A modular, dismountable ammonia fuel cell system and a modular method

Abstract

A modular detachable ammonia fuel cell system and a modular method, comprising a first integrated module, a second integrated module and a third integrated module, the first integrated module, the second integrated module and the third integrated module being connected through detachable gas lines and quick connectors; wherein the first integrated module is used for integrating an adsorption column and an ammonia tank, ammonia in the ammonia tank is self-evaporated to absorb heat and cool the adsorption column; the second integrated module is used for integrating an ammonia decomposition assembly; and the third integrated module is used for integrating an electrical assembly. The adsorption column is fixed to the periphery of the ammonia tank, and the self-evaporation of ammonia absorbs heat to cool the periphery of the adsorption column, thereby improving the adsorption capacity of the adsorption column. Through the modular layout of the system, each integrated module is connected by quick connectors and detachable gas lines. When the equipment needs to be moved, the quick connectors and the detachable gas lines can be disconnected, and each module can be carried one by one, making the carrying more flexible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fuel cell technology, specifically to a modular, detachable ammonia fuel cell system and a modularization method. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell is a device that directly converts the chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy. It is not limited by the Carnot cycle effect, has high energy conversion efficiency, and operates without noise or pollution. Therefore, from the perspective of energy conservation and environmental protection, fuel cells have good development prospects. Hydrogen is currently the most ideal fuel for fuel cell applications, with advantages such as no adverse side reactions and only water emissions. However, its volumetric energy density is low (10–35 mol L⁻¹H₂), and its cost, storage, transportation, and safety are high. Using ammonia as fuel for fuel cells has advantages such as high volumetric energy density (60 mol L⁻¹H₂), low cost, convenient storage and transportation, no carbon buildup, and no carbon emissions. Therefore, ammonia fuel cells have received widespread attention. Ammonia fuel cells can be divided into direct ammonia fuel cells and indirect ammonia fuel cells according to the fuel utilization method. Among them, direct ammonia fuel cells are mainly solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and alkaline membrane fuel cells (AEMFC); however, both of these technologies are currently in the laboratory stage. Indirect ammonia fuel cells utilize ammonia as a hydrogen carrier, replacing existing high-pressure hydrogen storage and transportation with low-cost liquid NH3. The liquid NH3 is transported to the hydrogen-using site, where it is almost completely decomposed into a 75% H2 + 25% N2 mixture under the catalysis of metal catalysts such as Ru and Ni, and then directly supplied to the hydrogen fuel cell for power generation. This represents a completely new hydrogen utilization route—the indirect ammonia fuel cell. Existing indirect ammonia fuel cells suffer from the following problems in use:

[0003] 1. Changes in environmental temperature and other factors can affect the adsorption column temperature. Higher adsorption column temperatures will reduce the adsorption effect of the adsorbent, resulting in incomplete adsorption of residual ammonia.

[0004] 2. The ammonia tank and adsorption column need to be replaced regularly. Improper arrangement of the adsorption column will make it inconvenient and labor-intensive to replace the adsorption column. If the adsorption column is not replaced in time, residual ammonia may enter the fuel cell and damage the system.

[0005] 3. Fuel cell systems are complex and large, making them inconvenient to transport. Summary of the Invention

[0006] (a) Purpose of application

[0007] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a modular and detachable ammonia fuel cell system and a modular method to solve the above-mentioned technical problems in the prior art.

