A supercritical water-aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system and its working method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of hydrogen energy technology, specifically to a supercritical water aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system and its operating method. The system includes: a feeding subsystem comprising an aluminum powder storage tank and a feed hopper, a compressor, and a hydrogen storage tank. The aluminum powder storage tank contains aluminum powder, and the aluminum powder storage tank, compressor, and hydrogen storage tank are located above and connected to the feed hopper; a hydrolysis hydrogen production subsystem comprising a supercritical water reactor and a hopper. The supercritical water reactor is located below the feed hopper and is used to receive aluminum powder. The hopper is located at the bottom of the supercritical water reactor and is used to collect solid residue; and a gas-water ionization system comprising a gas-water separator and a water tank. The hydrogen produced by the supercritical water reactor is separated into gas and water, allowing water to be recycled, reducing the system's water consumption. Solid residue is then automatically discharged through the hopper, ensuring continuous operation of the supercritical water hydrogen production reactor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen energy technology, specifically to a supercritical water-aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system and its working method. Background Technology

[0002] Rapid technological development has led to an increasing demand for energy. Fossil fuels, while a primary energy source, are also major pollutants, causing increasing harm to the environment. Energy conservation and emission reduction have become an inevitable trend in social development. Therefore, energy conservation and emission reduction, improving energy efficiency, and developing new energy sources have become essential paths to sustainable development.

[0003] Hydrogen, as a high-energy fuel and a clean secondary energy source, is used in various fields. Due to its high calorific value and lack of pollution, hydrogen's applications have received widespread attention, not only for addressing resource shortages but also for mitigating environmental pollution.

[0004] Aluminum is the most abundant metallic element in the Earth's crust, widely available, inexpensive, and with low density. The reaction of aluminum with supercritical water (critical temperature 374℃, critical pressure 22.1 MPa) to produce hydrogen can be an effective means of hydrogen storage, with a hydrogen storage value as high as 11.1% (mass fraction), making it an excellent hydrogen carrier. The reaction products are environmentally friendly, and the byproducts can be recovered. However, currently available supercritical water aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production systems have not achieved continuous hydrogen production in the supercritical water aluminum powder hydrolysis reactor. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the problem that the existing technology fails to achieve continuous hydrogen production in the supercritical water aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production reactor, thereby providing a supercritical water aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system and working method.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a supercritical water aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system, comprising: a feeding subsystem, which includes an aluminum powder storage tank and a feed hopper, a compressor, and a hydrogen storage tank; the aluminum powder storage tank contains aluminum powder, and the aluminum powder storage tank, compressor, and hydrogen storage tank are located above and connected to the feed hopper; a hydrolysis hydrogen production subsystem, which includes a supercritical water reactor and a hopper; the supercritical water reactor is located below the feed hopper and is used to receive aluminum powder; the hopper is located at the bottom of the supercritical water reactor and is used to collect solid residue; and a gas-water ionization system, which includes a gas-water separator and a water tank; the water tank is connected to both the gas-water separator and the supercritical water reactor, and the gas-water separator is connected to the hydrogen storage tank.

[0007] Furthermore, the gas-water ionization system also includes a hydrogen discharge valve, which is located at the top of the supercritical water reactor and connected to the inlet of the gas-water separator.

[0008] Furthermore, the gas-water ionization system also includes a water pump, which is located between the supercritical water reactor and the water tank, and is used to transport supercritical water from the water tank into the supercritical water reactor.

[0009] Furthermore, the feeding subsystem also includes a gas connection pipe for connecting the hydrogen storage tank and the feed hopper, and the compressor is located on the gas connection pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a first feed pipe and a second feed pipe, the first feed pipe being located between the aluminum powder storage tank and the feed hopper, and the second feed pipe being located between the feed hopper and the supercritical water reactor.

[0011] Furthermore, a first valve body is provided on the first feed pipe, and a second valve body is provided on the second feed pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, one end of the supercritical water reactor is provided with a discharge pipe, and the inverted bucket is located on the discharge pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the hydrolysis hydrogen production subsystem also includes a third valve body and a fourth valve body, both of which are located on the discharge pipe and on both sides of the bucket.

