A controllable hydrogen system and a controllable hydrogen method

Abstract

The application provides a controllable hydrogen system and a controllable hydrogen method, and the controllable hydrogen system comprises a reactor, an aluminum conveying module, a sodium hydroxide conveying module, a water conveying module and a recovery module; the aluminum conveying module, the sodium hydroxide conveying module and the water conveying module are communicated with the reactor respectively; the reactor is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet; the recovery module comprises a diaphragm filter system, a first inlet of the diaphragm filter system is communicated with the first outlet of the reactor, the diaphragm filter system further comprises a third outlet, and the third outlet is communicated with the reactor; and the second outlet is used for conveying generated hydrogen. The controllable hydrogen method of the application utilizes the controllable hydrogen system to realize efficient controllable hydrogen, and utilizes the diaphragm filter system to recycle by-products and sodium hydroxide, so that the utilization rate of resources is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen production from aluminum molten metal, and specifically to a controllable hydrogen system and a controllable hydrogen production method. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing urgency of global environmental issues, the proportion of renewable energy in global energy consumption is rising year by year. Hydrogen energy, with its zero carbon emissions and high energy density, is considered an important clean energy option for promoting sustainable development. However, current mainstream hydrogen production methods, such as hydrogen production from fossil fuels, biomass conversion, and water electrolysis, all face challenges such as low efficiency, high cost, and environmental pollution. Furthermore, the storage and transportation of hydrogen has long been a key factor restricting the widespread application of hydrogen energy. Therefore, developing more efficient and environmentally friendly hydrogen production technologies, and solving the bottlenecks in hydrogen storage and transportation, are crucial for the further development of the hydrogen energy industry.

[0003] Aluminum, as a high-performance hydrogen storage material, possesses a high calorific value and can produce hydrogen on-site through a reaction with water. This process is environmentally friendly, and the products are recyclable. Aluminum's high chemical reactivity allows it to easily form a protective film at room temperature, effectively solving the challenges of storage and transportation. However, this characteristic also necessitates specific activation methods for the aluminum-water reaction. Currently, researchers mainly employ various methods such as adding acid-base solutions, alloying treatment, adding activators, high-temperature operation, and preparing ultrafine aluminum powder to promote the activation of the aluminum-water reaction, thereby significantly increasing the rate and total amount of hydrogen generation.

[0004] In the process of producing hydrogen through the reaction of aluminum and water, some byproducts are inevitably generated, such as aluminum hydroxide and unreacted sodium hydroxide. However, these byproducts are not currently being fully utilized or treated, resulting in a significant waste of resources. To improve resource utilization and reduce environmental pollution, it is necessary to explore effective ways to recover and reuse these byproducts, thereby achieving more efficient and environmentally friendly hydrogen production. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a controllable hydrogen system to address the problem that byproducts of existing hydrogen production from aluminum molten metal reactions are not being adequately utilized.

[0006] A second objective of the present invention is to provide a controllable hydrogen method, which is implemented using the controllable hydrogen system described above.

[0007] To achieve the first objective of this invention, the present invention provides a controllable hydrogen system, which includes a reactor, an aluminum conveying module, a sodium hydroxide conveying module, a water conveying module, and a recovery module; wherein the aluminum conveying module, the sodium hydroxide conveying module, and the water conveying module are respectively connected to the reactor; the reactor is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet, the recovery module includes a vibrating membrane filtration system, the first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system is connected to the first outlet of the reactor, the vibrating membrane filtration system also includes a third outlet, the third outlet is connected to the reactor; the second outlet is used to convey the generated hydrogen gas.

