Lightweight integrated reactor for hydrogen production by aluminum water reaction

Abstract

This invention discloses a lightweight integrated reactor for hydrogen production from molten aluminum, comprising: an inner liner forming a reaction chamber for the molten aluminum reaction; an outer cover covering the inner liner; a connecting frame fixed to the upper ends of the inner liner and the outer cover; a sandwich structure formed between the inner liner, the outer cover, and the connecting frame; and a support layer between the inner liner and the outer cover. This invention offers the following advantages and effects: By employing a lightweight and rigid structural design, weight reduction is effectively achieved, decreasing the overall volume and weight of the reactor, thus realizing a lightweight and integrated design. The use of titanium alloy material allows the entire reactor to meet the requirements for alkali resistance and high-temperature resistance, improving the space utilization of the hydrogen production reactor and enhancing its practicality. Through-holes in the support layer allow it to function as a circulation channel for cooling water, increasing the heat dissipation area, improving heat dissipation efficiency, and further enhancing the space utilization of the reactor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen energy production, and in particular to a lightweight integrated reactor for producing hydrogen from aluminum molten metal. Background Technology

[0002] To date, methods for producing hydrogen mainly include traditional fossil fuel conversion, water electrolysis, novel biohydrogen production, photocatalytic decomposition, and metal-based hydrogen production. Among these, aluminum and aluminum alloys, as representative metal materials for hydrogen production, have attracted attention. On the one hand, aluminum is the most abundant metallic element in the Earth's crust, with wide availability and low price; on the other hand, aluminum hydrolysis has a high hydrogen yield, a hydrogen storage value of 11.1%, and the reaction process does not produce harmful substances containing carbon and nitrogen. The products are environmentally friendly, and the byproducts can be completely recycled.

[0003] Aluminum-to-hydrogen reaction is a uniquely advantageous method, providing a reliable hydrogen source with a suitable reaction apparatus. However, the dense oxide layer on the aluminum surface prevents the contact reaction between molten aluminum and hydrogen production. Among current methods for removing the passivation layer, such as alkali addition, melting, and alloying, adding a certain concentration of alkaline solution is a rapid and relatively effective approach. However, the strong corrosiveness of alkali and the exothermic effect of the reaction process pose a risk of explosion if the heat released cannot be effectively controlled, due to excessively high temperatures inside the reaction chamber.

[0004] In existing technologies, heat dissipation treatment for aluminum molten metal reaction in reaction chambers is mostly done by independent devices. Secondly, the hydrogen production rate is related to the alkali concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction area. To control the reaction and obtain a stable flow of hydrogen, an important measure is to control the area of ​​solid-liquid reaction and remove the heat of reaction in a timely manner.

[0005] Therefore, in order to adapt to and meet the requirements of alkali resistance and high temperature resistance for the reactor in the aluminum-water hydrogen production process, and to further improve the space utilization rate of the hydrogen production reactor and thus enhance its practicality, the main development direction is to design an integrated aluminum-water hydrogen production reactor that is simple in design, safe, reliable, and lightweight. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a lightweight integrated reactor for hydrogen production from aluminum molten metal, which improves space utilization and enhances practicality, achieving the effects of lightweight and integrated design.

[0007] The above-mentioned technical objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a lightweight integrated reactor for hydrogen production from aluminum molten metal, comprising:

[0008] The inner liner forms a reaction chamber for the aluminum molten metal reaction.

