Aluminum water energy hydrogen production system

By coupling the aluminum-water hydrogen production system with the water electrolysis system, the heat in the aluminum powder-sodium hydroxide reaction system is converted into electrical energy, solving the safety and utilization problems of traditional hydrogen production and realizing an efficient, safe, and portable hydrogen production solution.

CN116288401BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-07ZHEJIANG UNIV
View PDF 1 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-02-03
Publication Date
2026-04-07

Smart Images

  • Figure HDA0004060001960000011
    Figure HDA0004060001960000011
  • Figure HDA0004060001960000012
    Figure HDA0004060001960000012
  • Figure HDA0004060001960000021
    Figure HDA0004060001960000021
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This invention discloses an aluminum-water energy hydrogen production system, comprising an aluminum-water hydrogen production unit and a water electrolysis hydrogen production unit. The anode output of the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit is connected to the cathode of the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit via a current transmission component. The anode output of the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit is also connected to the cathode of the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit via the same current transmission component. The aluminum-water hydrogen production unit generates hydrogen while simultaneously providing current to the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit. This invention couples an aluminum-water battery system with a water electrolysis system, maximizing the utilization of metallic aluminum and ensuring a stable, safe, and environmentally friendly system. Furthermore, the aluminum-water battery converts its internal energy into electrical energy during the hydrogen production process to power the water electrolysis device for hydrogen production. The system is complete, and its modular design accommodates various hydrogen production capacities. It requires no external power source, is easy to carry, and has strong environmental adaptability, enabling hydrogen production in extreme environments such as underwater, outdoors, and in oxygen-free conditions.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of new energy technology, specifically relating to an aluminum-water energy hydrogen production system. Background Technology

[0002] The literature "Research and Development of Hydrogen Production System for Fuel Cells" discloses a scheme for hydrogen production using a low-cost aluminum powder-sodium hydroxide reaction system, including an integrated hydrogen production and storage design scheme. This method has the following drawbacks: 1. Aluminum powder is flammable and explosive during preparation and use, posing a high safety hazard; 2. The reaction between aluminum powder and sodium hydroxide solution generates a large amount of heat during hydrogen production, increasing system instability and exacerbating potential hazards, while also releasing a large amount of energy as heat, reducing system efficiency; 3. The reaction requires the continuous consumption of large amounts of electrolytes such as sodium hydroxide, resulting in high cost and significant pollution. (Research and Development of Hydrogen Production System for Fuel Cells [J]. Journal of Nankai University (Natural Science Edition), 2008(05):74-77.)

[0003] Hydrogen is a clean energy material and also an extremely important industrial raw material, making its storage and production crucial. Traditional methods of hydrogen storage using aluminum suffer from high risks and low utilization rates during hydrogen extraction (as mentioned earlier). Furthermore, traditional methods of hydrogen production via water electrolysis require an external power source, significantly limiting their application. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the issues of high risk and low utilization rate in the traditional hydrogen production process using aluminum as a hydrogen storage material and alkaline solution reaction, this invention provides an aluminum-water energy hydrogen production system. By combining electrochemical reaction with traditional displacement reaction, most of the reaction internal energy is converted into electrical energy to drive a water electrolysis device for hydrogen production, thereby improving the utilization rate of aluminum and the safety of the system.

[0005] An aluminum-water energy hydrogen production system includes an aluminum-water hydrogen production unit and a water electrolysis hydrogen production unit; the anode output terminal of the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit is connected to the cathode of the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit through a current transmission component; the anode output terminal of the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit is connected to the cathode of the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit through the current transmission component; the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit generates hydrogen while simultaneously providing current to the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit.

[0006] Preferably, the hydrogen produced in the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit and the hydrogen produced in the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit are collected together in a hydrogen collection unit via a hydrogen pipeline. More preferably, the hydrogen collection unit includes a water-gas separator connected to the hydrogen pipeline and a hydrogen storage mechanism connected to the gas phase outlet of the water-gas separator.

