Hydrogen transport safety control system, transport safety method, and transport system

Abstract

The application discloses a hydrogen transportation safety control system, a transportation safety method and a transportation system. The hydrogen transportation safety control system comprises a hydrogen transportation pipe for transporting hydrogen; a natural gas transportation pipe which is sleeved outside the hydrogen transportation pipe; a first hydrogen sensor which is arranged in the natural gas transportation pipe and is used for detecting the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transportation pipe and outputting a corresponding first hydrogen detection signal; a natural gas pump which is used for sucking in natural gas; and a controller which is used for adjusting the rotating speed of the natural gas pump according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transportation pipe when it is detected according to the received first hydrogen detection signal that the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transportation pipe exceeds a first preset hydrogen concentration, so as to adjust the amount of the sucked natural gas. The application can solve the safety problem caused by the hydrogen leakage in the pipeline transportation and improve the actual transportation time of the hydrogen pipeline.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen transportation technology, and in particular to a hydrogen transportation safety control system, transportation safety method, and transportation system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, existing long-distance pipelines are prone to hydrogen leaks due to hydrogen's light weight and ease of escape, seriously affecting hydrogen safety. Therefore, safety protection systems are usually installed on hydrogen transport pipelines. Existing hydrogen pipeline safety systems will immediately stop hydrogen delivery upon detecting a leak. However, hydrogen pipelines are extremely expensive and difficult to maintain, and once damaged, they are difficult to repair. Long-term use will significantly shorten the actual transportation time of hydrogen pipelines, seriously affecting people's daily lives. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to propose a hydrogen transportation safety control system, transportation safety method, and transportation system, which aims to solve the safety problems caused by hydrogen leakage during pipeline transportation while improving the actual transportation time of hydrogen pipelines.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a hydrogen transportation safety control system, which includes:

[0005] Hydrogen transport pipes are used to transport hydrogen.

[0006] A natural gas transport pipe is fitted over the hydrogen transport pipe, and the natural gas transport pipe is used to transport natural gas.

[0007] A first hydrogen sensor is installed inside the natural gas transport pipe. The first hydrogen sensor is used to detect the hydrogen concentration inside the natural gas transport pipe and output a corresponding first hydrogen detection signal.

[0008] A natural gas pump is installed at the inlet of the natural gas transport pipe, and the natural gas pump is used to draw in natural gas;

[0009] The controller is electrically connected to the first hydrogen sensor and the natural gas pump respectively. The controller is used to adjust the speed of the natural gas pump according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe when it detects that the concentration of hydrogen in the natural gas transport pipe exceeds a first preset hydrogen concentration based on the received first hydrogen detection signal, so as to adjust the amount of natural gas drawn in.

[0010] Optionally, the hydrogen transportation safety control system further includes:

[0011] A hydrogen pump is installed at the inlet of the hydrogen transport pipe and is electrically connected to the controller;

[0012] The controller is further configured to adjust the speed of the hydrogen pump according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe when the concentration of hydrogen in the natural gas transport pipe exceeds a first preset hydrogen concentration, based on the received first hydrogen detection signal, so as to adjust the amount of hydrogen drawn in.

[0013] Optionally, the hydrogen transportation safety control system further includes:

[0014] A pressure sensor is installed inside the hydrogen transport pipe. The pressure sensor is used to detect the hydrogen concentration inside the hydrogen transport pipe and output a corresponding pressure detection signal.

[0015] The controller is also used to output hydrogen overpressure alarm information when it detects that the hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen transport pipe has reached a preset pressure value based on the received pressure detection signal.

[0016] Optionally, the hydrogen transportation safety control system further includes:

[0017] An air pipe, fitted over the natural gas transport pipe, is used to store air.

[0018] A second hydrogen sensor is installed inside the air tube and electrically connected to the controller. The second hydrogen sensor is used to detect the hydrogen concentration inside the air tube and output a corresponding second hydrogen detection signal.

[0019] An air pump is installed at the air inlet of the air duct and is electrically connected to the controller;

[0020] The controller is also configured to control the air pump to operate when the speed of the natural gas pump reaches the preset speed of the natural gas pump and the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe reaches the second preset hydrogen concentration according to the received second hydrogen detection signal, and to adjust the speed of the air pump according to the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe.

[0021] Optionally, the hydrogen transportation safety control system further includes:

[0022] A hydrogen shut-off valve is installed at the air inlet of the hydrogen transport pipe and is electrically connected to the controller.

[0023] The controller is further configured to control the hydrogen shut-off valve to close when the air pump reaches a preset air pump speed and the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe reaches a third preset hydrogen concentration as detected by the second hydrogen detection signal, wherein the third preset hydrogen concentration is greater than the second preset hydrogen concentration.

[0024] Optionally, the hydrogen transportation safety control system further includes:

[0025] A natural gas sensor is installed inside the air pipe and electrically connected to the controller to detect the natural gas concentration inside the air pipe and output a corresponding natural gas detection signal.

