Control Method for Aluminum-Water Reaction Hydrogen Production System

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control method for an aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system. The operating conditions of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system are divided into three operating conditions: the system startup stage, the system operation stage, and the system shutdown stage. In the system startup stage, water is injected into the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system until the actual pressure of the aluminum-water reactor reaches the first set pressure value, and then the flow controller is turned on. In the system operation stage, the water injection amount into the aluminum-water reactor is controlled according to the target hydrogen production amount and the actual hydrogen production amount of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system and the actual pressure of the aluminum-water reactor. In the system shutdown stage, the water injection into the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system is stopped, and when the actual pressure of the aluminum-water reactor is less than the second set pressure value, the flow controller stops operating. The control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system of the present invention achieves the technical effects of rapid startup during the startup process, stable hydrogen production during the operation process, and safe shutdown during the shutdown process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of hydrogen production, and particularly to a control method for an aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system. Background Art

[0002] The aluminum hydrolysis hydrogen production technology is widely used in fuel cells due to its advantages such as high hydrogen storage density, high safety, and recyclability of products, and can meet the hydrogen supply requirements of fuel cells in various scenarios. In the prior art, the hydrogen production system for realizing the aluminum hydrolysis hydrogen production technology and its control method are not perfect, and there are still technical problems such as unstable hydrogen production rate and inability to ensure the rapid startup and safe shutdown of the hydrogen production system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, in view of the technical problems of unstable hydrogen production rate and inability to ensure the rapid startup and safe shutdown of the hydrogen production system existing in the aluminum hydrolysis hydrogen production technology in the prior art, it is necessary to provide a control method for an aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system.

[0004] A control method for an aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system, the control method for the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system includes:

[0005] In the system startup stage, water is injected into the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system until the actual pressure of the aluminum-water reactor reaches the first set pressure value, and then the flow controller is turned on;

[0006] In the system operation stage, according to the target hydrogen production amount and the actual hydrogen production amount of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system and the actual pressure of the aluminum-water reactor, the water injection amount into the aluminum-water reactor is controlled;

[0007] In the system shutdown stage, water injection into the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system is stopped, and when the actual pressure of the aluminum-water reactor is less than the second set pressure value, the flow controller stops operating.

[0008] In one embodiment, the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system includes an aluminum-water reaction system and a reaction water supply system connected to the water inlet end of the aluminum-water reaction system. Injecting water into the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system includes:

[0009] Injecting water into the reaction water supply system;

[0010] When the actual pressure of the reaction water supply system reaches the third set pressure value, water injection into the aluminum-water reaction system is started.

[0011] In one embodiment, injecting water into the aluminum-water reaction system includes:

[0012] Injecting water into the water supply pipeline of the aluminum-water reaction system;

[0013] When the top pressure value of the molten aluminum reactor reaches the fourth set pressure value, the reaction of molten aluminum starts to occur in the molten aluminum reactor;

[0014] Continue to inject water into the molten aluminum reaction system to quickly build pressure in the molten aluminum reactor;

[0015] Among them, the fourth set pressure value is less than the first set pressure value.

[0016] In one embodiment, when the actual pressure value of the molten aluminum reactor satisfies being greater than the fourth set pressure value and less than the first set pressure value, according to the difference between the actual pressure value of the molten aluminum reactor and the first set pressure value, adjust the water injection amount into the molten aluminum reaction system per unit time.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the actual flow rate of the flow controller reaches the set target flow rate value, the system startup stage ends.

[0018] In one embodiment, a water inlet solenoid valve is provided at the water inlet end of the molten aluminum reactor, and the water injection amount into the molten aluminum reactor is controlled by setting the opening and closing time of the water inlet solenoid valve. The system operation stage includes the following steps:

[0019] Determine the pulse width and period of the water inlet solenoid valve according to the target hydrogen production amount of the molten aluminum reaction hydrogen production system and the actual pressure of the molten aluminum reactor;

[0020] Determine the periodic pulse width correction coefficient according to the target hydrogen production amount of the molten aluminum reaction hydrogen production system and the actual hydrogen production amount monitored by the flow controller;

[0021] Determine the final pulse width and final period of the water inlet solenoid valve according to the pulse width and period of the water inlet solenoid valve and the periodic pulse width correction coefficient.

[0022] In one embodiment, determining the pulse width and period of the water inlet solenoid valve according to the target hydrogen production amount of the molten aluminum reaction hydrogen production system and the actual pressure of the molten aluminum reactor includes the following steps:

[0023] Determine the theoretical water inlet amount for the molten aluminum reaction according to the target hydrogen production amount of the molten aluminum reaction hydrogen production system;

[0024] Determine the dynamic water inlet amount according to the theoretical water inlet amount for the molten aluminum reaction and the water amount correction coefficient;

[0025] Determine the static water inlet amount according to the pressure change amount of the molten aluminum reactor within T1 time;

[0026] Calculate the actual water inflow required for the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system based on the dynamic water inflow and the static water inflow, and then determine the pulse width and period of the water inlet solenoid valve.

[0027] In one embodiment, the water volume correction coefficient is obtained through the following steps:

[0028] Determine the adaptive correction coefficient according to the pressure change rate of the aluminum-water reactor per unit time and the difference between the actual pressure value of the aluminum-water reactor and the first set pressure value;

[0029] Based on the actual pressure value of the aluminum-water reactor, predict the pressure value of the aluminum-water reactor after T2 time according to the pressure change situation of the aluminum-water reactor in the previous T2 time, and then determine the prediction correction coefficient;

[0030] Determine the water volume correction coefficient according to the adaptive correction coefficient and the prediction correction coefficient.