[0007] In this invention, the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit includes an anode chamber with an anode, a cathode, and a proton exchange membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode. The anode chamber has a water inlet and an oxygen outlet. The cathode has a hydrogen outlet and is connected to the hydrogen collection unit via a pipeline. Preferably, the exchange membrane has a coarse-pore gas diffusion layer and a fine-pore gas diffusion layer disposed on both sides from the outside in.

[0008] Preferably, the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit has a sedimentation collection area at its bottom, which is connected to a solid-liquid separator and a peristaltic pump via a circulation pipeline with valves. The peristaltic pump and valves are located on the circulation pipeline connected to the liquid phase outlet of the solid-liquid separator. This technical solution constitutes the aluminum hydroxide sedimentation filtration and recovery unit of the hydrogen production system of the present invention. When the aluminum hydroxide sedimentation produced by the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit reaches a set amount, the valve of the circulation pipeline can be opened, and the sediment mixture is discharged under the drive of the peristaltic pump. It is then separated by the solid-liquid separator (wastewater separator), and the resulting aluminum hydroxide sediment is recovered as a byproduct. The separated liquid is returned to the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit under the drive of the peristaltic pump. This circulation pipeline generally operates in an intermittent manner.

[0009] Preferably, the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit is composed of several sets of series-connected battery packs connected in parallel, or several sets of parallel-connected battery packs connected in series, or a combination of the two structures. The several sets of series-connected battery packs or several sets of parallel battery packs share a common electrolyte.

[0010] Preferably, the battery pack is composed of several individual cells connected in series or parallel; wherein the individual cells include:

[0011] case;

[0012] Aluminum anodes are housed within the casing;

[0013] Hydrogen evolution cathodes are installed inside the housing and positioned on both sides of the aluminum anode;

[0014] The aluminum anode and the hydrogen evolution cathodes on both sides form an electrolyte holding cavity; the shell is also provided with conductive columns connected to the aluminum anode and the hydrogen evolution cathode, a hydrogen outlet, an electrolyte inlet, and a precipitated electrolyte outlet.

[0015] As a further preferred option, the single-cell battery is an integrated structure.

[0016] Preferably, the housing includes:

[0017] An annular anode shell is disposed around the aluminum anode;

[0018] Two cathode shells are sealed and connected to both sides of the anode shell.

[0019] Preferably, the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit and the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit are integrated into one unit. This integrated structure significantly reduces the overall system size and facilitates installation and replacement.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment, a liquid collector for replenishing electrolyte in an aluminum-water hydrogen production unit includes a water inlet, an electrolyte inlet, and an electrolyte outlet.

[0021] Water storage tank or external water supply pipe;

[0022] A separator is connected to the water storage tank or an external water supply pipe at the inlet. The separator is also provided with an outlet that is connected to the anode chamber of the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit and an outlet that is connected to the water inlet of the collector.

[0023] The electrolyte outlet of the collector is connected to the electrolyte inlet of the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit via a pipeline with a valve.

[0024] Preferably, the liquid collector is also connected to the pipeline connected to the outlet of the peristaltic pump via a pipeline. Under set operating conditions, the precipitated electrolyte can be circulated, while the separated solid precipitate is removed.

[0025] Preferably, two or more, or all of the solid-liquid separator, peristaltic pump, liquid collector, water storage tank, and liquid distributor are integrated into a single unit. More preferably, the solid-liquid separator, peristaltic pump, liquid collector, water storage tank, and liquid distributor are integrated into a single unit.

[0026] Preferably, the liquid separator can simultaneously replenish the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit and the water electrolysis unit, and can also be equipped with a return port to circulate water in the water electrolysis unit through pipelines.

[0027] Preferably, the system also includes a power management module, which adjusts the current output from the water hydrogen production unit before it enters the water electrolysis unit.

[0028] Currently, air battery power management is relatively mature, and this invention can be designed with reference to air battery or metal fuel cell power management systems. Alternatively, a custom design can be implemented; for example, in our experiment, we used an STM32 microcontroller for system control and power management.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are reflected in:

[0030] 1. The process of converting most of the heat generated by the traditional chemical reaction for hydrogen production into an electrochemical reaction that outputs electricity for water electrolysis improves the utilization rate of hydrogen produced from aluminum.

