Renewable Energy-Based Electrode Degradation Prevention and Control System and Method for Hydrogen Electrolyzers

Abstract

This specification provides a system and method for preventing electrode degradation in hydrogen production electrolyzers based on renewable energy. The system includes: a measuring device for acquiring analog voltage and current signals and digital input signals, calculating power quality evaluation information, and transmitting the power quality evaluation information to a hydrogen production analysis and control system in real time; a hydrogen production analysis and control system for collecting and analyzing the power quality evaluation information of the electrolyzer electrodes, simulating the reverse current that may occur after the electrolyzer stops operating, controlling the power supply module to supply a protective current equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the electrolyzer electrodes, optimizing and adjusting the operating strategies of each electrolyzer, and issuing instructions to optimize the action logic of the measuring device; a power supply module for inputting a protective current to the electrolyzer electrodes under the control of the hydrogen analysis and control system; and a wireless communication module for realizing communication and interaction between the hydrogen production analysis and control system, the power supply module, and the measuring device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This document relates to the field of hydrogen energy and fuel cell technology, and in particular to a system and method for preventing electrode degradation in hydrogen electrolyzers based on renewable energy. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy is an abundant, green, low-carbon, and widely applicable secondary energy source, and is gradually becoming one of the important carriers for global energy transition and development. Hydrogen production through water electrolysis using electrolyzers produces no carbon emissions, yields high-purity hydrogen with few impurities, and is easily integrated with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. It is considered the most promising green hydrogen energy supply method for the future.

[0003] Renewable energy sources such as wind power and photovoltaics have achieved large-scale development in my country. However, renewable energy power generation has characteristics such as randomness and volatility. The hydrogen production method using renewable energy for water electrolysis is very different from the hydrogen production method using stable grid power. In particular, the power of renewable energy may fluctuate greatly, exceeding the normal operating range of the hydrogen electrolyzer, resulting in frequent start-ups and shutdowns of the electrolyzer.

[0004] Electrodes are one of the core components of an electrolyzer. When the electrolyzer is running, the catalysts at the two electrodes undergo anodic oxidation and cathodic reduction reactions, respectively. When the electrolyzer suddenly stops running, the catalysts at the two electrodes undergo reverse reactions to return to their initial state, thereby generating reverse current and causing large potential changes, which seriously damages the performance of the electrodes and leads to electrode deterioration.

[0005] The randomness and volatility of renewable energy sources lead to frequent start-ups and shutdowns of hydrogen electrolyzers, and the reverse current generated during electrolysis causes electrode performance degradation. Therefore, a method for preventing and controlling electrode degradation in hydrogen electrolyzers based on renewable energy sources is urgently needed to address this issue. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a system and method for preventing and controlling electrode degradation in hydrogen electrolyzers based on renewable energy, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art.

[0007] This invention provides a system for preventing electrode degradation in hydrogen electrolyzers based on renewable energy, comprising:

[0008] The measuring device is used to collect analog voltage and current signals and digital switch input signals of renewable energy input to the electrolyzer, and to calculate the power quality evaluation information of the electrolyzer electrodes. The power quality evaluation information is transmitted to the hydrogen production analysis and control system in real time through a wireless communication module.

[0009] The hydrogen production analysis and control system is used to collect and analyze the power quality evaluation information of the electrolyzer electrodes, and to simulate the reverse current that may be generated after the electrolyzer stops operating in real time. When the renewable energy power drops to a predetermined range, the control power module supplies a protective current to the electrolyzer electrodes that is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the reverse current to prevent electrode deterioration, optimize and adjust the operating strategy of each electrolyzer, and issue instructions to optimize the action logic of the measuring device.

[0010] The power supply module is used to input protective current to the electrodes of the electrolyzer under the control of the hydrogen analysis and control system.

[0011] The wireless communication module is connected to the hydrogen production analysis and control system, the power supply module, and the measuring device, respectively, to realize communication and interaction between the hydrogen production analysis and control system, the power supply module, and the measuring device.