[0008] (II) Technical Solution

[0009] This application discloses a modular, detachable ammonia fuel cell system, including a first integrated module, a second integrated module, and a third integrated module, which are connected by a detachable gas path and a quick-connect interface; wherein the first integrated module is used to integrate an adsorption column and an ammonia tank, and the ammonia in the ammonia tank self-evaporates and absorbs heat to cool the adsorption column; the second integrated module is used to integrate an ammonia decomposition component; and the third integrated module is used to integrate electrical components.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the adsorption column is arranged around the ammonia tank, so that the ammonia in the ammonia tank absorbs heat through self-evaporation and cools the adsorption column through heat conduction.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the replacement time of the adsorption column is the same as the replacement time of the ammonia tank.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the second integrated module includes a pressure reducing valve, a flow controller, an ammonia decomposition reactor, a heat exchanger, a flame arrester, a fan, and an air preheater; the heat exchanger includes a first inlet end, a second inlet end, a first outlet end, and a second outlet end, the first inlet end being connected to the fan, the second inlet end being connected to the outer shell of the ammonia decomposition reactor, the first outlet end being connected to the outer shell of the ammonia decomposition reactor, and the second outlet end being connected to the flame arrester; an air preheater is provided between the heat exchanger and the ammonia decomposition reactor; the pressure reducing valve is connected to the inner shell of the ammonia decomposition reactor, and a flow controller is provided between the pressure reducing valve and the ammonia decomposition reactor.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the third integrated module includes a fuel cell, a condenser, a gas-liquid separator, a DC-DC converter, a lithium battery, and an inverter.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first integrated module further includes a first fast inlet port A and a first fast outlet port A; the second integrated module further includes a second fast inlet port, a first fast inlet port B, an exhaust port, and a second fast inlet port A; the third integrated module further includes a first fast outlet port B and a second fast inlet port B; wherein the first fast inlet port A and the first fast inlet port B are connected by a first detachable gas path, the first fast outlet port A and the first fast outlet port B are connected by a second detachable gas path, the ammonia tank and the second fast inlet port are connected by a third detachable gas path, and the second fast inlet port A and the second fast inlet port B are connected by a fourth detachable gas path.

[0015] In one possible implementation, when there are multiple adsorption columns, the multiple adsorption columns are connected in series.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the heat exchanger includes a first inlet end, a second inlet end, a first outlet end, and a second outlet end. The first inlet end is connected to the fan, the second inlet end is connected to the ammonia decomposition reactor, the first outlet end is connected to the ammonia decomposition reactor, the second outlet end is connected to the flame arrester, and the flame arrester is connected to the exhaust port.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the air blown in by the blower is heated to a first preset temperature by an air preheater. The air at the first preset temperature is mixed with a hydrogen-nitrogen mixture and then enters the outer tube of the ammonia decomposition reactor. Catalytic combustion occurs under the action of a catalytic combustion catalyst, which heats the inner tube of the ammonia decomposition reactor and generates high-temperature flue gas. The high-temperature flue gas then heats the air blown in by the blower through a heat exchanger. The first preset temperature is 300°C, the temperature of the inner tube heating is 600°C-700°C, the temperature of the high-temperature flue gas is 500°C-600°C, and the temperature of the air blown in by the blower heated by the heat exchanger is 200°C-300°C.

[0018] As a second aspect of this application, a modular method for a detachable ammonia fuel cell system is also provided. The adsorption column and ammonia tank are integrated into a first integrated module, with a first fast inlet port A and a first fast outlet port A. A pressure reducing valve, flow controller, ammonia decomposition reactor, heat exchanger, flame arrester, fan, and air preheater are integrated into a second integrated module, with a second fast inlet port, a first fast inlet port B, an exhaust port, and a second fast inlet port A. A fuel cell, condenser, gas-liquid separator, DC-DC converter, lithium battery, and inverter are integrated into a third integrated module, with a first fast outlet port B and a second fast inlet port B. The first fast inlet port A and the first fast inlet port B are connected via a first detachable gas path, the first fast outlet port A and the first fast outlet port B are connected via a second detachable gas path, the ammonia tank and the second fast inlet port are connected via a third detachable gas path, and the second fast inlet port A and the second fast inlet port B are connected via a fourth detachable gas path.

[0019] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0020] This application has the following effects:

[0021] The adsorption columns are fixed around the ammonia tank. The heat absorption from the self-evaporation of ammonia cools the surrounding adsorption columns, maintaining their good adsorption capacity. The number of adsorption columns fixed around the ammonia tank is calculated so that the columns are about to become saturated when the ammonia in the tank is depleted. When the ammonia tank is empty, simply disconnect the gas path connecting the first integrated module to other modules, replace the first integrated module, and replace the adsorption columns along with the ammonia tank. This avoids the inconvenience of replacing adsorption columns placed inside a cabinet in traditional solutions, greatly saving time and workload in replacing the ammonia tank and adsorption columns.