[0009] The outer cover is installed over the outside of the inner liner;

[0010] A connecting frame is fixed to the upper end of the inner liner and the outer cover;

[0011] A sandwich layer is formed between the inner liner, the outer cover, and the connecting frame, while a support layer is provided between the inner liner and the outer cover.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that: a through hole is provided through the support layer, so that interconnected heat dissipation channels are formed within the interlayer.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that: the support layer includes a plurality of side plates and a plurality of bottom plates, the side plates and the bottom plates are both arranged in the shape of angle steel, and the two sides are fixed to the inner liner, and the corner positions are fixed to the outer cover.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that the bottom positions of the inner liner and the outer cover are arranged in an arc shape, and an arc-shaped connecting plate is provided at the corner position of the inner liner and the outer cover.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that: one end of the connecting plates on both sides is connected to the corner position of the side plate, and the other end is connected to the corner position of the bottom plate; and one end of the connecting plates on the other two sides is connected to the corner position of the side plate, and the other end is connected to the side wall of the bottom plate.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that the corners of the inner liner and the outer cover are arranged in an arc shape, and a reinforcing plate is provided at the corners of the inner liner and the outer cover.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that: the reinforcing plate is arranged in the shape of an angle steel, and its two sides are fixed to the inner liner, and the angle position is fixed to the outer cover.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that: a reinforcing rib is provided inside the reinforcing plate, one end of the reinforcing rib is fixed to the corner position of the reinforcing plate, and the other end is fixed to the corner position of the inner liner.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that the included angles of the side plate, the bottom plate, and the reinforcing plate are all acute angles.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may be further configured such that the inner liner, the outer cover, the connecting frame, and the support layer are all made of titanium alloy.

[0021] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] 1. By adopting a lightweight rigidity structure design, weight reduction can be effectively achieved, reducing the overall volume and weight of the reactor, and realizing the lightweight and integrated design of the reactor;

[0023] 2. By using titanium alloy material, the entire reactor can meet the requirements of alkali resistance and high temperature resistance, improving the space utilization of the hydrogen production reactor and thus enhancing its practicality;

[0024] 3. By setting a high-strength support layer inside the reactor, it plays a rigid support role, achieves joint load bearing, and can withstand the internal pressure formed by the combined effects of hydrogen gas and exothermic effects generated during the reaction process;

[0025] 4. By opening through holes in the support layer, the support layer can be used as a circulation channel for cooling water, increasing the heat dissipation area, improving heat dissipation efficiency, and increasing the space utilization of the reactor.

[0026] 5. By setting the positions of the inlet and outlet based on fluid and thermal simulation results, and by adjusting the opening of the control valve to control the cooling water circulation speed, the temperature inside the tank can be controlled. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection relationship in the embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the support layer structure in an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the reinforcing plate and reinforcing ribs in an embodiment.

[0031] Reference numerals: 1. Inner liner; 2. Outer cover; 3. Connecting frame; 4. Support layer; 41. Side plate; 42. Bottom plate; 5. Through hole; 6. Connecting plate; 7. Reinforcing plate; 8. Reinforcing rib. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a lightweight integrated reactor for hydrogen production from aluminum molten metal includes an inner liner 1, an outer cover 2, and a connecting frame 3. The inner liner 1, outer cover 2, and connecting frame 3 are all made of titanium alloy. Taking advantage of the high strength, low density, good mechanical properties, good toughness, and good corrosion resistance of titanium alloy, the entire reactor meets the environmental requirements of alkali resistance and high temperature resistance.

[0034] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the inner liner 1 forms a reaction chamber for the aluminum molten metal reaction, the outer cover 2 covers the outside of the inner liner 1, and the connecting frame 3 is fixed to the upper end of the inner liner 1 and the outer cover 2, so that a sealed interlayer is formed between the inner liner 1, the outer cover 2 and the connecting frame 3.

[0035] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a titanium alloy support layer 4 is provided between the inner liner 1 and the outer cover 2. The support layer 4 provides rigid support and can withstand the internal pressure formed by the combined effects of hydrogen gas and exothermic effects generated during the reaction process. Several through holes 5 are provided through the support layer 4, so that the interlayer forms interconnected heat dissipation channels. At the same time, the outer cover 2 has a water inlet and a water outlet to circulate cold water to dissipate heat from the reactor.

