Hydrogen storage and production integrated device using magnesium hydride

Abstract

The application relates to the hydrogen production technical field, in particular to a hydrogen production and storage integrated device for magnesium hydride. The device comprises a reaction kettle, a gas conveying pipe communicated with the reaction kettle and a gas charging bottle communicated with the gas conveying pipe, a magnesium hydride filler layer and a filter plate are arranged in the reaction kettle; a transition mechanism is arranged outside the gas conveying pipe; a driving mechanism is arranged outside the gas conveying pipe; the transition mechanism comprises a gas flow hole arranged at the top of the gas conveying pipe, a gas inlet nozzle communicated with the gas flow hole and a transition ball communicated with the gas inlet nozzle, and a plugging mechanism is arranged outside the gas conveying pipe in the gas flow hole section. The device has the beneficial effects that: by cooperation of the transition mechanism, the driving mechanism and the plugging mechanism, the hydrogen gas prepared in the time period can be guided into the transition ball when the gas charging bottle for collecting hydrogen gas is replaced, the hydrogen production in the reaction kettle can be continuously and uninterruptedly carried out, the pressure in the reaction kettle is kept fixed, the hydrogen gas temporarily stored in the transition ball can be automatically guided into the new gas charging bottle after the gas charging bottle is replaced, and the hydrogen gas storage is better realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen production technology, specifically to an integrated device for producing and storing hydrogen from magnesium hydride. Background Technology

[0002] Magnesium hydride (MgH2) is a known hydrogen storage material that reacts with water to produce hydrogen gas and release a large amount of heat. The chemical reaction equation is as follows:

[0003] MgH2 + 2H2O → Mg(OH)2 + 2H2

[0004] The aforementioned method of hydrogen production is called hydrogen production by water electrolysis. Regarding hydrogen production by water electrolysis, some have proposed a gas-solid reaction, specifically the hydrolysis reaction of water vapor with hydrides. Liquid water is pumped from a tank, passed through a heater, and vaporized into steam. The steam then enters a reactor and reacts with magnesium hydride to produce hydrogen gas. This hydrogen gas is then introduced into a fuel cell to generate electricity.

[0005] In the process of hydrogen production using a reactor, the produced hydrogen is transported through a gas pipeline and collected into filling cylinders. However, the amount of hydrogen that can be collected at one time by each filling cylinder or group of filling cylinders is limited. When replacing a new filling cylinder, hydrogen production in the reactor continues. Generally, the gas pipeline is directly cut off. However, this method has drawbacks. Specifically, the accumulation of produced hydrogen in the reactor can cause excessively high pressure inside the reactor, which is very dangerous. At the same time, the volume of the reactor is fixed. When a certain amount of hydrogen is reached and not discharged from the reactor, the water vapor used for hydrogen production cannot continue to be input, making continuous hydrogen production impossible and reducing the efficiency of hydrogen production. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is as follows: Magnesium hydride is a known hydrogen storage material that can react with water to produce hydrogen gas and release a large amount of heat. The chemical reaction equation is as follows:

[0007] MgH₂ + 2H₂O → Mg₂ + 2H₂

[0008] The aforementioned method of hydrogen production is called hydrolysis hydrogen production. Regarding hydrolysis hydrogen production, some have proposed a gaseous-solid reaction, specifically the hydrolysis reaction of water vapor and hydrides. Liquid water is pumped from a tank, passed through a heater, and vaporized into steam. This steam then enters a reaction vessel where it reacts with magnesium hydride to produce hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is then introduced into a fuel cell to generate electricity.

[0009] In the process of hydrogen production using a reactor, the produced hydrogen is transported through a gas pipeline and collected into filling cylinders. However, the amount of hydrogen that can be collected at one time by each filling cylinder or group of filling cylinders is limited. When replacing a new filling cylinder, hydrogen production in the reactor continues. Generally, the gas pipeline is directly cut off. However, this method has drawbacks. Specifically, the accumulation of produced hydrogen in the reactor can cause excessively high pressure inside the reactor, which is very dangerous. At the same time, the volume of the reactor is fixed. When a certain amount of hydrogen is reached and not discharged from the reactor, the water vapor used for hydrogen production cannot continue to be input, making continuous hydrogen production impossible and reducing the efficiency of hydrogen production.

