A sustainable and stable water-electricity-steam cogeneration system

By using hydrogen fuel cell stacks as a heat source in a water-electricity-steam cogeneration system, combined with adsorption equipment and compressors to produce high-temperature steam, the problem of unsustainable water acquisition caused by unstable solar heat sources has been solved, enabling continuous water and steam supply in water-scarce areas and promoting the replacement of traditional energy with clean energy.

CN119021313BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28HARBIN INST OF TECH
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411321674.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-23
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2044-09-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, using solar energy as a heat source for desorption in adsorption equipment leads to unsustainable water acquisition. Traditional adsorption equipment operates intermittently in water-scarce areas, and the heat source is unstable.

Method used

The system employs a sustainable and stable water-electricity-steam cogeneration system, combined with a hydrogen fuel cell stack as a heat source. The hydrogen fuel cell stack provides a continuous heat source, and high-temperature steam is generated by adsorption equipment and a compressor, enabling all-weather water intake and steam supply.

Benefits of technology

It enables continuous water intake and high-temperature steam supply in water-scarce areas. The system's electricity comes from a zero-carbon emission pathway, promoting the replacement of traditional fossil fuels with clean energy, solving water source problems, and supporting the dual-carbon strategy and energy conservation and emission reduction.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of cogeneration equipment, and specifically to a sustainable and stable water-electricity-steam cogeneration system, comprising: a water collector, a first adsorption device, a condenser, a second adsorption device, a first water tank, a second water tank, a hydrogen fuel cell stack, a third water tank, a flash tank, a compressor, and a steam supply unit; the water collector is connected to the condenser, which is respectively connected to the first and second adsorption devices and the third water tank; the first adsorption device is connected to the first and second water tanks; the second water tank is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell stack; the second adsorption device is connected to the first and second water tanks; the third water tank is connected to the flash tank; the flash tank is connected to the compressor; and the compressor is connected to the steam supply unit. This sustainable and stable water-electricity-steam cogeneration system solves the problems of unsustainable operation and unstable heat sources of traditional adsorption equipment units in water-scarce areas, while the system's electricity output comes from a zero-carbon emission source.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cogeneration equipment technology, specifically to a water-electricity-steam cogeneration system that can operate sustainably and stably. Background Technology

[0002] Air-based water extraction, which uses specific technologies to capture water vapor in the air and convert it into liquid water, is a decentralized water supply model that can play an important role in addressing the global water crisis, primarily providing water sources to arid and remote areas. While traditional adsorption-based water extraction is environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, its application is significantly limited by the influence of heat sources.

[0003] Currently, existing technologies mostly focus on using solar energy as a heat source for desorption in adsorption equipment. Although solar energy is a relatively stable heat source, this makes water acquisition unsustainable, and intermittent water intake does not fundamentally solve the problem. Therefore, a continuous heat source is necessary for the adsorption equipment to provide a continuous water supply, but research in this area is currently scarce. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the problem that the existing technology uses solar energy as a heat source to supply desorption for adsorption equipment. Although the heat source of solar energy is relatively stable, this makes the acquisition of water unsustainable. Thus, the present invention provides a water-electricity-steam cogeneration system that can operate sustainably and stably.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a sustainable and stable water-electricity-steam cogeneration system, comprising: a water collector, a first adsorption device, a condenser, a second adsorption device, a first water tank, a second water tank, a hydrogen fuel cell stack, a third water tank, a flash evaporator, a compressor, and a steam supply unit; the water collector is connected to the condenser, the condenser is connected to the first and second adsorption devices and the third water tank respectively, the first adsorption device is connected to the first and second water tanks, the second water tank is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell stack, the second adsorption device is connected to the first and second water tanks, the third water tank is connected to the flash evaporator, the flash evaporator is connected to the compressor, and the compressor is connected to the steam supply unit.

[0006] Furthermore, the compressor is located on the connecting pipeline between the flash tank and the steam supply unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the compressor and the hydrogen fuel cell stack are electrically connected.

[0008] Furthermore, a first pump body and a first valve are provided on the connecting pipeline between the first adsorption device and the first water tank.

[0009] Furthermore, there is a second pump and a second valve between the second adsorption device and the first water tank.

[0010] Furthermore, a third pump and a third valve are installed on the connecting pipeline between the first adsorption device and the second water tank.

[0011] Furthermore, a fourth pump and a fourth valve are provided on the connecting pipeline between the second water tank and the second adsorption device.

[0012] Furthermore, a fifth pump and a fifth valve are installed on the connecting pipeline between the second water tank and the hydrogen fuel cell stack.

[0013] Furthermore, the first pump body, the second pump body, the third pump body, the fourth pump body, and the fifth pump body are all water pumps.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a manual valve, which is located on the connecting pipeline.