[0026] The controller is also configured to control the air pump to operate when the natural gas concentration in the air pipe reaches a first preset natural gas concentration based on the received natural gas detection signal, and to adjust the speed of the air pump according to the natural gas concentration in the air pipe to adjust the amount of air drawn in.

[0027] Optionally, the hydrogen transportation safety control system further includes:

[0028] A natural gas shut-off valve is installed at the air inlet of the natural gas transmission pipe and is electrically connected to the controller;

[0029] The controller is further configured to control the natural gas shut-off valve to close when the air pump reaches a preset air pump speed and the natural gas concentration in the air pipe is detected to be greater than a second preset natural gas concentration according to the natural gas detection signal, wherein the second preset natural gas concentration is greater than the first preset natural gas concentration.

[0030] Optionally, the controller is further configured to establish communication connections with the first hydrogen sensor, the second hydrogen sensor and the natural gas sensor respectively after startup, and to receive sensor status signals output by the first hydrogen sensor, the second hydrogen sensor and the natural gas sensor respectively.

[0031] The controller is also configured to output multiple sensor operating signals when no abnormal sensor status signal is received, so as to control the first hydrogen sensor, the second hydrogen sensor and the natural gas sensor to enter the operating state respectively.

[0032] This invention also proposes a transportation safety method applied to a hydrogen pipeline transportation system, wherein the hydrogen pipeline transportation system includes a hydrogen transportation pipe, a natural gas transportation pipe, and an air transportation pipe sequentially arranged from the inside out, comprising:

[0033] When the concentration of hydrogen in the natural gas transport pipe is detected to exceed the first preset hydrogen concentration, the speed of the natural gas pump is adjusted according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe to adjust the amount of natural gas drawn in.

[0034] When the concentration of hydrogen in the natural gas transport pipe is detected to reach the first preset hydrogen concentration, the speed of the hydrogen pump is adjusted according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe to adjust the amount of hydrogen drawn in.

[0035] When the speed of the natural gas pump reaches the preset speed and the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe is detected to reach the second preset hydrogen concentration, the air pump is controlled to work, and the speed of the air pump is adjusted according to the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe to adjust the amount of air drawn in.

[0036] When the air pump reaches a preset speed and the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe is detected to be greater than a third preset hydrogen concentration, a hydrogen shut-off control signal is output to control the hydrogen shut-off valve to close, wherein the third preset hydrogen concentration is greater than the second preset hydrogen concentration.

[0037] The present invention also proposes a transportation system, including the aforementioned hydrogen transportation safety control system.

[0038] This invention addresses the issue of hydrogen transport pipes being installed within natural gas transport pipes. Utilizing the principle that natural gas can be blended with hydrogen to create a mixed gas, the hydrogen transport pipe is positioned within the natural gas transport pipe. This allows hydrogen escaping from the hydrogen transport pipe during a leak to directly enter the natural gas transport pipeline, forming a new mixed energy source with the natural gas. A first hydrogen sensor continuously monitors the hydrogen concentration within the natural gas transport pipeline. When the hydrogen concentration is too high, the controller can control the natural gas pump to draw in natural gas more quickly, reducing the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe. This eliminates the need to close the inlet valve of the hydrogen transport pipeline after a leak, allowing the hydrogen transport system to continue transporting hydrogen to users even with a leak, without the risk of explosion due to hydrogen directly entering the air. This solves the safety problems caused by hydrogen leaks in pipeline transport while simultaneously improving the actual transport time of the hydrogen pipeline. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or 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 of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the hydrogen transportation safety control system of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a functional module diagram of an embodiment of the hydrogen transportation safety control system of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the safety control method of the present invention.

[0043] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0044]

[0045]

[0046] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention 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 the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0049] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0050] This invention proposes a hydrogen transportation safety control system.

[0051] Currently, existing long-distance pipelines are prone to hydrogen leaks due to hydrogen's light weight and ease of escape, seriously affecting hydrogen safety. Therefore, safety protection systems are usually installed on hydrogen transport pipelines. Existing hydrogen pipeline safety systems will immediately stop hydrogen delivery upon detecting a leak. However, hydrogen pipelines are extremely expensive and difficult to maintain, and once damaged, they are difficult to repair. Long-term use will significantly shorten the actual transportation time of hydrogen pipelines, seriously affecting people's daily lives.

[0052] To solve the above problems, refer to Figures 1 to 2In one embodiment, applied to a hydrogen transportation system, the hydrogen transportation safety control system includes:

[0053] Hydrogen transport pipes are used to transport hydrogen.

[0054] A natural gas transport pipe is fitted over the hydrogen transport pipe, and the natural gas transport pipe is used to transport natural gas.

[0055] A first hydrogen sensor 21 is installed inside the natural gas transport pipe. The first hydrogen sensor 21 is used to detect the hydrogen concentration inside the natural gas transport pipe and output a corresponding first hydrogen detection signal.