[0010] To solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: an integrated magnesium hydride hydrogen production and storage device, comprising a reaction vessel, a gas supply pipe sealed and connected to the right end of the discharge port on the reaction vessel, and a gas filling bottle sealed and connected to the right end of the gas supply pipe. The reaction vessel contains a magnesium hydride packing layer and a filter plate arranged sequentially from bottom to top. A steam inlet is connected to the bottom of the reaction vessel and is connected to an external steam generator. The gas supply pipe is externally rotated and equipped with a transition mechanism for collecting hydrogen when replacing the gas filling bottle. A drive mechanism for driving the transition mechanism is provided outside the gas supply pipe. The transition mechanism includes a gas flow hole at the top of the gas supply pipe, an inlet communicating with the gas flow hole, and a transition ball communicating with the inlet. A sealing mechanism is provided outside the gas supply pipe at the gas flow hole section.

[0011] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: by utilizing the coordination of the transition mechanism, the driving mechanism, and the sealing mechanism, the hydrogen produced during the same period can be guided into the transition ball when the gas cylinder for collecting hydrogen is replaced without affecting the continuous hydrogen production in the reactor. Furthermore, the reactor will not retain excessive amounts of produced hydrogen, and the pressure will remain constant. After the gas cylinder is replaced, the hydrogen temporarily stored in the transition ball will be automatically guided into the new gas cylinder, thus achieving better hydrogen storage.

[0012] The further improved technical solution of the present invention is as follows: the sealing mechanism includes a sealing ring rotatably sleeved outside the air flow orifice section of the gas transmission pipe, a sliding cavity opened in the sealing ring, and a sealing block radially slidably disposed in the sliding cavity for sealing the air flow orifice. The sealing block is a hemispherical block structure. The sliding cavity is provided with a guide block along the radial direction. A sliding groove is opened in the middle of the sealing block and is slidably connected to the guide block. A receiving cavity is opened on both sides of the guide block on the inner wall of the sealing ring. A return spring is connected between the inner wall of the two receiving cavities and the inner end face of the sealing block. A vent hole communicating with the air inlet is opened on the sealing ring opposite to the sealing block.

[0013] The beneficial effects of the above improvements are as follows: Initially, the transition ball is located below the gas delivery pipe. Based on the light mass characteristics of hydrogen, after the gas cylinder is filled with hydrogen, the right end of the gas delivery pipe is cut off so that the right end no longer delivers hydrogen. At the same time, the vent of the sealing ring is rotated to connect with the gas flow hole on the gas delivery pipe. At this time, the transition ball is located above the gas delivery pipe. The gas delivery pipe guides hydrogen into the transition ball along the gas flow hole and the vent. During the rotation of the sealing ring, the sealing block slides into the sliding cavity and squeezes the reset spring.

[0014] The technical solution further improved by the present invention is as follows: the driving mechanism includes a C-shaped frame fixed outside the air supply pipe by a support rod, a mounting plate fixed on the side of the sealing ring away from the air inlet, and a reversing gear rotatably installed in the top of the mounting plate. The inner ring surface of the C-shaped frame is evenly provided with tooth grooves that mesh with the reversing gear. A reversing motor with the output shaft coaxial with the rotating shaft of the reversing gear is installed outside the mounting plate.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the above improvements are as follows: when the gas cylinder is filled with hydrogen, the reversing motor is started to drive the reversing gear to rotate. Through the meshing transmission between the reversing gear and the tooth groove, the reversing gear is driven to move along the inner wall of the C-shaped frame until the transition ball faces upward and the vent hole and the air flow hole are connected.

