A hydrogen compressor and an apparatus for synthesizing hydrides

Abstract

This invention provides a hydrogen compressor and a device for synthesizing hydrides, including a compressor and a gas-liquid separator. The compressor compresses the input hydrogen gas; the gas-liquid separator separates the gas and liquid; it also includes an inlet valve, an outlet valve, a pressure gauge, and a distributed control system. The distributed control system receives the pressure of hydrogen gas in the compressor unit measured by the pressure gauge and controls the opening degree of the inlet and outlet valves according to the pressure. The gas-liquid separator includes a water supply valve, a drain valve, and a level gauge. The distributed control system also receives the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator measured by the level gauge and controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve and the drain valve according to the liquid level. Water supply and drainage operations are performed by automatically opening / closing the solenoid valves via a DCS, avoiding system pressure fluctuations and device shutdowns caused by untimely operation or premature or late drainage, thus ensuring the safe and stable operation of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydride synthesis technology, and more specifically, to a hydrogen compressor and an apparatus for synthesizing hydrides. Background Technology

[0002] A hydrogen compressor is a device specifically designed to compress hydrogen to high pressure, applicable in the field of hydride synthesis. Currently, during normal switching, start-up, shutdown, or emergency adjustments of the hydrogen compressor unit in the electrolysis and post-processing departments, at least two operators are required to manually adjust valve openings in coordination with DCS personnel to adjust the system hydrogen pressure. This leads to the drawback of untimely adjustments by personnel, resulting in significant pressure fluctuations in the hydrogen system and potential unit shutdown. Furthermore, manual water replenishment and drainage during the hydrogen compressor's gas-liquid separator replenishment process can cause overfilling, submerging the gas phase pipelines and causing unit shutdown. If the drain valve is not closed promptly during drainage, a large amount of hydrogen will be discharged from the unit to the hydrogen scrubbing tower after the liquid level in the unit is emptied, causing a sudden increase in the main pipeline pressure, potentially leading to large pressure differential fluctuations and a system shutdown risk.

[0003] In view of this, the present invention proposes a hydrogen compressor and a device for synthesizing hydrides, which automatically opens / closes solenoid valves via a DCS (Distributed Control System) for water replenishment and drainage operations; this avoids the situation where excessive system pressure fluctuations cause the device to shut down due to untimely operation or drainage too early or too late, thus ensuring the safe and stable operation of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a hydrogen compressor unit, comprising a compressor and a gas-liquid separator. The compressor is used to compress input hydrogen gas; the gas-liquid separator is used to separate gas and liquid; it also includes an inlet valve, an outlet valve, a pressure gauge, and a distributed control system. The distributed control system is used to receive the pressure of hydrogen gas in the compressor unit measured by the pressure gauge, and to control the opening degree of the inlet valve and the outlet valve according to the pressure. The gas-liquid separator includes a water supply valve, a drain valve, and a level gauge. The distributed control system is also used to receive the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator measured by the level gauge, and to control the opening and closing of the water supply valve and the drain valve according to the liquid level.

[0005] Furthermore, controlling the opening and closing of the water supply valve and the drain valve according to the liquid level includes: when the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator is less than or equal to 45%, the interlock of the water supply valve is opened; when the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator is greater than or equal to 60%, the interlock of the water supply valve is closed; when the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator is less than or equal to 50%, the interlock of the drain valve is closed; and when the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator is greater than or equal to 65%, the interlock of the drain valve is opened.

[0006] An apparatus for synthesizing hydrides includes a hydrogen compressor unit as described in any of the preceding claims, and further includes a hydrogen scrubbing tower, a first hydrogen cooler, a second hydrogen cooling gas, a water mist eliminator, a hydrogen distribution platform, and a hydride synthesizer; the hydrogen scrubbing tower is used to scrub the hydrogen generated by electrolysis and to transmit the scrubbed hydrogen to the hydrogen compressor unit; the hydrogen compressor unit is used to compress the transmitted hydrogen; the first hydrogen cooler is used to perform a first-stage cooling on the compressed hydrogen transmitted from the hydrogen compressor unit; the second hydrogen cooler is used to perform a second-stage cooling on the hydrogen cooled by the first hydrogen cooler; the water mist eliminator is used to dry the hydrogen after the second-stage cooling; and the hydrogen distribution platform is used to distribute the dried hydrogen to the hydride synthesizer for chemical reaction.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a condensate collection tank, which is connected to the first hydrogen cooler, the second hydrogen cooler and the water mist eliminator, and is used to receive condensate generated during the first stage of cooling, the second stage of cooling and drying.