[0031] 2. The device can carry out the reaction at room temperature, requires no external power supply, and is portable and easy to store.

[0032] 3. The device can control the hydrogen production rate by controlling the water injection rate. The reaction is quiet, has low calorific value, is safe and stable, and is environmentally friendly.

[0033] In summary, this invention couples an aluminum-water battery system with a water electrolysis system. On the one hand, it maximizes the utilization rate of metallic aluminum and ensures a stable, safe, green, and environmentally friendly system. On the other hand, the aluminum-water battery converts its internal energy into electrical energy during the hydrogen production process to power the water electrolysis device for hydrogen production. The system is complete, and the modular design meets the needs of various hydrogen production capacities. It also eliminates the need for an external power source, is easy to carry, and has strong adaptability to different application environments, enabling hydrogen production in extreme environments such as underwater, in the wild, and in oxygen-free environments. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an aluminum-water energy hydrogen production system;

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a single cell corresponding to the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit: (a) is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the single cell; (b) is a cross-sectional view of (a).

[0036] Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of a water electrolysis unit: the left image is a cross-sectional view of the water electrolysis unit; the right image is a magnified view of the area within the dashed box in the left image.

[0037] Figure 4 An isometric side view of an aluminum-water energy hydrogen production system;

[0038] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Top view of the structure shown;

[0039] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Right view of the structure shown;

[0040] Figure 7 for Figure 4 Side view of the structure shown;

[0041] Figure 8 A reference diagram of the workflow for an aluminum-water energy hydrogen production system;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a current-voltage-power diagram for three batteries connected in series.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a performance test diagram of a hydrogen production unit.

[0044] In the above attached figures:

[0045] 1. Anode of the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit; 2. Separator; 4. Hydrogen generated at the cathode of the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit; 5. Hydrogen generated by parasitic corrosion on the aluminum surface; 6. Aluminum hydroxide precipitate; 7. Cathode of the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit; 8. Aluminum-water energy hydrogen production system;

[0046] 16. Single cell of aluminum-water hydrogen production unit; 102. Water and electrolyte inlet; 103. Right cathode shell; 104. Anode shell; 105. Left cathode shell; 106. Conductive post connected to the cathode; 107. Hydrogen outlet of the cell unit; 108. Conductive post connected to the anode; 109. Water and electrolyte inlet; 110. Thin-film pressure and temperature sensor; 111. Electrolyte outlet containing precipitate; 112. Electrolyte outlet containing precipitate; 113. Hydrogen evolution cathode; 114. Aluminum anode;

[0047] 17. Water electrolysis unit; 248. Shell of water electrolysis unit; 249. Hydrogen outlet of hydrogen production unit; 250. Water outlet of hydrogen production unit; 251. Shell of water electrolysis unit; 252. Water inlet of hydrogen production unit; 253. Cathode plate of battery; 254. Insulating partition; 255. Anode plate of electrolytic cell; 256. Proton exchange membrane; 257. Catalytic layer; 258. Fine-pore gas diffusion layer; 259. Coarse-pore gas diffusion layer;

[0048] 261. Fastening nut; 262. Fastening bolt; 263. Manifold; 264. Manifold; 265. Manifold; 266. Manifold; 267. Manifold; 268. Port; 269. Port; 270. Port; 271. Port; 272. Port; 273. Wire; 274; 275. Terminal; 276. Wire; 277. Terminal; 278; 279. Wire; 280; 281. Wire; 282; 283. Wire; 284. Wire; 285. Terminal; 286. Terminal; 287. Terminal; 288. Terminal; 289. Terminal; 290. Terminal;

[0049] 300. Auxiliary system; 302. Circuit control system; 313. Hydrogen drying and storage module; 325. Liquid collector; 333. Solid-liquid separator. Detailed Implementation

[0050] refer to Figures 1 to 8 The present invention will be further described as follows:

[0051] I. Overall Introduction

[0052] (1) The portable aluminum-water energy hydrogen production system mainly consists of two parts: an aluminum-water hydrogen production unit ( Figure 1 (Right) + Water electrolysis hydrogen production unit ( Figure 1 (Left). In addition, auxiliary systems such as a hydrogen collection unit (composed of a hydrogen drying and storage module), an aluminum hydroxide precipitation filtration and recovery unit, and an electrolyte replenishment unit are also provided.

