Electrolyzer hydrogen production system and electrolyzer temperature control method

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrolyzer hydrogen production system and an electrolyzer temperature control method, wherein a heat exchanger in the electrolyzer hydrogen production system receives coolant transported by a coolant transport pipeline and receives electrolyte transported by an electrolyte transport pipeline, and performs heat exchange between the coolant and the electrolyte; the electrolyzer performs a hydrogen production reaction operation according to the electrolyte output by the heat exchanger, obtains a reaction product, and outputs the reaction product; a coolant flow regulating device regulates the coolant flow of the coolant transport pipeline; a controller calculates a target inlet temperature of the electrolyzer based on the outlet temperature of the electrolyzer when the outlet temperature of the electrolyzer is within a preset temperature range; if the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature is greater than a threshold value, the coolant flow in the coolant transport pipeline is regulated by the coolant flow regulating device so that the temperature difference is not greater than the threshold value, thereby meeting the temperature control requirements of the electrolyzer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of electrolytic cell hydrogen production, and in particular to an electrolytic cell hydrogen production system and an electrolytic cell temperature control method. Background Art

[0002] At present, in the process of preparing hydrogen, in order to ensure the operating stability of the hydrogen production electrolyzer, it is necessary to control the temperature of the electrolyzer.

[0003] The existing temperature control scheme of the electrolytic cell usually controls the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell by adjusting the cooling water flow of the heat exchanger. However, this method has problems of temperature delay and slow response, which can easily lead to overheating of the electrolytic cell and high electrolysis energy consumption. Summary of the invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electrolytic cell hydrogen production system and an electrolytic cell temperature control method, which can meet the temperature control requirements of the electrolytic cell. The specific scheme is as follows:

[0005] An electrolyzer hydrogen production system, comprising:

[0006] Controller, electrolyzer, coolant flow regulator and heat exchanger;

[0007] The heat exchanger is used to receive the coolant delivered by the coolant delivery pipeline, and receive the electrolyte delivered by the electrolyte delivery pipeline, and perform heat exchange with the electrolyte through the coolant;

[0008] The electrolyzer is used to perform a hydrogen production reaction operation according to the electrolyte output by the heat exchanger, obtain a reaction product, and output the reaction product;

[0009] The coolant flow regulating device is used to regulate the coolant flow of the coolant delivery pipeline;

[0010] The controller is used to calculate the target inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell based on the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell when the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is within a preset temperature range; and to adjust the coolant flow in the coolant delivery pipeline through the coolant flow regulating device when the temperature difference between the current inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell and the target inlet temperature is greater than a preset threshold value, so that the temperature difference between the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell and the target inlet temperature is not greater than the threshold value.

[0011] In the above electrolyzer hydrogen production system, optionally, the controller is used to:

[0012] Determining the heat generated by the electrolytic cell, the total heat consumed by the electrolytic cell, and the compensation power;

[0013] The electrolyte heat exchange amount is calculated based on the heat generated by the electrolytic cell, the total consumed heat and the compensation power;

[0014] The target inlet temperature is calculated based on the outlet temperature, the electrolyte heat exchange capacity and a preset correction coefficient.

[0015] In the above electrolyzer hydrogen production system, optionally, the controller is used to:

[0016] Determining the residence time of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell;

[0017] The compensation power is determined according to the outlet temperature, a preset target outlet temperature, the mass of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell, the mass of the electrolytic cell, and the residence time.

[0018] In the above electrolyzer hydrogen production system, optionally, the controller is used to:

[0019] The residence time of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell is determined according to the volume of the electrolytic cell and the volume flow rate of the electrolyte at the inlet of the electrolytic cell.

[0020] In the above electrolyzer hydrogen production system, optionally, after the inlet temperature of the electrolyzer reaches the target inlet temperature, the controller is further used to:

[0021] When the electrolytic cell meets the preset stable operation condition, the correction coefficient is updated according to the current inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell.

[0022] In the above electrolyzer hydrogen production system, optionally, the coolant flow regulating device comprises a first valve assembly;

[0023] The controller is used to:

[0024] The opening of the first valve assembly is adjusted according to the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature to adjust the coolant flow rate of the coolant delivery pipeline so that the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell reaches the target inlet temperature.

[0025] In the above electrolyzer hydrogen production system, optionally, the flow regulating device comprises a first valve assembly;

[0026] The controller is used to:

[0027] Acquiring an electrolyte channel inlet temperature of the heat exchanger, a coolant channel inlet temperature of the heat exchanger, and a coolant channel outlet temperature of the heat exchanger;

[0028] Calculating a target coolant flow rate based on the outlet temperature, the target inlet temperature, the electrolyte channel inlet temperature, the coolant channel inlet temperature, and the coolant channel outlet temperature;

[0029] The opening of the first valve assembly is adjusted so that the coolant flow rate of the coolant delivery pipeline reaches the target coolant flow rate.

[0030] The above electrolyzer hydrogen production system may optionally further include an electrolyte flow regulating device;

[0031] The electrolyte flow regulating device is used to regulate the electrolyte flow at the inlet of the electrolytic cell.

