meshing crushing structure 63. Step 6, discharge: After the melting in Step 1 stops and the secondary crushing in Step 5 is completed, manually or by solenoid valve open the discharge port 62 at the bottom of the secondary crushing device 6, and the powdered vanadium-based hydrogen storage material inside the secondary crushing device 6 falls into the receiving part.

[0039] Furthermore, steps 1 and 2 are carried out in the first atmosphere, and steps 4 and 5 are carried out in the second atmosphere; while the first batch of vanadium-based hydrogen storage material is crushed in steps 4 and 5, steps 1 to 2 can be used to melt and cool the second batch of vanadium-based hydrogen storage material for initial shaping.

[0040] Because the vacuum melting device 1 and the crushing system are in different protective atmospheres, valve 23 between the first and second atmospheres will only open when the vanadium-based hydrogen storage material in the vacuum melting device 1 needs to be crushed; otherwise, it will remain closed, allowing the first and second atmospheres to operate independently. During the crushing process of the vanadium-based hydrogen storage material, steps 1 to 2 can be repeated to simultaneously melt the second batch of vanadium-based hydrogen storage material, eliminating the waiting period before the next batch of vanadium-based hydrogen storage material can be melted. Each melting process only consumes the inert gas in the first atmosphere, effectively reducing production costs. The melting and crushing processes of the vanadium-based hydrogen storage material can be carried out simultaneously without interference, ensuring continuous production. This reduces the consumption of protective atmospheres, simplifies the preparation process, shortens the material preparation cycle, and improves production efficiency.

[0041] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiments of the present invention achieve the following technical effects: An integrated melting, casting, and crushing device and preparation method for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials are disclosed. This integrated device places a vacuum melting unit 1 and a crushing system in different protective atmospheres. During the preparation of the vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials, the vacuum melting unit, located in the first atmosphere, requires vacuuming and inert gas filling once per batch of vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials. The crushing system, located in the second atmosphere, only requires vacuuming and inert gas filling once during the overall preparation of the vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials. This structural arrangement effectively reduces the use of inert gas during the overall preparation of the vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials, while enabling continuous production. The vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials can be simultaneously melted and crushed (primary and secondary crushing) in independent processes, reducing the consumption of protective atmospheres, simplifying the preparation process, shortening the material preparation cycle, and improving production efficiency. Simultaneously, while the crushing system crushes the first batch of vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials, the vacuum melting unit can melt and cool the second batch of vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials for initial shaping. This equipment enables parallel assembly line production operations and is a specialized device capable of dual operation functions. It saves on argon gas usage while greatly improving equipment utilization and production efficiency, especially in large-scale production where the effect is even more significant.

[0042] This integrated equipment enables a continuous production line from smelting vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials to primary and secondary crushing into powder form. It eliminates the need for intermediate transfers, achieving powder production directly from raw materials. Furthermore, the first and second protective atmospheres ensure that the material remains under inert gas protection throughout the entire preparation process. By simultaneously featuring a continuous smelting-to-crushing structure and combining two protective atmospheres, the equipment effectively achieves and ensures the successful production of vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials from smelting to powdering.

[0043] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials, characterized in that, The integrated equipment includes a vacuum melting device, valves, and a crushing system. The vacuum melting device melts and cools the raw materials to obtain strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials; The strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material enters the crushing system through the valve for crushing. The vacuum melting device is located in a first atmosphere environment, and the crushing system is located in a second atmosphere environment; the first atmosphere environment and the second atmosphere environment can be independent of each other, so that the operation of the vacuum melting device and the crushing system can be carried out simultaneously without interference. Both the first and second atmospheres use inert gases as protective gases. While the crushing system crushes the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material in the first furnace, the vacuum melting device simultaneously melts and cools the raw materials in the second furnace.

2. The integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve is located between the first atmospheric environment and the second atmospheric environment. The valve opens or closes to connect or block the first atmospheric environment and the second atmospheric environment. The volume V1 of the first atmosphere environment is larger than the volume V2 of the second atmosphere environment, where V1∶V2 = 2∶1~1.5; the pressure of both the first atmosphere environment and the second atmosphere environment is 0.04 MPa - 0.06 MPa. The pressure of the first atmosphere is greater than or equal to the pressure of the second atmosphere. The pressure difference between the first atmosphere and the second atmosphere does not exceed 0.02 MPa.

3. The integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum melting device includes a furnace body, a flow channel, and a water-cooled copper roller. The furnace body is used to melt raw materials into molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials. The flow channel is disposed between the furnace body and the water-cooled copper roller; The molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material smelted in the furnace body flows through the flow channel to the water-cooled copper roller. The water-cooled copper roller cools the molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material to obtain strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material. The water-cooled copper roller throws the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material into the crushing system through the valve. The thickness of the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material is 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm.

4. The integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials according to claim 3, characterized in that, The crushing system includes a primary crushing device, a secondary crushing device, and a powder receiving section; the valve is located at the inlet of the primary crushing device. The strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material enters the primary crushing device through the valve for preliminary crushing, and after preliminary crushing, flake-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material is obtained. The flake-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material enters the secondary crushing device for secondary crushing, and after secondary crushing, powdered vanadium-based hydrogen storage material is obtained. The lower end of the secondary crushing device is provided with a discharge port, and the powder receiving unit collects the powdered vanadium-based hydrogen storage material that falls from the discharge port.

