A method for rapid detection and localization of hydrogen leakage in confined spaces combined with the operating characteristics of equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for rapid detection and localization of hydrogen leakage in a confined space by combining the operating characteristics of equipment. Analyze and identify potential hazards for hydrogen-related equipment accidents in the confined space; analyze the operating characteristics of hydrogen-related equipment; conduct hydrogen leakage tests and analyze the fault characteristics of hydrogen-related equipment; obtain a set of characterization parameters for the fault characteristics of hydrogen-related equipment in the confined space; monitor the operating indicators of hydrogen-related equipment and hydrogen concentration; perform data fusion of equipment faults and hydrogen leakage, and monitor and locate the operating faults of hydrogen-related equipment in the confined space and system leakage accidents. Compared with the prior art, the present invention realizes rapid detection and localization of hydrogen leakage in hydrogen-related equipment in a confined space by fusing the operating characteristics of the equipment and the data of hydrogen concentration sensors, reducing the risk of system combustion and explosion. The present invention is not only applicable to the detection and localization of hydrogen leakage in hydrogen-related systems, but also applicable to the detection and localization of leakage of toxic gases or combustible gases such as carbon monoxide and methane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of hydrogen safety, and in particular to a method for quickly detecting and locating hydrogen leakage in a confined space by combining the operating characteristics of equipment. Background Art

[0002] The energy crisis and environmental pollution problems brought about by the consumption of fossil fuels such as coal and oil are becoming increasingly severe. The transformation of the world's energy structure dominated by renewable energy is imperative, and people's attention has turned to hydrogen energy, which is widely sourced, clean and efficient, and convenient for storage and transportation.

[0003] However, hydrogen has many physical and chemical properties that are not conducive to safety. For example, it has a wide combustion range (flammable volume fraction in air is 4%-75%), low ignition energy (minimum ignition energy is only 0.02 mJ), large diffusion coefficient, colorless and odorless (not easily detected after leakage), etc. Therefore, hydrogen safety is an important prerequisite for the large-scale application and commercialization of hydrogen energy. First of all, space-related hydrogen equipment generally involves various equipment for hydrogen production, storage, and application. Moreover, abnormal operating conditions such as power failure of the power supply system, too high or too low voltage, large power fluctuations, and hydrogen / oxygen leakage from hydrogen-related equipment in the system may all affect the safety and stability of the system. In particular, hydrogen leakage, as the most dangerous accident in hydrogen-related systems, must be prevented and avoided.

[0004] Hydrogen leakage in a confined space involves many pieces of equipment and the hydrogen accumulates quickly. It is necessary to quickly determine the hydrogen leakage situation and the preliminary leakage location in the confined space for early warning and safety protection. The conventional method for detecting hydrogen leakage is to arrange hydrogen concentration alarms near high-pressure hydrogen storage systems or at the center of the top of buildings. This arrangement method has problems such as slow response, poor sensitivity, and inability to locate the hydrogen leakage position, and it is difficult to meet the requirements of early warning and leakage source location for hydrogen leakage in confined space hydrogen-related equipment. Especially for hydrogen energy application scenarios with complex structures and limited space such as confined space hydrogen-related equipment, there is a lack of effective hydrogen leakage monitoring and location methods.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to study a method that can quickly detect and locate hydrogen leakage in confined space hydrogen-related equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects existing in the prior art and provide a method for quickly detecting and locating hydrogen leakage in a confined space by combining the operating characteristics of equipment. By fusing the operating characteristics of the equipment and the data of hydrogen concentration sensors, the advantage of fast detection of operating characteristics is combined to achieve the quick detection and location of hydrogen leakage in confined space hydrogen-related equipment and reduce the explosion risk of the system.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention can be achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0008] The present invention provides a method for rapid detection and localization of hydrogen leakage in a confined space in combination with the operating characteristics of equipment, comprising the following steps;

[0009] S1: Conduct accident analysis and hazard source identification for hydrogen-related equipment in the confined space;