[0056] A natural gas pump 32 is installed at the inlet of the natural gas transport pipe, and the natural gas pump 32 is used to draw in natural gas;

[0057] The controller 10 is electrically connected to the first hydrogen sensor 21 and the natural gas pump 32 respectively. The controller 10 is used to adjust the speed of the natural gas pump 32 according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe when the concentration of hydrogen in the natural gas transport pipe exceeds the first preset hydrogen concentration according to the first hydrogen detection signal received, so as to adjust the amount of natural gas drawn in.

[0058] In this embodiment, there are multiple first hydrogen sensors 21, which are disposed in the natural gas transport pipe to detect the hydrogen concentration at various points in the natural gas transport pipe in real time and output the corresponding first hydrogen detection signal; the natural gas includes any one or more of water gas and methane.

[0059] It should be noted that the aforementioned gases, such as natural gas, water gas, and methane, can all be blended with hydrogen to form mixed natural gas. Natural gas blending with hydrogen refers to injecting a certain proportion of hydrogen into natural gas to form a mixed gas (HCNG), which is one of the important directions for hydrogen energy utilization. Blending natural gas with hydrogen can change the combustion characteristics of natural gas, increase its calorific value, and significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

[0060] Existing long-distance pipelines for transporting hydrogen are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement due to the significant pressure difference between the pipeline's internal pressure and the external atmospheric pressure caused by hydrogen's light weight and low pressure. Hydrogen embrittlement easily damages pipelines, leading to leaks. Furthermore, hydrogen's light weight makes it prone to escape, and a large mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in the air can easily cause an explosion, damaging the pipeline and potentially causing injuries or fatalities, severely impacting hydrogen safety. Therefore, engineers designing pipeline transport systems must incorporate additional hydrogen pipeline safety control systems to prevent hydrogen leaks and related safety hazards.

[0061] This invention utilizes existing natural gas transportation lines to construct hydrogen transportation pipelines, placing the hydrogen transportation pipes within the natural gas transportation pipelines. This allows hydrogen escaping from the leaking pipeline to directly enter the natural gas transportation pipeline, forming a new mixed energy source with the natural gas. A first hydrogen sensor 21 continuously monitors the hydrogen concentration within the natural gas transportation pipeline, enabling the controller 10 to linearly adjust the rotational speed of the natural gas pump 32 based on this concentration. This increases the intake of natural gas to neutralize the hydrogen concentration in the pipeline, preventing it from exceeding the maximum achievable hydrogen blending ratio. Thus, the hydrogen transportation system can continue transporting hydrogen to users even in the event of a pipeline leak, without needing to close the pipeline's inlet valve or causing an explosion due to hydrogen directly entering the air. This solves the safety issues caused by hydrogen leaks in pipeline transportation while simultaneously improving the actual transportation time of the hydrogen pipeline.

[0062] Specifically, during hydrogen transportation, a hydrogen pump draws hydrogen from the outside into the hydrogen transportation pipeline, which then delivers it to hydrogen-using appliances such as gas stoves. When the hydrogen transportation pipeline fails due to hydrogen embrittlement, hydrogen begins to escape from the pipeline, and the leaked hydrogen directly enters the natural gas transportation pipeline surrounding the hydrogen transportation pipeline. This is located within the natural gas transportation pipeline (i.e.,...). Figure 2 The first hydrogen sensor 21 (at point B) outputs a corresponding first hydrogen detection signal to the controller 10 based on the detected hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe. The controller 10 stores a first preset hydrogen concentration, which is determined based on the end-user's requirements for hydrogen-blended natural gas, the natural gas flow rate ratio, and other conditions. Since a higher hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe results in a higher calorific value and flow rate ratio for the formed mixture, and a lower hydrogen concentration results in a lower calorific value and flow rate ratio, the required natural gas gas and flow rate ratio can be changed by adjusting the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe. Therefore, when designing the safety control system, the specific value of the first preset hydrogen concentration can be set according to the user's actual maximum requirement for the calorific value and flow rate ratio. The higher the first preset hydrogen concentration, the better. When the controller 10 determines, based on the received first hydrogen detection signal, that the hydrogen concentration at any point in the natural gas transport pipe is greater than the first preset hydrogen concentration, the controller 10 outputs an acceleration control signal to the natural gas pump 32 to increase the amount of natural gas drawn into the natural gas transport pipe, thereby reducing the proportion of hydrogen in the natural gas transport pipe.

[0063] Furthermore, in order to reduce the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe to a preset range as quickly as possible, the controller 10 linearly adjusts the rotation speed of the natural gas pump 32 according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe. That is, as the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe increases, the rotation speed of the hydrogen pump 31 also increases proportionally, thereby controlling the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe within the preset range. While the natural gas is reducing the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe by adjusting the rotation speed, the hydrogen transport pipe remains in transport mode. It is not necessary to shut down the hydrogen transport pipe to prevent hydrogen leakage. By placing the hydrogen transport pipe inside the natural gas transport pipe, even if the hydrogen pump 31 continues to maintain hydrogen transport, there will be no danger of hydrogen leaking into the air and combining with a large amount of oxygen to cause an explosion.

