A flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device

Abstract

The present application discloses a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device, comprising an air inlet pipe, a purification component, a second reactor and an air outlet pipe; the purification component comprises a first reactor and a heat exchanger, the first reactor and the heat exchanger are provided in at least one group and are distributed alternately; the first first reactor is connected to the air inlet pipe; a heat exchange medium and a heat exchange tube are provided in the heat exchanger, the heat exchange medium surrounds the outer wall of the heat exchange tube, the heat exchange tube has a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the first reactor, and the second end is connected to the next first reactor; the second reactor is connected to the second end of the last heat exchange tube; the air outlet pipe is connected to the second reactor. By adopting this flow-through multi-stage structure, during the hydrogen absorption process, the hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the device can be kept in a flowing state, the heat exchange performance is improved, the operating pressure in the first reactor is effectively reduced, the residence time of the impurity gas in the first reactor is reduced, and the impurity gas is conveniently discharged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of new energy technology, and in particular to a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device. Background Art

[0002] Vigorously developing renewable energy and promoting the rapid transformation of my country's energy structure are the inevitable path and necessary means to achieving the "dual carbon" goals. Hydrogen energy is recognized as the "ultimate energy source" of the 21st century and a key energy source for achieving the "dual carbon" goals. From the perspective of the overall development path of hydrogen energy, industrial by-product hydrogen will be one of the main sources of hydrogen in the early and mid-term development of the hydrogen energy industry. Purifying industrial by-product hydrogen to produce hydrogen is one of the best hydrogen production methods in the future and is suitable for large-scale promotion and development.

[0003] Among the existing hydrogen purification methods, the metal hydride (MH) separation method utilizes the selective reaction between hydrogen storage alloy materials and hydrogen to achieve both the separation and purification of hydrogen components in a mixed gas and the storage of hydrogen. This technology has the advantages of simple process, mature equipment, moderate operating conditions (temperature and pressure), high purity of product hydrogen, low energy consumption, and targeted impurity removal, and has broad practical application prospects.

[0004] However, most existing metal hydride reactors suffer from poor heat and mass transfer performance, and are mostly designed for hydrogen storage. They cannot simultaneously solve the problems of poor heat exchange performance, high operating pressure, and long impurity residence time in metal hydride reactors used for hydrogen purification. Especially for flow-through metal hydride reactors, the extremely low thermal conductivity of hydrogen will worsen the heat exchange of the entire reactor during flow, and the problems faced by the reactor heat exchange are more prominent. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to simultaneously solve the technical problems of poor heat exchange performance, high operating pressure, long residence time of impurities and difficulty in discharge of existing metal hydride reactors for hydrogen purification, the purpose of this application is to propose a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device, which is provided with a first reactor and a heat exchanger distributed in sequence, so that the heat exchange pipes of the first reactor and the heat exchanger are connected. By adopting this flow-through multi-stage structure, during the hydrogen absorption process, the hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the device can be kept in a flowing state, thereby improving the heat exchange performance, effectively reducing the operating pressure in the first reactor, reducing the residence time of the impurity gas in the first reactor, and facilitating the discharge of the impurity gas.

[0006] In order to achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions for a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device:

[0007] A flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device comprises an air inlet pipe, a purification component, a second reactor and an air outlet pipe, wherein:

[0008] The purification component includes a first reactor and a heat exchanger, and the first reactor and the heat exchanger are provided in at least one group and are distributed alternately; the first first reactor is connected to the air inlet pipe, and the first reactor is provided with a hydrogen storage metal material; the heat exchanger is provided with a heat exchange medium and a heat exchange tube, the heat exchange medium surrounds the outer wall of the heat exchange tube, and the heat exchange tube has a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the first reactor, and the second end is connected to the next first reactor; the second reactor is provided with a hydrogen storage metal material, and the second reactor is connected to the second end of the last heat exchange tube; the air outlet pipe is connected to the second reactor.