[0053] The anode output of the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit is connected to the cathode of the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit via a current transmission component; the anode output of the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit is also connected to the cathode of the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit via the same current transmission component; the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit generates hydrogen while simultaneously supplying current to the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit. The hydrogen produced in the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit and the hydrogen produced in the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit are collected together in a hydrogen collection unit via a hydrogen pipeline. A sedimentation collection area is located at the bottom of the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit, which is connected to a solid-liquid separator and a peristaltic pump via a circulation pipeline with valves; the peristaltic pump and valves are connected to the liquid phase outlet pipeline of the solid-liquid separator. The circulation loop formed by the solid-liquid separator and the peristaltic pump constitutes the aluminum hydroxide sedimentation filtration and recovery unit, achieving the removal and recovery of aluminum hydroxide sediment. The electrolyte replenishment unit includes: a liquid collector for replenishing the electrolyte in the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit, the liquid collector including a water inlet, an electrolyte inlet and an electrolyte outlet; a water storage tank; and a liquid separator connected to the water storage tank by a water inlet, the liquid separator also having an outlet connected to the anode cavity of the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit and an outlet connected to the water inlet of the liquid collector.

[0054] (2) The working principle of the portable aluminum-water energy hydrogen production system is as follows:

[0055] ① Aluminum-water hydrogen production unit ( Figure 1 (Right) The process involves an electrochemical reaction between aluminum (or an aluminum alloy) and water to produce hydrogen, an electric current, and aluminum hydroxide precipitate. The hydrogen, the desired product, is collected and stored. The electric current drives a water electrolysis unit to produce hydrogen and oxygen, consuming water and electrical energy. The aluminum hydroxide precipitate is filtered out and recovered.

[0056] In addition, the aluminum anode in the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit is subject to parasitic corrosion, which means that aluminum directly reacts with water to produce hydrogen and aluminum hydroxide precipitate (Al + 3H2O → 1.5H2↑ + Al(OH)3). This is the same as the principle of traditional aluminum powder hydrogen production. The hydrogen is collected and stored, and the aluminum hydroxide precipitate is filtered out and recovered.

[0057] ② Water electrolysis hydrogen production unit ( Figure 1 (Left) The current generated by the aluminum water hydrogen production unit drives the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is collected and stored, while the oxygen can be directly discharged after treatment.

[0058] (3) Overall system:

[0059] Input: Aluminum (or aluminum alloy), water

[0060] Output: Hydrogen (target product), Oxygen (emissions allowed), Aluminum hydroxide precipitate (recyclable)

[0061] Intermediate quantity: Current

[0062] Therefore, the entire system is stable, safe, green, and environmentally friendly.

[0063] II. Detailed Explanation of Principles

[0064] (1) Aluminum-water hydrogen production unit ( Figure 1 (Right): I can simply understand it as an aluminum-water fuel cell. In the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit ( Figure 1 (Right) Middle:

[0065] ① The hydrogen evolution cathode 7 is one of the cells. Each anode 1 corresponds to two cathodes 7, forming a complete single-cell cell structure. Figure 1 The diagram shows four sets of single-cell cathodes connected in parallel, with two cathodes in each set. Separators 2 separate each pair of sets. A catalyst (such as platinum-carbon) is supported on the surface of the hydrogen evolution cathode. After receiving electrons from the water electrolysis system, the input water is catalytically converted on its surface into hydrogen gas 4 and hydroxide ions, as shown in the following reaction equation:

[0066] Cathode (cell + electrode): 3H₂O + 3e⁻ - →1.5H2 + 3OH -

[0067] H2 is used for storage, and OH... - It flows into the aluminum anode 1 in the electrolyte.