[0016] The technical solution adopted in the further improvement of the present invention is as follows: the top surface of the transition ball is located on the right side of the air inlet and connected to the air outlet; the bottom surface of the air supply pipe on the right side of the air flow hole is provided with an exhaust hole; the air supply pipe is also sealed with a sealing and plugging mechanism outside the exhaust hole section; and the air outlet is connected to the vent hole on the sealing ring in the sealing mechanism.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the above improvements are as follows: After the new gas cylinder is replaced, the reversing motor is started in reverse, which drives the reversing gear to reverse, causing it to move in the opposite direction along the inner ring of the C-frame until the transition ball returns to the bottom of the gas supply pipe. Under the action of the reset spring in the sealing mechanism located outside the gas outlet, the sealing block in the sealing mechanism re-seals the gas outlet. At this time, the vent hole on the outer sealing ring of the gas outlet of the gas supply pipe is connected to the exhaust hole, and the vent hole is located above the transition ball. Due to the light mass characteristics of hydrogen and the pressure difference between the transition ball and the gas cylinder, the hydrogen temporarily stored in the transition ball enters the right end of the gas supply pipe along the vent hole and the exhaust hole, and is then guided into the gas cylinder.

[0018] The further improved technical solution of the present invention is as follows: the gas cylinder is equipped with a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure inside the gas cylinder; the gas supply pipe is connected to the gas cylinder with an electric valve for automatically closing the right end port of the gas supply pipe; the output end of the pressure sensor is electrically connected to the input end of the processor; the output end of the processor is electrically connected to the input end of the relay; and the output end of the relay is electrically connected to the electric valve and the reversing motor respectively.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the above improvements are as follows: A value is set on the pressure sensor, which is the ratio between 90% of the hydrogen content that the gas cylinder can be filled with and the volume of the gas cylinder. When the pressure inside the gas cylinder reaches the value set by the pressure sensor, the pressure sensor will start to alarm and be triggered. Then, the signal is sent to the processor for processing. The processor then sends a command to the relay to control the corresponding reversing motor to rotate forward and control the electric valve to close, so as to realize the automatic operation of the transition mechanism and the drive mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a side view of the drive mechanism in this invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the drive mechanism in this invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a state diagram of the transition sphere in this invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the sealing mechanism in this invention.

[0026] The text labels in the diagram represent: 1. Reactor; 2. Transition ball; 3. Gas filling bottle; 4. C-frame; 5. Mounting plate; 6. Reversing gear; 7. Reversing motor; 8. Inlet nozzle; 9. Outlet nozzle; 10. Pressure sensor; 11. Electric valve; 12. Sealing ring; 13. Gas supply pipe; 14. Blocking block; 15. Guide block; 16. Return spring; 17. Magnesium hydride packing layer; 18. Filter plate. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description in this part is only exemplary and explanatory, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention in any way. Example

[0028] like Figures 1-6As shown, an integrated magnesium hydride hydrogen production and storage device includes a reactor 1, a gas supply pipe 13 sealed and connected to the right end of the discharge port on the reactor 1, and a gas filling bottle 3 sealed and connected to the right end of the gas supply pipe 13. The reactor 1 is provided with a magnesium hydride packing layer 17 and a filter plate 18 from bottom to top. A steam inlet is provided at the bottom of the reactor 1, which is connected to an external steam generator. The gas supply pipe 13 is rotated outward to provide a transition mechanism for collecting hydrogen when replacing the gas filling bottle 3. A drive mechanism for driving the transition mechanism is provided outside the gas supply pipe 13. The transition mechanism includes a gas flow hole opened at the top of the gas supply pipe 13, an air inlet 8 connected to the gas flow hole, and a transition ball 2 connected to the air inlet 8. A sealing mechanism is provided on the outer sleeve of the gas supply pipe 13 at the gas flow hole section. The sealing mechanism includes a sealing ring 12 rotatably sleeved outside the air flow orifice section of the air supply pipe 13, a sliding cavity opened in the sealing ring 12, and a sealing block 14 radially slidably disposed in the sliding cavity for sealing the air flow orifice. The sealing block 14 is a hemispherical block structure. The sliding cavity is provided with a guide block 15 along the radial direction. A sliding groove is opened in the middle of the sealing block 14 and slidably connected to the guide block 15. A receiving cavity is opened on both sides of the guide block 15 on the inner wall of the sealing ring 12. A return spring 16 is connected between the inner wall of the two receiving cavities and the inner end face of the sealing block 14. A vent hole communicating with the air inlet 8 is opened on the sealing ring 12 opposite to the sealing block 14. The drive mechanism includes a C-frame 4 fixed to the outside of the air supply pipe 13 by a support rod, a mounting plate 5 fixed to the side of the sealing ring 12 away from the air inlet 8, and a reversing gear 6 rotatably mounted inside the top of the mounting plate 5. The inner ring surface of the C-frame 4 is evenly provided with tooth grooves that mesh with the reversing gear 6. A reversing motor 7, whose output shaft is coaxial with the rotating shaft of the reversing gear 6, is mounted outside the mounting plate 5. The top surface of the transition ball 2 is located on the right side of the air inlet 8 and is connected to the air outlet 9. The bottom surface of the air supply pipe 13 on the right side of the air outlet is provided with an exhaust hole. The section of the air supply pipe 13 located outside the exhaust hole is also sealed with a sealing and plugging mechanism. The air outlet 9 is connected to the vent hole on the sealing ring 12 inside the sealing and plugging mechanism. The gas cylinder 3 is equipped with a pressure sensor 10 for monitoring the pressure inside the gas cylinder 3. The gas supply pipe 13 is connected to the gas cylinder 3 with an electric valve 11 for automatically closing the right end port of the gas supply pipe 13. The output end of the pressure sensor 10 is electrically connected to the input end of the processor. The output end of the processor is electrically connected to the input end of the relay. The output end of the relay is electrically connected to the electric valve 11 and the reversing motor 7 respectively.