[0009] When the hydrogen pressure inside the first and second reactors is high, the difference between the hydrogen pressure and the hydrogen equilibrium pressure is large, and the hydrogen concentration is high, the hydrogen-containing feed gas and the hydrogen storage metal material undergo a hydrogen absorption reaction, forming metal hydride and releasing heat. When the hydrogen pressure inside the first and second reactors is high, the difference between the hydrogen pressure and the hydrogen equilibrium pressure is small, and the hydrogen concentration is low, the metal hydride absorbs heat and undergoes a hydrogen release reaction, forming hydrogen storage metal material and hydrogen.

[0010] During the hydrogen absorption process, the hydrogen-containing raw gas is introduced from the air inlet pipe into the first reactor. The hydrogen-containing raw gas penetrates into the hydrogen storage metal material filled in the first reactor and undergoes a hydrogen absorption reaction, releasing heat. The hydrogen-containing raw gas is heated, the temperature of the reaction bed increases, the hydrogen equilibrium pressure increases sharply, and the reaction driving force (the difference between the hydrogen pressure and the hydrogen equilibrium pressure) is greatly weakened, hindering the further progress of the hydrogen absorption reaction. After passing through the first reactor, the heated hydrogen-containing raw gas enters the heat exchange tube connected to the first reactor from the first end without stopping, is cooled by the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger, and then is passed from the second end to the next first reactor for a hydrogen absorption reaction, and this cycle continues. Finally, the hydrogen-containing raw gas is passed into the second reactor connected to the second end of the last heat exchange tube, and then the impurity gas is discharged through the air outlet pipe. During the whole process, the hydrogen-containing raw gas remains in a flowing state, and the impurity gas residence time is short.

[0011] In this way, a first reactor and a heat exchanger are adopted as a flow-type multi-stage structure in which the first reactor and the heat exchanger are stacked in sequence. During the hydrogen absorption process, the hydrogen-containing raw gas introduced into the device can be kept in a flowing state, thereby improving the heat exchange performance, effectively reducing the operating pressure in the first reactor, reducing the residence time of the impurity gas in the first reactor, and facilitating the discharge of the impurity gas.

[0012] During hydrogen degassing, the first and second ends of the heat exchange tubes are closed, and the interiors of the first and second reactors are purged or evacuated. A suitable reaction environment is then provided for the subsequent hydrogen degassing reaction. In another embodiment, the first and second reactors may have inlets and outlets for purging impurity gases or for evacuating the interiors.

[0013] As an optional implementation of a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device, it also includes a return air pipe, and both ends of the return air pipe are respectively connected to the first reactor and the heat exchange pipe in the same group.

[0014] In this way, after the hydrogen-containing raw gas enters the heat exchange tube, part of it passes into the next first reactor or the second reactor along the second end of the heat exchange tube, and part of it is extracted along the return gas pipe and then returns to the previous first reactor to react again. On the one hand, it can improve the hydrogen recovery rate and the utilization rate of the hydrogen storage metal material, and on the other hand, it can cool the previous first reactor.

[0015] As an optional implementation of a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device, a porous tube is provided in the first reactor and / or the second reactor, the porous tube has a plurality of through holes penetrating the tube wall, and the hydrogen storage metal material surrounds the porous tube.

[0016] In this way, the hydrogen-containing raw gas can penetrate from the inside of the porous tube to the outside of the tube, reducing the penetration distance of the hydrogen, effectively improving the mass transfer process and enhancing the hydrogen absorption and desorption performance of the first reactor and the second reactor.

[0017] As an optional implementation of a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device, the porous tube is connected to the air inlet pipe and / or the second end.

[0018] In this way, the second ends of the air inlet pipe and the heat exchange pipe extend into the porous tube. During the hydrogen absorption process, the cooled hydrogen-containing gas mixes with the heated hydrogen-containing gas in the porous tube, which can play a cooling role and further improve the heat exchange performance.

[0019] As an optional implementation of a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device, the porous tube is a spiral coil type or a tube-in-tube type.