[0012] This invention provides a method for preventing electrode degradation in hydrogen production electrolyzers based on renewable energy, used in the aforementioned system for preventing electrode degradation in hydrogen production electrolyzers based on renewable energy. The method specifically includes:

[0013] The device collects analog voltage and current signals and digital switch input signals of renewable energy input to the electrolyzer, calculates the power quality evaluation information of the electrolyzer electrodes, and transmits the power quality evaluation information to the hydrogen production analysis and control system in real time through a wireless communication module.

[0014] The hydrogen production analysis and control system collects and analyzes the power quality evaluation information of the electrolyzer electrodes, and simulates the reverse current that may be generated after the electrolyzer stops operating in real time. When the renewable energy power drops to a predetermined range, the control power module supplies a protective current to the electrolyzer electrodes that is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the reverse current to prevent electrode deterioration, optimizes and adjusts the operating strategy of each electrolyzer, and issues instructions to optimize the action logic of the measuring device.

[0015] The power supply module inputs protective current to the electrodes of the electrolyzer under the control of the hydrogen analysis and control system.

[0016] The embodiments of this invention significantly improve the reliability and operating efficiency of the electrolyzer, enabling it to adapt to the electrode degradation prevention and control requirements under different hydrogen production scenarios. It effectively enhances the intelligence level of power quality monitoring and control in hydrogen production electrolyzers, and by optimizing electrolyzer operation decisions in real time, it can reduce hydrogen production energy consumption and costs, thereby improving the economic benefits of hydrogen production. Simultaneously, this solution uses a wireless communication module to transmit control signals within the site, overcoming limitations on the number of cables and monitoring system interfaces. It also saves on investment in secondary control loop cables for the hydrogen production system, reducing the difficulty of equipment installation and maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in one or more embodiments of this specification or in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electrode degradation prevention and control system for hydrogen production electrolyzers based on renewable energy, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode degradation prevention and control system for hydrogen production electrolyzers based on renewable energy, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method for preventing electrode degradation in hydrogen electrolyzers based on renewable energy, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in one or more embodiments of this specification, the technical solutions in one or more embodiments of this specification will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this specification, and not all of the embodiments. Based on one or more embodiments of this specification, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this document.

[0022] System Implementation Examples

[0023] According to embodiments of the present invention, a system for preventing and controlling electrode degradation in hydrogen electrolyzers based on renewable energy is provided. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electrode degradation prevention and control system for hydrogen production electrolyzers based on renewable energy, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the electrode degradation prevention and control system for hydrogen production electrolyzers based on renewable energy according to an embodiment of the present invention specifically includes:

[0024] Multiple measuring devices are used to collect analog voltage and current signals and digital switch input signals from renewable energy inputs to the electrolyzer, calculate power quality evaluation information of the electrolyzer electrodes, and transmit the power quality evaluation information to the hydrogen production analysis and control system in real time via a wireless communication module; the measuring devices specifically include:

[0025] The microprocessor is used to establish communication with the hydrogen production analysis and control system via a wireless communication module;

[0026] The data acquisition module is used to acquire analog voltage and current signals and digital switch input signals of renewable energy input to the electrolyzer;

[0027] The data output module is used to forward power quality evaluation information to the hydrogen production analysis and control system in real time;

[0028] A signal processing module is used for real-time calculation of power quality evaluation information for monitoring the electrodes of the electrolyzer. Specifically, the signal processing module includes:

[0029] The power quality evaluation module is used for power quality monitoring. Specifically, this monitoring includes: monitoring for frequency deviation exceeding limits, voltage deviation exceeding limits, voltage fluctuation and flicker alarms, three-phase imbalance alarms, temporary or transient overvoltage exceeding limits, waveform distortion rate exceeding limits, and voltage sag exceeding limits, and then performing power quality evaluation. Each power quality evaluation module is configured with corresponding setpoints, which can be enabled or disabled according to project needs.

[0030] The hydrogen production analysis and control system is used to collect and analyze the power quality evaluation information of the electrolyzer electrodes, and to simulate in real time the reverse current that may be generated after the electrolyzer stops operating. When the renewable energy power drops to a predetermined range, the control power module supplies a protective current equal to the magnitude and opposite in direction to the electrolyzer electrodes to prevent electrode degradation, optimizes and adjusts the operating strategies of each electrolyzer, and issues instructions to optimize the action logic of the measuring device. The hydrogen production analysis and control system specifically includes a programmable controller, which is used to establish communication with the measuring device and the power module through a wireless communication module.