[0008] As can be seen from the above scheme, this invention activates the reaction between aluminum and water in the reactor at room temperature and pressure through an aluminum delivery module, a sodium hydroxide delivery module, and a water delivery module. The reaction can be controlled by adjusting the amounts of sodium hydroxide, aluminum, and water added, enabling on-demand hydrogen production and eliminating the complexities of transportation and storage. Sodium hydroxide dissolves the oxide layer on the aluminum surface, promoting hydrogen release. Furthermore, this invention utilizes a vibrating membrane filtration system to effectively separate byproducts such as aluminum hydroxide from the reaction solution using the micro-dynamic effect generated by the vibrating membrane. The separated byproducts can be collected for use in other processes, and the sodium hydroxide in the reaction solution can be recycled back into the reactor for reuse, thereby maximizing resource utilization and economic benefits. The high shear force and high-frequency vibration of the vibrating membrane help prevent the deposition and clogging of precipitates on the membrane surface, thus improving separation efficiency and membrane lifespan. Compared to traditional methods that rely on sedimentation and require significant time and space to process byproducts, the vibrating membrane filtration system enables continuous filtration and separation of byproducts, avoiding the need for sedimentation tanks, simplifying the process flow, and achieving efficient recovery and utilization of byproducts.

[0009] A further option is to include a concentrated byproduct storage tank in the recycling module, which is connected to the fourth outlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system.

[0010] As can be seen from the above scheme, using storage tanks can effectively collect and store by-products generated during the reaction process, prevent their loss, ensure that the by-products do not cause harm to people and the environment, and help to reuse resources.

[0011] A further option is that the recovery module also includes a by-product dilution tank, which is located between the first outlet of the reactor and the first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system.

[0012] As can be seen from the above scheme, the byproducts generated in the reactor may have high concentrations or temperatures, and direct entry into the vibrating membrane filtration system could damage the membrane material, reducing filtration efficiency and service life. The dilution tank's buffering effect effectively reduces the concentration and temperature of the byproducts, making them more suitable for the vibrating membrane filtration system. Secondly, the dilution tank also helps improve the stability and reliability of the filtration system. During dilution, impurities and particulate matter in the byproducts can be dispersed and settled to a certain extent, reducing the risk of filtration system clogging. Simultaneously, the diluted byproducts pass more easily through the vibrating membrane filtration system, improving filtration efficiency and yield. Furthermore, the dilution tank also plays a role in regulating and balancing the flow rate. Since the amount of byproducts generated in the reactor may fluctuate, direct entry into the filtration system could lead to insufficient or excessive processing capacity. The storage and regulation functions of the dilution tank ensure that the filtration system operates at a stable flow rate, avoiding equipment damage or reduced processing efficiency caused by flow fluctuations. By optimizing the dilution ratio and filtration conditions, the recovery rate and purity of the byproducts can be maximized.

[0013] A further option is that the aluminum conveying module includes an aluminum storage tank, an aluminum conveyor, an aluminum buffer tank, and a vibrating feeder connected in sequence, with the vibrating feeder connected to the reactor.

[0014] As can be seen from the above scheme, this scheme effectively transports solid aluminum without the need for pressurization or heat input by setting up an aluminum conveyor and a vibrating feeder, reducing energy consumption and ensuring stable, controllable, and efficient delivery of aluminum to the reactor. The aluminum buffer tank plays a certain buffering role and prevents gas leakage in the reactor from contaminating the reaction raw materials in the aluminum storage tank.

[0015] A further option is to use a screw conveyor for the aluminum conveyor.

[0016] As can be seen from the above solutions, aluminum exists in different physical forms, such as powder, granules, or small lumps. Screw conveyors are well-suited to these forms, ensuring material integrity and stability and preventing losses during transport. Secondly, screw conveyors offer higher conveying efficiency than traditional methods, handling more material per unit time. Furthermore, their simple structure makes installation, maintenance, and repair relatively convenient. This reduces maintenance costs and ensures long-term stable operation, contributing to improved overall production efficiency and lower production costs. In addition, the design of screw conveyors allows for horizontal, inclined, and even vertical material transport. This flexibility enables them to adapt to various complex production environments, ensuring aluminum is smoothly transported to aluminum buffer tanks. Moreover, the closed-loop conveying system effectively prevents material leakage and dust generation, avoiding environmental pollution and health risks.

[0017] A further option is that the aluminum in the aluminum storage tank includes at least one of the following: aluminum ingots, aluminum powder, aluminum granules, aluminum foil, aluminum slices, waste aluminum scraps, and waste aluminum cans.