[0031] In one embodiment, the control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system further includes a system heat dissipation stage, and the system heat dissipation stage exists in the system startup stage, the system operation stage, and the system shutdown stage.

[0032] In one embodiment, during the system heat dissipation stage,

[0033] When the temperature in the aluminum-water reactor rises, the rotation speed of the cooling fan increases;

[0034] When the temperature in the aluminum-water reactor drops, the rotation speed of the cooling fan decreases.

[0035] The control method of the above-mentioned aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system divides the operating conditions of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system into three conditions: system startup stage, system operation stage, and system shutdown stage, and respectively adopts corresponding means to control the operating state of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system, achieving the technical effects of rapid startup during the startup process, stable hydrogen production during the operation process, and safe shutdown during the shutdown process. Specifically, in the system startup stage, water is injected into the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system to increase the pressure in the aluminum-water reactor, and the actual pressure value of the aluminum-water reactor is monitored as a signal to determine the success of startup. Before the actual pressure of the aluminum-water reactor reaches the first set pressure value, the flow controller is not turned on, realizing the rapid establishment of pressure in the aluminum-water reactor, that is, the rapid startup of the startup process; in the system operation stage, according to the theoretical hydrogen production amount and actual hydrogen production amount of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system and the actual pressure of the aluminum-water reactor, the water injection amount into the aluminum-water reactor is controlled, and then the hydrogen production rate of the aluminum-water reaction in the aluminum-water reactor is controlled to ensure stable hydrogen production during the operation process; since the aluminum-water reaction will still continuously release pressure for a period of time after the water injection into the aluminum-water reactor stops, resulting in an increase in the internal pressure of the aluminum-water reactor and potential safety hazards, therefore, in the system shutdown stage of the present invention, by first stopping the water injection into the aluminum-water reactor and then stopping the operation of the flow controller, it is ensured that the air pressure in the aluminum-water reactor will not exceed the safe range, ensuring safe shutdown. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 is a simplified structural schematic diagram of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 is a simplified flow chart of the control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0038] Figure 3 is a simplified flow chart of the control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0039] Figure 4 is a simplified flow chart of the control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Figure 3 ;

[0040] Figure 5 is a simplified flow chart of the control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Figure 4 ;

[0041] Figure 6 is a simplified flow chart of the control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0042] Description of the reference numerals:

[0043] 101 - Aluminum water reactor; 102 - Second pressure sensor; 103 - First temperature sensor; 104 - Second temperature sensor; 105 - Third temperature sensor;

[0044] 201 - Flow controller; 202 - Gas - water separator; 203 - Drain solenoid valve; 204 - Drying tube; 205 - Buffer tank; 206 - Third pressure sensor; 207 - Pressure reducing valve;

[0045] 301 - Water inlet solenoid valve; 302 - Water tank; 303 - Liquid level sensor; 304 - Alarm lamp; 305 - High - pressure water pump; 306 - First pressure sensor;

[0046] 401 - Cooling fan; 402 - Cooling water pump; 403 - Cooling chamber. Detailed implementation manners

[0047] To make the above - mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the following will describe the detailed implementation manners of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to fully understand the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without departing from the connotation of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0048] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0049] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically and clearly defined.

[0050] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified or defined, terms such as "installed", "connected", "joined", "fixed", etc. shall be construed in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the internal communication of two components or the interaction relationship between two components, unless otherwise clearly defined. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0051] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified or defined, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature may be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are indirectly in contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature may be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a higher horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature being "under", "beneath" and "underneath" the second feature may be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

[0052] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may also be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are only for the purpose of illustration and do not represent the only implementation.

[0053] An embodiment of the present invention provides a control method for an aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system. The aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system includes a reaction water supply system, an aluminum-water reaction system, a hydrogen output system and a heat dissipation system. The reaction water supply system is connected to the water inlet end of the aluminum-water reaction system, the hydrogen output system is connected to the gas outlet end of the aluminum-water reaction system, and the heat dissipation system is used to dissipate heat from the aluminum-water reaction system. The operating conditions of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system are divided into three conditions: system startup stage, system operation stage and system shutdown stage.

[0054] In some embodiments, during the system startup phase, water is injected into the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system until the actual pressure in the aluminum-water reactor 101 reaches the first set pressure value, at which point the flow controller 201 is turned on. During the system operation phase, the water injection volume into the aluminum-water reactor 101 is controlled based on the target hydrogen production amount and the actual hydrogen production amount of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system and the actual pressure in the aluminum-water reactor 101. During the system shutdown phase, water injection into the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system is stopped, and when the actual pressure in the aluminum-water reactor 101 is less than the second set pressure value, the flow controller 201 stops operating.