[0031] The hydrogen production analysis and control system is specifically used for:

[0032] Based on control objectives such as maximum hydrogen production power, optimal operating life, and the power quality required for optimal hydrogen production efficiency, the electrolyzer operation strategy is comprehensively optimized and adjusted.

[0033] A power supply module is used to input protective current to the electrodes of the electrolyzer under the control of the hydrogen analysis and control system; the power supply module is a DC power supply.

[0034] A wireless communication module (which may be one or more) is connected to the hydrogen production analysis and control system, the power supply module, and the measuring device, respectively, to enable communication and interaction between the hydrogen production analysis and control system, the power supply module, and the measuring device.

[0035] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are as follows:

[0036] (1) Eliminating the secondary signal communication cable and control cable between the measuring device, hydrogen production analysis and control system and power module saves on-site investment costs, reduces on-site cable installation and wiring workload, reduces the difficulty of maintaining network communication faults, and expands control signals without being limited by the number of cables and interfaces.

[0037] (2) The hydrogen production analysis and control system provides a protective current to the electrode input to counteract the reverse current, which can reduce the risk of electrode performance degradation in the electrolyzer and improve the reliability of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system.

[0038] (3) The hydrogen production analysis and control system collects and analyzes the power quality information of the electrolyzer, which can effectively optimize the operation strategy of the electrolyzer, increase hydrogen production, reduce hydrogen production energy consumption, and improve the economic benefits of hydrogen production by water electrolysis.

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] The system according to an embodiment of the present invention specifically includes:

[0041] The measuring device includes a microprocessor, a data acquisition module, a data output module, and a signal processing module. The signal processing module also includes a power quality monitoring module, which is used to calculate and monitor the power quality evaluation information of the electrolyzer electrodes in real time. This includes monitoring for frequency deviation exceeding limits, voltage deviation exceeding limits, voltage fluctuation and flicker alarms, three-phase imbalance alarms, temporary or transient overvoltage exceeding limits, waveform distortion rate exceeding limits, and voltage sag exceeding limits. The voltage and current analog signals and digital input signals from the switch signals acquired by the measuring device are forwarded to the hydrogen production analysis and control system in real time via a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module is installed on both the hydrogen production analysis and control system and the measuring device, establishing communication between them. The microprocessor of the measuring device sends information commands to the wireless communication module, which then transmits information frames to the hydrogen production analysis and control system.

[0042] The hydrogen production analysis and control system is used to collect and analyze the electrical energy quality information of the electrolyzer electrodes, control the power module to input a protective current to the electrodes to counteract the reverse current in the first instance, and then adjust the electrolyzer operation control strategy and issue instructions to optimize the action logic of the measuring device.

[0043] The measuring device is equipped with a power quality monitoring function to monitor and upload the power quality information of the electrolyzers to the hydrogen production analysis and control system in real time. The hydrogen production analysis and control system analyzes the power quality of all electrolyzers, adjusts the operating strategy, and issues instructions to optimize the action logic of the measuring device.

[0044] In one instance, it forms as follows Figure 1The diagram shown illustrates the communication between the secondary equipment of the hydrogen electrolyzer. Analog voltage and current signals, as well as digital input signals from switches, are collected by a measuring device. Based on the real-time collected analog voltage and current signals and digital input signals, the measuring device, through a signal processing module, calculates the power quality of this electrical interval. Figure 2 As shown in the steps, the measuring device calculates the power quality of this electrical interval based on the real-time acquired analog voltage and current signals and digital input signals from switch signals, through a signal processing module. The power quality monitoring functions of the measuring device include alarms for frequency deviation exceeding limits, voltage deviation exceeding limits, voltage fluctuation and flicker, three-phase imbalance, temporary or transient overvoltage exceeding limits, waveform distortion rate (harmonic) exceeding limits, and voltage sag exceeding limits. All of the above power quality evaluation functions are configured with corresponding setpoints, and these functions can be enabled or disabled according to project needs.