[0020] In this way, the contact area between the hydrogen-containing gas and the hydrogen storage metal material is increased, and the hydrogen absorption and release performance is improved.

[0021] As an optional implementation of a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device, the heat exchange tubes are of a spiral coil type or a tube-in-tube type.

[0022] In this way, the contact area between the hydrogen-containing gas and the heat exchange medium is increased, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0023] As an optional implementation of a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device, valves are respectively provided at the first end and the second end of the heat exchange tube.

[0024] In this way, it is convenient to close the heat exchange tube during the hydrogen absorption process.

[0025] As an optional implementation of a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device, a filtering mechanism is provided at the first end and / or the second end of the heat exchange tube.

[0026] In this way, it is possible to prevent hydrogen storage metal materials, especially powdered hydrogen storage metal materials, from entering the heat exchange tubes.

[0027] As an optional implementation of a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device, the hydrogen storage metal material includes one or more of lanthanum nickel series AB5 and its derivatives, titanium iron series AB and its derivatives, vanadium-based solid solution and its derivatives, magnesium-based hydride and its derivatives.

[0028] As an optional implementation of a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device, the heat exchange medium includes cooling water or cooling oil. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device;

[0031] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device;

[0032] Figure 3 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device;

[0033] Figure 4 The figure is a structural diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device.

[0034] Description of the attached structure:

[0035] 1. Intake pipe;

[0036] 2. Purification component; 21. First reactor; 22. Heat exchanger; 221. First end; 222. Second end; 223. Valve; 224. Filter; 225. Heat exchange tube;

[0037] 3. Second reactor;

[0038] 4. Exhaust pipe;

[0039] 5. porous tube; 51. through hole;

[0040] 6. Air return pipe;

[0041] 7. Hydrogen storage metal materials;

[0042] 8.Heat exchange medium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In order to have a clearer understanding of the technical features, purposes and effects of the present invention, the specific embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent components with the same structure or similar structures but the same functions.

[0044] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0045] Reference Figure 1-4 This specific embodiment provides a flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device, including an air inlet pipe 1, a purification component 2, a second reactor 3 and an air outlet pipe 4, wherein: the purification component 2 includes a first reactor 21 and a heat exchanger 22, and the first reactor 21 and the heat exchanger 22 are stacked in sequence; the first first reactor 21 is connected to the air inlet pipe 1, and the first reactor 21 is filled with a hydrogen storage metal material 7; a heat exchange medium 8 and a heat exchange tube 225 are provided in the heat exchanger 22, and the heat exchange medium 8 surrounds the outer wall of the heat exchange tube 225, and the two ends of the heat exchange tube 225 of the heat exchanger 22 are respectively connected to the upper and lower adjacent first reactors 21; the second reactor 3 is filled with hydrogen storage metal material 7, and the second reactor 3 is connected to the second end 222 of the last heat exchange tube 225; the air outlet pipe 4 is connected to the second reactor 3.

[0046] When the hydrogen pressure inside the first reactor 21 and the second reactor 3 is high, the difference between the hydrogen pressure and the hydrogen equilibrium pressure is large, and the hydrogen concentration is high, the hydrogen-containing feed gas undergoes a hydrogen absorption reaction with the hydrogen storage metal material 7, generating metal hydride and releasing heat. When the hydrogen pressure inside the first reactor 21 and the second reactor 3 is high, the difference between the hydrogen pressure and the hydrogen equilibrium pressure is small, and the hydrogen concentration is low, the metal hydride absorbs heat and undergoes a hydrogen release reaction, generating the hydrogen storage metal material 7 and hydrogen.