[0055] The control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system according to the embodiments of the present application divides the operating conditions of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system into three conditions: the system startup phase, the system operation phase, and the system shutdown phase, and respectively adopts corresponding means to control the operating state of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system, achieving the technical effects of rapid startup during the startup process, stable hydrogen production during the operation process, and safe shutdown during the shutdown process. Specifically, during the system startup phase, by injecting water into the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system to increase the pressure in the aluminum-water reactor, the actual pressure value of the aluminum-water reactor 101 is monitored as a signal to determine the success of the startup, and the flow controller 201 is not turned on until the actual pressure in the aluminum-water reactor 101 reaches the first set pressure value, realizing the rapid establishment of the pressure in the aluminum-water reactor 101, that is, the rapid startup of the startup process; during the system operation phase, based on the theoretical hydrogen production amount and the actual hydrogen production amount of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system and the actual pressure in the aluminum-water reactor 101, the water injection volume into the aluminum-water reactor 101 is controlled, and then the hydrogen production rate of the aluminum-water reaction in the aluminum-water reactor 101 is controlled to ensure stable hydrogen production during the operation process; since the aluminum-water reaction will continue to release pressure for a period of time after the water injection into the aluminum-water reactor 101 is stopped, resulting in an increase in the internal pressure of the aluminum-water reactor 101 and posing a safety hazard, therefore, in the system shutdown phase of the present invention, by first stopping the water injection into the aluminum-water reactor 101 and then stopping the operation of the flow controller 201, it is ensured that the air pressure in the aluminum-water reactor 101 will not exceed the safe range, ensuring safe shutdown.

[0056] Combined with Figure 1 , Figure 1 shows a simplified structural schematic diagram of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] In some embodiments, the reaction water supply system includes a water tank 302, a high-pressure water pump 305, and a water inlet solenoid valve 301. The water outlet end of the water tank 302 is connected to the high-pressure water pump 305, and the high-pressure water pump 305 is connected to the water inlet end of the aluminum-water reactor 101 through the water inlet solenoid valve 301. Further, a liquid level sensor 303 and an alarm lamp 304 are provided on the water tank 302. The liquid level sensor 303 is used to detect the water volume in the water tank 302. When the water volume in the water tank 302 is lower than the set threshold, the alarm lamp 304 beeps and flashes for alarm. Further, a first pressure sensor 306 is provided on the pipeline connecting the high-pressure water pump 305 and the water inlet solenoid valve 301.

[0058] In the above structural arrangement, when the reaction water supply system works, the high-pressure water pump 305 operates to pump out the reaction water from the water tank 302. The water passes through the pressure sensor 1 and reaches the water inlet solenoid valve 301. The water inlet solenoid valve 301 opens, and a certain amount of reaction water enters the aluminum-water reactor 101. The liquid level sensor 303 continuously monitors the water volume in the water tank 302. When the water volume in the water tank 302 is lower than the set threshold, the alarm lamp 304 beeps and flashes for alarm, indicating to add water.

[0059] In some embodiments, the aluminum-water reaction system includes an aluminum-water reactor 101 and a second pressure sensor 102, a first temperature sensor 103, a second temperature sensor 104, and a third temperature sensor 105 provided on the aluminum-water reactor 101. The second pressure sensor 102 is used to monitor the hydrogen pressure inside the aluminum-water reactor 101. The first temperature sensor 103 is used to monitor the temperature in the top area of the aluminum-water reactor 101, the second temperature sensor 104 is used to monitor the temperature in the middle area of the aluminum-water reactor 101, and the third temperature sensor 105 is used to monitor the temperature in the bottom area of the aluminum-water reactor 101. With the cooperation of the second pressure sensor 102, the first temperature sensor 103, the second temperature sensor 104, and the third temperature sensor 105, the reaction state inside the aluminum-water reactor 101 is monitored, so as to adjust the water inflow into the aluminum-water reactor 101 through the water inlet solenoid valve 301. After the reaction water in the water tank 302 enters the aluminum-water reactor 101 through the water inlet solenoid valve 301, an aluminum-water reaction occurs inside the aluminum-water reactor 101 to generate hydrogen and release heat simultaneously.

[0060] In some embodiments, the aluminum-water reactor 101 serves as the container for the aluminum-water reaction in the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system. An aluminum powder storage bin and a reaction water supply bin are provided inside the aluminum-water reactor 101. The reaction water supply bin is connected to the water inlet solenoid valve 301 through a coil pipe. The aluminum powder storage bin has an opening, and aluminum powder for participating in the aluminum-water reaction is stored in the aluminum powder storage bin. The reaction water is dispersed through the reaction water supply bin and flows into the aluminum powder storage bin, so that the reaction water reacts with the aluminum powder stored in the aluminum powder storage bin to produce hydrogen.

[0061] In some embodiments, the heat dissipation system includes a cooling chamber 403, a heat dissipation fan 401, and a cooling water pump 402. The cooling chamber 403 is nested on the outer wall of the aluminum-water reactor 101, and a cooling channel is formed between the outer wall of the aluminum-water reactor 101 and the cooling chamber 403. The cooling water pump 402 is connected to the cooling channel to pump circulating cooling water into the cooling channel, and the air outlet of the heat dissipation fan 401 is connected to the cooling channel. By controlling the start and stop of the cooling water pump 402 and the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan 401, the temperature inside the aluminum-water reactor 101 is ensured to be within the set range.

[0062] In some embodiments, the hydrogen output system includes a gas-water separator 202, a drying tube 204, a buffer tank 205, and a flow controller 201. The gas-water separator 202 is connected to the gas outlet end of the aluminum-water reactor 101, and a drain solenoid valve 203 is provided on the gas-water separator 202. The drying tube 204 is connected to the gas outlet end of the gas-water separator 202 for drying the gas. The buffer tank 205 is connected to the drying tube 204 for buffering the gas pressure output by the drying tube 204. The flow controller 201 is connected to the buffer tank 205, and the gas in the buffer tank 205 is stably output through the flow controller 201.