[0008] Furthermore, the hydrogen scrubbing tower is also connected to a pure water pipeline to scrub the hydrogen generated by electrolysis with pure water.

[0009] Furthermore, the first hydrogen cooler is also connected to a circulating water pipeline to cool the compressed hydrogen through the circulating water.

[0010] Furthermore, the second hydrogen cooler is also connected to a chilled water pipeline to cool the hydrogen after a certain cooling period by injecting chilled water.

[0011] Furthermore, the temperature of the chilled water is +5°C.

[0012] Furthermore, the hydrogen distribution station is also connected to the hydrogen compressor unit via a return pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, a reflux valve is installed on the reflux pipe, and the reflux valve is communicatively connected to the distributed control system to regulate and stabilize the hydrogen pressure from the electrolysis process.

[0014] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0015] This invention uses a regulating valve to automatically control the hydrogen pressure and the water replenishment of the separator, which facilitates rapid adjustment of the hydrogen system pressure and automatic water replenishment and drainage of the separator, ensuring stable operation of the hydrogen compressor and reducing the risk of system downtime.

[0016] This invention adds regulating valves to the inlet and outlet pipes of the hydrogen compressor unit and the water supply and drainage pipes of the gas-liquid separator. After installation, the valves are configured and controlled by the DCS. The water supply and drainage of the gas-liquid separator are interlocked, which realizes automatic water supply and drainage, saves labor costs, and improves the automation level of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 An exemplary schematic diagram of a hydrogen compressor provided for some embodiments of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exemplary schematic diagram of an apparatus for synthesizing hydrides provided in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0019] Reference numerals: 101-Compressor; 102-Gas-liquid separator; 103-Inlet valve; 104-Outlet valve; 105-Distributed control system; 106-Water supply valve; 107-Drain valve. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0021] Figure 1 This is an exemplary schematic diagram of a hydrogen compressor provided for some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen compressor includes a compressor, a gas-liquid separator, an inlet valve, an outlet valve, a pressure gauge, and a distributed control system.

[0022] The compressor is used to compress the input hydrogen gas. The gas-liquid separator is used to separate the gas and liquid. The distributed control system is used to receive the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the compressor unit measured by the pressure gauge, and control the opening degree of the inlet valve and the outlet valve according to the pressure. The gas-liquid separator includes a water supply valve, a drain valve, and a level gauge; the distributed control system is also used to receive the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator measured by the level gauge, and control the opening and closing of the water supply valve and the drain valve according to the liquid level.

[0023] In some embodiments, controlling the opening and closing of the water supply valve and the drain valve includes: when the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator is less than or equal to 45%, the interlock of the water supply valve is opened; when the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator is greater than or equal to 60%, the interlock of the water supply valve is closed; when the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator is less than or equal to 50%, the interlock of the drain valve is closed; and when the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator is greater than or equal to 65%, the interlock of the drain valve is opened.

[0024] For example, a hydrogen compressor unit has three valves, A, B, and C. When the hydrogen compressor unit is operating, the control feedback signals of the automatic control valves at the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen compressors A, B, and C are all configured and entered into the DCS (Distributed Control System) operation screen. When the liquid level 01LT0601 of the hydrogen compressor's gas-liquid separator is detected to be ≤45%, the water supply valve 01SHV0610 of the hydrogen compressor's gas-liquid separator is interlocked open; when the liquid level 01LT0601 of the hydrogen compressor's gas-liquid separator is ≥60%, the water supply valve 01SHV0610 of the hydrogen compressor's gas-liquid separator is interlocked closed. When the liquid level 01LT0601 of the hydrogen compressor's gas-liquid separator is detected to be ≤50%, the drain valve 01SHV0611 of the hydrogen compressor's gas-liquid separator is interlocked closed; when the liquid level 01LT0601 of the hydrogen compressor's gas-liquid separator is ≥65%, the drain valve 01SHV0611 of the hydrogen compressor's gas-liquid separator is interlocked open. Among them, 45%, 60%, 50%, and 65% can refer to 45%, 60%, 50%, and 65% of the gas-liquid separator volume.

[0025] Figure 2 This is an exemplary schematic diagram of an apparatus for synthesizing hydrides, provided for some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the equipment for synthesizing hydrides includes a hydrogen scrubbing tower, a hydrogen compressor unit, a first hydrogen cooler, a second hydrogen cooling gas, a water mist eliminator, a hydrogen distribution station, and a hydride synthesizer.

[0026] The hydrogen scrubbing tower is used to scrub the hydrogen generated by electrolysis and to transfer the scrubbed hydrogen to the hydrogen compressor unit.

[0027] In some embodiments, the hydrogen scrubbing tower is also connected to a pure water pipeline to scrub the hydrogen generated by electrolysis with pure water.