[0032] In the above electrolyzer hydrogen production system, optionally, after the inlet temperature of the electrolyzer reaches the target inlet temperature, the controller is further used to:

[0033] When it is detected that the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell does not match the preset target outlet temperature, the electrolyte flow rate at the inlet of the electrolytic cell is adjusted by the electrolyte flow regulating device so that the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell matches the preset target outlet temperature.

[0034] In the above electrolyzer hydrogen production system, optionally, after the inlet temperature of the electrolyzer reaches the target inlet temperature, the controller is further used to:

[0035] When it is detected that the current operating voltage of the electrolytic cell does not match the preset target operating voltage, the electrolyte flow rate at the inlet of the electrolytic cell is adjusted by the electrolyte flow regulating device so that the current operating voltage of the electrolytic cell matches the preset target operating voltage.

[0036] In the above electrolyzer hydrogen production system, optionally, after the inlet temperature of the electrolyzer reaches the target inlet temperature, the controller is further used to:

[0037] When it is detected that the working current of the electrolytic cell does not match the preset target working current, the electrolyte flow rate at the inlet of the electrolytic cell is adjusted by the electrolyte flow regulating device so that the current working current of the electrolytic cell matches the preset target working current.

[0038] A method for controlling the temperature of an electrolyzer is applied to a controller of an electrolyzer hydrogen production system, wherein the electrolyzer hydrogen production system further comprises an electrolyzer, a coolant flow regulating device, and a heat exchanger for conveying electrolyte after heat exchange with the coolant to the electrolyzer, the method comprising:

[0039] When the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is within a preset temperature range, a target inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is calculated based on the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell;

[0040] When the temperature difference between the current inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell and the target inlet temperature is greater than a preset threshold, the flow rate of the coolant delivered to the heat exchanger by the coolant delivery pipeline is adjusted by the coolant flow regulating device so that the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature is not greater than the threshold.

[0041] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention have the following advantages:

[0042] The embodiment of the present invention provides an electrolyzer hydrogen production system and method, wherein the heat exchanger in the electrolyzer hydrogen production system receives the coolant delivered by the coolant delivery pipeline, and receives the electrolyte delivered by the electrolyte delivery pipeline, and performs heat exchange with the electrolyte through the coolant; the electrolyzer in the electrolyzer hydrogen production system performs a hydrogen production reaction operation according to the electrolyte output by the heat exchanger, obtains a reaction product, and outputs the reaction product; the controller in the electrolyzer hydrogen production system calculates the target inlet temperature of the electrolyzer based on the current outlet temperature of the electrolyzer when the current outlet temperature of the electrolyzer is within a preset temperature range; when the temperature difference between the current inlet temperature of the electrolyzer and the target inlet temperature is greater than a preset threshold, the coolant flow rate in the coolant delivery pipeline is adjusted by the coolant flow regulating device, so that the temperature difference between the inlet temperature of the electrolyzer and the target inlet temperature is not greater than the threshold. The system provided by the embodiment of the present invention can meet the temperature control requirements of the electrolyzer, and can effectively avoid the problems of unstable temperature control, over-temperature, high energy consumption, and slow delayed response in the existing control scheme. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without paying creative work.

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an electrolyzer hydrogen production system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of another electrolyzer hydrogen production system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of another electrolyzer hydrogen production system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a fourth electrolyzer hydrogen production system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a fifth electrolyzer hydrogen production system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a sixth electrolyzer hydrogen production system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of a seventh cell-dissolving hydrogen production system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 8 A method flow chart of a method for controlling the temperature of an electrolytic cell provided in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0053] In this application, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the element.

[0054] At present, in the process of preparing hydrogen, in order to ensure the operating stability of the hydrogen production electrolyzer, it is necessary to control the temperature of the electrolyzer.

[0055] The existing temperature control scheme of the electrolytic cell usually controls the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell by adjusting the coolant flow of the heat exchanger. However, this method has problems of temperature delay and slow response, which can easily lead to overheating of the electrolytic cell and large temperature fluctuations, resulting in high energy consumption.

[0056] Based on this, an embodiment of the present invention provides an electrolyzer hydrogen production system, and the structural schematic diagram of the electrolyzer hydrogen production system is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, specifically including:

[0057] Controller 101, electrolytic cell 102, coolant flow regulating device 103 and heat exchanger 104;

[0058] The heat exchanger 104 is used to receive the coolant delivered by the coolant delivery pipeline, and the electrolyte delivered by the electrolyte delivery pipeline, and to perform heat exchange with the electrolyte through the coolant. In this embodiment, the heat exchanger may include a hot fluid channel and a cold fluid channel, the input end of the hot fluid channel of the heat exchanger is connected to the electrolyte delivery pipeline, and the output end of the hot fluid channel is connected to the inlet of the electrolytic cell; the input end of the cold fluid channel of the heat exchanger is connected to the coolant delivery pipeline, and the coolant flow regulating device 103 may be arranged on the coolant delivery pipeline. The heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the electrolyte and the coolant, and can transfer the heat of the electrolyte to the coolant to cool the electrolyte, and then transfer the cooled electrolyte to the electrolytic cell.