[0064] This invention, by placing the hydrogen transport pipe inside a natural gas transport pipe, utilizes the principle that natural gas can be mixed with hydrogen to create a mixed gas. By placing the hydrogen transport pipe inside the natural gas transport pipe, hydrogen escaping in the event of a leak directly enters the natural gas transport pipeline, forming a new mixed energy source with the natural gas. A first hydrogen sensor 21 monitors the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipeline in real time. When the hydrogen concentration is too high, the controller 10 controls the natural gas pump 32 to draw in natural gas more quickly, reducing the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe. This allows the hydrogen transport system to continue transporting hydrogen to users even after a leak, without needing to close the inlet valve of the hydrogen transport pipeline, and without the risk of explosion due to hydrogen directly entering the air. This solves the safety problems caused by hydrogen leaks in pipeline transport while improving the actual transport time of the hydrogen pipeline.

[0065] Furthermore, in hydrogen safety control systems, hydrogen transport pipelines are directly installed within existing natural gas transport pipelines, integrating with the existing mixed gas transport system. This eliminates the need to redesign transport routes, reducing the costs associated with hydrogen pipeline design and re-excavation. Additionally, because hydrogen is less dense than natural gas, and natural gas is less dense than air, the pressure difference between hydrogen and natural gas is smaller than the pressure difference between hydrogen and air. This results in less pressure on the pipe walls of the hydrogen transport pipeline, making it less prone to hydrogen embrittlement and thus requiring less stringent manufacturing processes.

[0066] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In one embodiment, the hydrogen transport safety control system further includes:

[0067] A hydrogen pump 31 is installed at the inlet of the hydrogen transport pipe and is electrically connected to the controller 10.

[0068] The controller 10 is further configured to adjust the rotation speed of the hydrogen pump 31 according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe when the concentration of hydrogen in the natural gas transport pipe exceeds the first preset hydrogen concentration, based on the received first hydrogen detection signal, so as to adjust the amount of hydrogen drawn in.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first hydrogen sensor 21 is used to detect the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe in real time and outputs a corresponding first hydrogen detection signal to the controller 10. When the hydrogen concentration overflowing from the hydrogen transport pipe is too high, the controller 10 determines, based on the received first hydrogen detection signal, that the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe is greater than a first preset hydrogen concentration. At this time, the controller 10 outputs a deceleration control signal to the hydrogen pump 31 to reduce the speed at which the hydrogen pump 31 draws in hydrogen, thereby reducing the amount of hydrogen overflowing into the natural gas transport pipe. Furthermore, in order to reduce the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe to a preset range as quickly as possible, the controller 10 will reduce the rotational speed of the hydrogen pump 31 as the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe increases, thereby controlling the natural gas transport pipe to neutralize the hydrogen as quickly as possible. Therefore, even if the hydrogen pump 31 continues to maintain hydrogen transport, there will be no danger of explosion due to hydrogen leakage.

[0070] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In one embodiment, the hydrogen transport safety control system further includes:

[0071] Pressure sensor 23 is disposed inside the hydrogen transport pipe. The pressure sensor 23 is used to detect the hydrogen concentration inside the hydrogen transport pipe and output a corresponding pressure detection signal.

[0072] The controller 10 is further configured to output a hydrogen pump 31 speed control signal when it detects that the hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen transport pipe exceeds a preset pressure value based on the received pressure detection signal, so as to adjust the speed of the hydrogen pump 31 according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe.

[0073] In this embodiment, there are multiple pressure sensors 23, which are disposed in the hydrogen transport pipe to detect the hydrogen pressure at various points in the hydrogen transport pipe in real time and output the corresponding pressure detection signal. The preset pressure value is determined by the maximum pressure that the pipe wall of the hydrogen transport pipe can withstand. The pressure value obtained by taking a certain margin above the maximum pressure according to the user's needs is the preset pressure value.

[0074] In hydrogen pipeline transportation, the hydrogen concentration is usually constant, such as 99.9%. However, due to pressurization failure at the front end of the hydrogen pipeline or other reasons, the hydrogen pressure inside the pipeline may become excessive, causing excessive pressure on the terminal equipment and the pipeline itself, thereby reducing their service life and potentially even causing the pipeline to rupture. Therefore, this application addresses this issue by installing the pressure sensor 23 (i.e., ...) inside the hydrogen pipeline. Figure 2 The controller 10 (points C1 and C2) monitors the hydrogen pressure in the hydrogen transport pipe in real time and outputs the corresponding pressure detection signal. When the controller 10 determines that the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe is greater than the preset pressure value based on the received pressure detection signal, it outputs the corresponding hydrogen overpressure alarm signal to terminal devices such as displays and PCs to warn engineers of natural gas overpressure.

[0075] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In one embodiment, the hydrogen transport safety control system further includes:

[0076] An air pipe, located outside the natural gas transport pipe, is used to store air;

[0077] The second hydrogen sensor 22 is disposed inside the air tube and electrically connected to the controller 10. The second hydrogen sensor 22 is used to detect the hydrogen concentration inside the air tube and output corresponding multi-channel second hydrogen detection signals.