[0028] The hydrogen compressor unit is used to compress the received hydrogen. In some embodiments, there may be multiple hydrogen compressor units, for example, three. In some embodiments, the hydrogen compressor unit may be a 2BEA-303 type water ring compressor.

[0029] The first hydrogen cooler is used to cool the compressed hydrogen from the hydrogen compressor unit.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first hydrogen cooler is also connected to a circulating water pipeline to cool the compressed hydrogen with circulating water.

[0031] The second hydrogen cooler is used to perform two-stage cooling on the hydrogen that has been cooled by the first hydrogen cooler.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second hydrogen cooler is also connected to a chilled water pipeline to cool the hydrogen after a certain cooling process by injecting chilled water. In some embodiments, the temperature of the chilled water is +5°C.

[0033] The water mist eliminator is used to dry the hydrogen gas after the second stage of cooling.

[0034] The hydrogen distribution station is used to distribute the dried hydrogen to the hydride synthesizer for chemical reaction.

[0035] In some embodiments, the hydrogen distribution station is also connected to the hydrogen compressor unit via a reflux pipe. In some embodiments, a reflux valve is provided on the reflux pipe, and the reflux valve is communicatively connected to the distributed control system to regulate the hydrogen pressure from the electrolysis process to stabilize it, thereby keeping the hydrogen pressure in the electrolyzer constant.

[0036] In some embodiments, a condensate collection tank is further included, which is connected to the first hydrogen cooler, the second hydrogen cooler and the water mist eliminator, for receiving condensate generated during the first stage of cooling, the second stage of cooling and drying.

[0037] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for synthesizing hydrides, characterized in that, It includes a hydrogen compressor unit, a hydrogen scrubbing tower, a first hydrogen cooler, a second hydrogen cooler, a water mist eliminator, a hydrogen distribution platform, and a hydride synthesizer; The hydrogen compressor unit includes a compressor and a gas-liquid separator. The compressor is used to compress the input hydrogen gas; the gas-liquid separator is used to separate gas and liquid. The unit is characterized by further including an inlet valve, an outlet valve, a pressure gauge, and a distributed control system. The distributed control system is used to receive the pressure of the hydrogen gas inside the compressor unit measured by the pressure gauge, and to control the opening degree of the inlet valve and the outlet valve according to the pressure. The gas-liquid separator includes a water supply valve, a drain valve, and a level gauge. The distributed control system is further configured to receive the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator measured by the level gauge, and control the opening and closing of the water supply valve and the drain valve according to the liquid level, including: when the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator is less than or equal to 45%, the interlock of the water supply valve is opened; when the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator is greater than or equal to 60%, the interlock of the water supply valve is closed; when the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator is less than or equal to 50%, the interlock of the drain valve is closed; and when the liquid level of the gas-liquid separator is greater than or equal to 65%, the interlock of the drain valve is opened. The hydrogen scrubbing tower is used to scrub the hydrogen generated by electrolysis and to transfer the scrubbed hydrogen to the hydrogen compressor unit. The hydrogen compressor unit is used to compress the transmitted hydrogen. The first hydrogen cooler is used to cool the compressed hydrogen from the hydrogen compressor unit. The second hydrogen cooler is used to perform two-stage cooling on the hydrogen that has been cooled by the first hydrogen cooler. The water mist eliminator is used to dry the hydrogen gas after the second stage of cooling. The hydrogen distribution station is used to distribute the dried hydrogen to the hydride synthesizer for chemical reaction. The hydrogen distribution station is also connected to the hydrogen compressor unit through a reflux pipe. A reflux valve is installed on the reflux pipe. The reflux valve is communicatively connected to the distributed control system to adjust the hydrogen pressure from the electrolysis process so that the hydrogen pressure in the electrolyzer remains constant.

2. The apparatus for synthesizing hydrides according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a condensate collection tank, which is connected to the first hydrogen cooler, the second hydrogen cooler and the water mist eliminator, and is used to receive condensate generated during the first stage of cooling, the second stage of cooling and drying.

3. The apparatus for synthesizing hydrides according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen scrubbing tower is also connected to a pure water pipeline to scrub the hydrogen generated by electrolysis with pure water.

4. The apparatus for synthesizing hydrides according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first hydrogen cooler is also connected to a circulating water pipeline to cool the compressed hydrogen through the circulating water.

5. The apparatus for synthesizing hydrides according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second hydrogen cooler is also connected to a chilled water pipeline to cool the hydrogen after a certain cooling process by injecting chilled water.

6. The apparatus for synthesizing hydrides according to claim 5, characterized in that, The temperature of the chilled water is .

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