Hydrogen generation apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a hydrogen generation apparatus, which comprises a hydrogen generation device, a primary coil circuit, a hydrogen compressor, and a hydrogen storage cylinder. The hydrogen generation device comprises a hydrogen generator body, a secondary coil, and an eddy current generating unit. The hydrogen generator body is provided with a chamber, one end of which is formed with a first inlet for introducing a first substance into the chamber, and a second inlet for introducing a second substance into the chamber. The other end of the chamber is formed with an outlet and an exhaust port. A secondary coil is wound around the hydrogen generator body. The eddy current generating unit is disposed within the chamber corresponding to the position where the secondary coil is wound. The primary coil circuit is electrically connected to the secondary coil and is configured to induce a high-voltage alternating current in the secondary coil, thereby causing the eddy current generating unit to generate eddy currents and produce high temperature. The first substance and / or the second substance undergo a thermal cracking reaction induced by the high temperature, thereby generating hydrogen gas, which is discharged from the outlet of the hydrogen generation device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hydrogen production device, and more particularly to a hydrogen production device that can produce and use hydrogen on the spot. Prior Technology

[0002] In the global trend of pursuing energy diversification and sustainable development, hydrogen energy has gradually become a highly anticipated emerging energy source. Hydrogen has a high energy density and produces only water when burned, thus being considered an extremely clean and environmentally friendly energy form. Compared to traditional fuels, hydrogen energy not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels but also compensates for the intermittent power supply problems caused by unstable weather conditions in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Through advanced fuel cell technology, hydrogen energy can be widely applied in transportation, industrial processes, and energy storage. Especially in industries that are difficult to fully electrify, such as heavy industry and long-distance transportation, hydrogen energy demonstrates irreplaceable flexibility and potential.

[0003] Despite the promising future of hydrogen energy, its direct application in ordinary households is currently difficult. Firstly, hydrogen is highly flammable and explosive, posing a significant challenge to home safety design. Secondly, the lack of a comprehensive hydrogen distribution and storage infrastructure prevents hydrogen from being integrated into home systems like natural gas or electricity. Thirdly, hydrogen energy technology is still under development, and its high cost, including fuel cell devices and hydrogen supply, is a heavy burden for ordinary households. Furthermore, most household appliances are not yet designed to use hydrogen, making it impossible to directly replace existing energy usage habits. These technological, cost, and safety factors all limit the speed of hydrogen energy adoption in homes.

[0004] As mentioned above, the primary challenge to truly apply hydrogen energy in ordinary households is overcoming technological hurdles. First, there's the safety and stability of hydrogen storage technology. Currently, both high-pressure and liquid hydrogen storage require specific materials and strict controls to avoid the risk of gas leaks or explosions. Second, household hydrogen energy devices must be miniaturized and modularized; for example, fuel cell systems should possess high efficiency, low noise, and the ability to operate stably over long periods. Furthermore, if hydrogen production and use are to be conducted within homes, exhaust, ventilation, and sensing technologies must be considered to ensure safety during use. Another key issue is user acceptance and ease of operation. If hydrogen energy systems are too complex or require frequent maintenance, they will be less likely to be adopted by home users. Therefore, from storage methods and equipment design to user interfaces, simplicity, safety, and stability must be prioritized to truly realize the everyday application of hydrogen energy in homes.

[0005] Hydrogen energy, as a crucial player in future clean energy, possesses enormous application potential. However, achieving widespread adoption in households still requires overcoming numerous technological and institutional barriers. From safety facilities to cost control, providing a hydrogen production device that enables on-demand hydrogen production remains a significant challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen production device that is simple in structure and can produce hydrogen on the spot.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the hydrogen production device of the present invention includes a hydrogen generator, a primary coil circuit, a hydrogen compressor, and a hydrogen cylinder. The hydrogen generator comprises a generator body, a primary coil, and an eddy current generating unit. The generator body has a chamber, one end of which has a first inlet for a first substance to enter the chamber and a second inlet for a second substance to enter the chamber, while the other end has an outlet and a drain. The secondary coil is wound around the generator body. The eddy current generating unit is positioned within the chamber corresponding to the winding position of the secondary coil. The primary coil circuit is electrically coupled to the secondary coil, generating a high-voltage alternating current, which in turn causes the eddy current generating unit to generate eddy currents and thus a high temperature. This high temperature causes the first substance and / or the second substance to undergo a thermal decomposition reaction, thereby producing hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is discharged through the outlet of the hydrogen generator to the hydrogen compressor, where it is pressurized and stored in the hydrogen cylinder.