[0078] An air pump 33 is installed at the air inlet of the air pipe and is electrically connected to the controller 10;

[0079] The controller 10 is further configured to output an air pump 33 start control signal when the speed of the natural gas pump 32 reaches the preset speed of the natural gas pump 32 and when the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe is detected to be greater than the second preset hydrogen concentration according to the received pressure detection signal, so as to control the operation of the air pump 33 and adjust the speed of the air pump 33 according to the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe.

[0080] In this embodiment, there are multiple hydrogen sensors, which are disposed in the air pipe to detect the hydrogen concentration at various points in the air pipe in real time and output the corresponding second hydrogen detection signal. The controller 10 also has a second preset hydrogen concentration stored in it. The second hydrogen concentration is used to characterize the leakage of hydrogen in the air pipe and is usually a small value such as 5ppm or 15ppm.

[0081] When natural gas pipelines are damaged due to corrosion or other issues, the escaped hydrogen will accumulate to a certain concentration inside the pipeline before diffusing outwards. Therefore, an air pipe is installed outside the natural gas pipeline to provide additional safety protection against hydrogen leakage. This is achieved by filling the air pipe with gas (i.e.,...) Figure 2A second hydrogen sensor 22 is installed at point A to detect the concentration of hydrogen in the air pipe in real time and output a corresponding second hydrogen detection signal to the controller 10. When the controller 10 detects that the concentration of hydrogen in the air pipe is greater than the second preset hydrogen concentration based on the second hydrogen detection signal, it indicates that a certain amount of hydrogen has leaked into the air pipe from the natural gas transport pipe. At this time, the controller 10 outputs a start control signal to the air pump 33 to control the air pump 33 to start drawing in air to reduce the concentration of hydrogen in the air pipe. In order to reduce the pressure of hydrogen in the air pipe to the preset range as quickly as possible, the controller 10 will increase the speed of the air pump 33 as the concentration of hydrogen in the air pipe increases, thereby controlling the air pipe to reduce the hydrogen concentration to the second preset hydrogen concentration as quickly as possible.

[0082] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In one embodiment, the hydrogen transport safety control system further includes:

[0083] Hydrogen shut-off valve 51 is located at the air inlet of the hydrogen transmission pipe and is electrically connected to the controller 10.

[0084] The controller 10 is also used to output a shut-off valve closing control signal to control the hydrogen shut-off valve 51 to close when the air pump 33 reaches a preset speed and the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe is detected to be greater than a third preset hydrogen concentration according to the pressure detection signal.

[0085] In this embodiment, the controller 10 also has a third preset hydrogen concentration. Since hydrogen will react with oxygen in the air and cause an explosion when the concentration exceeds a certain level, the maximum safe concentration of hydrogen in the air is taken as the margin based on the volume of air that the air pipe can hold. The margin is set by the user.

[0086] As the amount of hydrogen escaping from the natural gas pipeline to the air pipeline gradually increases, the hydrogen concentration represented by the second hydrogen detection signal output by the second hydrogen sensor 22 also gradually rises. When the controller 10 detects that the hydrogen concentration in the air pipeline is greater than the third preset hydrogen concentration based on the second hydrogen detection signal, it indicates that the hydrogen escaping into the air pipeline has reached the maximum value acceptable to the user. At this point, continuing to transport hydrogen may cause the air pipeline to become embrittled due to excessive hydrogen storage, causing the hydrogen in the air pipeline to escape outside the pipeline, leading to explosions or other situations. Therefore, the controller 10 needs to output a shut-off valve closing control signal to the hydrogen shut-off valve 51, so that the hydrogen shut-off valve 51 receives the closing control signal and closes, stopping the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen pipeline, and waiting for the hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen pipeline, natural gas pipeline, and air pipeline to decrease, preventing hydrogen from continuing to overflow and causing safety hazards.

[0087] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In one embodiment, the hydrogen transport safety control system further includes:

[0088] Multiple natural gas sensors 40 are disposed inside the air pipe and electrically connected to the controller 10 respectively, for detecting the natural gas concentration in the air pipe and outputting corresponding multi-channel natural gas detection signals;

[0089] The controller 10 is also configured to output a speed control signal for the air pump 33 based on the received multiple natural gas detection signals, so as to adjust the speed of the air pump 33 according to the natural gas concentration in the air pipe.

[0090] In this embodiment, the controller 10 also has a first preset natural gas concentration pre-stored, which is set by the user.

[0091] When the natural gas transport pipeline is damaged due to corrosion or other problems, the natural gas inside the pipeline will diffuse into the air pipe because its mass is lower than that of air. A natural gas sensor 40 is installed in the air pipe to detect the concentration of natural gas in the air pipe in real time and outputs a corresponding natural gas detection signal to the controller 10. When the controller 10 detects that the concentration of natural gas in the air pipe is greater than a first preset natural gas concentration based on the detection signal, the controller 10 outputs a start control signal to the air pump 33, controlling the air pump 33 to start drawing in air to reduce the concentration of natural gas in the air pipe. Furthermore, to reduce the concentration of natural gas in the air pipe to the preset range as quickly as possible, the controller 10 increases the rotational speed of the natural gas pump 32 as the concentration of natural gas in the air pipe increases.