[0029] By utilizing the coordination of the transition mechanism, the driving mechanism, and the sealing mechanism, the hydrogen produced during the same period can be guided into the transition ball 2 when the hydrogen collection cylinder 3 is replaced, without affecting the continuous hydrogen production in the reactor 1. Furthermore, the reactor 1 will not retain excessive produced hydrogen, and the pressure will remain constant. After the gas cylinder 3 is replaced, the hydrogen temporarily stored in the transition ball 2 will be automatically guided into the new gas cylinder 3, thus achieving better hydrogen storage. Initially, the transition ball 2 is located below the gas supply pipe 13. After the external steam generator turns water into steam and guides it into the reactor 1, the steam rises and reacts with the magnesium hydride packing layer 17. The magnesium hydride in the packing layer 17 has a blocky structure with gaps between it. These gaps facilitate the movement of steam within the packing layer to react with the magnesium hydride, and also allow the generated hydrogen gas to escape without accumulating in the packing layer 17. When the generated hydrogen gas exits from the packing layer 17, it passes through the filter plate 18, which removes any small amount of water vapor and magnesium hydride particles contained within the hydrogen gas. The filter plate 18 is a porous material filled with desiccant. After hydrogen is produced, based on the light mass characteristic of hydrogen, when the filling bottle 3 is filled with hydrogen, the right end of the gas delivery pipe 13 is cut off so that it no longer delivers hydrogen. At the same time, the vent hole of the sealing ring 12 is rotated to connect with the air flow hole on the gas delivery pipe 13. At this time, the transition ball 2 is located above the gas delivery pipe 13. The gas delivery pipe 13 guides the hydrogen into the transition ball 2 along the air flow hole and the vent hole. The sealing block 14 slides into the sliding cavity as the sealing ring 12 rotates, and squeezes the return spring 16. When the filling bottle 3 is filled with hydrogen, the reversing motor 7 is started to drive the reversing gear 6 to rotate. Through the meshing transmission between the reversing gear 6 and the tooth groove, the reversing gear 6 moves along the inner wall of the C-shaped frame 4 until the transition ball 2 faces upward and the vent hole connects with the air flow hole. After the new gas cylinder 3 is replaced, the reversing motor 7 is started to reverse, driving the reversing gear 6 to reverse, so that it moves in the opposite direction along the inner ring of the C-shaped frame until the transition ball 2 returns to the bottom of the gas supply pipe 13. Under the action of the reset spring 16 in the gas outlet sealing mechanism, the sealing block 14 in the sealing mechanism re-seals the gas outlet. At this time, the vent hole on the outer sealing ring 12 of the gas outlet of the gas supply pipe 13 is connected to the exhaust hole, and the vent hole is located above the transition ball 2. Due to the light mass characteristics of hydrogen and the pressure difference between the transition ball 2 and the gas cylinder 3, the hydrogen temporarily stored in the transition ball 2 enters the right end of the gas supply pipe 13 along the vent hole and the exhaust hole, and is then guided into the gas cylinder 3. A value is set on the pressure sensor 10, which is the ratio between 90% of the hydrogen content that the gas cylinder 3 can be filled with and the volume of the gas cylinder 3. When the pressure inside the gas cylinder 3 reaches the value set by the pressure sensor 10, the pressure sensor 10 starts to alarm and is triggered. Then the signal is sent to the processor for processing. The processor then sends a command to the relay to control the corresponding reversing motor 7 to rotate forward and control the electric valve 11 to close, so that the transition mechanism and the drive mechanism can work automatically.