[0008] In one embodiment, the hydrogen generator further includes at least one support member, which has a support hole and a plurality of through holes, and the eddy current generating unit is disposed in the chamber through the support hole.

[0009] In one embodiment, the operating voltage of the primary coil circuit is preferably between 12V and 24V; while the voltage generated by the secondary coil is preferably between 50KV and 200KV.

[0010] In one embodiment, the high temperature generated by the eddy current generating unit is preferably between 1000°C and 1600°C.

[0011] In one embodiment, the hydrogen generator system may be made of quartz or ceramic materials.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first inlet system may be connected to a first nozzle, and the second inlet system may be connected to a second nozzle.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first substance system may be methane, ethane, propane, butane, methanol, ethanol, ammonia, water molecule gas, or water mist.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second substance system may be methane, ethane, propane, butane, methanol, ethanol, ammonia, water molecule gas, or water mist.

[0015] In one embodiment, the eddy current generating unit includes a tube, at least one fixing member, and a refractory conductive material; the refractory conductive material includes a refractory metal or a refractory metal alloy, and the refractory conductive material is disposed in the tube by means of the fixing member.

[0016] In one embodiment, the refractory metal system may be tungsten, molybdenum, or tantalum; while the refractory metal alloy system may be a tungsten alloy, a molybdenum alloy, or a tantalum alloy.

[0017] In one embodiment, the piping system may be made of quartz or ceramic material.

[0018] In one embodiment, the hydrogen generator further includes a hydrogen separation membrane, which comprises a ceramic membrane or a metal-ceramic composite membrane, disposed in a chamber between the outlet and the drain.

[0019] In one embodiment, the hydrogen production apparatus of the present invention further includes a water atomizing device or a water vaporizing device.

[0020] In one embodiment, the water atomizing device includes a water tank capable of storing a certain amount of water and an atomizer connected to the water tank and atomizing the water. The atomized water is introduced into the chamber through a first inlet or a second inlet.

[0021] In one embodiment, the water vaporization device includes a water tank capable of storing a certain amount of water and a vaporizer connected to the water tank and vaporizing the water. The vaporized water molecule gas system is introduced into the chamber through a first inlet or a second inlet.

[0022] In one embodiment, the hydrogen compressor may be a reciprocating compressor or a scroll compressor.

[0023] As described above, since the hydrogen production device of the present invention can use a hydrogen generator to crack the first or second substance at high temperature and react with water mist or water molecules to produce water-coated gas, thereby producing hydrogen and storing it in a hydrogen cylinder, the user can directly use the hydrogen in the hydrogen cylinder. If the gas pressure in the hydrogen cylinder becomes low, the hydrogen production device of the present invention will immediately start to produce hydrogen and fill the hydrogen cylinder with hydrogen. Therefore, the hydrogen production device of the present invention can achieve the purpose of producing and using hydrogen immediately. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0024] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the main components of the hydrogen production apparatus of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the hydrogen generator of the hydrogen production device of the present invention. Figure 2A shows a schematic diagram of the shape of the support member in the direction of B in Figure 2. Figure 2B shows another shape of the support member in the direction of B in Figure 2. Figure 3 is another illustrative diagram showing the main components of the hydrogen production apparatus of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of the hydrogen production device of the present invention assembled in a housing. Figure 5 is another schematic diagram showing the main components of the hydrogen production device of the present invention assembled in a housing. Implementation