[0063] In the above structural arrangement, the hydrogen prepared by the reaction of reaction water and aluminum powder in the aluminum-water reactor 101 is output from the gas outlet end of the aluminum-water reactor 101 to the gas-water separator 202. The water vapor in the hydrogen is discharged through the drain solenoid valve 203. The hydrogen is transported to the drying tube 204 through the gas outlet end of the gas-water separator 202. The drying tube 204 dries the hydrogen and removes impurities, and then the hydrogen is transported to the buffer tank 205. The buffer tank 205 buffers the hydrogen pressure and outputs a stable flow through the flow controller 201.

[0064] In some embodiments, a third pressure sensor 206 is provided on the buffer tank 205. The internal pressure of the buffer tank 205 is monitored through the third pressure sensor 206.

[0065] In some embodiments, a pressure reducing valve 207 is provided on the connecting pipeline between the buffer tank 205 and the flow controller 201. The hydrogen pressure is reduced to the set range through the pressure reducing valve 207, and then a stable flow is output through the flow controller 201.

[0066] Combined Figure 2 , Figure 2 shows a simplified flowchart of the control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] In some embodiments, the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system includes an aluminum-water reaction system and a reaction water supply system connected to the water inlet end of the aluminum-water reaction system. In the system startup stage, water is first injected into the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system, including the following steps:

[0068] The water inlet solenoid valve 301 is closed, and the high-pressure water pump 305 operates to inject water into the reaction water supply system. Through the operation of the high-pressure water pump 305, the reaction water is pumped out from the water tank 302, passes through the first pressure sensor 306 and reaches the water inlet solenoid valve 301. Since the water inlet solenoid valve 301 is closed, the reaction water will not enter the molten aluminum reactor 101.

[0069] The pressure at the front end of the water inlet solenoid valve 301 is monitored by the first pressure sensor 306. When the first pressure sensor 306 reaches the third set pressure value, the water inlet solenoid valve 301 opens and starts to inject water into the molten aluminum reaction system. Otherwise, when the first pressure sensor 306 does not reach the third set pressure value, the water inlet solenoid valve 301 needs to remain closed and continue to inject water into the reaction water supply system.

[0070] During the system startup phase as described above, first inject water into the reaction water supply system. When the first pressure sensor 306 reaches the third set pressure value, then open the water inlet solenoid valve 301 so that the reaction water supply system injects water into the molten aluminum reaction system, ensuring that the high-pressure water pump 305 starts normally and the water inlet solenoid valve 301 meets the opening condition during the system startup phase.

[0071] During the system startup phase as described above, in the early stage of the experiment, by calibrating the characteristic curve of the opening time and water supply volume of the water inlet solenoid valve 301, under this curve, the pressure at the front end of the water inlet solenoid valve 301 is the third set pressure value. Through the monitoring of the first pressure sensor 306, when the pressure at the front end of the water inlet solenoid valve 301 is maintained at the third set pressure value, the reaction water is accurately supplied to the molten aluminum reaction system.

[0072] In some embodiments, during the system startup phase, when the first pressure sensor 306 reaches the third set pressure value, starting to inject water into the molten aluminum reaction system includes the following steps:

[0073] During the pipeline water filling phase, water is injected into the water supply pipeline of the molten aluminum reaction system, and during this phase, the instantaneous water inflow when injecting water into the molten aluminum reactor 101 is increased. When the first pressure sensor 306 reaches the third set pressure value, the water inlet solenoid valve 301 opens to fill the reaction water supply chamber of the molten aluminum reactor 101 and the pipeline between the reaction water supply chamber and the water inlet solenoid valve 301 with reaction water.

[0074] When the top pressure value of the molten aluminum reactor 101 reaches the fourth set pressure value, that is, when the second pressure sensor 102 reaches the fourth set pressure value, the molten aluminum reaction starts in the molten aluminum reactor 101. During this process, when the second pressure sensor 102 monitors that the actual pressure in the molten aluminum reactor 101 is greater than the fourth set pressure value, the reaction water has filled the water supply pipeline between the water inlet solenoid valve 301 and the aluminum powder storage bin, and the molten aluminum reaction starts in the aluminum powder storage bin.

[0075] After the second pressure sensor 102 reaches the fourth set pressure value, continue to inject water into the molten aluminum reaction system to quickly build pressure in the molten aluminum reactor 101. During the rapid pressure build-up stage, the reaction water continuously flows into the aluminum powder storage bin through the reaction water supply bin in a dispersed manner, and the pressure inside the molten aluminum reactor 101 gradually increases until the second pressure sensor 102 reaches the first set pressure value, at which point the flow controller 201 is turned on. Among them, the fourth set pressure value is less than the first set pressure value.

[0076] Since there is a long water supply pipeline between the water inlet solenoid valve 301 and the aluminum powder storage bin, if the normal water supply volume is used, it takes a long time to fill the water supply pipeline between the water inlet solenoid valve 301 and the aluminum powder storage bin, and then the molten aluminum reaction can proceed. The above setting can quickly fill the water supply pipeline inside the molten aluminum reactor 101 at the initial stage of startup. That is, before the second pressure sensor 102 reaches the fourth set pressure value, the instantaneous water intake can be increased to reduce the startup time and achieve a quick startup.

[0077] In some embodiments, when the actual pressure value of the molten aluminum reactor 101 satisfies being greater than the fourth set pressure value and less than the first set pressure value, based on the fact that the pressure inside the molten aluminum reactor 101 in this stage rises linearly and cannot reach the first set pressure value instantaneously. The water injection volume into the molten aluminum reaction system per unit time can be adjusted according to the difference between the actual pressure value of the molten aluminum reactor 101 and the first set pressure value, which can balance the water intake rate into the molten aluminum reactor 101 while ensuring that the pressure inside the molten aluminum reactor 101 rises rapidly and does not get out of control.