[0022] With a modular system layout, each integrated module is connected by quick-connect and detachable air circuits. When the mobile equipment needs to be moved, the quick-connect and detachable air circuits can be disconnected, and each module can be moved one by one, making the movement more flexible.

[0023] Other advantages, objectives, and features of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examination or study, or may be learned from practice of this application. The objectives and other advantages of this application can be realized and obtained through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain and illustrate this application, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a system structure diagram of this application;

[0026] The components are as follows: 1. First integrated module; 2. Second integrated module; 3. Third integrated module; 11. Adsorption column; 12. Ammonia tank; 13. First fast inlet port A; 14. First fast outlet port A; 21. Pressure reducing valve; 22. Ammonia decomposition reactor; 23. Heat exchanger; 24. Flame arrester; 25. Fan; 26. Air preheater; 27. Second fast inlet port; 28. First fast inlet port B; 29. ​​Second fast inlet port A; 31. Fuel cell; 32. Condenser; 33. Gas-liquid separator; 34. DC converter; 35. Lithium battery; 36. Inverter; 37. First fast outlet port B; 38. Second fast inlet port B. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0028] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0030] In the foregoing description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "one side," "the other side," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. These terms are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a modular, detachable ammonia fuel cell system, characterized by comprising a first integrated module 1, a second integrated module 2, and a third integrated module 3, which are connected via detachable gas paths and quick-connect interfaces; wherein the first integrated module integrates an adsorption column 11 and an ammonia tank 12, with ammonia in the ammonia tank self-evaporating and absorbing heat to cool the adsorption column; the second integrated module integrates an ammonia decomposition component, which decomposes ammonia to provide fuel; and the third integrated module integrates an electrical component, which converts fuel into electrical energy output.

[0032] In this embodiment, the adsorption column is arranged around the ammonia tank, so that the ammonia in the ammonia tank absorbs heat through self-evaporation and cools the adsorption column through heat conduction.

[0033] In this embodiment, the replacement time of the adsorption column is the same as the replacement time of the ammonia tank.

[0034] In this embodiment, the second integrated module 2 includes a pressure reducing valve 21, a flow controller, an ammonia decomposition reactor 22, a heat exchanger 23, a flame arrester 24, a fan 25, and an air preheater 26. The heat exchanger 23 includes a first inlet end, a second inlet end, a first outlet end, and a second outlet end. The first inlet end is connected to the fan 25, the second inlet end is connected to the outer shell of the ammonia decomposition reactor 22, the first outlet end is connected to the outer shell of the ammonia decomposition reactor 22, and the second outlet end is connected to the flame arrester 24. An air preheater 26 is provided between the heat exchanger 23 and the ammonia decomposition reactor 22. The pressure reducing valve 21 is connected to the inner shell of the ammonia decomposition reactor 22, and a flow controller is provided between the pressure reducing valve 21 and the ammonia decomposition reactor 22.

[0035] In this embodiment, the third integrated module 3 includes a fuel cell 31, a condenser 32, a gas-liquid separator 33, a DC-DC converter 34, a lithium battery 35, and an inverter 36.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first integrated module further includes a first fast inlet port A13 and a first fast outlet port A14; the second integrated module further includes a second fast inlet port 27, a first fast inlet port B28, an exhaust port, and a second fast inlet port A29; the third integrated module further includes a first fast outlet port B37 and a second fast inlet port B38; wherein, the first fast inlet port A and the first fast inlet port B are connected by a first detachable gas path, the first fast outlet port A and the first fast outlet port B are connected by a second detachable gas path, the ammonia tank and the second fast inlet port are connected by a third detachable gas path, and the second fast inlet port A and the second fast inlet port B are connected by a fourth detachable gas path.

[0037] In this embodiment, when there are multiple adsorption columns, the multiple adsorption columns are connected in series.