[0068] ② Aluminum anode (or aluminum alloy) 1 is one of the anodes in the battery (the system diagram shows four aluminum anodes connected in parallel). Aluminum anode 1 receives OH- from the hydrogen evolution cathode 7. - The reaction proceeds, producing aluminum hydroxide precipitate 6 and releasing electrons that flow into the cathode of the water electrolysis system. The reaction formula is as follows:

[0069] Anode (cell electrode): Al + 3OH - →Al(OH)3+3e -

[0070] Al(OH)3 is recovered.

[0071] ③ Overall electrochemical reaction: Al + 3H₂O → 1.5H₂↑ + Al(OH)₃

[0072] ④ Besides electrochemical reactions, aluminum (or aluminum alloys) can react directly with water in the activated state, i.e., parasitic corrosion, generating hydrogen gas 5 and aluminum hydroxide precipitate 6 on the aluminum surface. The reaction formula is as follows:

[0073] Al + 3H₂O → 1.5H₂↑ + Al(OH)₃

[0074] Although parasitic corrosion and electrochemical reaction have the same overall equation, they belong to two different mechanisms. According to existing experiments, about 70% of aluminum in the battery system undergoes electrochemical reaction and 30% undergoes parasitic corrosion. Both produce hydrogen, but the electrochemical reaction generates and utilizes an additional current, which improves the utilization rate of aluminum compared to traditional aluminum powder hydrogen production.

[0075] ⑤ The generated aluminum hydroxide precipitate 6 is recovered by periodically circulating the electrolyte and filtering it out, according to... Figure 1 When a certain amount of aluminum hydroxide precipitate forms in the battery, solenoid valve 2 closes and solenoid valve 1 opens. The peristaltic pump then draws electrolyte for secondary circulation. This secondary circulation primarily filters out the precipitate at the bottom of the chamber. The aluminum hydroxide precipitate is filtered out and recycled in a waste separator (using a solid-liquid separator), and the filtrate is returned to the aluminum-water energy system. Afterward, solenoid valve 1 closes and solenoid valve 2 opens for main circulation. This main circulation primarily replenishes water and a small amount of electrolyte, while simultaneously filtering out suspended precipitates. The filtered electrolyte is then mixed evenly with water and electrolyte through a collector and circulated periodically by the peristaltic pump to ensure an adequate amount of water is available to maintain the electrochemical reaction.

[0076] The energy consumption of the cycle is minimal, as it is provided by the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit itself.

[0077] (2) Water electrolysis hydrogen production unit Figure 1 (Left) can be simply understood as a proton exchange membrane water electrolysis device.

[0078] ① In the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit ( Figure 1 In the left section, water from the outside flows into the anode chamber of the system through a separator. At the anode, the oxygen evolution reaction occurs, where water loses electrons to produce hydrogen ions and oxygen. The chemical equation is:

[0079] 2H2O-4e - →4H + +O 2

[0080] Hydrogen ions flow to the cathode through the proton exchange membrane, while oxygen is discharged with the water cycle.

[0081] ② In the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit ( Figure 1 In the left image, hydrogen ions flow through the proton exchange membrane to the cathode, where they are generated from the aluminum-water energy unit. Figure 1 In the right-hand side, electrons lost at the anode undergo hydrogen evolution at the cathode, and hydrogen ions gain electrons to form hydrogen gas, which is then stored. The chemical equation is:

[0082] 4H + +4e - →2H2

[0083] ③ Overall reaction: 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂

[0084] III. Structural Details

[0085] like Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a single cell 16 corresponding to the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit (Figure (a)). The left cathode shell 105, right cathode shell 103, and anode shell 104 form the casing of the single cell 16. 113 are two hydrogen evolution cathodes, 114 is an aluminum anode (or alloy), the cathodes are led out through conductive post 106, the anodes are led out through conductive post 108, 107 is the hydrogen outlet, 102 and 109 are the water and electrolyte inlets (electrolyte replenishment and return can be shared), and 112 and 111 are the electrolyte outlets containing precipitates. A thin-film pressure and temperature sensor 110 is attached to the cathode shell 103 for real-time monitoring of parameters between the cells.