[0078] In some embodiments, when the actual pressure value of the molten aluminum reactor 101 satisfies being greater than the fourth set pressure value and less than the first set pressure value, during the process of continuing to inject water into the molten aluminum reactor 101 at this stage, the water intake into the molten aluminum reactor 101 can be gradually reduced according to the decrease in the difference between the actual pressure of the second pressure sensor 102 and the first set pressure value, and at the same time the flow controller 201 remains closed, realizing the rapid establishment of the pressure inside the molten aluminum reactor 101 without exceeding the standard pressure.

[0079] In some embodiments, when the actual flow rate of the flow controller 201 reaches the set target flow rate value, the flow controller 201 is successfully turned on, and the system startup phase ends.

[0080] In some embodiments, during the system startup phase, before injecting water into the reaction water supply system, it is also necessary to first perform a sensor self-check, which includes detecting the first pressure sensor 306, the second pressure sensor 102, the third pressure sensor 206, the first temperature sensor 103, the second temperature sensor 104, the third temperature sensor 105, and the liquid level sensor 303. This process can confirm whether each sensor is damaged and whether the internal state of the aluminum-water reactor 101 meets the startup state.

[0081] Combined Figure 3 , Figure 3 shows a simplified flowchart of the control method for the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] In some embodiments, the water inlet end of the aluminum-water reactor 101 is provided with a water inlet solenoid valve 301, and the water injection volume into the aluminum-water reactor 101 is controlled by setting the opening and closing time of the water inlet solenoid valve 301. The system operation phase includes the following steps:

[0083] Determine the pulse width and period of the water inlet solenoid valve 301 according to the target hydrogen production amount of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system and the actual pressure condition of the aluminum-water reactor 101.

[0084] Determine the cycle pulse width correction coefficient according to the target hydrogen production amount of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system and the actual hydrogen production amount monitored by the flow controller 201. Specifically, divide the actual hydrogen production amount by the target hydrogen production amount to obtain the current reaction stage, and obtain the cycle pulse width correction coefficient for the reaction stage through experiments. Among them, the actual hydrogen production amount is obtained by the flow controller 201 feeding back real-time instantaneous flow data, and the target hydrogen production amount is the theoretical hydrogen production amount calculated according to the total mass of aluminum powder in the aluminum-water reactor 101. The purpose of introducing the above cycle pulse width correction coefficient is to reduce the influence of reaction products on the control stability as the aluminum-water reaction progresses, and increase the stability of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system. Under the condition that the total amount of water remains unchanged in the unit total time, the water volume is concentrated in less time to enter the aluminum-water reaction system, increasing the penetration ability of water and preventing the products generated by the aluminum-water reaction from hindering the penetration of reaction water, thereby reducing the influence of this hindrance on the control effect of the hydrogen production system.

[0085] Determine the final pulse width and final period of the water inlet solenoid valve 301 based on the pulse width and period of the water inlet solenoid valve 301 and the period pulse width correction factor. The period pulse width correction factor is multiplied by the pulse width of the water inlet solenoid valve 301 to obtain the final pulse width of the water inlet solenoid valve 301, and the period pulse width correction factor is multiplied by the period of the water inlet solenoid valve 301 to obtain the final period of the water inlet solenoid valve 301.

[0086] From the target hydrogen production amount, the actual hydrogen production amount, and the change in the internal pressure of the aluminum water reactor 101, obtain the period and pulse width of the water inlet solenoid valve 301 and the period pulse width correction factor, so as to control the opening and closing time of the water inlet solenoid valve 301, and then control the water inflow into the aluminum water reactor 101, the internal pressure of the aluminum water reactor 101, and the hydrogen output of the flow controller 201, converting the unstable chemical reaction into a stable hydrogen production reaction and increasing the stability of the aluminum water reaction hydrogen production system.

[0087] In some embodiments, according to the target hydrogen production amount of the aluminum water reaction hydrogen production system and the actual pressure of the aluminum water reactor 101, determine the pulse width and period of the water inlet solenoid valve 301 through the following steps, including:

[0088] Determine the theoretical water inflow for the aluminum water reaction according to the target hydrogen production amount of the aluminum water reaction hydrogen production system. After the aluminum water reaction hydrogen production system enters the system operation state, according to the target hydrogen production amount, calculate the theoretical water inflow for the aluminum water reaction at the current hydrogen production rate in combination with the aluminum-based material components. Taking the preparation of one liter of hydrogen as an example, 0.83 g of aluminum-based material and 1.66 ml of reaction water are required.

[0089] Determine the dynamic water inflow according to the theoretical water inflow for the aluminum water reaction and the water volume correction factor. Calculate the dynamic water inflow by multiplying the theoretical water inflow for the aluminum water reaction and the water volume correction factor.

[0090] Determine the static water inflow according to the pressure change amount of the aluminum water reactor 101 within T1 time. When the pressure change of the internal pressure of the aluminum water reactor 101 within T1 time is less than the fifth set pressure value, trigger the static correction mode. In this mode, when water is fed into the aluminum water reactor 101, the water inflow increases by Dvo1 every T3 time until the water inflow per unit time reaches the maximum set water inflow value Dvo2, and then the water inflow will no longer increase. When the pressure increase of the internal pressure of the aluminum water reactor 101 within T1 time is greater than the fifth set pressure value, the water inflow in the static correction mode is cleared. Since there is a static stable stage in the aluminum water hydrogen production reaction, that is, the actual internal pressure of the aluminum water reactor 101 is stable but lower than the first set pressure value, in a deviation balance state, the above settings can eliminate the static deviation.