[0047] During the hydrogen absorption process, the hydrogen-containing feed gas is introduced from the inlet pipe 1 and enters the first reactor 21. The hydrogen-containing feed gas penetrates the hydrogen storage metal material 7 filled in the first reactor 21 and undergoes a hydrogen absorption reaction, releasing heat. The hydrogen-containing feed gas is heated, the temperature of the reaction bed increases, the hydrogen equilibrium pressure increases sharply, and the reaction driving force (the difference between the hydrogen pressure and the hydrogen equilibrium pressure) is greatly weakened, hindering the further progress of the hydrogen absorption reaction. After passing through the first reactor 21, the heated hydrogen-containing feed gas enters the heat exchange tube 225 connected to the first reactor 21 from the first end 221 without stopping. It is cooled by the heat exchange medium 8 in the heat exchanger 22 and then passed from the second end 222 to the next first reactor 21 for a hydrogen absorption reaction, thus repeating the cycle. Finally, the hydrogen-containing feed gas is passed into the second reactor 3 connected to the second end 222 of the last heat exchange tube 225, and then the impurity gas is discharged through the outlet pipe 4. During the entire process, the hydrogen-containing feed gas remains in a flowing state, and the impurity gas retention time is short.

[0048] In this way, the first reactor 21 and the heat exchanger 22 are stacked in an upper and lower order in a flow-through multi-stage structure. During the hydrogen absorption process, the hydrogen-containing raw gas introduced into the device can be kept in a flowing state, thereby improving the heat exchange performance, effectively reducing the operating pressure in the first reactor 21, reducing the residence time of the impurity gas in the first reactor 21, and facilitating the discharge of the impurity gas.

[0049] During hydrogen release, the first end 221 and the second end 222 of the heat exchange tube 225 are closed, and the interiors of the first reactor 21 and the second reactor 3 are purged or vacuumed. A suitable reaction environment is then provided for the subsequent hydrogen release reaction. In another embodiment, the first reactor 21 and the second reactor 3 may have inlets and outlets for purging impurity gases or for vacuuming.

[0050] In another specific embodiment, the stacking direction of the first reactor 21 and the heat exchanger 22 can be other directions, such as left-right direction, or inclined direction, or up-down, left-right, or inclined direction.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first reactor 21 and the heat exchanger 22 are provided with at least one set, for example, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 In a group, Figure 3 In another embodiment, there are two groups, and in another embodiment, there can be three, four, five, six or more groups. By providing multiple first reactors 21 and heat exchangers 22, the cooling effect on the hydrogen-containing raw gas can be enhanced during the hydrogen absorption process.

[0052] Reference Figure 2-4In this specific embodiment, a porous tube 5 is provided in the first reactor 21 and / or the second reactor 3. The porous tube 5 has a plurality of through holes 51 penetrating the tube wall. The hydrogen storage metal material 7 surrounds the porous tube 5, and the terminal end of the porous tube 5 is closed.

[0053] In this way, the hydrogen-containing feed gas can permeate from the inside of the porous tube 5 to the outside of the tube, reducing the hydrogen permeation distance, effectively improving the mass transfer process and enhancing the hydrogen absorption and desorption performance of the first reactor 21 and the second reactor 3. The size of the through-holes 51 can be set so that the gas can permeate from the inside of the porous tube 5 to the outside of the tube, while the hydrogen storage metal material 7 cannot enter the porous tube 5.

[0054] Reference Figure 2-4 In this specific embodiment, the porous tube 5 is connected to the air inlet pipe 1 and / or the second end 222.

[0055] Thus, the air inlet pipe 1 and the second end 222 of the heat exchange pipe 225 extend into the porous pipe 5, referring to Figure 2-4 The air inlet pipe 1 and the second end 222 of the heat exchange pipe 225 enter from the middle part of the porous tube 5. During the hydrogen absorption process, the cooled hydrogen-containing gas mixes with the heated hydrogen-containing gas in the porous tube 5, which can play a cooling role and further improve the heat exchange performance.

[0056] Reference Figure 2-4 In this embodiment, the porous tube 5 and the heat exchange tube 225 are spiral coils or tube-in-tubes. This increases the contact area between the hydrogen-containing gas, the hydrogen storage metal material 7, and the heat exchange medium 8, improves hydrogen absorption and release performance, and increases heat exchange efficiency.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 In this specific embodiment, the flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device further includes a return air pipe 6, both ends of which are respectively connected to the first reactor 21 and the heat exchange pipe 225 of the same group.