[0059] The electrolyzer 102 is used to perform a hydrogen production reaction operation according to the electrolyte output by the heat exchanger, obtain a reaction product, and output the reaction product. In this embodiment, the reaction product may be a hydrogen side material and an oxygen side material, etc. Optionally, the electrolyzer may transport the reactants to a preset storage device, which may include an oxygen gas-liquid separator and a hydrogen gas-liquid separator.

[0060] The number of electrolytic cells in this embodiment is one or more; when the number of the electrolytic cells is multiple, each of the electrolytic cells can be connected in series or in parallel. The electrolytic cell can be any one of an aqueous solution electrolytic cell, a molten salt electrolytic cell, and a non-aqueous solution electrolytic cell.

[0061] The coolant flow regulating device 103 is used to regulate the coolant flow in the coolant delivery pipeline.

[0062] In this embodiment, the coolant flow regulating device may include a valve component, and the valve component may be arranged on the coolant delivery pipeline, so as to regulate the coolant flow of the coolant delivery pipeline.

[0063] The controller 101 is used to calculate the target inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell based on the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell when the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is within a preset temperature range; and to adjust the coolant flow in the coolant delivery pipeline through the coolant flow regulating device when the temperature difference between the current inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell and the target inlet temperature is greater than a preset threshold value, so that the temperature difference between the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell and the target inlet temperature is not greater than the threshold value.

[0064] In this embodiment, the controller can first obtain the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell, and specifically, the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell can be obtained by a first temperature sensor arranged in the output pipeline of the electrolytic cell; after obtaining the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell, the target inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell can be calculated according to the energy balance calculation method, and then the target inlet temperature is compared with the current actual inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell. When the current inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is inconsistent with the target inlet temperature, since the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is the temperature of the electrolyte output by the heat exchanger, and the temperature of the electrolyte output by the heat exchanger is related to the coolant flow rate received by the heat exchanger, the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell can be adjusted by adjusting the coolant flow rate in the coolant delivery pipeline.

[0065] Optionally, the first temperature sensor may be disposed on the oxygen output pipeline of the electrolyzer. In some embodiments, the first temperature sensor may also be disposed on the hydrogen output pipeline of the electrolyzer.

[0066] The temperature difference value in this embodiment can represent the difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature. The temperature difference value can be the difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature, or the ratio of the inlet temperature to the target inlet temperature. If the temperature difference value is the difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature, the threshold value can be set to any temperature value such as 0°C, 3°C, 5°C, or -5°C; if the temperature difference value is the ratio of the inlet temperature to the target inlet temperature, the threshold value can be set to any value such as 0.9, 1, or 1.1.

[0067] In this embodiment, by ensuring that the temperature difference between the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell and the target inlet temperature is no greater than a threshold value, the inlet temperature can be made close to or reach the target inlet temperature, so that the internal temperature and the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell can be within the set temperature range, and ultimately the operating temperature of the electrolytic cell is stabilized to meet the temperature control requirements of the electrolytic cell.

[0068] The system provided by the embodiment of the present invention can meet the temperature control requirements of the electrolytic cell and can effectively avoid problems such as unstable temperature control, overheating, and delayed response slowness that occur in existing control schemes.

[0069] In some embodiments, the controller determines the heat generated by the electrolytic cell, the total heat consumption of the electrolytic cell, and the compensation power; calculates the electrolyte heat exchange capacity based on the heat generated by the electrolytic cell, the total heat consumption, and the compensation power; and calculates the target inlet temperature based on the outlet temperature, the electrolyte heat exchange capacity, and a preset correction coefficient.

[0070] In this embodiment, the working voltage and working current of the electrolytic cell can be obtained, and then the heat Q1 generated by the electrolytic cell can be determined according to the working voltage and working current of the electrolytic cell. Optionally, when the structure of a single electrolytic cell is a series structure, the heat generated by the electrolytic cell is calculated as follows: Q1 = 3.6UI-3.6×1.48nIη, where U is the working voltage of the electrolytic cell, I is the working current of the electrolytic cell, n is the number of small chambers of the electrolytic cell, and η is the current efficiency. When the structure of a single electrolytic cell is a parallel structure, the heat generated can be Q1 = 3.6UI-3.6×0.74nIη.

[0071] Optionally, the total heat consumption Q2 of the electrolytic cell includes the heat dissipation Q 21 、Hydrogen carries heat Q 22 , and oxygen carries heat Q 23 Optionally, the calculation method for the heat dissipation of the electrolyzer is: Q 21 =KFΔt1; the calculation process of heat carried by hydrogen is: The heat carried by oxygen is calculated as: Wherein, K is the heat transfer coefficient, F is the surface area of ​​the electrolytic cell, Δt1 is the difference between the surface temperature of the electrolytic cell and the ambient temperature, t2 is the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell, for example, it can be the outlet temperature of the oxygen side of the electrolytic cell, and the surface temperature of the electrolytic cell can select the t2 value.

[0072] In this embodiment, the electrolyte heat exchange amount Q5 may be calculated as follows: Q5=Q1-Q2+Q3, wherein Q3 is the compensation power.