[0092] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In one embodiment, the hydrogen transport safety control system further includes:

[0093] Natural gas shut-off valve 52 is installed at the air inlet of the natural gas transmission pipe and is electrically connected to the controller 10;

[0094] The controller 10 is also used to output a natural gas shut-off control signal to control the natural gas shut-off valve 52 to close when the rotation speed of the air pump 33 reaches the preset rotation speed of the air pump 33 and the natural gas concentration in the air pipe is detected to be greater than the second preset natural gas concentration according to the natural gas detection signal.

[0095] In this embodiment, the controller 10 also has a second preset natural gas concentration stored in it. The second preset natural gas concentration represents the maximum natural gas concentration received by the air pipe, and the maximum natural gas concentration is set by the user.

[0096] As the amount of natural gas escaping from the natural gas transport pipe to the air pipe gradually increases, the natural gas concentration represented by the natural gas detection signal output by the natural gas sensor 40 also gradually increases. When the controller 10 detects that the concentration of natural gas in the air pipe is greater than the second preset natural gas concentration based on the natural gas detection signal, it indicates that the natural gas escaping to the air pipe has reached the maximum value acceptable to the user. Therefore, the controller 10 needs to output a natural gas shut-off control signal to the natural gas shut-off valve 52, so that the natural gas shut-off valve 52 receives the shut-off control signal and closes, stopping the supply of natural gas to the natural gas transport pipe, and waiting for the natural gas concentration in the natural gas transport pipe and the air pipe to decrease, preventing the natural gas from continuing to overflow.

[0097] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In one embodiment, the controller 10 is further configured to establish communication connections with the first hydrogen sensor 21, the second hydrogen sensor 22 and the natural gas sensor 40 respectively after startup, and to receive sensor status signals output by the first hydrogen sensor 21, the second hydrogen sensor 22 and the natural gas sensor 40 respectively.

[0098] The controller 10 is also configured to output multiple sensor operating signals when no abnormal sensor status signal is received, so as to control the first hydrogen sensor 21, the second hydrogen sensor 22 and the natural gas sensor 40 to enter the working state respectively.

[0099] In this embodiment, the first hydrogen sensor 21, the second hydrogen sensor 22, and the natural gas sensor 40 communicate with the controller 10 using I2C.

[0100] When the hydrogen transport system is started for the first time or restarted after maintenance, multiple sensors installed in the transport pipeline are powered on. The controller 10 outputs status request signals to the multiple sensors respectively, so that after receiving the status request signals, the multiple sensors output status information such as the current start-up status, operating current and operating voltage to the controller 10. Since the controller 10 has pre-stored the rated operating information of different sensor models, it compares the received status information such as the start-up status, operating current and operating voltage of each sensor with the pre-stored rated operating information of the corresponding sensor model.

[0101] When the current status information of each sensor is within the rated status information range, the controller 10 outputs working control signals to the first hydrogen sensor 21, the second hydrogen sensor 22, and the natural gas sensor 40 respectively, controlling the first hydrogen sensor 21, the second hydrogen sensor 22, and the natural gas sensor 40 to enter the working state; when the controller 10 compares the received status information such as the start-up status, working current, and working voltage of each sensor with the pre-stored rated working information of the corresponding model sensor and finds that the current status information of at least one sensor exceeds the rated status information range, the controller 10 outputs alarm information of the abnormal sensor to terminal devices such as displays and PCs to warn engineers that there is an abnormal sensor status, and outputs a hydrogen shut-off control signal to the hydrogen shut-off valve 51 to stop the hydrogen transportation in the hydrogen transportation pipe.

[0102] This invention also proposes a transportation safety method applied to a hydrogen pipeline transportation system, referring to... Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, the hydrogen pipeline transportation system includes a hydrogen transportation pipe, a natural gas transportation pipe, and an air transportation pipe sequentially arranged from the inside out, characterized in that it includes:

[0103] When the concentration of hydrogen in the natural gas transport pipe is detected to exceed the first preset hydrogen concentration, the rotation speed of the natural gas pump 32 is adjusted according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe to adjust the amount of natural gas drawn in.

[0104] When the concentration of hydrogen in the natural gas transport pipe is detected to reach the first preset hydrogen concentration, the speed of the hydrogen pump 31 is adjusted according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe to adjust the amount of hydrogen drawn in.

[0105] When the speed of the natural gas pump 32 reaches the preset speed and the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe is detected to reach the second preset hydrogen concentration, the air pump 33 is controlled to work, and the speed of the air pump 33 is adjusted according to the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe to adjust the amount of air drawn in.

[0106] When the rotational speed of the air pump 33 reaches the preset rotational speed of the air pump 33 and the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe is detected to be greater than the third preset hydrogen concentration, a hydrogen shut-off control signal is output to control the hydrogen shut-off valve 51 to close, wherein the third preset hydrogen concentration is greater than the second preset hydrogen concentration.