[0058] In this way, after the hydrogen-containing feed gas enters the heat exchange tube 225, a portion of it passes through the second end 222 of the heat exchange tube 225 into the next first reactor 21 or the second reactor 3, and a portion is extracted along the return pipe 6 and then returns to the previous first reactor 21 to react again. On the one hand, this can improve the hydrogen recovery rate and the utilization rate of the hydrogen storage metal material 7, and on the other hand, it can cool the previous first reactor 21. Specifically, the return pipe 6 can be connected to the porous tube 5 in the first reactor 21. During the hydrogen absorption process, the cooled hydrogen-containing gas in the return pipe 6 mixes with the hydrogen-containing gas in the porous tube 5, further improving the heat exchange performance.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 In this specific embodiment, a valve 223 is provided at the first end 221 and the second end 222 of the heat exchange tube 225 .

[0060] In this way, it is convenient to close the heat exchange tube 225 during the hydrogen absorption process.

[0061] Reference Figure 4 In this specific embodiment, the first end 221 and / or the second end 222 of the heat exchange tube 225 is provided with a filtering mechanism.

[0062] In this way, the hydrogen storage metal material 7 , especially the powdered hydrogen storage metal material 7 , can be prevented from entering the heat exchange tube 225 .

[0063] In this specific embodiment, the hydrogen storage metal material 7 includes but is not limited to one or more of lanthanum nickel series AB5 and its derivatives, titanium iron series AB and its derivatives, vanadium-based solid solution and its derivatives, magnesium-based hydride and its derivatives.

[0064] In this specific embodiment, the heat exchange medium 8 includes but is not limited to cooling water or cooling oil.

[0065] For ease of reading, the words "up and down", "left and right", "tilt" and so on in the above content are descriptions according to the directions of the drawings in the specification and cannot be used as improper limitations on the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0066] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to in conjunction with each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences between the other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are generally similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple. For relevant parts, refer to the description of the method embodiments.

[0067] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device, characterized in that: include: Intake pipe; A purification assembly comprising a first reactor and a heat exchanger, wherein the first reactor and the heat exchanger are provided in at least one group and are arranged alternately; the first first reactor is connected to the air inlet pipe, and a hydrogen storage metal material is provided in the first reactor; a heat exchange medium and a heat exchange tube are provided in the heat exchanger, and the heat exchange medium surrounds the outer wall of the heat exchange tube, and the heat exchange tube has a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the first reactor, and the second end is connected to the next first reactor; a second reactor, wherein a hydrogen storage metal material is provided in the second reactor, and the second reactor is connected to the second end of the last heat exchange tube; an air outlet pipe, the air outlet pipe being connected to the second reactor; A porous tube is provided in the first reactor and / or the second reactor. The porous tube has a plurality of through holes penetrating the tube wall. The hydrogen storage metal material surrounds the porous tube.

2. The flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a return air pipe, both ends of which are respectively connected to the first reactor and the heat exchange pipe in the same group.

3. The flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The porous tube is in communication with the air inlet pipe and / or the second end.

4. The flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The porous tube is a spiral coil type or a tube-in-tube type.

5. The flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange tube is of spiral coil type or tube-in-tube type.

6. The flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end and the second end of the heat exchange tube are respectively provided with valves.

7. The flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end and / or the second end of the heat exchange tube is provided with a filtering mechanism.

8. The flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogen storage metal material includes one or more of lanthanum nickel series AB5 and its derivatives, titanium iron series AB and its derivatives, vanadium-based solid solution and its derivatives, magnesium-based hydride and its derivatives.

9. The flow-through multi-stage heat exchange metal hydride purification and storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange medium includes cooling water or cooling oil.

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