[0073] Optionally, the target inlet temperature is calculated according to the outlet temperature, the electrolyte heat exchange capacity and a preset correction coefficient as follows:

[0074]

[0075] Wherein, T1 is the target inlet temperature, α is the correction coefficient, and m1 is the electrolyte circulation mass flow rate at the inlet of the electrolytic cell.

[0076] In some embodiments, the controller determines the residence time of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell; and determines the compensation power based on the outlet temperature, a preset target outlet temperature, the mass of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell, the mass of the electrolytic cell, and the residence time.

[0077] In this embodiment, the compensation power Q3 is determined according to the outlet temperature, the target outlet temperature, the mass of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell, the mass of the electrolytic cell and the residence time as follows:

[0078]

[0079] Among them, m2 is the mass of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell, m3 is the mass of the electrolytic cell, T2 is the preset target outlet temperature, and τ is the residence time of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell.

[0080] In some embodiments, the controller determines the residence time of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell according to the volume of the electrolytic cell and the volume flow rate of the electrolyte at the inlet of the electrolytic cell.

[0081] In this embodiment, the residence time τ of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell is determined according to the volume of the electrolytic cell and the volume flow rate of the electrolyte at the inlet of the electrolytic cell as follows: Where V is the volume of the electrolytic cell and ν1 is the volume flow rate of the electrolyte at the inlet of the electrolytic cell.

[0082] In some embodiments, after the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell reaches the target inlet temperature, the controller updates the correction coefficient according to the current inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell when the electrolytic cell meets a preset stable operating condition.

[0083] In this embodiment, a new correction coefficient can be back-calculated according to the current inlet temperature and outlet temperature.

[0084] Optionally, the stable operation condition may be that the operation time reaches a preset stable operation time, the temperature difference value at a plurality of consecutive operation moments is less than a preset threshold value, and the like.

[0085] In some embodiments, the coolant flow regulating device includes a first valve component; the controller adjusts the opening of the first valve component according to the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature to adjust the coolant flow in the coolant delivery pipeline so that the temperature difference between the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell and the target inlet temperature is not greater than the threshold value.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first valve component can be a coolant regulating valve. When the current inlet temperature is greater than the target inlet temperature, and the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature is greater than a preset threshold, the opening of the first valve component can be increased; when the current inlet temperature is not greater than the target inlet temperature, and the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature is greater than a preset threshold, the opening of the first valve component can be reduced.

[0087] In some embodiments, the temperature difference value may be a temperature difference value, a target valve opening corresponding to the temperature difference value is determined, and the valve opening of the coolant regulating valve is adjusted to the target valve opening.

[0088] See also Figure 2, which is a structural schematic diagram of another electrolyzer hydrogen production system provided by an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the electrolyte enters the electrolyzer 1, and after the reaction in the electrolyzer 1, the hydrogen side material and the oxygen side material are obtained, the hydrogen side material enters the hydrogen side gas-liquid separator 4, and the oxygen side material enters the oxygen side gas-liquid separator 5; the separated electrolyte flows out from the bottom of the hydrogen side gas-liquid separator 4 and the oxygen side gas-liquid separator 5 and merges into the circulation pump 3, and then returns to the electrolyzer 1 after heat exchange and temperature adjustment in the heat exchanger 2. The controller 9 controls the temperature of the electrolyzer 1 as follows:

[0089] When the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell 1 reaches any temperature in the range of 60 to 85°C, the controller receives the temperature collected by the outlet temperature sensor 7 of the electrolytic cell, calculates and obtains the target inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell required at this time, and compares the target inlet temperature with the actual inlet temperature obtained by the electrolyte temperature sensor 8 at the inlet of the electrolytic cell to obtain the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature. The opening of the coolant regulating valve 6 is adjusted by PID so that the temperature difference between the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell and the target inlet temperature is less than a preset threshold value. Since the controller takes into account factors such as current, voltage, electrolyte flow, current efficiency, and the residence time of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell, the temperature of the electrolytic cell outlet can be near the set value when the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is any value.

[0090] Optionally, the temperature difference value may be the difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature, or the ratio of the inlet temperature to the target inlet temperature. If the temperature difference value is the difference, see Figure 3 , wherein the electrolyte enters the electrolytic cell 1, and after the electrolytic cell reaction, it is divided into hydrogen side material and oxygen side material and enters the hydrogen side gas-liquid separator 4 and the oxygen side gas-liquid separator 5 respectively. The separated electrolyte flows out from the bottom of the separators 4 and 5 and merges into the electrolyte circulation pump 3, and then returns to the electrolytic cell 1 after heat exchange and temperature adjustment in the electrolyte heat exchanger 2. The temperature control process of the electrolytic cell 31 is as follows:

[0091] When the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell 1 reaches any temperature in the range of 60 to 85°C, the controller 9 receives the temperature collected by the outlet temperature sensor 7 of the electrolytic cell 1, calculates the target inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell required at this time in combination with the data related to the device, and performs difference processing to obtain the set temperature difference, collects the actual temperature difference through the temperature difference sensor 10, and adjusts the opening of the coolant regulating valve 6 through PID to make the actual temperature difference reach the set temperature difference. Since the controller takes into account factors such as current, voltage, electrolyte flow, current efficiency, and residence time of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell during the adjustment process, when the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is any value, the temperature coming out of the electrolytic cell is near the set value. When the system runs stably, the correction coefficient α can be calculated based on the temperature obtained by the inlet temperature sensor 8 and the outlet temperature sensor 7 of the electrolytic cell, so that the control process is more accurate and the influence of certain factors is eliminated, such as eliminating the volatility of factors such as electrolyte flow and electrolyte specific heat capacity.