[0086] like Figure 3 For water electrolysis hydrogen production unit ( Figure 3 (Left) Schematic diagram of device 17, where 252 is the water inlet of the hydrogen production unit, 250 is the water outlet of the hydrogen production unit, and 249 is the hydrogen outlet for releasing hydrogen gas. Shells 248 and 251 form the device casing. 255 is the anode plate of the electrolytic cell, where the reaction is 2H₂O - 4e⁻. - →4H + +O2; 253 is the cathode plate of the battery, and the reaction is 4H. + +4e - →2H2. 254 is an insulating partition. 259 is a coarse-pore gas diffusion layer, 258 is a fine-pore gas diffusion layer (set close to the proton exchange membrane), 257 is a catalyst layer, and 256 is a proton exchange membrane.

[0087] like Figures 4-7 This is a schematic diagram of the coupling device 8 between the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit and the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit. Eight batteries 16 are connected in parallel as one group via electrode posts 279 (positive) and 281 (negative). Another group of eight batteries is connected in series via electrode posts 280 (positive) and 282 (negative). The two groups of batteries are then connected in series via wires 283 and 284, and terminals 285, 286, 287, and 288. The total current range of the device is 1–8A, and the voltage output range is 1–3.4V (the current can be output through the power management circuit to match the current required by the water electrolysis system). The output current is connected to the water electrolysis device via terminals 289 and 290, and wires 273 and 276 (current transmission components), and terminals 275 and 277. The hydrogen evolution cathode 106 of the battery is connected to the anode 255 of the water electrolysis device via wire 276, and the aluminum anode 108 of the battery is connected to the cathode 253 of the water electrolysis device via wire 273.

[0088] Device Workflow Reference Figure 8 :

[0089] 300 is a schematic diagram of auxiliary systems such as the hydrogen collection unit, aluminum hydroxide precipitation filtration and recovery unit, electrolyte replenishment unit, liquid collector, and liquid separator. 302 is the circuit control module, responsible for the overall circuit control of the device; 313 is the hydrogen drying and storage module, responsible for the drying and storage of hydrogen; 325 is the liquid collector, liquid separator, and circulation power system; and 333 is the waste separator (solid-liquid separator), which realizes the discharge and recovery of aluminum hydroxide precipitate.

[0090] Under the control of the circuit control module, externally input water enters the liquid collector 325, and the liquid is separated and output to ports 269 and 272 of the aluminum water hydrogen production unit and the water inlet 252 of the water electrolysis device. (The gas or liquid collection chambers 263 (collecting hydrogen), 264 (collecting electrolyte), 265 (collecting outflowing electrolyte containing precipitate), 266 (collecting outflowing electrolyte containing precipitate), and 267 (collecting electrolyte) correspond to the hydrogen outlet 107, electrolyte inlet 102, electrolyte outlet containing precipitate 112, electrolyte outlet containing precipitate 111, and water and electrolyte inlet 109, respectively. The collection chambers collect the corresponding port outputs and inputs, which are input and output through ports 268, 269, 270, 271, and 272, respectively.) In the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit (device), hydrogen generated from the electrochemical reaction of aluminum and water, as well as hydrogen produced by parasitic corrosion and the energization of the water electrolysis module, flows into the auxiliary system 300 through port 268 for drying and storage. The resulting aluminum hydroxide precipitate flows out through ports 270 and 271 and enters the auxiliary system 300 for filtration and recovery. The filtered electrolyte is recycled back into ports 269 and 272 to continue system operation. The generated oxygen is discharged directly through port 250 along with the circulating water, which then flows into the auxiliary system 300 for diversion and re-output.

[0091] The electrolyte can be selected.

[0092] 3.5% NaCl, pH=12 alkaline electrolyte,

[0093] Alternatively, a neutral electrolyte solution of 3.5% NaCl and pH=7 may be used.

[0094] Alternatively, 3.5% NaCl or 4–12M NaOH / KOH electrolyte.

[0095] At the same time, ionic liquids and polyacrylic acid are added as buffers to reduce parasitic corrosion.