[0015] The technical solution of this invention has the following advantages:

[0016] 1. The water-electricity-steam cogeneration system provided by the present invention comprises: a water collector, a first adsorption device, a condenser, a second adsorption device, a first water tank, a second water tank, a hydrogen fuel cell stack, a third water tank, a flash tank, a compressor, and a steam supply unit; the water collector is connected to the condenser, the condenser is connected to the first adsorption device, the second adsorption device, and the third water tank respectively, the first adsorption device is connected to the first water tank and the second water tank, the second water tank is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell stack, the second adsorption device is connected to the first water tank and the second water tank, the third water tank is connected to the flash tank, the flash tank is connected to the compressor, and the compressor is connected to the steam supply unit.

[0017] In actual use, water from the second water tank enters the hydrogen fuel cell stack, absorbing heat and thus heating up. The first adsorption device absorbs water vapor from the air. After the first adsorption device has finished adsorbing, the heated hot water enters the first adsorption device from the second water tank, releasing heat, which causes the first adsorption device to desorb. The released water vapor enters the condenser for condensation, finally turning into liquid water and returning to the water collector, completing one water collection cycle. The same process is used for desorption in the second adsorption device.

[0018] Meanwhile, after the first adsorption device completes desorption, room-temperature water from the first water tank enters the first adsorption device to cool it, restoring its adsorption capacity. After cooling, adsorption continues, and this process is repeated. Similarly, for the cooling of the second adsorption device, while the second adsorption device is in the adsorption process, it is in the desorption process, and the two processes alternate.

[0019] The condenser releases heat to the third water tank, where the water absorbs the heat and heats up. It then enters the flash tank to evaporate into steam, which is further compressed into even hotter steam by the compressor before finally entering the steam supply unit for food processing and industrial production. The compressor is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell stack.

[0020] This sustainable and stable water-electricity-steam cogeneration system organically combines hydrogen fuel cell stacks and adsorption equipment. The hydrogen fuel cell stack forms a primary power generation unit and serves as a heat source for the adsorption equipment, providing a continuous heat source. This allows the system to continuously draw water throughout the day, while simultaneously generating high-temperature steam for food processing and industrial production via electric drive. This system solves the problems of unsustainable operation and unstable heat sources associated with traditional adsorption equipment in water-scarce regions. Furthermore, all electricity generated by the system comes from zero-carbon emission pathways. This accelerates the replacement of traditional fossil fuels with clean energy systems, solves water source problems in water-scarce areas, and provides a strong foundation for promoting dual-carbon strategies and energy conservation and emission reduction.

[0021] 2. The water-electricity-steam cogeneration system provided by the present invention, which can operate sustainably and stably, facilitates the transport of liquid in the water tank and increases the transport efficiency by setting up a first pump body, a second pump body, a third pump body, a fourth pump body, and a fifth pump body.

[0022] 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

[0023] 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.

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a water-electricity-steam cogeneration system that provides sustainable and stable operation for the present invention.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 1. Water collector; 2. First adsorption device; 3. Condensation device; 4. Second adsorption device; 5. First water tank; 6. Second water tank; 7. Hydrogen fuel cell stack; 8. First pump body; 9. Second pump body; 10. Third pump body; 11. Fourth pump body; 12. Fifth pump body; 13. First valve; 14. Second valve; 15. Third valve; 16. Fourth valve; 17. Fifth valve; 18. Third water tank; 19. Flash evaporator; 20. Compressor; 21. Steam supply unit. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Please see Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a sustainable and stable water-electricity-steam cogeneration system, comprising: a water collector 1, a first adsorption device 2, a condenser, a second adsorption device 4, a first water tank 5, a second water tank 6, a hydrogen fuel cell stack 7, a third water tank 18, a flash evaporator 19, a compressor 20, and a steam supply unit 21; the water collector 1 is connected to the condenser, the condenser is connected to the first adsorption device 2, the second adsorption device 4, and the third water tank 18 respectively, the first adsorption device 2 is connected to the first water tank 5 and the second water tank 6, the second water tank 6 is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell stack 7, the second adsorption device 4 is connected to the first water tank 5 and the second water tank 6, the third water tank 18 is connected to the flash evaporator 19, the flash evaporator 19 is connected to the compressor 20, and the compressor 20 is connected to the steam supply unit 21.

[0034] In actual use, water from the second water tank 6 enters the hydrogen fuel cell stack 7, absorbing heat and thus heating up. The first adsorption device 2 absorbs water vapor from the air. After the first adsorption device 2 has finished adsorbing, the heated hot water enters the first adsorption device 2 from the second water tank 6, releasing heat, thereby causing the first adsorption device 2 to desorb. The released water vapor enters the condenser for condensation, and finally becomes liquid water that returns to the water collector 1, completing one water collection cycle. The same process is used to desorb water from the second adsorption device 4.