[0092] In some embodiments, the flow regulating device includes a first valve assembly;

[0093] The controller is used to: obtain an electrolyte channel inlet temperature of the heat exchanger, a coolant channel inlet temperature of the heat exchanger, and a coolant channel outlet temperature of the heat exchanger;

[0094] Calculating a target coolant flow rate based on the outlet temperature, the target inlet temperature, the electrolyte channel inlet temperature, the coolant channel inlet temperature, and the coolant channel outlet temperature;

[0095] The opening of the first valve assembly is adjusted so that the coolant flow rate of the coolant delivery pipeline reaches the target coolant flow rate.

[0096] In this embodiment, the heat exchange amount required for the electrolyte can be determined according to the energy balance method, and the target coolant flow rate can be determined according to the heat exchange amount required for the electrolyte; the current coolant flow rate can be obtained by the coolant flow meter on the coolant pipeline, and when the current coolant flow rate is inconsistent with the target coolant flow rate, the opening of the first valve component is adjusted; the first valve component can be a coolant regulating valve, if the current coolant flow rate of the coolant delivery pipeline is less than the target coolant flow rate, the valve opening is increased; if the current coolant flow rate of the coolant delivery pipeline is greater than the target coolant flow rate, the valve opening is reduced.

[0097] See also Figure 4, which is a structural schematic diagram of another electrolytic cell hydrogen production system provided by an embodiment of the present invention, the electrolyte enters the electrolytic cell 1, and after the reaction in the electrolytic cell 1, it is divided into hydrogen side material and oxygen side material and enters the hydrogen side gas-liquid separator 4 and the oxygen side gas-liquid separator 5 respectively. The separated electrolyte flows out from the bottom of the separators 4 and 5 and merges into the electrolyte circulation pump 3, and then returns to the electrolytic cell 1 after heat exchange and temperature adjustment in the electrolyte heat exchanger 2. The temperature control process of the electrolytic cell is as follows:

[0098] When the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell reaches any temperature in the range of 60-85°C, the controller 9 receives the outlet temperature collected by the outlet temperature sensor 7 of the electrolytic cell, calculates the target inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell, and transmits the data obtained by the heat exchanger inlet temperature sensor 12 and the coolant inlet and outlet temperature sensors 10 and 11 to the heat exchange calculation module to obtain the target coolant flow rate, and adjusts the opening of the coolant regulating valve 6 to make the coolant flow meter 13 reach the target coolant flow rate, thereby achieving temperature control. Since the controller takes into account factors such as current, voltage, electrolyte flow rate, current efficiency, and residence time of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell, the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is close to the set value when the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is any value. When the system runs stably, the correction coefficient α can be back-calculated according to the inlet temperature sensor 8 and the outlet temperature sensor 7 of the electrolytic cell, so that the control process is more accurate and the influence of certain factors is eliminated, such as eliminating the volatility of factors such as electrolyte flow rate and electrolyte specific heat capacity.

[0099] In some embodiments, it also includes an electrolyte flow regulating device;

[0100] The electrolyte flow regulating device is used to regulate the electrolyte flow at the inlet of the electrolytic cell.

[0101] In this embodiment, the electrolyte flow regulating device may include a second valve component, and the second valve component may be an electrolyte flow control valve.

[0102] In some embodiments, after the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell reaches the target inlet temperature, the controller is further configured to:

[0103] When it is detected that the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell does not match the preset target outlet temperature, the electrolyte flow rate at the inlet of the electrolytic cell is adjusted by the electrolyte flow regulating device so that the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell matches the preset target outlet temperature.

[0104] In this embodiment, when the outlet temperature difference between the outlet temperature and the target outlet temperature is greater than the preset outlet temperature threshold, for example, the outlet temperature is inconsistent with the target outlet temperature, it can be determined that the outlet temperature does not match the preset target outlet temperature.

[0105] Optionally, when the outlet temperature does not match the target outlet temperature, if the outlet temperature is greater than the target outlet temperature, the electrolyte flow rate can be increased by the electrolyte flow regulating device; if the outlet temperature is less than the target outlet temperature, the electrolyte flow rate can be reduced by the electrolyte flow regulating device.