[0014] Furthermore, the first valve body, the second valve body, the third valve body, and the fourth valve body are all solenoid valves.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for operating the supercritical water aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system, comprising:

[0016] Open the hydrogen storage tank to allow hydrogen to displace the residual water vapor in the feed hopper. Then close the hydrogen storage tank, open the aluminum powder storage tank, and let the aluminum powder fall into the feed hopper. Next, close the aluminum powder storage tank, open the feed hopper and the compressor. Through gravity and the propulsion of hydrogen, the aluminum powder in the feed hopper falls into the supercritical water reactor. Finally, close the feed hopper. The aluminum powder undergoes a hydrolysis reaction with supercritical water in the supercritical water reactor to produce hydrogen.

[0017] The technical solution of this invention has the following advantages:

[0018] 1. The supercritical water aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system provided by the present invention includes: a feeding subsystem, which includes an aluminum powder storage tank and a feed hopper, a compressor and a hydrogen storage tank, wherein the aluminum powder storage tank contains aluminum powder, and the aluminum powder storage tank, the compressor and the hydrogen storage tank are located above the feed hopper and connected to the feed hopper; a hydrolysis hydrogen production subsystem, which includes a supercritical water reactor and a hopper, wherein the supercritical water reactor is located below the feed hopper and is used to receive aluminum powder, and the hopper is located at the bottom of the supercritical water reactor and is used to collect solid residue; and a gas-water ionization system, which includes a gas-water separator and a water tank, wherein the water tank is connected to the gas-water separator and the supercritical water reactor respectively, and the gas-water separator is connected to the hydrogen storage tank.

[0019] First, hydrogen gas is used to purge residual water vapor from the feed hopper through the hydrogen storage tank. Then, the hydrogen storage tank is closed, and the aluminum powder storage tank is opened, allowing aluminum powder to fall into the feed hopper. Next, the aluminum powder storage tank is closed, and the feed hopper and compressor are opened. Through gravity and the propulsion of hydrogen gas, the aluminum powder in the feed hopper falls into the supercritical water reactor. Finally, the feed hopper is closed. The aluminum powder undergoes a hydrolysis reaction with supercritical water in the supercritical water reactor, producing hydrogen gas. Because the gas-liquid separator has a cooling function, it cools the hydrogen gas produced in the supercritical water reactor and condenses the supercritical water in the hydrogen into a liquid state. The condensed supercritical water falls into a water tank for recovery. Since the water tank is connected to the supercritical water, the supercritical water in the tank can be fed into the supercritical water reactor to replenish the supercritical water consumed in the hydrolysis reaction. The hydrogen gas exiting the gas-liquid separator can be directly transported to the outside or to the hydrogen storage tank.

[0020] This supercritical water aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system allows aluminum powder to be continuously and automatically transported to a high-temperature, high-pressure supercritical water reactor in the absence of air and water. By utilizing the hydrogen generated by the supercritical water reactor itself as the aluminum powder transport carrier, the system avoids the presence of other gaseous components in the hydrogen product, thus circumventing the challenges of gas separation. Furthermore, due to the higher temperature and pressure of the supercritical water reactor, compared to low-temperature, atmospheric-pressure aluminum powder and water hydrogen production reactors, the hydrogen production rate is faster, and the overall system volume is more compact. The hydrogen produced by the supercritical water reactor is separated into gas and water, allowing for water recovery and reducing system water consumption. Solid residue is then automatically discharged via a tilting bucket, ensuring continuous operation of the supercritical water hydrogen production reactor.