[0018] As can be seen from the above scheme, the aluminum in this invention can include various forms, has a wide range of applications, and promotes the recycling of aluminum waste.

[0019] A further embodiment is that the sodium hydroxide delivery module includes a sodium hydroxide solution tank, a first pressure pump, and a sodium hydroxide buffer tank connected in sequence. The sodium hydroxide buffer tank is equipped with valves and a flow meter and is connected to the reactor.

[0020] As can be seen from the above scheme, the sodium hydroxide buffer tank is equipped with valves and flow meters, which can effectively control the amount of sodium hydroxide entering the reactor, play a buffering role, and prevent gas in the reactor from leaking into the sodium hydroxide solution tank and contaminating the sodium hydroxide.

[0021] A further proposed solution is to install a stirrer inside the reactor and a heat exchanger on the outer shell of the reactor.

[0022] As can be seen from the above scheme, the stirrer improves the mass transfer of reactants by effectively mixing the reaction substrate, thus facilitating the reaction. The stirrer can also increase the exchange rate between reaction components, further promoting mass transfer. The heat exchanger is mainly used to transfer heat between fluids to achieve cooling, heating, or temperature maintenance. Transferring heat to reactants or reaction media through a heat exchanger can optimize reaction conditions, making the reaction more rapid and efficient.

[0023] A further option is to connect the second outlet to a hydrogen storage tank or fuel cell.

[0024] As can be seen from the above scheme, the hydrogen produced by the reaction can be used for different purposes according to user needs. If the user needs hydrogen, the hydrogen produced by the reactor is pressurized by a compressor through the second outlet and sent to a hydrogen storage tank. If the user needs electricity, the hydrogen produced by the reactor is fed into a fuel cell through the second outlet and converted into electricity.

[0025] To achieve the second objective of this invention, this invention provides a controllable hydrogen method, which is implemented using a controllable hydrogen system as described in any of the above-mentioned schemes. The controllable hydrogen method includes the following steps: S1: Sodium hydroxide and water are respectively transported to a reactor through a sodium hydroxide transport module and a water transport module to prepare a sodium hydroxide solution of a set concentration, wherein the set concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution in the reactor is 0.1% to 20%; S2: A set amount of aluminum is added to the reactor containing the set concentration through an aluminum transport system to carry out the reaction; S3: The hydrogen gas generated by the reaction is discharged from the reactor through the second outlet of the reactor, and the solution after the reaction enters the recovery module through the first outlet. The vibrating membrane filtration system in the recovery module recovers the by-products and recovers the sodium hydroxide solution back to the reactor.

[0026] As can be seen from the above scheme, the controllable hydrogen method of the present invention achieves efficient and controllable hydrogen production using a controllable hydrogen system, while simultaneously recovering and utilizing by-products and sodium hydroxide using a vibrating membrane filtration system, thereby improving resource utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a process flow diagram of the controllable hydrogen system of the present invention.

[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0029] See Figure 1 The controllable hydrogen production system of this embodiment includes a reactor 1, an aluminum conveying module, a sodium hydroxide conveying module, a water conveying module, and a recovery module.

[0030] Reactor 1 has a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet is connected to a recovery module, and the second outlet is connected to a hydrogen collection module 6. The hydrogen collection module 6 includes a hydrogen storage tank or a fuel cell. A stirrer is installed inside reactor 1, and a heat exchanger is installed on the outer shell of reactor 1. The stirrer improves the mixing and mass transfer of reactants, while the heat exchanger optimizes the reaction conditions through heat transfer.