[0010] S2: Based on the hazard sources identified in S1, in combination with the technological process and system characteristics of the hydrogen-related equipment in the confined space, analyze the operating characteristics of the hydrogen-related equipment;

[0011] S3: Conduct a hydrogen leakage test and analyze the fault characteristics of the hydrogen-related equipment in the confined space;

[0012] S4: According to the fault characteristics obtained in S3, extract fault characterization parameters to obtain a set of fault characteristic characterization parameters for the hydrogen-related equipment in the confined space;

[0013] S5: Monitor the operating indicators and hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen-related equipment in the confined space;

[0014] S6: According to the monitored values of the equipment operating indicators and hydrogen concentration obtained in S5, in combination with the set of fault characteristic characterization parameters in S4, perform data fusion of equipment faults and hydrogen leakage, and conduct detection and localization of operating faults of the hydrogen-related equipment in the confined space and system leakage accidents.

[0015] Furthermore, the hazard source identification adopts methods such as preliminary hazard analysis, hazard and operability analysis, and failure mode and effects analysis.

[0016] Furthermore, in S2, the specific process of analyzing the operating characteristics of the hydrogen-related equipment is as follows:

[0017] Based on the hazard sources identified in S1, in combination with the operating data of the hydrogen-related equipment, analyze the operating conditions of the hydrogen-related equipment in the confined space, including the operating state parameters of the equipment under different power consumption conditions, and determine the range of operating parameters, the characteristics of the rising rate or falling rate of operating parameters under normal operation conditions of each equipment;

[0018] The equipment includes a hydrogen production system, a compressor, a hydrogen storage cylinder, a fuel cell unit, and a hydrogen pipeline;

[0019] The operating state parameters include pressure, temperature, flow rate, oxygen concentration in hydrogen, hydrogen concentration, and current.

[0020] Further, in S3, the fault characteristic analysis of the hydrogen-related equipment in the confined space is specifically as follows: Based on the hazard source identification content in step S1, obtain the locations where hydrogen leakage is likely to occur. Then, open the valves and joint bolts near the locations where hydrogen leakage is likely to occur to cause hydrogen leakage. Considering the layout principle of hydrogen concentration sensors, conduct a hydrogen leakage test to analyze the fault characteristics of the hydrogen-related equipment in the confined space and the related hydrogen leakage characteristics. Furthermore, analyze the possible fault phenomena and signal characteristics caused by common faults such as valve loosening and joint bolt loosening.

[0021] Further, the layout positions of the hydrogen concentration sensors include the positions where hydrogen leakage may occur, the positions where hydrogen may accumulate, the exhaust outlets of buildings that may release hydrogen, the intake ports of buildings that may inhale hydrogen, and near the leakage points in the space, at the top and around the confined space.

[0022] Further, in S4, the fault characterization parameters include the operating characteristics of the system and the hydrogen leakage characteristics, thereby forming a hydrogen leakage fault feature set considering the system operating characteristics and hydrogen leakage characteristics;

[0023] The system operating characteristics include system voltage, system current, oxygen concentration in hydrogen in the hydrogen production system, temperatures and pressures at the inlet and outlet of the compressor, storage temperatures and pressures of hydrogen storage cylinders, temperatures and pressures of the fuel cell diaphragm, and gas flow rate.

[0024] Further, in S6, it specifically includes the following steps:

[0025] S6-1: Determine the operating conditions of the hydrogen-related equipment in the confined space;

[0026] S6-2: According to the existing operating conditions of the system and based on the operating characteristic analysis in S2 and the fault characteristic analysis in S3, analyze whether the current state of the system is normal or faulty;

[0027] S6-3: Combine the hydrogen concentration characteristics near the possible leakage points in S5 to determine the possible locations where hydrogen leakage occurs.

[0028] Further, in S6-2, if the current state of the system is a hydrogen leakage fault, then combine the possible hazard sources and accident consequences of the system in S1 and the equipment fault characteristic characterization parameter set in S4 to analyze the faulty equipment and the possible leakage points.