[0025] The hydrogen production apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the hydrogen production device of the present invention includes a hydrogen generator 1, a primary coil circuit 2, a hydrogen compressor 3, and a hydrogen cylinder 4. In this embodiment, the hydrogen compressor 3 is a piston compressor or a scroll compressor; and the hydrogen cylinder 4 is a low-pressure hydrogen cylinder.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the hydrogen generator 1 includes a hydrogen generator body 11, a primary coil 12, and an eddy current generating unit 13. The hydrogen generator body 11 may be made of quartz or ceramic material and has a chamber 111. One end of the chamber 111 has a first inlet 112 for a first substance to enter the chamber 111 and a second inlet 113 for a second substance to enter the chamber 111. The other end of the chamber 111 has an outlet 114 and a drain 115. The secondary coil 12 is wound around the outside of the hydrogen generator body 11. The eddy current generating unit 13 is disposed in the chamber 111 corresponding to the position where the secondary coil 12 is wound.

[0028] Referring again to Figures 2 and 2A, in this embodiment, the hydrogen generator 1 further includes two support members 14. Viewed from direction B, each support member 14 has a support hole 141 and a plurality of through holes 142. The eddy current generating unit 13 is disposed in the chamber 111 through the support hole 141, and the plurality of through holes 142 allow the first substance or the second substance to pass through. It should be noted that the shape of the support member can also be as shown in Figure 2B, where the support member 14' has a support hole 141' and a plurality of through holes 142'. In other words, the shape of the support member is only necessary to support the eddy current generating unit 13 and allow the first substance or the second substance to pass through. In this embodiment, the first substance or the second substance can be methane, ethane, propane, butane, methanol, ethanol, ammonia, water molecule gas, or water mist, respectively.

[0029] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. The primary coil circuit 2 is electrically coupled to the secondary coil 12 of the hydrogen generator 1, causing the secondary coil 12 to generate a high-voltage alternating current. This generates an alternating electromagnetic field in the chamber 111 of the hydrogen generator body 11, causing the eddy current generating unit 13 to generate an eddy current. This eddy current generating unit 13 generates a high temperature, which causes the first substance and / or the second substance to undergo a thermal decomposition reaction, thereby producing hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is discharged through the outlet 114 of the hydrogen generator 1 to the hydrogen compressor 3, where it is pressurized and stored in the hydrogen cylinder 4. In this embodiment, the operating voltage of the primary coil circuit is between 12V and 24V; the voltage generated by the secondary coil is between 50KV and 200KV; and the high temperature generated by the eddy current generating unit is between 1000℃ and 1600℃.

[0030] Referring again to Figure 2, in this embodiment, the eddy current generating unit 13 includes a tube 131, two fixing members 132, and a refractory conductive material 133. The tube 131 may be made of quartz or ceramic material. The refractory conductive material 133 may contain a refractory metal or a refractory metal alloy, and the refractory conductive material 133 is disposed in the tube 131 by means of the fixing members 132. It should be noted that the refractory metal may be tungsten, molybdenum, or tantalum; and the refractory metal alloy may be a tungsten alloy, a molybdenum alloy, or a tantalum alloy.

[0031] Referring again to Figure 2, in this embodiment, the hydrogen generator 1 may further include a hydrogen separation membrane 15. The hydrogen separation membrane 15 includes a ceramic membrane or a metal-ceramic composite membrane, which is disposed in the chamber 111 between the outlet 114 and the drain 115, so that hydrogen can pass through and be discharged through the outlet 114, while preventing by-products from passing through, and allowing by-products to be discharged through the drain 115.