[0045] The measuring device transmits power quality assessment information to the hydrogen production analysis and control system in real time via a wireless communication module. The hydrogen production analysis and control system collects and analyzes power quality information from all transformer substations within the site, and then adjusts the electrolyzer operating strategy accordingly. Figure 2 As shown in the steps, the hydrogen production analysis and control system comprehensively optimizes and adjusts the operating strategies of each electrolyzer according to control objectives such as maximum hydrogen production power, optimal operating life, optimal hydrogen production efficiency, and power quality.

[0046] This solution significantly improves the reliability and operational efficiency of the electrolyzer, adapting to the electrode degradation prevention and control requirements under different hydrogen production scenarios. It effectively enhances the intelligence level of power quality monitoring and control in hydrogen production electrolyzers, and by optimizing electrolyzer operation decisions in real time, it can reduce hydrogen production energy consumption and costs, thereby improving the economic benefits of hydrogen production. Simultaneously, this solution uses a wireless communication module to transmit control signals within the site, overcoming limitations on the number of cables and monitoring system interfaces. It also saves on investment in secondary control loop cables for the hydrogen production system, reducing the difficulty of equipment installation and construction, and the workload of maintenance.

[0047] Method Implementation Examples

[0048] According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for preventing and controlling electrode degradation in hydrogen production electrolyzers based on renewable energy is provided, which is used in the aforementioned system for preventing and controlling electrode degradation in hydrogen production electrolyzers based on renewable energy. Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method for preventing electrode degradation in hydrogen electrolyzers based on renewable energy, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the method for preventing electrode degradation in a hydrogen electrolyzer based on renewable energy, according to an embodiment of the present invention, specifically includes:

[0049] Step 301: The voltage and current analog signals and switch input digital signals of renewable energy input to the electrolyzer are collected by the measuring device, and the power quality evaluation information of the electrolyzer electrode is calculated. The power quality evaluation information is transmitted to the hydrogen production analysis and control system in real time through the wireless communication module.

[0050] Step 301 specifically includes: establishing communication with the hydrogen production analysis and control system via a microprocessor and a wireless communication module;

[0051] The data acquisition module collects analog voltage and current signals and digital switch input signals of renewable energy input to the electrolyzer.

[0052] The signal processing module performs real-time calculations to monitor the power quality evaluation information of the electrolytic cell electrodes; specifically, this includes:

[0053] Power quality is monitored through a power quality evaluation module. Specifically, the power quality monitoring includes monitoring frequency deviation exceeding limits, voltage deviation exceeding limits, voltage fluctuation and flicker alarms, three-phase imbalance alarms, temporary or transient overvoltage exceeding limits, waveform distortion rate exceeding limits, and voltage sag exceeding limits, and then evaluating the power quality.

[0054] The power quality evaluation information is forwarded to the hydrogen production analysis and control system in real time via the data output module.

[0055] Step 302: The hydrogen production analysis and control system collects and analyzes the power quality evaluation information of the electrolyzer electrodes, and simulates in real time the reverse current that may be generated after the electrolyzer stops operating. When the renewable energy power drops to a predetermined range, the control power module supplies a protective current equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the electrolyzer electrodes to prevent electrode degradation, optimizes and adjusts the operating strategy of each electrolyzer, and issues instructions to optimize the action logic of the measuring device. The hydrogen production analysis and control system establishes communication with the measuring device and the power module through a programmable logic controller and a wireless communication module. The optimization and adjustment of the operating strategy of each electrolyzer specifically includes:

[0056] Based on control objectives such as maximum hydrogen production power, optimal operating life, and the power quality required for optimal hydrogen production efficiency, the electrolyzer operation strategy is comprehensively optimized and adjusted.

[0057] Step 303: Under the control of the hydrogen analysis and control system, the power supply module inputs a protective current to the electrolyzer electrode.