[0107] In this embodiment, the hydrogen transport pipe, natural gas transport pipe, and air transport pipe are sequentially nested from the inside out. If hydrogen leaks from the hydrogen transport pipe due to hydrogen embrittlement or damage, the hydrogen will escape into the natural gas transport pipe. In this case, the hydrogen does not directly contact the air but instead forms a new mixed energy with the natural gas, thus avoiding the risk of an explosion caused by the mixing of hydrogen and oxygen. A first hydrogen sensor 21 is installed in the natural gas transport pipe to detect the concentration of hydrogen in the pipe and output a corresponding first hydrogen detection signal. As the amount of hydrogen leaking into the natural gas transport pipe gradually increases, the controller 10, based on the received first hydrogen detection signal, determines that the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe is greater than a first preset hydrogen concentration. At this point, it outputs a speed control signal for the natural gas pump 32 and linearly adjusts the speed of the natural gas pump 32 according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe. This allows the natural gas pump 32 to draw in more natural gas when the hydrogen concentration is higher, thereby reducing the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe. At the same time, the speed adjustment signal of the hydrogen pump 31 is output to the hydrogen pump 31 to reduce the amount of hydrogen drawn into the hydrogen transport pipe, so as to reduce the amount of hydrogen leaked into the natural gas transport pipe.

[0108] When the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe is too high, even the maximum speed of the natural gas pump 32 cannot neutralize the hydrogen concentration. The hydrogen will accumulate and diffuse into the air pipe. Therefore, a second hydrogen sensor 22 is installed in the air pipe to detect the hydrogen concentration in real time and output a corresponding second hydrogen detection signal to the controller 10. When the controller 10 detects that the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe is greater than the second preset hydrogen concentration based on the second hydrogen detection signal, it indicates that a certain amount of hydrogen has leaked from the natural gas transport pipe into the air pipe. At this time, the controller 10 outputs a start control signal to the air pump 33 to control the air pump 33 to start drawing in air to reduce the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe. Furthermore, in order to reduce the hydrogen pressure in the air pipe to the preset range as quickly as possible, the controller 10 will increase the speed of the air pump 33 as the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe increases, thereby controlling the air pipe to reduce the hydrogen concentration to the second preset hydrogen concentration as quickly as possible.

[0109] As the amount of hydrogen escaping from the natural gas pipeline to the air pipeline gradually increases, and the controller 10 detects, based on the second hydrogen detection signal, that the concentration of hydrogen in the air pipeline exceeds the third preset hydrogen concentration, it indicates that the amount of hydrogen escaping into the air pipeline has reached the maximum value acceptable to the user. At this point, the controller 10 needs to output a shut-off valve closing control signal to the hydrogen shut-off valve 51, causing the hydrogen shut-off valve 51 to receive the closing control signal and close, stopping the delivery of hydrogen to the hydrogen pipeline, and waiting for the hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen pipeline, natural gas pipeline, and air pipeline to decrease, preventing further hydrogen leakage and potential safety hazards.

[0110] This invention enables the construction of hydrogen transport pipelines using existing natural gas transportation lines. Hydrogen, natural gas, and air transport pipes are sequentially nested from the inside out. When hydrogen leaks, the system first neutralizes the leaked natural gas by utilizing the principle that natural gas can be blended with hydrogen. The speed of the natural gas pump 32 is adjusted to extend the time it takes for the hydrogen concentration to reach a critical value. Finally, when the natural gas pump 32 reaches its maximum speed and hydrogen overflows into the air pipe, the air pump 33 is controlled to adjust the air intake to continue neutralizing the hydrogen until the amount of hydrogen escaping into the air pipe reaches a maximum acceptable level for the user. At this point, the controller 10 controls the hydrogen shut-off valve 51 to close, stopping the delivery of hydrogen to the hydrogen transport pipeline. This allows the hydrogen transport system to continue delivering hydrogen to users even with a leak, without needing to close the inlet valve of the hydrogen transport pipeline, and without the risk of explosion due to hydrogen directly entering the air. This solves the safety problems caused by hydrogen leaks in pipeline transportation while improving the actual transport time of the hydrogen pipeline.

[0111] The present invention also proposes a hydrogen pipeline transportation system, which includes a transportation pipeline and the aforementioned hydrogen transportation safety control system. The specific structure of the hydrogen transportation safety control system is as described in the above embodiments. Since this hydrogen pipeline transportation system adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0112] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hydrogen transportation safety control system, characterized in that, The hydrogen transportation safety control system includes: Hydrogen transport pipes are used to transport hydrogen. A natural gas transport pipe is fitted over the hydrogen transport pipe, and the natural gas transport pipe is used to transport natural gas. A first hydrogen sensor is installed inside the natural gas transport pipe. The first hydrogen sensor is used to detect the hydrogen concentration inside the natural gas transport pipe and output a corresponding first hydrogen detection signal. A natural gas pump is installed at the inlet of the natural gas transport pipe, and the natural gas pump is used to draw in natural gas; The controller is electrically connected to the first hydrogen sensor and the natural gas pump respectively. The controller is used to adjust the speed of the natural gas pump according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe when it detects that the concentration of hydrogen in the natural gas transport pipe exceeds a first preset hydrogen concentration based on the received first hydrogen detection signal, so as to adjust the amount of natural gas drawn in.