[0106] See also Figure 5 After the electrolyte enters the entrance of the electrolytic cell 1, after the electrolysis reaction at the positive and negative electrodes, hydrogen and electrolyte flow out from the hydrogen side of the electrolytic cell 1 to the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 4, while oxygen and electrolyte flow out from the oxygen side of the electrolytic cell 1 to the oxygen gas-liquid separator 5. Crude hydrogen and crude oxygen are separated from the tops of the gas-liquid separators 4 and 5, respectively. At the same time, the separated electrolyte flows out from the bottoms of 4 and 5 and merges into the electrolyte circulation pump 3. The pressurized electrolyte flows to the electrolyte heat exchanger 2. The electrolyte after heat exchange re-enters the electrolytic cell 1. The temperature control process of the electrolytic cell is as follows:

[0107] When the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell does not reach 50-85°C, the coolant regulating valve 6 of the heat exchanger 2 is in a closed state; when the temperature range is reached, the preset electrolyte flow rate is input according to the given electrolytic cell power, and the target inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is calculated according to the energy balance of the electrolytic cell. The calculated temperature is compared with the temperature difference monitored by the electrolytic cell inlet temperature monitor 8, and the coolant inlet regulating valve 6 of the heat exchanger 2 is used to adjust the calculated temperature. After a certain period of time, the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell will reach about 90±5°C. Due to fluctuations or changes in operating conditions (such as power changes, etc.), the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell will deviate from the required temperature to a certain extent. At this time, the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is adjusted by controlling the opening of the electrolyte flow control valve 18. Finally, the inlet and outlet temperatures of the electrolytic cell are stabilized, the electrolyte flow rate will also be close to and stabilized to the preset electrolyte flow rate, and the system temperature is stabilized. The system is also provided with a first flow transmitter 14, a second flow transmitter 15, an electrolyte flow regulating valve positioner 16, a coolant flow regulating valve positioner 17, and an electrolyte flow meter 19. The electrolyte flow meter 19 is used to monitor the electrolyte flow in the electrolyte delivery pipeline.

[0108] In some embodiments, after the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell reaches the target inlet temperature, the controller is further configured to:

[0109] When it is detected that the current operating voltage of the electrolytic cell does not match the preset target operating voltage, the electrolyte flow rate at the inlet of the electrolytic cell is adjusted by the electrolyte flow regulating device so that the current operating voltage of the electrolytic cell matches the preset target operating voltage.

[0110] In this embodiment, when the voltage difference between the operating voltage and the target operating voltage is greater than a preset voltage threshold, for example, the operating voltage is inconsistent with the target operating voltage, it can be determined that the operating voltage does not match the preset target operating voltage.

[0111] Optionally, when the operating voltage does not match the target operating voltage, if the operating voltage is greater than the target operating voltage, the electrolyte flow rate can be reduced by the electrolyte flow regulating device; if the operating voltage is less than the target operating voltage, the electrolyte flow rate can be increased by the electrolyte flow regulating device, or the electrolyte flow regulating device does not operate.

[0112] See also Figure 6 After the electrolyte enters the entrance of the electrolytic cell 1, after the electrolysis reaction at the positive and negative electrodes, hydrogen and electrolyte flow out from the hydrogen side of the electrolytic cell 1 to the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 4, while oxygen and electrolyte flow out from the oxygen side of the electrolytic cell 1 to the oxygen gas-liquid separator 5. Crude hydrogen and crude oxygen are separated from the tops of the gas-liquid separators 4 and 5, respectively. At the same time, the separated electrolyte flows out from the bottoms of the gas-liquid separators 4 and 5 and merges into the electrolyte circulation pump 3. The pressurized electrolyte flows to the heat exchanger 2. The electrolyte re-enters the electrolytic cell 1 after heat exchange. The system also includes a power supply 20 and an electrolytic cell input voltage monitor 21. The power supply is used to provide electrical energy to the system, and the electrolytic cell input voltage monitor is used to monitor the working voltage of the electrolytic cell. The temperature control process of the electrolytic cell is as follows:

[0113] When the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell does not reach 50-85°C, the coolant regulating valve 6 of the electrolyte heat exchanger is in a closed state; when the temperature range is reached, according to the given electrolytic cell power, the preset electrolyte flow rate is input, and the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is calculated according to the energy balance of the electrolytic cell. The calculated temperature and the temperature difference monitored by the electrolytic cell inlet temperature monitor 8 are compared, and the coolant inlet regulating valve 6 of the heat exchanger 2 is adjusted to the calculated temperature. After a certain period of time, the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell will reach about 90±5°C. Due to fluctuations or changes in operating conditions (such as power changes, etc.), the working voltage of the electrolytic cell deviates from the normal value. At this time, the opening of the electrolyte flow control valve 18 is controlled to adjust the electrolytic cell voltage to a set value (the set value can be obtained according to the electrolytic cell IV curve and other methods). Finally, the working voltage of the electrolytic cell is stable, the inlet and outlet temperatures of the electrolytic cell are stable, the electrolyte flow rate will also be close to and stabilized with the preset electrolyte flow rate, and the system temperature is stable. Corresponding temperature monitors and flow monitors are set during the process, and the electrolytic cell outlet temperature 7 is temperature-interlocked to avoid overheating.