[0021] The summary section is provided to present the chosen concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed description below. The summary section is not intended to identify essential or necessary features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the supercritical water aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system provided by the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 1. Aluminum powder storage tank; 2. First valve body; 3. Feed hopper; 4. Second valve body; 5. Supercritical water reactor; 6. Hydrogen storage tank; 7. Compressor; 8. Hydrogen discharge valve; 9. Gas-water separator; 10. Water tank; 11. Water pump; 12. Third valve body; 13. Tilting bucket; 14. Fourth valve body. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and description are to be considered exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0027] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0028] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joint" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections, electrical connections, or connections that allow for communication; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this disclosure. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, various specific examples of processes and materials are provided in this disclosure, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0031] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0032] Please see Figure 1As shown, the present invention provides a supercritical water aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system, comprising: a feeding subsystem, the feeding subsystem including an aluminum powder storage tank 1 and a feed hopper 3, a compressor 7 and a hydrogen storage tank 6, the aluminum powder storage tank 1 containing aluminum powder, the aluminum powder storage tank 1, the compressor 7 and the hydrogen storage tank 6 being located above and connected to the feed hopper 3; a hydrolysis hydrogen production subsystem, the hydrolysis hydrogen production subsystem including a supercritical water reactor 5 and a tilting bucket 13, the supercritical water reactor 5 being located below the feed hopper 3, the supercritical water reactor 5 being used to receive aluminum powder, the tilting bucket 13 being located at the bottom of the supercritical water reactor 5, the tilting bucket 13 being used to collect solid residue; and a gas-water ionization system, the gas-water ionization system including a gas-water separator 9 and a water tank 10, the water tank 10 being connected to the gas-water separator 9 and the supercritical water reactor 5 respectively, the gas-water separator 9 being connected to the hydrogen storage tank 6.

[0033] First, hydrogen is used in the hydrogen storage tank 6 to purge residual water vapor from the feed hopper 3. Then, the hydrogen storage tank 6 is closed, and the aluminum powder storage tank 1 is opened, allowing aluminum powder to fall into the feed hopper 3. Next, the aluminum powder storage tank 1 is closed, and the feed hopper 3 and compressor 7 are opened. Through gravity and the propulsion of hydrogen, the aluminum powder in the feed hopper 3 falls into the supercritical water reactor 5. Finally, the feed hopper 3 is closed. The aluminum powder undergoes a hydrolysis reaction with supercritical water in the supercritical water reactor 5, producing hydrogen. Since the gas-liquid separator 9 has a cooling function, it can cool the hydrogen produced in the supercritical water reactor 5 and cool the supercritical water in the hydrogen into a liquid state. The condensed supercritical water falls into the water tank 10 for recovery. Because the water tank 10 is connected to the supercritical water, the supercritical water in the water tank 10 can be fed into the supercritical water reactor 5 to replenish the supercritical water consumed in the hydrolysis reaction. The hydrogen at the outlet of the gas-liquid separator 9 can be directly transported to the outside or to the hydrogen storage tank 6.

[0034] This supercritical water aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system integrates a feeding subsystem, a hydrolysis hydrogen production subsystem, and a gas-liquid separation system to form a safe and automated supercritical water aluminum powder hydrogen production system that automatically feeds, discharges slag, and produces hydrogen. It allows aluminum powder to be continuously and automatically transported to the high-temperature, high-pressure supercritical water reactor 5 while isolating it from air and water. By utilizing the hydrogen generated by the supercritical water reactor 5 itself as the aluminum powder transport carrier, the system avoids the presence of other gaseous components in the hydrogen product, thus circumventing the challenges of gas separation. Furthermore, due to the higher temperature and pressure of the supercritical water reactor 5, compared to low-temperature, atmospheric-pressure aluminum powder and water hydrogen production reactors, the hydrogen production rate is faster, and the overall system volume is more compact. The hydrogen produced by the supercritical water reactor 5 undergoes gas-liquid separation, allowing water to be recycled and reducing system water consumption. Solid residue is then automatically discharged through the inverted bucket 13, ensuring continuous operation of the supercritical water hydrogen production reactor. The solution is to automatically feed aluminum powder into the high-temperature and high-pressure supercritical water reactor 5 under the premise of isolating air and water, so as to ensure the continuous generation of hydrogen, automatically discharge solid residue, separate water from hydrogen, and recycle water.

[0035] In some optional embodiments, the gas-water ionization system further includes a hydrogen discharge valve 8, which is located at the top of the supercritical water reactor 5 and connected to the inlet of the gas-water separator 9.