[0038] In this embodiment, the air blown in by the blower 25 is heated to a first preset temperature by the air preheater 26. The air at the first preset temperature is mixed with the hydrogen-nitrogen mixture and then enters the outer tube of the ammonia decomposition reactor. Under the action of the catalytic combustion catalyst, catalytic combustion occurs to heat the inner tube of the ammonia decomposition reactor, while generating high-temperature flue gas. The high-temperature flue gas heats the air blown in by the blower 25 by the heat exchanger 23. The first preset temperature is 300°C, the temperature of the inner tube is 600°C-700°C, the temperature of the high-temperature flue gas is 500°C-600°C, and the temperature of the air blown in by the blower 25 by the heat exchanger 23 is 200°C-300°C.

[0039] Ammonia in the ammonia tank, after passing through a pressure reducing valve and flow controller, enters the inner tube of the ammonia decomposition reactor. At high temperature (450-500℃), it is decomposed into hydrogen, nitrogen, and a small amount of residual ammonia by a ruthenium-based catalyst. The gas exiting the inner tube enters an adsorption column to remove residual ammonia, yielding a pure hydrogen-nitrogen mixture. The hydrogen and nitrogen gas then enter the fuel cell, where a redox reaction generates electricity. This current is transformed by a DC-DC converter and supplied to the lithium battery and inverter, which can then output power to loads. The fuel cell outlet gas (mainly composed of hydrogen, nitrogen, and water) is condensed and separated into a dry hydrogen-nitrogen mixture. The air blown in by the blower is preheated to high temperature (300℃) by the preheater. This high temperature air is then mixed with a hydrogen-nitrogen mixture and a second mixture before entering the outer tube of the ammonia decomposition reactor. The second mixture, which is a mixture condensed by a condenser and separated by a gas-liquid separator, undergoes catalytic combustion under the action of a catalytic combustion catalyst, providing heat (600-700℃) to the inner tube of the ammonia decomposition reactor and simultaneously generating high-temperature flue gas (500-600℃). This high-temperature flue gas then passes through heat exchanger 23 to transfer heat to the air, heating it (200-300℃) and improving the system's energy efficiency. The flue gas (containing nitrogen, water, and residual hydrogen) after heat exchange passes through flame arrester 24 and is then discharged into the atmosphere.

[0040] The adsorption columns are fixed around the ammonia tank. The self-evaporation and heat absorption of ammonia cool the surrounding adsorption columns, improving their adsorption capacity. The number of adsorption columns fixed around the ammonia tank is calculated to ensure that the columns are saturated when the ammonia in the tank is depleted. When the ammonia tank is empty, simply disconnect the gas path connecting the first integrated module to other modules and replace the first integrated module. The adsorption columns are replaced together with the ammonia tank, avoiding the inconvenience of replacing adsorption columns located inside a cabinet in traditional solutions, greatly saving time and workload in replacing the ammonia tank and adsorption columns. Through the modular layout of the system, each integrated module is connected by quick-connect and detachable gas paths. When moving equipment is required, the quick-connect and detachable gas paths can be disconnected, and each module can be moved individually, making transportation more flexible.