[0114] In some embodiments, after the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell reaches the target inlet temperature, the controller is further configured to:

[0115] When it is detected that the working current of the electrolytic cell does not match the preset target working current, the electrolyte flow rate at the inlet of the electrolytic cell is adjusted by the electrolyte flow regulating device so that the current working current of the electrolytic cell matches the preset target working current.

[0116] In this embodiment, when the current difference between the working current and the target working current is greater than a preset current threshold, for example, the working current is inconsistent with the target working current, it can be determined that the working current does not match the preset target working current.

[0117] Optionally, when the working current does not match the target working current, if the working current is greater than the target working current, the electrolyte flow rate can be increased by the electrolyte flow regulating device, or the electrolyte flow regulating device does not operate; if the working current is less than the target working current, the electrolyte flow rate can be reduced by the electrolyte flow regulating device.

[0118] See also Figure 7 After the electrolyte enters the entrance of the electrolytic cell 1, after the electrolysis reaction at the positive and negative electrodes, hydrogen and electrolyte flow out from the hydrogen side of the electrolytic cell 1 to the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 4, while oxygen and electrolyte flow out from the oxygen side of the electrolytic cell 1 to the oxygen gas-liquid separator 5. Crude hydrogen and crude oxygen are separated from the tops of the gas-liquid separators 4 and 5, respectively. At the same time, the separated electrolyte flows out from the bottoms of 4 and 5 and merges into the electrolyte circulation pump 3. The pressurized electrolyte flows to the electrolyte heat exchanger 2. The electrolyte after heat exchange re-enters the electrolytic cell 1. The system also includes an electrolytic cell input current monitor for collecting the working current of the electrolytic cell. Specifically, the temperature control process of the electrolytic cell is as follows:

[0119] When the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell does not reach 50-85°C, the coolant regulating valve 6 of the electrolyte heat exchanger is in a closed state; when the temperature range is reached, the preset electrolyte flow rate is input according to the given electrolytic cell power, the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is calculated according to the energy balance of the electrolytic cell, and the calculated temperature is compared with the temperature difference monitored by the electrolytic cell inlet temperature monitor 8, and the coolant inlet regulating valve 6 of the electrolyte heat exchanger 2 is adjusted to the calculated temperature. After a certain period of time, the outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell will reach about 90±5°C. Due to fluctuations or changes in operating conditions (such as power changes, etc.), the working current of the electrolytic cell deviates from the normal value. At this time, the opening of the electrolyte flow control valve 18 is controlled to adjust the electrolytic cell current to a set value (the set value can be obtained according to the electrolytic cell IV curve and other methods). Finally, the working current of the electrolytic cell is stable, the inlet and outlet temperatures of the electrolytic cell are stable, the electrolyte flow rate will also be close to and stabilized with the preset electrolyte flow rate, and the system temperature is stable. Corresponding temperature monitors and flow monitors are set during the process, and the electrolytic cell outlet temperature 7 is temperature-interlocked to avoid overheating.

[0120] The embodiment of the present invention also provides an electrolyzer temperature control method, which is applied to the controller of the electrolyzer hydrogen production system. The method flow chart of the method is as follows: Figure 8 As shown, specifically including:

[0121] S801: When the current outlet temperature of the electrolyzer of the hydrogen production system is within a preset temperature range, a target inlet temperature of the electrolyzer is calculated based on the current outlet temperature of the electrolyzer.

[0122] S802: When the current inlet temperature of the electrolyzer is inconsistent with the target inlet temperature, the flow rate of the coolant delivered by the coolant delivery pipeline to the heat exchanger of the electrolyzer hydrogen production system is adjusted through the flow regulating device of the electrolyzer hydrogen production system, so that the inlet temperature of the electrolyzer reaches the target inlet temperature.

[0123] The specific implementation process can be found in the corresponding part of the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0124] It should be noted that each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other. For the device embodiment, since it is basically similar to the method embodiment, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the partial description of the method embodiment.

[0125] Finally, it should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise a ..." do not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the elements.

[0126] For the convenience of description, the above device is described as being divided into various units according to their functions. Of course, when implementing the present invention, the functions of each unit can be implemented in the same or multiple software and / or hardware.

[0127] It can be known from the description of the above implementation methods that those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the present invention can be implemented by means of software plus a necessary general hardware platform. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the present invention is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art can be embodied in the form of a software product, which can be stored in a storage medium such as ROM / RAM, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc., and includes a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention or certain parts of the embodiments.

[0128] The above is a detailed introduction to an electrolyzer hydrogen production system provided by the present invention. Specific examples are used herein to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method of the present invention and its core idea. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the idea of ​​the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scopes. In summary, the content of this specification should not be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrolyzer hydrogen production system, characterized in that: include: A controller, an electrolytic cell, a coolant flow regulating device, a heat exchanger, a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor; The heat exchanger is used to receive the coolant delivered by the coolant delivery pipeline, and receive the electrolyte delivered by the electrolyte delivery pipeline, and perform heat exchange with the electrolyte through the coolant; The electrolyzer is used to perform a hydrogen production reaction operation according to the electrolyte output by the heat exchanger, obtain a reaction product, and output the reaction product; The coolant flow regulating device is used to regulate the coolant flow of the coolant delivery pipeline; The first temperature sensor is arranged on the output pipeline of the electrolytic cell and is used to collect the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell; The second temperature sensor is arranged on the input pipeline of the electrolytic cell and is used to collect the current inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell; The controller is used to calculate the target inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell based on the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell, a preset correction coefficient, the heat generated by the electrolytic cell, the total heat consumption of the electrolytic cell and the compensation power when the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is within a preset temperature range; when the temperature difference between the current inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell and the target inlet temperature is greater than a preset threshold, adjust the coolant flow in the coolant delivery pipeline through the coolant flow regulating device so that the temperature difference between the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell and the target inlet temperature is not greater than the threshold; wherein the compensation power is the power calculated based on the outlet temperature, the preset target outlet temperature, the mass of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell, the mass of the electrolytic cell and the residence time of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell.