[0091] Calculate the actual water inflow required for the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system based on the dynamic water inflow and the static water inflow, and then determine the pulse width and period of the water inlet solenoid valve 301. Based on the curve relationship between the opening time and the water inflow of the water inlet solenoid valve 101 obtained during the system startup phase, the opening time of the water inlet solenoid valve 101 can be calculated from the actual water inflow for the aluminum-water reaction, where the opening time is the pulse width of the water inlet solenoid valve 301, and the sum of the opening time and the closing time is the period of the water inlet solenoid valve 301.

[0092] With the above settings, the dynamic water inflow is calculated by multiplying the theoretical water inflow for the aluminum-water reaction by the water volume correction coefficient, and then the actual water inflow for participating in the aluminum-water reaction is obtained from the dynamic water inflow and the static water inflow. The actual water inflow is converted into the period and pulse width of the water inlet solenoid valve 301.

[0093] In some embodiments, the above water volume correction coefficient is obtained through the following steps:

[0094] Determine the adaptive correction coefficient according to the pressure change rate of the aluminum-water reactor 101 monitored by the second pressure sensor 102 per unit time and the difference between the actual pressure value of the aluminum-water reactor 101 and the first set pressure value. Specifically, the second pressure sensor 102 monitors the internal pressure of the aluminum-water reactor 101, obtains the actual pressure difference by subtracting the first set pressure value, and at the same time combines the pressure change rate of the aluminum-water reactor 101 per unit time, and introduces an adaptive control algorithm to correct the water inflow. The adaptive control algorithm is a general concept in the control field. In this embodiment, it can be understood as dividing the pressure according to the difference between the actual pressure in the aluminum-water reactor 101 and the first set pressure value, and at the same time obtaining the adaptive correction coefficient according to the current pressure change rate of the aluminum-water reactor 101 per unit time. The above-mentioned correction of the water inflow in the aluminum-water reactor 101 from the pressure dimension, different pressure intervals correspond to different water inflows. At the same time, in order to avoid overshoot of the pressure, the pressure change rate is introduced, and based on the pressure dimension, the water inflow rate into the aluminum-water reactor 101 is regulated according to the rising rate and falling rate of the internal pressure of the aluminum-water reactor 101.

[0095] Based on the actual pressure value of the molten aluminum reactor 101, predict the pressure value of the molten aluminum reactor 101 after time T2 according to the pressure change of the molten aluminum reactor 101 in the previous T2 time, and then determine the prediction correction coefficient. Specifically, starting from the current time, take the weighted average of the pressure change values in the previous T2 time before the current time to calculate the pressure value in the T2 time after the current time. Divide the pressure value at the current time by the pressure value after time T2 to obtain the prediction correction coefficient, so as to adjust the water inflow in the molten aluminum reactor 101 in advance according to the change of the pressure of the molten aluminum reactor 101. The above settings can, according to the characteristics of the lag of the molten aluminum reaction, estimate the change of the pressure value in the next few cycles through the change of the pressure value in the previous few cycles, adjust the water inflow in the molten aluminum reactor 101, and avoid overshoot fluctuations of the pressure in the molten aluminum reactor 101.

[0096] Determine the water volume correction coefficient according to the adaptive correction coefficient and the prediction correction coefficient. The water volume correction coefficient is calculated by multiplying the adaptive correction coefficient and the prediction correction coefficient.

[0097] The control method of the molten aluminum reaction hydrogen production system in the embodiment of the present application obtains the theoretical water inflow for the molten aluminum reaction, the water volume correction coefficient, and the static water inflow from four dimensions: the target hydrogen production amount, the pressure range, the pressure change rate, and the pressure prediction during the system operation stage. The dynamic water inflow is obtained by multiplying the theoretical water inflow by the water volume correction coefficient. The actual water inflow for participating in the molten aluminum reaction is obtained by adding the dynamic water inflow and the static water inflow. By converting the actual water inflow into the cycle and pulse width of the water inlet solenoid valve 301, and obtaining the final opening and closing time of the water inlet solenoid valve 301 through the cycle and pulse width and the cycle pulse width correction coefficient, the hydrogen flow rate of the hydrogen output system is controlled, the water inflow of the molten aluminum reaction system and the internal pressure of the molten aluminum reactor 101 are controlled, and it is ensured that the molten aluminum reaction hydrogen production system stably produces hydrogen during operation.

[0098] Combined with Figure 4 , Figure 4 Fig. shows a simplified flowchart of the control method of the molten aluminum reaction hydrogen production system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] In some embodiments, during the system shutdown stage, due to the characteristic of the delay of the molten aluminum reaction, after the water inlet of the molten aluminum reactor 101 stops, the molten aluminum reaction in the molten aluminum reactor 101 will still continuously produce hydrogen. To avoid exceeding the internal pressure of the molten aluminum reactor 101, the measure of "stopping water and gas in stages" is adopted, including the following steps:

[0100] Close the water inlet solenoid valve 301 to stop injecting water into the molten aluminum reaction hydrogen production system, and the flow controller 201 keeps running.

[0101] When the actual pressure of the molten aluminum reactor 101 is less than the second set pressure value, that is, when the monitored value of the second pressure sensor 102 is less than the second set pressure value, the flow controller 201 stops operating, and the system shutdown phase ends.