[0032] Referring again to Figure 2 or Figure 3, the first inlet 112 of the hydrogen generator body 11 is connected to a first nozzle 1121, and the second inlet 113 is connected to a second nozzle 1131. Furthermore, the hydrogen generation device of the present invention may include a water atomizing device (ultrasonic) or a water vaporizing device. In this embodiment, if the hydrogen generation device includes a water atomizing device, then the water atomizing device includes a water tank 5 and an atomizer 6. The atomizer 6 is, for example, a high-pressure atomizer or an ultrasonic atomizer, which is connected to the water tank 5 and atomizes water, introducing it into the chamber 111 through the first inlet 112 or the second inlet 113. If the hydrogen generation device includes a water vaporizing device, then the water vaporizing device includes a water tank 5 and a vaporizer 6'. The vaporizer 6' is connected to the water tank 5 and vaporizes the water, which is then introduced into the chamber 111 through the first inlet 112 or the second inlet 113.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the hydrogen production device of the present invention further includes a power supply 7, a central control circuit 8, and a housing 9. The power supply 7 is electrically connected to the primary coil circuit 2 and the central control circuit 8, respectively, and provides a voltage of 12V~24V to the primary coil circuit 2 and the central control circuit 8. The central control circuit 8 is electrically connected to the primary coil circuit 2, the atomizer 6 (or vaporizer 6'), and the hydrogen compressor 3, respectively, and controls their operation. The aforementioned hydrogen generator 1, primary coil circuit 2, hydrogen compressor 3, hydrogen cylinder 4, water tank 5, atomizer 6, power supply 7, and central control circuit 8 are housed within the housing 9. It should be noted that, as shown in Figure 5, the hydrogen cylinder 4 can also be located outside the housing 9.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 4 again. When the first substance is methane and the second substance is water mist (or water molecule gas), the methane system is input from the outside through a connector 1122 assembled on the shell 9, and is sprayed into the chamber 111 through the first inlet 112 via the first nozzle 1121. In addition, the water system in the water tank 5 is first processed by the atomizer 6 (or vaporizer 6'), and the atomized or vaporized water is sprayed into the chamber 111 through the second inlet 113 via the second nozzle 1131. Then, the methane gas and the atomized or vaporized water will flow through the high temperature area where the eddy current generating unit 13 is located, and then hydrogen and carbon dioxide are generated through the methane recombination reaction and the water-gas conversion reaction. The chemical reactions are shown in reaction formula (1) and reaction formula (2). ...Chemical reaction formula (1) ...Chemical reaction formula (2)

[0035] As mentioned above, the hydrogen produced by thermal decomposition The hydrogen is discharged through outlet 114 into the hydrogen compressor 3 and further stored in the hydrogen cylinder 4 for use. Generally, the user discharges the hydrogen from the hydrogen cylinder 4 using connector 41. Carbon dioxide, as a byproduct, is discharged to the outside through outlet 115 and connector 1151 provided on the housing 9. It should be noted that when the hydrogen cylinder 4 is full, the central control circuit 8 will close the control valve 31 of the hydrogen compressor 3 and stop the operation of the hydrogen compressor 3. Of course, at this time, the central control circuit 8 will also stop the operation of the hydrogen generator 1 by controlling the primary coil circuit 2 and the atomizer 6.

[0036] In summary, since the hydrogen production device of the present invention can use the hydrogen generator 1 to crack the first or second substance at high temperature and react with water mist or water molecules to produce water-coated gas, thereby producing hydrogen and storing it in the hydrogen cylinder 4, the user can directly use the hydrogen in the hydrogen cylinder 4. If the gas pressure in the hydrogen cylinder 4 becomes low, the hydrogen production device of the present invention will immediately start to produce hydrogen and fill the hydrogen cylinder 4 with hydrogen. Therefore, the hydrogen production device of the present invention can achieve the purpose of producing and using hydrogen immediately.