[0029] Further, in S6, the process of fusing equipment faults and hydrogen leakage data and simultaneously locating the hydrogen leakage position is as follows: Perform data fusion of equipment faults and hydrogen leakage on the obtained equipment operation parameter information and the rising or falling rate signals of the calculated operation parameters, and simultaneously locate the hydrogen leakage position.

[0030] Further, the process of fusing equipment failure and hydrogen leakage data and simultaneously locating the hydrogen leakage position is as follows: First, determine the hazard sources near the hydrogen concentration alarm sensor, and then use the sensor to sense the hazard sources where the hydrogen concentration exceeds the target value; if the hydrogen leakage sensor detects that the hydrogen leakage volume exceeds 1%, issue a hydrogen leakage warning and stop the equipment, and obtain the position information of the hydrogen concentration sensor that issues the alarm; at the same time, combine the monitored operating parameter information to judge whether the rising or falling rate signal of the operating parameter exceeds the threshold. If it exceeds the threshold, issue an alarm, stop the equipment, and detect and locate the operating failure of the hydrogen-related equipment in the confined space and the system leakage accident.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0032] 1. By fusing the operating characteristics of the equipment and the data of the hydrogen concentration sensor, the present invention combines the advantage of fast detection of operating characteristics, realizes the rapid detection and location of hydrogen leakage of hydrogen-related equipment in the confined space, and reduces the explosion risk of the system.

[0033] 2. The hydrogen leakage detection and location method in the present invention is not only applicable to the detection and location of hydrogen leakage in hydrogen-related systems, but also applicable to the detection and location of leakage of toxic gases or combustible gases such as carbon monoxide, methane, and natural gas, and has a wide range of application scenarios. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a method for detecting and locating hydrogen leakage in a confined space by combining the operating characteristics of equipment;

[0035] Figure 2 is a layout diagram of hydrogen concentration sensors of hydrogen-related equipment in a confined space in Embodiment 1;

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the fusion principle of the operating characteristics of hydrogen-related equipment in a confined space and the data of hydrogen concentration sensors in Embodiment 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The following further elaborates on the specific implementation manners of the present invention through embodiments. These embodiments are implemented on the premise of the solution described in the present invention, and detailed implementation manners and specific operation processes are given, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0038] The following further elaborates on the present invention in combination with the drawings and specific embodiments. Features such as component models, material names, and connection structures that are not clearly described in the technical solution of the present invention are regarded as common technical features disclosed in the prior art.

[0039] Embodiment 1

[0040] As Figure 1 and3 As shown in the figure, the present invention provides a method for rapid detection and location of hydrogen leakage in a confined space by combining the operating characteristics of equipment, including the following steps:

[0041] S1: Conduct an accident analysis of hydrogen-related equipment, and identify hazard sources based on the methods of Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA), Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP), and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). The specific process is as follows: Take the hydrogen-related equipment in the confined space including electrolytic hydrogen production, compressed hydrogen storage, and fuel cells as the object for hazard source identification. As shown in Table 1, Table 1 is the hazard source identification analysis table.

[0042] Table 1 Hazard Source Identification Analysis Table

[0043]

[0044]

[0045]

[0046]

[0047] First, use the Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) method to clarify the location where system risk factors exist, identify the triggering factors and necessary conditions that cause risk factors to evolve into accidents, and analyze the possible accident consequences; then use the Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP) method to find the changes in state parameters (such as temperature and pressure) in the system process, and analyze the reasons, consequences, and countermeasures that can be taken for the changes; finally, use the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method to determine potential accidents that are difficult to identify in the Hazard and Operability Analysis process starting from various system failure situations. By integrating the three methods, identify the major hazard sources of the system and the positions where hydrogen leakage is likely to occur in the system, as shown in Table 2.