[0036] The hydrogen discharge valve 8 allows the hydrogen generated in the supercritical water reactor 5 to be transported to the gas-liquid separator 9 for cooling, thus replenishing the consumption of the supercritical water reactor 5. The hydrogen at the outlet of the gas-liquid separator 9 can be directly transported to the outside or to the hydrogen storage tank 6.

[0037] The gas-water ionization system also includes a water pump 11, which is located between the supercritical water reactor 5 and the water tank 10. The water pump 11 is used to transport supercritical water from the water tank 10 into the supercritical water reactor 5.

[0038] In some optional embodiments, the feeding subsystem further includes a gas connection pipe (not shown in the figure) for connecting the hydrogen storage tank 6 and the feed hopper 3, and the compressor 7 is located on the gas connection pipe.

[0039] The supercritical water aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system also includes a first feed pipe (not shown in the figure) and a second feed pipe (not shown in the figure). The first feed pipe is located between the aluminum powder storage tank 1 and the feed hopper 3, and the second feed pipe is located between the feed hopper 3 and the supercritical water reactor 5.

[0040] The first feed pipe is equipped with a first valve body 2, which is the outlet valve of the aluminum powder storage tank 1. The amount of aluminum powder flowing out of the aluminum powder storage tank 1 can be controlled by the first valve body 2. It also prevents water and aluminum powder from coming into contact inside the aluminum powder storage tank 1, thus avoiding dangerous accidents.

[0041] The second feed pipe is equipped with a second valve body 4, which, together with the high-pressure hydrogen gas pressurized by the compressor 7 in the hydrogen storage tank 6, can be used to blow all the aluminum powder from the feed hopper 3 into the supercritical water reactor 5 for reaction.

[0042] In some optional embodiments, one end of the supercritical water reactor 5 is provided with a discharge pipe (not shown in the figure), and the inverted bucket 13 is provided on the discharge pipe.

[0043] Meanwhile, the hydrolysis hydrogen production subsystem also includes a third valve body 12 and a fourth valve body 14, both of which are located on the discharge pipe and on both sides of the bucket 13.

[0044] The third valve body 12 is the outlet valve of the supercritical water reactor 5, and the fourth valve body 14 is the outlet valve of the bucket 13. That is, in actual use, the solid residue produced by the reaction of aluminum powder and supercritical water falls into the bucket 13 by gravity. Then the third valve body 12 is closed and the fourth valve body 14 is opened, and the solid residue is discharged from the supercritical water aluminum powder hydrogen production system.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first valve body 2, the second valve body 4, the third valve body 12, and the fourth valve body 14 are all solenoid valves. Solenoid valves have a fast response speed and can react quickly to received commands, enabling rapid delivery of aluminum powder.

[0046] Of course, the first valve body 2, the second valve body 4, the third valve body 12, and the fourth valve body 14 can also be manual valves. Specifically, they can be set according to the actual situation.

[0047] The present invention also provides a method for operating the supercritical water aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system, comprising: opening the hydrogen storage tank 6 to allow hydrogen to displace the residual water vapor in the feed hopper 3, then closing the hydrogen storage tank 6, opening the aluminum powder storage tank 1 to allow aluminum powder to fall into the feed hopper 3, then closing the aluminum powder storage tank 1, opening the feed hopper 3 and the compressor 7, and through the action of gravity and hydrogen, the aluminum powder in the feed hopper 3 falls into the supercritical water reactor 5, and finally closing the feed hopper 3. The aluminum powder undergoes a hydrolysis reaction with supercritical water in the supercritical water reactor 5 to produce hydrogen.

[0048] Specifically, the first valve body 2 can be closed first, and the second valve body 4 and compressor 7 can be opened to allow hydrogen to expel the residual water vapor in the feed hopper 3. Then, the second valve body 4 can be closed and the first valve body 2 can be opened to allow aluminum powder to fall into the feed hopper 3. Next, the first valve body 2 can be closed and the second valve body 4 and compressor 7 can be opened. Through gravity and the pushing action of hydrogen, the aluminum powder in the feed hopper 3 falls into the supercritical water reactor 5. Finally, the second valve body 4 can be closed. The aluminum powder undergoes a hydrolysis reaction with supercritical water in the supercritical water reactor 5 to produce hydrogen. The supercritical water in the hydrogen is cooled into a liquid state. The condensed supercritical water falls into the water tank 10 and is recovered. Since the water tank 10 is connected to the supercritical water, the supercritical water in the water tank 10 can be fed into the supercritical water reactor 5 to replenish the supercritical water consumed by the hydrolysis reaction. The hydrogen at the outlet of the gas-liquid separator 9 can be directly transported to the outside or to the hydrogen storage tank 6.