5. The integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials according to claim 4, characterized in that, The primary crushing device includes an outer shell and an inner shell, the inner shell being disposed inside the outer shell, and the valve being disposed on one side wall of the upper part of the outer shell; A feed inlet is provided on one side wall of the upper part of the inner shell, and a receiving part is provided inside the outer shell. One end of the receiving part is connected to the valve, and the other end of the receiving part extends from the feed inlet into the inner shell. The valve can open or close the receiving part. Both the outer shell and the inner shell are cylindrical, and the axis of the outer shell and the axis of the inner shell are collinear. The outer shell and the inner shell are connected by a support frame. The inner shell is equipped with a crushing mechanism, which can perform preliminary crushing of the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material entering the inner shell.

6. The integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials according to claim 5, characterized in that, The crushing mechanism includes a rotating shaft, an auxiliary shaft, and a drive mechanism. The rotating shaft passes through the inner shell and the outer shell, and one end of the rotating shaft is connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism. The outer shell has protrusions on its opposite side walls, and a first bearing is installed in the protrusion. The rotating shaft is connected to the outer shell through the first bearing. A second bearing is provided on the side wall of the inner shell, and the rotating shaft is connected to the inner shell through the second bearing. The auxiliary shaft passes through the inner housing, and a third bearing is provided on the side wall of the inner housing. The auxiliary shaft is connected to the inner housing through the third bearing. A first crushing part is sleeved on the rotating shaft inside the inner housing, and a second crushing part is sleeved on the auxiliary shaft inside the inner housing, wherein the first crushing part and the second crushing part mesh with each other; A main gear is provided on the rotating shaft, and the main gear is located between the first crushing part and one side wall of the inner shell. A driven gear is provided on the auxiliary shaft at a position corresponding to the main gear, and the main gear and the driven gear mesh with each other. Protective shields are installed on the outer side of both the main gear and the driven gear.

7. The integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials according to claim 6, characterized in that, A fixing bracket is provided on the outer wall of the protrusion, and the fixing bracket provides support for the outer shell. A shaft bracket is provided on each of the rotating shafts located on both sides of the outer casing, and the shaft bracket provides support for the rotating shaft; Several through holes are evenly distributed on the inner shell, through which fine vanadium-based hydrogen storage material particles formed during the primary crushing process flow out of the inner shell and into the outer shell. The bottom of both the inner shell and the outer shell are conical structures that are low in the middle and high around the edges; A first discharge port is provided at the middle position of the bottom of the inner shell, and a second discharge port is provided at the middle position of the bottom of the outer shell. Both the first discharge port and the second discharge port are magnetically assisted opening and closing structures.

8. The integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials according to claim 7, characterized in that, A water-cooled heat exchange structure is provided between the outer shell and the inner shell; The second discharge port of the outer shell and the secondary crushing device are connected by a connecting part; The secondary crushing device is equipped with a bidirectional meshing crushing structure. The discharge port of the secondary crushing device can be opened or closed manually or by means of a solenoid valve.

9. A method for preparing a vanadium-based hydrogen storage material, utilizing the integrated melting, casting, and crushing equipment for vanadium-based hydrogen storage materials as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1, smelting: Prepare the raw materials according to the stoichiometric ratio of the elements, and put the prepared raw materials into the furnace for smelting. Step 2, initial cooling and shaping: the molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material after furnace melting is poured into the flow channel. The molten vanadium-based hydrogen storage material flows through the flow channel to the water-cooled copper roller, and is cooled and formed into strips under the dual action of cooling by the water-cooled copper roller and centrifugal force. Step 3: Receiving material. Open the valve and the water-cooled copper roller will throw the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material into the inner shell of the primary crushing device. After all the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material has entered the inner shell, close the valve. Step 4, preliminary crushing: The drive mechanism of the primary crushing device drives the rotating shaft to crush and cut the strip-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material that enters the inner shell. During the crushing and cutting process, the particles formed with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the through hole of the inner shell flow directly out of the through hole and into the outer shell. After the primary crushing device has completed the crushing and cutting, the first discharge port is opened, and the flake-shaped vanadium-based hydrogen storage material retained in the inner shell enters the outer shell through the first discharge port. Step 5, secondary crushing: Open the second discharge port, and the flake-like vanadium-based hydrogen storage material and particles inside the shell enter the secondary crushing device through the second discharge port. After all the vanadium-based hydrogen storage material inside the shell has entered the secondary crushing device, close the second discharge port of the shell. The vanadium-based hydrogen storage material in the secondary crushing device is crushed into powder through the bidirectional meshing crushing structure. Step 6, discharge: After the melting in Step 1 stops and the secondary crushing in Step 5 is completed, manually or by solenoid valve open the discharge port at the bottom of the secondary crushing device. The powdered vanadium-based hydrogen storage material inside the secondary crushing device falls into the receiving section under the protection of the second atmosphere.

10. The method for preparing vanadium-based hydrogen storage material according to claim 9, characterized in that, Step 1 and Step 2 are performed in a first atmosphere, and Step 4 and Step 5 are performed in a second atmosphere. While the first batch of vanadium-based hydrogen storage material is being crushed in steps 4 and 5, steps 1 to 2 can be used to smelt and cool the second batch of vanadium-based hydrogen storage material for initial shaping.

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