[0102] The above settings enable the internal pressure of the molten aluminum reactor 101 to be prevented from exceeding the standard during the system shutdown phase. That is, when a shutdown instruction is received, the high-pressure water pump 305 shuts down, the inlet solenoid valve 301 closes, and the flow controller 201 remains open, and the hydrogen output system continues to output hydrogen. The second pressure sensor 102 monitors the internal pressure of the molten aluminum reactor 101 in real time. When the internal pressure of the molten aluminum reactor 101 drops and is lower than the second set pressure value, it is determined that the aluminum-water reaction inside the molten aluminum reactor 101 is basically over, and the flow controller 201 is closed, and the shutdown is completed.

[0103] Combined Figure 5 , Figure 5 shows a simplified flowchart of the control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] In some embodiments, the control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system further includes a system heat dissipation phase, and the system heat dissipation phase exists in the system startup phase, the system operation phase, and the system shutdown phase. Through the control of the system heat dissipation phase, cooperating with the first temperature sensor 103, the second temperature sensor 104, and the third temperature sensor 105 to monitor the temperature inside the molten aluminum reactor 101, it is ensured that the temperature inside the molten aluminum reactor 101 is controlled within a set range during the system startup phase, the system operation phase, and the system shutdown phase.

[0105] In some embodiments, during the system heat dissipation phase, the molten aluminum reactor 101 is cooled by controlling the rotation speed of the cooling fan 401. When the temperature inside the molten aluminum reactor 101 rises, the rotation speed of the cooling fan 401 increases, improving the cooling rate of the molten aluminum reactor 101; when the temperature inside the molten aluminum reactor 101 drops, the rotation speed of the cooling fan 401 decreases, reducing the cooling rate of the molten aluminum reactor 101.

[0106] In some embodiments, during the system heat dissipation phase, by controlling the start and stop of the cooling water pump 402 and the rotation speed of the cooling fan 401, that is, when the cooling water pump 402 is working, the cooling fan 401 also keeps running, the temperature inside the molten aluminum reactor 101 is controlled within a set range.

[0107] In some embodiments, the maximum temperature Temp1 inside the molten aluminum reactor 101 is obtained based on the temperature values monitored by the first temperature sensor 103, the second temperature sensor 104, and the third temperature sensor 105 inside the molten aluminum reactor 101. Here, Temp1 is the maximum value among the temperature values collected by the first temperature sensor 103, the second temperature sensor 104, and the third temperature sensor 105. If the temperature inside the molten aluminum reactor 101 rises, when Temp1 is greater than the temperature set value Temp2, the set rotation speed of the cooling fan 401 is N2; when Temp1 is greater than the temperature set value Temp3, the set rotation speed of the cooling fan 401 is N3; when Temp1 is greater than the temperature set value Temp4, the set rotation speed of the cooling fan 401 is N4. If the temperature inside the molten aluminum reactor 101 drops, when Temp1 starts to drop from being greater than the temperature set value Temp4 until it is less than the temperature set value Temp3, the rotation speed of the cooling fan 401 switches from N4 to N3; when Temp1 starts to drop from being greater than Temp3 until it is less than the temperature set value Temp2, the rotation speed of the cooling fan 401 switches from N3 to N2. When Temp1 starts to drop from being greater than Temp2 until it is less than the temperature set value Temp0, the rotation speed of the cooling fan 401 switches from N2 to N0 and stops working. Here, the above-mentioned Temp2, Temp3, Temp4, and Temp0 are all temperature set values, and the magnitude relationship is Temp4 > Temp3 > Temp2 > Temp0. During the heat dissipation process, the cooling water pump 402 operates at a fixed rotation speed. When Temp1 is greater than the temperature set value Temp5, the cooling water pump 402 starts to operate; when Temp1 is greater than the temperature set value Temp6, the cooling water pump 402 stops operating. Here, the temperature set value Temp5 is 1.1 times the temperature set value Temp0, and the temperature set value Temp6 is 0.9 times the temperature set value Temp0.

[0108] Combined with Figure 6 , Figure 6 FIG. shows a simplified flowchart of the control method of the molten aluminum reaction hydrogen production system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] In some embodiments, during the system startup phase, during the process of injecting water into the reaction water supply system, it is possible to confirm that the inlet solenoid valve 301 meets the opening condition by setting the rotation speed of the high-pressure water pump 305, that is, when the high-pressure water pump 305 reaches the set rotation speed value, it is determined that the high-pressure water pump 305 starts normally and the inlet solenoid valve 301 opens.

[0110] In some embodiments, during the system startup phase, when injecting water into the water supply pipeline of the aluminum-water reaction system, the volume of the water supply pipeline between the inlet solenoid valve 301 and the aluminum powder storage bin can be calculated to obtain the amount of water required to fill the water supply pipeline. Furthermore, when the actual water inflow of the reaction water flowing into the aluminum-water reaction system through the inlet solenoid valve 301 reaches the set target water inflow, it is determined that the rapid pressure build-up phase begins.