[0049] After the third valve 12 is opened, the solid residue produced by the reaction of aluminum powder and supercritical water falls into the bucket 13 by gravity. Then the third valve 12 is closed and the fourth valve 14 is opened, and the solid residue is discharged from the supercritical water aluminum powder hydrogen production system.

[0050] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for clarity of explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation methods. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other variations or modifications based on the above descriptions are possible. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all implementation methods here. Obvious variations or modifications arising therefrom remain within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A supercritical water-aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system, characterized in that, include: The feeding subsystem includes an aluminum powder storage tank (1) and a feeding hopper (3), a compressor (7) and a hydrogen storage tank (6). The aluminum powder storage tank (1) contains aluminum powder. The aluminum powder storage tank (1), the compressor (7), and the hydrogen storage tank (6) are located above the feeding hopper (3) and connected to the feeding hopper (3). The hydrolysis hydrogen production subsystem includes a supercritical water reactor (5) and a bucket (13). The supercritical water reactor (5) is located below the feed hopper (3) and is used to receive aluminum powder. The bucket (13) is located at the bottom of the supercritical water reactor (5) and is used to receive solid residue. The gas-water ionization system includes a gas-water separator (9) and a water tank (10). The water tank (10) is connected to the gas-water separator (9) and the supercritical water reactor (5) respectively. The gas-water separator (9) is connected to the hydrogen storage tank (6).

2. The supercritical water-aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas-water ionization system also includes a hydrogen discharge valve (8), which is located at the top of the supercritical water reactor (5) and connected to the inlet of the gas-water separator (9).

3. The supercritical water-aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas-water ionization system also includes a water pump (11), which is located between the supercritical water reactor (5) and the water tank (10). The water pump (11) is used to transport supercritical water from the water tank (10) into the supercritical water reactor (5).

4. A supercritical water-aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The feeding subsystem also includes a gas connection pipe, which is used to connect the hydrogen storage tank (6) and the feed hopper (3), and the compressor (7) is located on the gas connection pipe.

5. A supercritical water-aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a first feed pipe and a second feed pipe. The first feed pipe is located between the aluminum powder storage tank (1) and the feed silo (3), and the second feed pipe is located between the feed silo (3) and the supercritical water reactor (5).

6. A supercritical water-aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first feed pipe is equipped with a first valve body (2), and the second feed pipe is equipped with a second valve body (4).

7. A supercritical water-aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The supercritical water reactor (5) is equipped with a discharge pipe at one end, and the inverted bucket (13) is located on the discharge pipe.

8. A supercritical water-aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The hydrolysis hydrogen production subsystem also includes a third valve body (12) and a fourth valve body (14), both of which are located on the discharge pipe and on both sides of the bucket (13).

9. A supercritical water-aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first valve body (2), the second valve body (4), the third valve body (12), and the fourth valve body (14) are all solenoid valves.

10. A method for operating the supercritical water-aluminum powder hydrolysis hydrogen production system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, include: Open the hydrogen storage tank (6) to allow the hydrogen to expel the residual water vapor in the feed hopper (3), then close the hydrogen storage tank (6), open the aluminum powder storage tank (1) to allow the aluminum powder to fall into the feed hopper (3), then close the aluminum powder storage tank (1), open the feed hopper (3) and the compressor (7), and through the action of gravity and hydrogen, the aluminum powder in the feed hopper (3) falls into the supercritical water reactor (5), and finally close the feed hopper (3). The aluminum powder undergoes a hydrolysis reaction with supercritical water in the supercritical water reactor (5) to produce hydrogen.

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