[0036] Therefore, before using the reactor, cooling water is injected into the interlayer between the inner liner 1 and the outer casing 2. The inner liner 1 can be directly filled with solid hydrogen production mixed packing. During use, the solid hydrogen production material in the inner cavity reacts with water to generate hydrogen gas. At this time, the hydrogen gas in the reactor is output to other storage or hydrogen supply units through the gas outlet at the top.

[0037] At the same time, the control valve on the water inlet is opened to control the temperature through water circulation. The cooling water circulates in the jacket under the action of the external circulation pump, which can remove the heat generated by the aluminum water reactor during the hydrolysis reaction.

[0038] In the selection of the inlet and outlet locations, based on fluid and thermal simulation results, finite element analysis is used to determine the temperature values ​​at various points during the water circulation process. The locations of the inlet and outlet are then selected based on the temperature changes, thus choosing the optimal water path. Furthermore, during the water circulation cooling process, the cooling water circulation speed can be controlled by adjusting the opening of the control valve, thereby achieving temperature control within the inner tank 1.

[0039] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the support layer 4 includes several side plates 41 and several bottom plates 42. The side plates 41 and bottom plates 42 are both set in the shape of angle steel, and are fixed to the inner liner 1 on both sides. The corner position is fixed to the outer cover 2. At the same time, the adjacent side plates 41 or bottom plates 42 abut against each other to satisfy the support between the entire inner liner 1 and the outer cover 2.

[0040] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the through holes 5 are opened on both sides of the side plate 41 and the bottom plate 42, and correspond to each other. They are evenly distributed along the length of the side plate 41 and the bottom plate 42, so that multiple channels can be used to realize the flow of water during the water circulation process, so that the water flow becomes turbulent, the flow path and flow time of the water flow are increased, the heat dissipation area is increased, the heat dissipation efficiency is improved, and the space utilization of the reactor is improved.

[0041] The included angle between the side plate 41 and the bottom plate 42 is acute, preferably 85°. Since the side plate 41 and the bottom plate 42 are shaped like angle steel, their cross-sections form a triangle, which can stably support the inner liner 1 and the outer cover 2. At the same time, because the included angle is acute and the force is applied from the inside to the outside, it will act on the opening positions of the side plate 41 and the bottom plate 42. Under force, it can prevent the side plate 41 and the bottom plate 42 from opening outward as much as possible, preventing deformation and thus improving structural strength.

[0042] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the inner liner 1 and the outer cover 2 are arranged in an arc shape. An arc-shaped connecting plate 6 is provided at the corner of the inner liner 1 and the outer cover 2 to increase the structural strength and load-bearing capacity of the bottom position and fully overcome the internal pressure formed by the combined effects of hydrogen gas and exothermic effect generated during the reaction process.

[0043] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, since the length direction of the base plate 42 is the same, during the fixing process of the connecting plate 6, one end of the connecting plate 6 on both sides is connected to the corner position of the side plate 41, and the other end is connected to the corner position of the base plate 42. In addition, one end of the connecting plate 6 on both sides is connected to the corner position of the side plate 41, and the other end is connected to the side wall of the base plate 42.

[0044] Since the connecting plate 6 is located at the angle between the bottom plate 42 and the side plate 41, as well as at the angle between the side wall of the bottom plate 42 and the side plate 41, it can prevent stress concentration when the bottom plate 42 and the side plate 41 work together, and disperse the point force to the surface force, so that the entire inner liner 1 and the outer cover 2 can jointly bear the required internal force, thereby effectively improving the structural strength.

[0045] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the corners of the inner liner 1 and the outer cover 2 are rounded, and reinforcing plates 7 are provided at the corners of the inner liner 1 and the outer cover 2. The reinforcing plates 7 are angle steel in shape, and are fixed to the inner liner 1 on both sides, and fixed to the outer cover 2 at the corner.