2. The hydrogen transportation safety control system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen transport safety control system also includes: A hydrogen pump is installed at the inlet of the hydrogen transport pipe and is electrically connected to the controller; The controller is further configured to adjust the speed of the hydrogen pump according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe when the concentration of hydrogen in the natural gas transport pipe exceeds a first preset hydrogen concentration, based on the received first hydrogen detection signal, so as to adjust the amount of hydrogen drawn in.

3. The hydrogen transportation safety control system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The hydrogen transport safety control system also includes: A pressure sensor is installed inside the hydrogen transport pipe. The pressure sensor is used to detect the hydrogen concentration inside the hydrogen transport pipe and output a corresponding pressure detection signal. The controller is also used to output hydrogen overpressure alarm information when it detects that the hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen transport pipe has reached a preset pressure value based on the received pressure detection signal.

4. The hydrogen transportation safety control system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen transport safety control system also includes: An air pipe, fitted over the natural gas transport pipe, is used to store air. A second hydrogen sensor is installed inside the air tube and electrically connected to the controller. The second hydrogen sensor is used to detect the hydrogen concentration inside the air tube and output a corresponding second hydrogen detection signal. An air pump is installed at the air inlet of the air duct and is electrically connected to the controller; The controller is also configured to control the air pump to operate when the speed of the natural gas pump reaches the preset speed of the natural gas pump and the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe reaches the second preset hydrogen concentration according to the received second hydrogen detection signal, and to adjust the speed of the air pump according to the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe.

5. The hydrogen transportation safety control system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The hydrogen transport safety control system also includes: A hydrogen shut-off valve is installed at the air inlet of the hydrogen transport pipe and is electrically connected to the controller. The controller is further configured to control the hydrogen shut-off valve to close when the air pump reaches a preset air pump speed and the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe reaches a third preset hydrogen concentration as detected by the second hydrogen detection signal, wherein the third preset hydrogen concentration is greater than the second preset hydrogen concentration.

6. The hydrogen transportation safety control system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The hydrogen transport safety control system also includes: A natural gas sensor is installed inside the air pipe and electrically connected to the controller to detect the natural gas concentration inside the air pipe and output a corresponding natural gas detection signal. The controller is also configured to control the air pump to operate when the natural gas concentration in the air pipe reaches a first preset natural gas concentration based on the received natural gas detection signal, and to adjust the speed of the air pump according to the natural gas concentration in the air pipe to adjust the amount of air drawn in.

7. The hydrogen transportation safety control system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The hydrogen transport safety control system also includes: A natural gas shut-off valve is installed at the air inlet of the natural gas transport pipe and is electrically connected to the controller; The controller is further configured to control the natural gas shut-off valve to close when the air pump reaches a preset air pump speed and the natural gas concentration in the air pipe is detected to be greater than a second preset natural gas concentration according to the natural gas detection signal, wherein the second preset natural gas concentration is greater than the first preset natural gas concentration.

8. The hydrogen transportation safety control system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to establish communication connections with the first hydrogen sensor, the second hydrogen sensor and the natural gas sensor respectively after startup, and to receive sensor status signals output by the first hydrogen sensor, the second hydrogen sensor and the natural gas sensor respectively. The controller is also configured to output multiple sensor operating signals when no abnormal status signals are received from the first hydrogen sensor, the second hydrogen sensor, and the natural gas sensor, so as to control the first hydrogen sensor, the second hydrogen sensor, and the natural gas sensor to enter the operating state respectively.

9. A method for controlling the safety of hydrogen transportation, applied to a hydrogen transportation safety control system, wherein the hydrogen transportation safety control system comprises a hydrogen transportation pipe, a natural gas transportation pipe, and an air transportation pipe arranged sequentially from the inside out, characterized in that, include: When the concentration of hydrogen in the natural gas transport pipe is detected to exceed the first preset hydrogen concentration, the speed of the natural gas pump is adjusted according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe to adjust the amount of natural gas drawn in. When the concentration of hydrogen in the natural gas transport pipe is detected to reach the first preset hydrogen concentration, the speed of the hydrogen pump is adjusted according to the hydrogen concentration in the natural gas transport pipe to adjust the amount of hydrogen drawn in. When the speed of the natural gas pump reaches the preset speed and the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe is detected to reach the second preset hydrogen concentration, the air pump is controlled to work, and the speed of the air pump is adjusted according to the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe to adjust the amount of air drawn in. When the air pump reaches its preset speed and the hydrogen concentration in the air pipe is detected to be greater than the third preset hydrogen concentration, a hydrogen shut-off control signal is output to control the hydrogen shut-off valve to close, wherein the third preset hydrogen concentration is greater than the second preset hydrogen concentration.

10. A transportation system, characterized in that, Including the hydrogen transportation safety control system as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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