[0058] The embodiments of the present invention are method embodiments corresponding to the above system embodiments. The specific operation of each step can be understood by referring to the description of each module of the system embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0059] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for preventing electrode degradation in a hydrogen electrolyzer based on renewable energy, characterized in that, include: A measuring device is used to collect analog voltage and current signals and digital switch input signals from renewable energy inputs to the electrolyzer, and to calculate the power quality evaluation information of the electrolyzer electrodes. This power quality evaluation information is then transmitted in real time to the hydrogen production analysis and control system via a wireless communication module. Specifically, the measuring device includes: The microprocessor is used to establish communication with the hydrogen production analysis and control system via a wireless communication module; The data acquisition module is used to acquire analog voltage and current signals and digital switch input signals of renewable energy input to the electrolyzer; The data output module is used to forward power quality evaluation information to the hydrogen production analysis and control system in real time; The signal processing module is used to calculate and monitor the power quality evaluation information of the electrolytic cell electrodes in real time. Specifically, the signal processing module includes a power quality evaluation module, which is used to monitor power quality, including monitoring frequency deviation exceeding limits, voltage deviation exceeding limits, voltage fluctuation and flicker alarms, three-phase imbalance alarms, temporary or transient overvoltage exceeding limits, waveform distortion rate exceeding limits, and voltage sag exceeding limits, and then performing power quality evaluation. The hydrogen production analysis and control system is used to collect and analyze the power quality evaluation information of the electrolyzer electrodes, and to simulate the reverse current that may be generated after the electrolyzer stops operating in real time. When the renewable energy power drops to a predetermined range, the control power module supplies a protective current to the electrolyzer electrodes that is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the reverse current to prevent electrode deterioration, optimize and adjust the operating strategy of each electrolyzer, and issue instructions to optimize the action logic of the measuring device. The power supply module is used to input protective current to the electrodes of the electrolyzer under the control of the hydrogen analysis and control system. The wireless communication module is connected to the hydrogen production analysis and control system, the power supply module, and the measuring device, respectively, to realize communication and interaction between the hydrogen production analysis and control system, the power supply module, and the measuring device.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen production analysis and control system specifically includes a programmable controller for establishing communication with the measuring device and the power supply module via a wireless communication module.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen production analysis and control system is specifically used for: Based on control objectives such as maximum hydrogen production power, optimal operating life, and the power quality required for optimal hydrogen production efficiency, the electrolyzer operation strategy is comprehensively optimized and adjusted.

4. A method for preventing electrode degradation in a hydrogen electrolyzer based on renewable energy, characterized in that, The method for the electrode degradation prevention and control system of a hydrogen electrolyzer based on renewable energy, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, specifically includes: The system collects analog voltage and current signals and digital switch input signals from renewable energy sources into the electrolyzer using a measuring device, calculates the power quality evaluation information of the electrolyzer electrodes, and transmits this power quality evaluation information to the hydrogen production analysis and control system in real time via a wireless communication module; specifically including: The microprocessor establishes communication with the hydrogen production analysis and control system via a wireless communication module. The data acquisition module collects analog voltage and current signals and digital switch input signals of renewable energy input to the electrolyzer. The signal processing module performs real-time calculations to monitor the power quality evaluation information of the electrolytic cell electrodes. The power quality evaluation information is forwarded to the hydrogen production analysis and control system in real time via the data output module. Specifically, the real-time calculation and monitoring of power quality evaluation information of the electrolytic cell electrodes by the signal processing module includes: power quality monitoring by the power quality evaluation module, which specifically includes: monitoring frequency deviation exceeding the limit, voltage deviation exceeding the limit, voltage fluctuation and flicker alarm, three-phase imbalance alarm, temporary or transient overvoltage exceeding the limit, waveform distortion rate exceeding the limit, and voltage sag exceeding the limit, and performing power quality evaluation. The hydrogen production analysis and control system collects and analyzes the power quality evaluation information of the electrolyzer electrodes, and simulates the reverse current that may be generated after the electrolyzer stops operating in real time. When the renewable energy power drops to a predetermined range, the control power module supplies a protective current to the electrolyzer electrodes that is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the reverse current to prevent electrode deterioration, optimizes and adjusts the operating strategy of each electrolyzer, and issues instructions to optimize the action logic of the measuring device. The power supply module inputs protective current to the electrodes of the electrolyzer under the control of the hydrogen analysis and control system.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The hydrogen production analysis and control system uses a programmable controller and a wireless communication module to establish communication with the measuring device and the power supply module.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The optimization and adjustment of the operating strategies for each electrolyzer specifically include: Based on control objectives such as maximum hydrogen production power, optimal operating life, and the power quality required for optimal hydrogen production efficiency, the electrolyzer operation strategy is comprehensively optimized and adjusted.

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