[0046] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the included angle of the reinforcing plate 7 is an acute angle, preferably 55°. The reinforcing plate 7 is provided with a reinforcing rib 8 inside, one end of the reinforcing rib 8 is fixed to the corner position of the reinforcing plate 7, and the other end is fixed to the corner position of the inner liner 1.

[0047] Therefore, by adding reinforcing plates 7 at the corners of the inner liner 1 and the outer cover 2, and setting reinforcing ribs 8 in the reinforcing plates 7, the corners of the inner liner 1 and the outer cover 2 can be effectively supported. Since the internal force at the corner is relatively large, the addition of reinforcing ribs 8 can just hold the corner, disperse the force that directly impacts the corner, prevent deformation, and improve the structural strength.

[0048] The included angle of the reinforcing plate 7 is 55°, thus forming an isosceles triangle. Therefore, when a force is applied to the opening of the reinforcing plate 7, it can prevent the side plate 41 and the bottom plate 42 from opening outward as much as possible, preventing deformation and thus improving the structural strength.

[0049] The specific embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to these embodiments without contributing any inventive step, but such modifications are protected by patent law as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lightweight integrated reactor for hydrogen production from molten aluminum, characterized in that, include: The inner liner (1) forms a reaction chamber for the aluminum molten metal reaction. Outer cover (2), which covers the outside of the inner liner (1); The connecting frame (3) is fixed to the upper end of the inner liner (1) and the outer cover (2); A sandwich layer is formed between the inner liner (1), the outer cover (2) and the connecting frame (3), and a support layer (4) is provided between the inner liner (1) and the outer cover (2); The support layer (4) is provided with through holes (5), so that heat dissipation channels are formed in the interlayer; The support layer (4) includes several side plates (41) and several bottom plates (42). The side plates (41) and the bottom plates (42) are both set in the shape of angle steel and are fixed to the inner liner (1) on both sides. The corner position is fixed to the outer cover (2). Adjacent side plates (41) or bottom plates (42) abut against each other. The included angle of the side plates (41) and the bottom plates (42) is an acute angle.

2. The lightweight integrated reactor for hydrogen production from aluminum molten metal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the inner liner (1) and the outer cover (2) are arranged in an arc shape, and an arc-shaped connecting plate (6) is provided at the corner of the inner liner (1) and the outer cover (2).

3. A lightweight integrated reactor for hydrogen production from aluminum molten metal according to claim 2, characterized in that: One end of the connecting plate (6) on both sides is connected to the corner of the side plate (41), and the other end is connected to the corner of the bottom plate (42). In addition, one end of the connecting plate (6) on both sides is connected to the corner of the side plate (41), and the other end is connected to the side wall of the bottom plate (42).

4. A lightweight integrated reactor for hydrogen production from aluminum molten metal according to claim 3, characterized in that: The corners of the inner liner (1) and the outer cover (2) are rounded, and reinforcing plates (7) are provided at the corners of the inner liner (1) and the outer cover (2).

5. A lightweight integrated reactor for hydrogen production from aluminum molten metal according to claim 4, characterized in that: The reinforcing plate (7) is set in the shape of angle steel, and its two sides are fixed to the inner liner (1), and the corner position is fixed to the outer cover (2).

6. A lightweight integrated reactor for hydrogen production from aluminum molten metal according to claim 5, characterized in that: The reinforcing plate (7) is provided with a reinforcing rib (8) inside. One end of the reinforcing rib (8) is fixed to the corner of the reinforcing plate (7), and the other end is fixed to the corner of the inner liner (1).

7. A lightweight integrated reactor for hydrogen production from aluminum molten metal according to claim 6, characterized in that: The included angles of the side plate (41), the bottom plate (42), and the reinforcing plate (7) are all acute angles.

8. A lightweight integrated reactor for hydrogen production from aluminum molten metal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner liner (1), the outer cover (2), the connecting frame (3), and the support layer (4) are all made of titanium alloy.

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