[0048] Table 2 Analysis Table of Risk Point Positions for Hazard Source Identification

[0049]

[0050] S2: Combine the content of hazard source identification in S1, and analyze the operating conditions of the system and hydrogen-related equipment based on the operating data of each equipment in the confined space in the early stage, including the operating state parameters of the equipment under different power consumption conditions, and determine the operating parameter range, the rising / falling rate of operating parameters, etc. under the normal operating conditions of each equipment. The equipment includes a hydrogen production system, a compressor, a hydrogen storage bottle, a fuel cell unit, and a hydrogen pipeline; the operating state parameters include pressure, temperature, flow rate, oxygen concentration in hydrogen, hydrogen concentration, and current.

[0051] S3: Based on the content of hazard source identification in S1, obtain the locations where hydrogen leakage is likely to occur, and then appropriately open the valves and joint bolts near these points to cause hydrogen leakage. Considering the layout principle of hydrogen concentration sensors, as Figure 2 shown, sensors are arranged at the locations where hydrogen is likely to accumulate, as shown by the red dots S1 - S9 in the figure. The locations where hydrogen is likely to accumulate are determined according to relevant standards. In this system, hydrogen concentration sensors are uniformly arranged near the ceiling above the hydrogen - related equipment; sensors are arranged near the hazard sources, as shown by the green dots S10 - S15 in the figure. The hazard sources are determined according to the content of hazard source identification in step S1. The hazard sources in this system are, for example, near manual valves and stop valves of hydrogen pipelines, etc. Conduct a hydrogen leakage test to analyze the fault characteristics of hydrogen - related equipment in the confined space and the related hydrogen leakage characteristics, and then analyze the possible fault phenomena and signal manifestations caused by common faults such as loose valves and loose joint bolts. The layout positions of the hydrogen concentration sensors include the positions where hydrogen leakage may occur, the positions where hydrogen may accumulate, the exhaust ports of buildings that may release hydrogen, and the intake ports of buildings that may inhale hydrogen. Hydrogen concentration sensors are arranged near the leakage points, at the top and around the confined space in the space.

[0052] S4: Based on the fault characteristics of the hydrogen - related equipment in the confined space obtained in S3, extract the fault characterization parameters and form a fault parameter set of the hydrogen - related equipment in the confined space in tabular form. The fault characteristics of the hydrogen - related equipment in the confined space include system voltage, system current, oxygen concentration in hydrogen in the hydrogen production system, temperature and pressure at the inlet and outlet of the compressor, storage temperature and pressure of the hydrogen storage cylinder, temperature and pressure of the fuel cell diaphragm, and gas flow rate.

[0053] S5: Arrange hydrogen concentration sensors according to the hydrogen concentration sensor layout method in S3, and rely on the original temperature sensors, pressure sensors, mass flow meters and other sensors of the equipment to carry out the monitoring of the operating indicators and hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen - related equipment in the confined space.

[0054] S6: Based on the detected values of the equipment operation indicators and the monitored values of the hydrogen concentration sensors obtained in S5, combined with the fault characteristic parameter set in S4, perform data fusion of equipment faults and hydrogen leakage, and detect and locate the operation faults of hydrogen-related equipment in confined spaces and system leakage accidents. Perform data fusion of equipment faults and hydrogen leakage for the obtained equipment operation parameter information and the rising or falling rate signals of the calculated operation parameters, and at the same time locate the hydrogen leakage position. Specifically, first determine the hazard sources near the hydrogen concentration alarm sensor, and then use the sensor to sense the hazard sources where the hydrogen concentration is relatively high; if the hydrogen leakage sensor detects that the hydrogen leakage amount exceeds 1%, issue a hydrogen leakage warning and stop the equipment, and obtain the position information of the hydrogen concentration sensor that issues the alarm; at the same time, combined with the monitored operation parameter information, judge whether the rising or falling rate signal of the operation parameter exceeds the threshold. If it exceeds the threshold, issue an alarm, stop the equipment, and detect and locate the operation faults of hydrogen-related equipment in confined spaces and system leakage accidents. As Figure 3 shown, read the pressure information, temperature information, flow information, hydrogen concentration information, etc. near the hazard sources of each hydrogen-related equipment through the monitoring system. Based on the monitored operation parameters (temperature signal, pressure signal, flow signal, etc.), obtain the rising or falling rate signal of the operation parameter, and judge whether the rising / falling rate signal of the operation parameter exceeds the threshold. If so, issue an alarm, stop the equipment, and monitor and locate the operation faults of hydrogen-related equipment in confined spaces and system leakage accidents, as shown in Table 3. The data fusion of hydrogen-related equipment faults and hydrogen leakage is used to monitor possible hydrogen leakage accidents and determine the causes and locations of hydrogen leakage.