[0030] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0031] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The above examples are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that due to the limitations of textual expression, there are objectively infinite specific structures. For those skilled in the art, several improvements, modifications, or changes can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention, and the above technical features can also be combined in an appropriate manner. These improvements, modifications, changes, or combinations, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, should all be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated device for producing and storing hydrogen from magnesium hydride, characterized in that: The reactor includes a reactor (1), a gas supply pipe (13) that is sealed and connected to the right end of the discharge hole on the reactor (1), and a gas filling bottle (3) that is sealed and connected to the right end of the gas supply pipe (13). The reactor (1) is provided with a magnesium hydride packing layer (17) and a filter plate (18) from bottom to top. The bottom of the reactor (1) is connected to a steam inlet, which is connected to an external steam generator. The gas supply pipe (13) is flipped over to provide a transition mechanism for collecting hydrogen when replacing the gas filling bottle (3). The gas supply pipe (13) is provided with a drive mechanism for driving the transition mechanism. The transition mechanism includes a gas flow hole opened at the top of the gas supply pipe (13), an air inlet (8) that can communicate with the gas flow hole, and a transition ball (2) that communicates with the air inlet (8). The gas supply pipe (13) is provided with a sealing mechanism on the outer sleeve of the gas flow hole section. The sealing mechanism includes a sealing ring (12) rotatably sleeved outside the air flow hole section of the gas pipe (13), a sliding cavity opened in the sealing ring (12), and a sealing block (14) radially slidably disposed in the sliding cavity for sealing the air flow hole. The sealing block (14) is a hemispherical block structure. The sliding cavity is provided with a guide block (15) along the radial direction. A sliding groove is opened in the middle of the sealing block (14) and slidably connected to the guide block (15). A receiving cavity is opened on the inner wall of the sealing ring (12) on both sides of the guide block (15). A return spring (16) is connected between the inner wall of the two receiving cavities and the inner end face of the sealing block (14). A vent hole communicating with the air inlet (8) is opened on the sealing ring (12) opposite to the sealing block (14). The drive mechanism includes a C-frame (4) fixed outside the air supply pipe (13) by a support rod, a mounting plate (5) fixed on the side of the sealing ring (12) away from the air inlet (8), and a reversing gear (6) rotatably installed in the top of the mounting plate (5). The inner ring surface of the C-frame (4) is evenly provided with tooth grooves that mesh with the reversing gear (6). A reversing motor (7) with the output shaft coaxial with the rotating shaft of the reversing gear (6) is installed outside the mounting plate (5).

2. The integrated magnesium hydride hydrogen production and storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top surface of the transition ball (2) is connected to the right side of the air inlet (8) and has an air outlet (9). The air supply pipe (13) has an exhaust hole on the bottom right side of the air flow hole. The air supply pipe (13) is also sealed with a sealing mechanism outside the exhaust hole section. The air outlet (9) can communicate with the vent hole on the sealing ring (12) in the sealing mechanism.

3. The integrated magnesium hydride hydrogen production and storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas cylinder (3) is equipped with a pressure sensor (10) for monitoring the pressure inside the gas cylinder (3). The gas supply pipe (13) is connected to the gas cylinder (3) with an electric valve (11) for automatically closing the right end port of the gas supply pipe (13). The output end of the pressure sensor (10) is electrically connected to the input end of the processor. The output end of the processor is electrically connected to the input end of the relay. The output end of the relay is electrically connected to the electric valve (11) and the reversing motor (7) respectively.

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