[0041] As a second aspect of this application, a modular method for a detachable ammonia fuel cell system is also provided. The adsorption column and ammonia tank are integrated into a first integrated module, with a first fast inlet port A and a first fast outlet port A. A pressure reducing valve, flow controller, ammonia decomposition reactor, heat exchanger, flame arrester, fan, and air preheater are integrated into a second integrated module, with a second fast inlet port, a first fast inlet port B, an exhaust port, and a second fast inlet port A. A fuel cell, condenser, gas-liquid separator, DC-DC converter, lithium battery, and inverter are integrated into a third integrated module, with a first fast outlet port B and a second fast inlet port B. The first fast inlet port A and the first fast inlet port B are connected via a first detachable gas path, the first fast outlet port A and the first fast outlet port B are connected via a second detachable gas path, the ammonia tank and the second fast inlet port are connected via a third detachable gas path, and the second fast inlet port A and the second fast inlet port B are connected via a fourth detachable gas path.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A modular method of a modular detachable ammonia fuel cell system, characterized in that, comprising a first integrated module, a second integrated module and a third integrated module, the first integrated module, the second integrated module and the third integrated module are connected through detachable gas paths and quick interfaces; an adsorption column and an ammonia tank are integrated into the first integrated module, and a first inlet quick interface A and a first outlet quick interface A are arranged; the first integrated module is used to integrate the adsorption column and the ammonia tank, ammonia in the ammonia tank is self-evaporated to cool the adsorption column; the adsorption column is arranged around the ammonia tank, so that the ammonia in the ammonia tank is self-evaporated to cool the adsorption column through heat conduction; the replacement time of the adsorption column is the same as that of the ammonia tank; when there are multiple adsorption columns, the multiple adsorption columns are connected in series; a pressure reducing valve, a flow controller, an ammonia decomposition reactor, a heat exchanger, a flame arrester, a fan and an air preheater are integrated into the second integrated module, and a second inlet quick interface, a first inlet quick interface B, an exhaust port and a second inlet gas quick interface A are arranged; the second integrated module is used to integrate an ammonia decomposition assembly; a fuel cell, a condenser, a gas-liquid separator, a direct current converter, a lithium battery and an inverter are integrated into the third integrated module, and a first outlet quick interface B and a second inlet gas quick interface B are arranged; the third integrated module is used to integrate an electrical assembly; the first inlet quick interface A and the first inlet quick interface B are connected through a first detachable gas path, the first outlet quick interface A and the first outlet quick interface B are connected through a second detachable gas path, the ammonia tank and the second inlet quick interface are connected through a third detachable gas path, and the second inlet gas quick interface A and the second inlet gas quick interface B are connected through a fourth detachable gas path.

2. The modular method of a modular detachable ammonia fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein, The second integrated module comprises a pressure reducing valve, a flow controller, an ammonia decomposition reactor, a heat exchanger, a flame arrester, a fan and an air preheater; the heat exchanger comprises a first gas inlet end, a second gas inlet end, a first gas outlet end and a second gas outlet end, the first gas inlet end is in communication with the fan, the second gas inlet end is in communication with the shell of the ammonia decomposition reactor, the first gas outlet end is in communication with the shell of the ammonia decomposition reactor, and the second gas outlet end is in communication with the flame arrester; an air preheater is arranged between the heat exchanger and the ammonia decomposition reactor; the pressure reducing valve is in communication with the inner shell of the ammonia decomposition reactor, and a flow controller is arranged between the pressure reducing valve and the ammonia decomposition reactor.

3. The modular method of claim 2, wherein, The third integrated module comprises a fuel cell, a condenser, a gas-liquid separator, a direct current converter, a lithium battery and an inverter.

4. The modular method of claim 3, wherein, The first integrated module further comprises a first inlet quick interface A and a first outlet quick interface A; the second integrated module further comprises a second inlet quick interface, a first inlet quick interface B, an exhaust port and a second inlet gas quick interface A; the third integrated module further comprises a first outlet quick interface B and a second inlet gas quick interface B; wherein the first inlet quick interface A and the first inlet quick interface B are connected through a first detachable gas path, the first outlet quick interface A and the first outlet quick interface B are connected through a second detachable gas path, the ammonia tank and the second inlet quick interface are connected through a third detachable gas path, and the second inlet gas quick interface A and the second inlet gas quick interface B are connected through a fourth detachable gas path.

5. The modular method of claim 4, wherein, The air blown by the fan is heated to a first preset temperature by an air preheater, the air at the first preset temperature is mixed with hydrogen-nitrogen mixed gas, and then enters an outer pipe of an ammonia decomposition reactor, and catalytic combustion occurs under the action of a catalytic combustion catalyst to heat an inner pipe of the ammonia decomposition reactor and generate high-temperature flue gas; the high-temperature flue gas is heated by a heat exchanger to heat the air blown by the fan; wherein the first preset temperature is 300 DEG C, the temperature of the inner pipe heating is 600 DEG C-700 DEG C, the temperature of the high-temperature flue gas is 500 DEG C-600 DEG C, and the temperature of the air blown by the fan heated by the heat exchanger is 200 DEG C-300 DEG C.

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