[0031] The aluminum conveying module includes an aluminum storage tank 21, an aluminum conveyor 22, an aluminum buffer tank 23, and a vibrating feeder 24 connected in sequence. The vibrating feeder 24 is connected to the reactor 1. The aluminum in the aluminum storage tank 21 can be in various forms, including at least one of aluminum blocks, aluminum powder, aluminum granules, aluminum foil, aluminum slices, waste aluminum scraps, and waste aluminum cans, offering a wide range of applications and promoting the recycling of aluminum waste. Preferably, the aluminum conveyor 22 is a screw conveyor. Screw conveyors are highly adaptable to various forms of aluminum, ensuring the integrity and stability of the material and preventing losses during transport. Furthermore, screw conveyors offer numerous advantages, such as improved overall production efficiency, reduced production costs, adaptability to various transportation environments, and avoidance of environmental pollution and health risks. The aluminum conveyor 22 and vibrating feeder 24 effectively transport solid aluminum without the need for pressurization or heat input, reducing energy consumption and ensuring stable, controllable, and efficient delivery of aluminum to the reactor 1. The aluminum buffer tank 23 plays a certain buffering role and prevents gas leakage in reactor 1 from contaminating the aluminum storage tank 21 with the reaction raw materials.

[0032] The sodium hydroxide delivery module includes a sodium hydroxide solution tank 31, a first pressure pump 32, and a sodium hydroxide buffer tank 33 connected in sequence. The sodium hydroxide buffer tank 33 is equipped with valves and a flow meter and is connected to the reactor 1. The valves and flow meter in the sodium hydroxide buffer tank 31 effectively control the amount of sodium hydroxide entering the reactor, acting as a buffer while preventing gas leakage from the reactor 1 into the sodium hydroxide solution tank 31 and contaminating the sodium hydroxide.

[0033] The water delivery module includes a water storage tank 41 and a second pressure pump 42. Water in the water storage tank 41 is delivered to the reactor 1 through the second pressure pump 42.

[0034] The recovery module includes a vibrating membrane filtration system 51, a concentrated byproduct storage tank 52, and a byproduct dilution tank 53. The vibrating membrane filtration system 51 includes a first inlet, a third outlet, and a fourth outlet. The first inlet is connected to the first outlet of reactor 1, the third outlet is connected to reactor 1, and the fourth outlet is connected to the concentrated byproduct storage tank 52. The byproduct dilution tank 53 is located between the first outlet of reactor 1 and the first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system 51. The vibrating membrane filtration system 51 utilizes the micro-dynamic effect generated by the vibrating membrane to effectively separate byproducts such as aluminum hydroxide from the reaction solution and store them in the concentrated byproduct storage tank 52, thus achieving resource reuse. Sodium hydroxide contained in the reaction solution can be recovered and reused in reactor 1, thereby maximizing resource utilization and economic benefits. The high shear force and high-frequency vibration of the vibrating membrane help prevent the deposition and clogging of precipitates on the membrane surface, thereby improving separation efficiency and membrane lifespan. Since the byproducts generated in reactor 1 may have high concentrations or temperatures, direct entry into the vibrating membrane filtration system 51 may damage the membrane material, reducing filtration efficiency and lifespan. The byproduct dilution tank 53 acts as a buffer, effectively reducing the concentration and temperature of the byproducts to better meet the processing requirements of the vibrating membrane filtration system 51. In addition, the byproduct dilution tank 53 also improves the stability and reliability of the vibrating membrane filtration system 51, reduces clogging and balances flow, increases the recovery rate and purity of byproducts, and enhances filtration efficiency and output.

[0035] The controllable hydrogen system of this embodiment can be used to implement a controllable hydrogen method, which includes the following steps:

[0036] S1: Sodium hydroxide and water are transported to reactor 1 through sodium hydroxide delivery module and water delivery module respectively to prepare a sodium hydroxide solution of a set concentration. The set concentration of sodium hydroxide solution in reactor 1 is 0.1% to 20%.

[0037] S2: A set amount of aluminum is added to reactor 1 containing a set concentration via an aluminum conveying system to carry out the reaction;

[0038] S3: The hydrogen gas produced by the reaction is discharged from the reactor through the second outlet of reactor 1, and the solution after the reaction enters the recovery module through the first outlet. The vibrating membrane filtration system 51 in the recovery module recovers the by-products and recovers the sodium hydroxide solution into the reactor.