[0055] Table 3 Data Fusion Table of Fault Characterization Parameters of Hydrogen-Related Equipment in Confined Spaces and Hydrogen Concentration Sensor Data

[0056]

[0057]

[0058]

[0059] S6-1 Determine the operating conditions of the hydrogen-related equipment in confined spaces;

[0060] S6-2 According to the existing operating conditions of the system, based on the operating characteristic analysis in S2 and the fault characteristic analysis in S3, analyze whether the current state of the system is normal or faulty; if the system has a hydrogen leakage fault, then combined with the possible hazard sources and accident consequences of the system in S1 and the equipment fault characteristic parameter set in S4, analyze the equipment where the fault occurs and the possible leakage points;

[0061] Combined with the hydrogen concentration characteristics of the hydrogen concentration sensors near the possible leakage points in S5, S6 further determines the possible locations where hydrogen leakage occurs. For example, for a 22 MPa compressor, the operating condition parameters that need to be monitored during the analysis of operating conditions and fault characteristics include the inlet and outlet temperatures and the inlet and outlet pressures. In terms of pressure, when the monitored value of the pressure sensor at the exhaust port exceeds the normal range (≤24.2 MPa) or the pressure suddenly rises or drops by more than 15%, it indicates that the compressor may have a fault. Then, it is necessary to continue monitoring the values of the hydrogen concentration sensors near the inlet and outlet of the hydrogen in the compressor system. If the displayed hydrogen concentration exceeds 10,000 ppm, it indicates that hydrogen leakage has occurred, and its location is near the compressor outlet.

[0062] A method for rapid detection and location of hydrogen leakage in a confined space combined with the operating characteristics of equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention monitors the operating conditions of a hazard source equipment and the hydrogen concentration near the hazard source based on hydrogen concentration sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc., which can effectively avoid the hydrogen leakage problem caused by the failure of hydrogen-related equipment in a confined space. At the same time, it can accurately and quickly locate the leakage point, and has the advantages of high reliability, fast monitoring response, and simple layout of monitoring points, and can be widely applied in the field of leakage detection of other combustible gases and toxic gases.