[0096] according to Figure 9 The figure shows the current-voltage-power curves obtained after three batteries (16 cells) are connected in series. The operating conditions of a single battery are as follows:

[0097] The anode is made of an aluminum alloy of Al, Bi, Pb and Ga, and is melted to form an anode plate of 100mm*100mm*8mm.

[0098] The hydrogen evolution cathode uses a platinum-carbon foam nickel supported plate, cut into a 100mm*100mm*2mm cathode plate;

[0099] Add 3.5% wt NaCl to deionized water and add 1 M KOH solution to bring the pH to 12 as the electrolyte;

[0100] Three batteries were connected in series and measured using a discharge tester. The measured parameters are as follows: Figure 9 Coupled with the water electrolysis unit 17 and considering actual operating conditions, a constant current discharge of 1.2A yielded the best results. Simultaneously, experiments were conducted with 18 batteries. A connection method of 6 batteries in parallel followed by series connection allowed the device to stably output a current of 1.8V and 7.5A. In this experiment, the reaction area of ​​the hydrogen production unit was approximately 7.2 cm². 2 Hydrogen production rate is approximately 50 mL / min. (Reference) Figure 10 This ensures the normal operation of the water electrolysis unit 17.

Claims

1. An aluminum-water energy hydrogen production system, characterized in that, It includes an aluminum-water hydrogen production unit and a water electrolysis hydrogen production unit; the anode output terminal of the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit is connected to the cathode of the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit through a current transmission component; the anode output terminal of the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit is connected to the cathode of the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit through the current transmission component; the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit generates hydrogen while providing current to the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit. It also includes a power management module. The current output from the aluminum-water hydrogen production unit is first adjusted by the power management module before entering the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit. The aluminum-water hydrogen production unit is composed of several sets of series-connected battery packs connected in parallel, or several sets of parallel-connected battery packs connected in series. The battery pack is composed of several individual cells connected in series or parallel; wherein the individual cells include: case; The aluminum anode is located inside the housing; Hydrogen evolution cathodes are installed inside the housing and positioned on both sides of the aluminum anode; The aluminum anode and the hydrogen evolution cathodes on both sides form an electrolyte holding cavity; the shell is also provided with a conductive column connected to the aluminum anode and the hydrogen evolution cathode, a hydrogen outlet, an electrolyte inlet and a precipitated electrolyte outlet; The aluminum-water hydrogen production unit and the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit are integrated into one unit. The aluminum-water hydrogen production unit has a sedimentation collection area at the bottom, which is connected to a solid-liquid separator and a peristaltic pump through a circulation pipeline with valves; the peristaltic pump and valves are located on the circulation pipeline connected to the liquid phase outlet of the solid-liquid separator. Also includes: A liquid collector for replenishing electrolyte in an aluminum-water hydrogen production unit, the liquid collector including a water inlet, an electrolyte inlet and an electrolyte outlet; Water storage tank or external water supply pipe; A separator with an inlet connected to the water storage tank or an external water supply pipe, the separator also having an outlet connected to the anode chamber of the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit and an outlet connected to the water inlet of the collector. The water electrolysis hydrogen production unit includes an anode cavity with an anode, a cathode, and a proton exchange membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; the anode cavity is provided with a water inlet and an oxygen outlet; the cathode is provided with a hydrogen outlet and is connected to a hydrogen collection unit through a pipeline; the exchange membrane is provided with a coarse-pore gas diffusion layer and a fine-pore gas diffusion layer from the outside to the inside on both sides.

2. The aluminum-water energy hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen produced in the aluminum water hydrogen production unit and the hydrogen produced in the water electrolysis hydrogen production unit are collected together in a hydrogen collection unit through a hydrogen pipeline.

3. The aluminum-water energy hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The single-cell battery has an integrated structure.

4. The aluminum-water energy hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid collector is also connected to the peristaltic pump outlet via a pipeline.

5. The aluminum-water energy hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solid-liquid separator, peristaltic pump, liquid collector, water storage tank, and liquid distributor are two or more or all of which are integrated into one unit.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Electrochemical aluminium-water hydrogen storing and producing method and equipment

    CN1417880A