2. The electrolyzer hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller is used to: Determining the heat generated by the electrolytic cell, the total heat consumed by the electrolytic cell, and the compensation power; The electrolyte heat exchange amount is calculated based on the heat generated by the electrolytic cell, the total consumed heat and the compensation power; The target inlet temperature is calculated based on the outlet temperature, the electrolyte heat exchange capacity and a preset correction coefficient.

3. The electrolyzer hydrogen production system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The controller is used to: Determining the residence time of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell; The compensation power is determined according to the outlet temperature, a preset target outlet temperature, the mass of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell, the mass of the electrolytic cell, and the residence time.

4. The electrolyzer hydrogen production system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The controller is used to: The residence time of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell is determined according to the volume of the electrolytic cell and the volume flow rate of the electrolyte at the inlet of the electrolytic cell.

5. The electrolyzer hydrogen production system according to claim 2, characterized in that: After the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell reaches the target inlet temperature, the controller is further configured to: When the electrolytic cell meets the preset stable operation condition, the correction coefficient is updated according to the current inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell.

6. The electrolyzer hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coolant flow regulating device comprises a first valve assembly; The controller is used to: The opening of the first valve assembly is adjusted according to the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature to adjust the coolant flow rate of the coolant delivery pipeline so that the temperature difference between the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell and the target inlet temperature is not greater than the threshold value.

7. The electrolyzer hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow regulating device includes a first valve assembly; The controller is used to: Acquiring an electrolyte channel inlet temperature of the heat exchanger, a coolant channel inlet temperature of the heat exchanger, and a coolant channel outlet temperature of the heat exchanger; Calculating a target coolant flow rate based on the outlet temperature, the target inlet temperature, the electrolyte channel inlet temperature, the coolant channel inlet temperature, and the coolant channel outlet temperature; The opening of the first valve assembly is adjusted so that the coolant flow rate of the coolant delivery pipeline reaches the target coolant flow rate.

8. The electrolyzer hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is an electrolyte flow regulating device; The electrolyte flow regulating device is used to regulate the electrolyte flow at the inlet of the electrolytic cell.

9. The electrolyzer hydrogen production system according to claim 8, characterized in that: After the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell reaches the target inlet temperature, the controller is further used to: When it is detected that the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell does not match the preset target outlet temperature, the electrolyte flow rate at the inlet of the electrolytic cell is adjusted by the electrolyte flow regulating device so that the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell matches the preset target outlet temperature.

10. The electrolyzer hydrogen production system according to claim 8, characterized in that: After the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell reaches the target inlet temperature, the controller is further used to: When it is detected that the current operating voltage of the electrolytic cell does not match the preset target operating voltage, the electrolyte flow rate at the inlet of the electrolytic cell is adjusted by the electrolyte flow regulating device so that the current operating voltage of the electrolytic cell matches the preset target operating voltage.

11. The electrolyzer hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell reaches the target inlet temperature, the controller is further used to: When it is detected that the working current of the electrolytic cell does not match the preset target working current, the electrolyte flow rate at the inlet of the electrolytic cell is adjusted by the electrolyte flow regulating device so that the current working current of the electrolytic cell matches the preset target working current.

12. A method for controlling the temperature of an electrolytic cell, characterized in that: A controller applied to an electrolyzer hydrogen production system, the electrolyzer hydrogen production system further comprising an electrolyzer, a coolant flow regulating device, and a heat exchanger for conveying electrolyte after heat exchange with the coolant to the electrolyzer, the method comprising: When the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is within a preset temperature range, the target inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is calculated based on the current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell, the preset correction coefficient, the heat generated by the electrolytic cell, the total heat consumption of the electrolytic cell and the compensation power; wherein the compensation power is the power calculated based on the outlet temperature, the preset target outlet temperature, the mass of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell, the mass of the electrolytic cell and the residence time of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell; When the temperature difference between the current inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell and the target inlet temperature is greater than a preset threshold, the flow rate of the coolant delivered by the coolant delivery pipeline to the heat exchanger is adjusted by the coolant flow regulating device so that the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature is not greater than the threshold; The current outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is collected by a first temperature sensor disposed on the output pipeline of the electrolytic cell; the current inlet temperature of the electrolytic cell is collected by a second temperature sensor disposed on the input pipeline of the electrolytic cell.

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