[0039] In this embodiment, the controllable hydrogen system can also be equipped with various sensors such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, pH sensors, and liquid level sensors. An external control system uses information from these sensors to control the valves, agitators, and heat exchangers between tanks and equipment, thereby achieving automated control of the entire hydrogen production process and making the hydrogen production process more efficient and controllable.

[0040] The controllable hydrogen system of this embodiment enables a controllable hydrogen production method. Through an aluminum delivery module, a sodium hydroxide delivery module, and a water delivery module, the reaction between aluminum and water is activated in reactor 1 at ambient temperature and pressure. The reaction can be controlled by adjusting the amounts of sodium hydroxide, aluminum, and water added, allowing for on-demand hydrogen production and eliminating the complexities of transportation and storage. Sodium hydroxide dissolves the oxide layer on the aluminum surface, promoting hydrogen release. The addition of a vibrating membrane filtration system 51 ensures the recovery of valuable aluminum hydroxide and sodium hydroxide, contributing to a closed-loop and sustainable process. The aluminum conveyor 22 and vibrating feeder 24 effectively transport various types of solid aluminum without pressurization or heat input, offering a wide range of applications and promoting the recycling of aluminum waste. The hydrogen collection module 6 can be a hydrogen storage tank or a fuel cell, allowing hydrogen to be used for different applications according to user needs. If the user requires hydrogen, the hydrogen produced in reactor 1 is pressurized by a compressor through a second outlet and sent to the hydrogen storage tank. If the user requires electricity, the hydrogen produced in the reactor is input into the fuel cell through a second outlet and converted into electricity.

[0041] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A controllable hydrogen system, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a reactor, an aluminum conveying module, a sodium hydroxide conveying module, a water conveying module, and a recovery module; wherein the aluminum conveying module, the sodium hydroxide conveying module, and the water conveying module are respectively connected to the reactor. The reactor is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet. The recovery module includes a vibrating membrane filtration system. The first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system is connected to the first outlet of the reactor. The vibrating membrane filtration system also includes a third outlet, which is connected to the reactor. The second outlet is used to deliver the generated hydrogen gas.

2. The controllable hydrogen system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The recycling module also includes a concentrated by-product storage tank, which is connected to the fourth outlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system.

3. A controllable hydrogen system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The recovery module also includes a by-product dilution tank, which is located between the first outlet of the reactor and the first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system.

4. A controllable hydrogen system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The aluminum conveying module includes an aluminum storage tank, an aluminum conveyor, an aluminum buffer tank, and a vibrating feeder connected in sequence, and the vibrating feeder is connected to the reactor.

5. A controllable hydrogen system as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The aluminum conveyor is a screw conveyor.

6. A controllable hydrogen system as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The aluminum in the aluminum storage tank includes at least one of aluminum blocks, aluminum powder, aluminum granules, aluminum foil, aluminum slices, waste aluminum scraps, and waste aluminum cans.

7. A controllable hydrogen system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The sodium hydroxide delivery module includes a sodium hydroxide solution tank, a first pressure pump, and a sodium hydroxide buffer tank connected in sequence. The sodium hydroxide buffer tank is equipped with a valve and a flow meter and is connected to the reactor.

8. A controllable hydrogen system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The reactor is equipped with a stirrer, and the outer shell of the reactor is equipped with a heat exchanger.

9. A controllable hydrogen system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The second outlet is connected to a hydrogen storage tank or fuel cell.

10. A method for controlling hydrogen, characterized in that, The controllable hydrogen method is implemented using a controllable hydrogen system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and the controllable hydrogen method includes the following steps: S1: Sodium hydroxide and water are respectively transported to the reactor through a sodium hydroxide delivery module and a water delivery module to prepare a sodium hydroxide solution of a set concentration, wherein the set concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution in the reactor is 0.1% to 20%; S2: A set amount of aluminum is added to the reactor containing a set concentration via an aluminum delivery system to initiate a reaction; S3: The hydrogen gas produced by the reaction is discharged from the reactor through the second outlet of the reactor, and the solution after the reaction enters the recovery module through the first outlet. The vibrating membrane filtration system in the recovery module recovers the by-products and recovers the sodium hydroxide solution into the reactor.

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