[0037] 1: Hydrogen generator

[0038] 11: Hydrogen generator body

[0039] 111: Chamber

[0040] 112: First inlet

[0041] 1121: First nozzle

[0042] 1122: Connector

[0043] 113: Second inlet port

[0044] 1131: Second nozzle

[0045] 114: Outlet

[0046] 115: Excretion port

[0047] 1151: Connector

[0048] 12: Secondary coil

[0049] 13: Eddy current generating unit

[0050] 131: Pipe body

[0051] 132: Fastener

[0052] 133: Refractory conductive materials

[0053] 14: Support components

[0054] 14': Support component

[0055] 141, 141': Support hole

[0056] 142, 142': Through hole

[0057] 15: Hydrogen separation membrane

[0058] 2: Primary coil circuit

[0059] 3: Hydrogen compressor

[0060] 31: Control valve

[0061] 4: Hydrogen cylinder

[0062] 41: Connector

[0063] 5: Water tank

[0064] 6: Atomizer

[0065] 6': Carburetor

[0066] 7: Power Supply

[0067] 8: Central control circuit

[0068] 9: Shell

[0069] B: Direction

[0070] H2: Hydrogen gas

Claims

1. A hydrogen production device, comprising: a hydrogen generator, including a hydrogen generator body, a primary coil, and an eddy current generating unit; the hydrogen generator body having a chamber, one end of which is provided with a first inlet for a first substance to enter the chamber and a second inlet for a second substance to enter the chamber, and the other end of which is provided with an outlet and a discharge port; the secondary coil is wound around the hydrogen generator body; the eddy current generating unit is disposed in the chamber corresponding to the position where the secondary coil is wound; a primary coil circuit electrically coupled to the secondary coil, and causing the secondary coil to generate a high voltage alternating current, and generating an alternating electromagnetic field in the chamber of the hydrogen generator body, so that the eddy current generating unit generates an eddy current, and the eddy current generating unit generates a high temperature, thereby causing the first substance and / or the second substance to undergo a thermal decomposition reaction, thereby generating hydrogen gas, which is discharged through the outlet of the hydrogen generator; A hydrogen compressor is connected to the outlet of the hydrogen generator and pressurizes the hydrogen; and a hydrogen cylinder is connected to the hydrogen compressor and stores the pressurized hydrogen in the cylinder; wherein the eddy current generating unit includes a tube, at least one fixing member, and a refractory conductive material; the refractory conductive material includes a refractory metal or a refractory metal alloy, and the refractory conductive material is disposed in the tube by the fixing member; the refractory metal is tungsten, molybdenum, or tantalum; and the refractory metal alloy is a tungsten alloy, a molybdenum alloy, or a tantalum alloy; the tube is made of quartz or ceramic material.

2. The hydrogen production apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hydrogen generator further includes at least one support member having a support hole and a plurality of through holes, and the eddy current generating unit is disposed in the chamber through the support hole.

3. The hydrogen production apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operating voltage of the primary coil circuit is between 12V and 24V; and the voltage generated by the secondary coil is between 50KV and 200KV.

4. The hydrogen production apparatus of claim 1, wherein the high temperature generated by the eddy current generating unit is between 1000°C and 1600°C.

5. The hydrogen production apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hydrogen generator body is made of quartz or ceramic material.

6. The hydrogen production apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first inlet is connected to a first nozzle and the second inlet is connected to a second nozzle.

7. The hydrogen production apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first substance is methane, or ethane, or propane, or butane, or methanol, or ethanol, or ammonia, or water molecule gas, or water mist.

8. The hydrogen production apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second substance is methane, or ethane, or propane, or butane, or methanol, or ethanol, or ammonia, or water molecule gas, or water mist.

9. The hydrogen production apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hydrogen generator further comprises: a hydrogen separation membrane, including a ceramic membrane or a metal-ceramic composite membrane, disposed in the chamber between the outlet and the drain.

10. The hydrogen production apparatus of claim 1 further includes: a water atomizing device or a water vaporizing device.

11. The hydrogen production apparatus of claim 10, wherein the water atomizing device comprises: a water tank for storing a certain amount of water; and an atomizer connected to the water tank for atomizing the water and introducing it into the chamber through the first inlet or the second inlet.

12. The hydrogen production apparatus of claim 10, wherein the water vaporization device comprises: a water tank for storing a certain amount of water; and a vaporizer connected to the water tank for vaporizing the water so that water molecule gas is introduced into the chamber through the first inlet or the second inlet.

13. The hydrogen production apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hydrogen compressor is a reciprocating compressor or a scroll compressor.

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