[0111] The control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system proposed in the embodiments of the present application accurately controls the water inflow in the aluminum-water reactor 101 and the heat dissipation power of the aluminum-water reactor 101 according to the target flow rate of the flow controller 201 and the change in the pressure of the aluminum-water reactor 101, achieving rapid startup during the startup process, stable hydrogen production and precise temperature control during the operation process, and safe shutdown during the shutdown process. By designing a pipeline water replenishment stage and a rapid pressure build-up stage during the system startup phase, the problem of slow startup during system startup caused by the aluminum-water reaction rate is solved. During the system operation phase, according to the change in the pressure of the aluminum-water reactor 101, the opening and closing time of the inlet control valve 301 is controlled, thereby accurately controlling the water inflow of the aluminum-water reactor 101, stabilizing the hydrogen flow rate and pressure of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system, and increasing the hydrogen storage density. By introducing a periodic pulse width correction coefficient, the problem of unstable pressure and hydrogen flow rate caused by the passage of time of the aluminum-water reaction is avoided, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system. Through the hysteresis control of the cooling water temperature in the cooling channel during the heat dissipation stage, the fluctuations in the cooling water temperature and the rotation speed of the cooling fan 401 are avoided, reducing the risk of thermal damage to the aluminum-water reactor 101, increasing the service life, and also avoiding frequent jumps in the rotation speed of the cooling fan 401, extending the service life of the cooling fan 401.

[0112] The technical features of the above-described embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity of description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as the scope described in this specification.

[0113] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation manners of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present invention, several modifications and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the invention patent should be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control method for an aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system, characterized in that, The control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system includes: In the system startup stage, water is injected into the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system until the actual pressure of the aluminum-water reactor (101) reaches the first set pressure value, and then the flow controller (201) is turned on; In the system operation stage, according to the target hydrogen production amount and the actual hydrogen production amount of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system and the actual pressure of the aluminum-water reactor (101), the water injection amount into the aluminum-water reactor (101) is controlled; In the system shutdown stage, water injection into the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system is stopped. When the actual pressure of the aluminum-water reactor (101) is less than the second set pressure value, the flow controller (201) stops operating; The water inlet end of the aluminum-water reactor (101) is provided with a water inlet solenoid valve (301). The water injection amount into the aluminum-water reactor (101) is controlled by setting the opening and closing time of the water inlet solenoid valve (301). The system operation stage includes the following steps: Determine the pulse width and period of the water inlet solenoid valve (301) according to the target hydrogen production amount of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system and the actual pressure of the aluminum-water reactor (101); Determine the periodic pulse width correction coefficient according to the target hydrogen production amount of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system and the actual hydrogen production amount monitored by the flow controller (201); Determine the final pulse width and final period of the water inlet solenoid valve (301) according to the pulse width and period of the water inlet solenoid valve (301) and the periodic pulse width correction coefficient.

2. The control method of the hydrogen production system by the reaction of molten aluminum according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system includes an aluminum-water reaction system and a reaction water supply system connected to the water inlet end of the aluminum-water reaction system. Water injection into the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system includes: Inject water into the reaction water supply system; When the actual pressure of the reaction water supply system reaches the third set pressure value, start injecting water into the aluminum-water reaction system.

3. The control method of the hydrogen production system by the reaction of molten aluminum according to claim 2, characterized in that, Injecting water into the aluminum-water reaction system includes: Inject water into the water supply pipeline of the aluminum-water reaction system; When the top pressure value of the aluminum-water reactor (101) reaches the fourth set pressure value, the aluminum-water reaction starts in the aluminum-water reactor (101); Continue to inject water into the aluminum-water reaction system to quickly build pressure in the aluminum-water reactor (101); Wherein, the fourth set pressure value is less than the first set pressure value.

4. The control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system according to claim 3, characterized in that When the actual pressure value of the aluminum-water reactor (101) satisfies being greater than the fourth set pressure value and less than the first set pressure value, according to the difference between the actual pressure value of the aluminum-water reactor (101) and the first set pressure value, adjust the water injection amount into the aluminum-water reaction system per unit time.

5. The control method of the hydrogen production system by the reaction of molten aluminum according to claim 1, wherein When the actual flow rate of the flow controller (201) reaches the set target flow rate value, the system startup stage ends.

6. The control method of the hydrogen production system by the reaction of molten aluminum and water according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the pulse width and period of the water inlet solenoid valve (301) according to the target hydrogen production amount of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system and the actual pressure of the aluminum-water reactor (101) includes the following steps: Determine the theoretical water inlet amount for aluminum-water reaction according to the target hydrogen production amount of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system; Determine the dynamic water inlet amount according to the theoretical water inlet amount for aluminum-water reaction and the water amount correction coefficient; Determine the static water inflow according to the pressure change of the molten aluminum reactor (101) within the time T1; Calculate the actual water inflow required for the molten aluminum reaction hydrogen production system according to the dynamic water inflow and the static water inflow, and then determine the pulse width and period of the water inlet solenoid valve (301).

7. The control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The water volume correction coefficient is obtained through the following steps: Determine the adaptive correction coefficient according to the pressure change rate of the molten aluminum reactor (101) per unit time and the difference between the actual pressure value of the molten aluminum reactor (101) and the first set pressure value; Based on the actual pressure value of the molten aluminum reactor (101), predict the pressure value of the molten aluminum reactor (101) after the time T2 according to the pressure change of the molten aluminum reactor (101) within the previous time T2, and then determine the prediction correction coefficient; Determine the water volume correction coefficient according to the adaptive correction coefficient and the prediction correction coefficient.

8. The control method of the aluminum-water reaction hydrogen production system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The control method of the molten aluminum reaction hydrogen production system further includes a system heat dissipation stage, and the system heat dissipation stage exists in the system startup stage, the system operation stage, and the system shutdown stage.

9. The control method of the hydrogen production system by the reaction of molten aluminum according to claim 8, characterized in that, During the system heat dissipation stage, When the temperature in the molten aluminum reactor (101) rises, the rotation speed of the cooling fan (401) increases; When the temperature in the molten aluminum reactor (101) drops, the rotation speed of the cooling fan (401) decreases.

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