[0063] The above description of the embodiments is to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand and use the invention. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications to these embodiments and apply the general principles described herein to other embodiments without creative efforts. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention according to the disclosure of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for rapid detection and location of hydrogen leakage in confined spaces combined with equipment operation characteristics, characterized in that: The steps include: S1: Conduct accident analysis and hazard source identification for hydrogen-related equipment in confined spaces; the hazard source identification adopts the methods of pre-hazard analysis, hazard and operability analysis, and failure mode and effect analysis; S2: Based on the hazard sources identified in S1, combined with the process flow and system characteristics of hydrogen-related equipment in confined spaces, analyze the operating characteristics of hydrogen-related equipment; the specific process of analyzing the operating characteristics of hydrogen-related equipment is as follows: Based on the hazard sources identified in S1, combined with the operating data of hydrogen-related equipment, analyze the operating conditions of hydrogen-related equipment in confined spaces, including the operating status parameters of equipment under different power conditions, and determine the operating parameter range and the characteristics of the operating parameter increase rate or decrease rate under normal operating conditions of each equipment; The equipment includes a hydrogen production system, a compressor, a hydrogen storage bottle, a fuel cell unit and a hydrogen pipeline; The operating state parameters include pressure, temperature, flow rate, oxygen concentration in hydrogen, hydrogen concentration and current; S3: Conduct a hydrogen leakage test and analyze the fault characteristics of confined space hydrogen-related equipment; the fault characteristics analysis of confined space hydrogen-related equipment is specifically as follows: based on the hazard source identification content in step S1, obtain the location where hydrogen leakage is likely to occur, and then open the valve and joint bolts near the location where hydrogen leakage is likely to occur to cause hydrogen leakage, and consider the layout principle of the hydrogen concentration sensor to conduct a hydrogen leakage test, analyze the fault characteristics of confined space hydrogen-related equipment, and related hydrogen leakage characteristics, and then analyze the possible fault phenomena and signal characterizations caused by common faults such as loose valves and loose joint bolts; S4: extracting fault characterization parameters according to the fault characteristics obtained in S3, and obtaining a set of fault characteristic characterization parameters for confined space hydrogen-related equipment; the fault characterization parameters include system operation characteristics and hydrogen leakage characteristics, thereby forming a hydrogen leakage fault feature set that takes into account the system operation characteristics and hydrogen leakage characteristics; The system operation characteristics include system voltage, system current, oxygen concentration in hydrogen of the hydrogen production system, temperature and pressure of the compressor inlet and exhaust port, gas storage temperature and pressure of the hydrogen storage bottle, fuel cell diaphragm temperature and pressure and gas flow rate; S5: Monitor the operating indicators and hydrogen concentration of hydrogen-related equipment in confined spaces; S6: Based on the equipment operation index monitoring values ​​and hydrogen concentration monitoring values ​​obtained in S5, combined with the fault feature characterization parameter set in S4, equipment fault and hydrogen leakage data are fused, and operation faults of hydrogen-related equipment in confined spaces and system leakage accidents are detected and located; The process of fusing the equipment failure and hydrogen leakage data and locating the hydrogen leakage position is as follows: fusing the equipment failure and hydrogen leakage data with the acquired equipment operation parameter information and the calculated rising or falling rate signal of the operation parameter and locating the hydrogen leakage position; The equipment failure and hydrogen leakage data are integrated, and the hydrogen leakage position is located at the same time. The specific process is as follows: first determine the hazardous source near the hydrogen concentration alarm sensor, and then use the sensor to sense the hazardous source where the hydrogen concentration exceeds the target value; if the hydrogen leakage sensor detects that the hydrogen leakage volume exceeds 1%, a hydrogen leakage warning is issued and the equipment is shut down to obtain the location information of the hydrogen concentration sensor that issued the alarm; at the same time, combined with the monitored operating parameter information, it is determined whether the rising or falling rate signal of the operating parameter exceeds the threshold. If it exceeds the threshold, an alarm is issued and the equipment is shut down, and the operation failure of hydrogen-related equipment in confined spaces and system leakage accidents are detected and located.

2. A method for rapid detection and positioning of hydrogen leakage in a confined space in combination with equipment operation characteristics according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogen concentration sensor is arranged at locations where hydrogen leakage may occur, locations where hydrogen may accumulate, exhaust ports of buildings where hydrogen may be released, air intake ports of buildings where hydrogen may be inhaled, and near leakage points in the space and at the top and around confined spaces.

3. The method for rapid detection and positioning of hydrogen leakage in a confined space in combination with equipment operation characteristics according to claim 1, characterized in that: S6 specifically includes the following steps: S6-1: Determine the operating conditions of hydrogen-related equipment in confined spaces; S6-2: Analyze the current state of the system as normal or faulty according to the existing operating conditions of the system and based on the operating characteristics analysis in S2 and the fault characteristics analysis in S3; S6-3: Determine the possible location where the hydrogen leakage may occur based on the hydrogen concentration characteristics near the possible leakage point in S5.

4. A method for rapid detection and positioning of hydrogen leakage in a confined space in combination with equipment operation characteristics according to claim 3, characterized in that: In S6-2, if the current state of the system is a hydrogen leakage fault, the possible hazard sources and accident consequences of the system in S1 and the equipment fault characteristic characterization parameter set in S4 are combined to analyze the equipment where the fault occurs and the possible leakage points.

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