[0035] Meanwhile, after the first adsorption device 2 completes desorption, room temperature water from the first water tank 5 enters the first adsorption device 2 to cool it, allowing it to regain its adsorption capacity. After cooling, adsorption continues, and this process is repeated. Similarly, for the cooling of the second adsorption device 4, while the second adsorption device 4 is in the adsorption process, the second adsorption device 4 is in the desorption process, and the two processes alternate.

[0036] When the condenser releases heat to the third water tank 18, the water in the third water tank 18 absorbs the heat and becomes warmer. It then enters the flash tank 19 to evaporate into water vapor, which is then compressed into higher temperature water vapor by the compressor 20. Finally, it enters the steam supply unit 21 for food processing and industrial production. The compressor 20 is powered by the hydrogen fuel cell stack 7.

[0037] This sustainable and stable water-electricity-steam cogeneration system organically combines a hydrogen fuel cell stack 7 and an adsorption unit. The hydrogen fuel cell stack 7 forms a primary power generation unit and serves as a heat source for the adsorption unit. The hydrogen fuel cell provides a continuous heat source, enabling the system to continuously draw water throughout the day. Simultaneously, it uses electricity to generate high-temperature steam for food processing and industrial production. This solves the problems of unsustainable operation and unstable heat sources in traditional adsorption units in water-scarce regions. Furthermore, the system's electricity production comes entirely from zero-carbon emission pathways. This accelerates the replacement of traditional fossil fuels with clean energy systems, solves water source problems in water-scarce areas, and provides a strong foundation for promoting dual-carbon strategies and energy conservation and emission reduction.

[0038] In this embodiment, the compressor 20 is located on the connecting pipeline between the flash tank 19 and the steam supply unit 21. Furthermore, the compressor 20 is electrically connected to the hydrogen fuel cell stack 7. This allows the compressor 20 to be powered by the hydrogen fuel cell stack 7.

[0039] In some optional embodiments, a first pump body 8 and a first valve 13 are provided on the connecting pipeline between the first adsorption device 2 and the first water tank 5. A second pump body 9 and a second valve 14 are provided between the second adsorption device 4 and the first water tank 5. A third pump body 10 and a third valve 15 are provided on the connecting pipeline between the first adsorption device 2 and the second water tank 6. A fourth pump body 11 and a fourth valve 16 are provided on the connecting pipeline between the second water tank 6 and the second adsorption device 4. A fifth pump body 12 and a fifth valve 17 are provided on the connecting pipeline between the second water tank 6 and the hydrogen fuel cell stack 7.

[0040] The arrangement of the first pump body 8, the second pump body 9, the third pump body 10, the fourth pump body 11, and the fifth pump body 12 facilitates the transport of liquid in the water tank and increases the transport efficiency.

[0041] Among them, valves 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 are solenoid valves. Solenoid valves have advantages such as high precision, long service life, good environmental adaptability, high safety, and high cost-effectiveness. Because quality control is emphasized during the research and development and production of solenoid valves, they possess high precision, enabling precise flow control, convenient valve opening and closing, and improved production efficiency and quality. Furthermore, solenoid valves have a simple structure, low price, and are easy to install and maintain, thus they are widely used.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first pump body 8, the second pump body 9, the third pump body 10, the fourth pump body 11, and the fifth pump body 12 are all water pumps.

[0043] Meanwhile, this sustainable and stable water-electricity-steam cogeneration system is characterized by including a manual valve, which is located on the connecting pipeline. This manual valve ensures that in the event of valve failure, the flow of liquid can be controlled by manually opening and closing the valve.

[0044] The second water tank 6 is connected in sequence to the third valve 15, the third pump body 10, and the first adsorption device 2 on one side to form a primary desorption unit. The other side is connected in sequence to the hydrogen fuel cell stack 7, the fifth valve 17, and the fifth pump body 12 to form a high-temperature heat source unit.

[0045] The second water tank 6 is connected in sequence to the first valve 13, the fourth pump body 11, and the second adsorption device 4 on one side, forming a two-stage desorption unit. The other side is connected in sequence to the hydrogen fuel cell stack 7, the fifth valve 17, and the fifth pump body 12, forming a high-temperature heat source unit.

[0046] The first water tank 5 is sequentially connected to the first valve 13, the first pump body 8, and the first adsorption device 2 to form a primary adsorption unit. The first water tank 5 is sequentially connected to the second valve 14, the second pump body 9, and the second adsorption device 4 to form a secondary adsorption unit. One side of the third water tank 18 is sequentially connected to the flash tank 19, the compressor 20, and the steam supply unit 21 to form a high-temperature steam preparation unit. The other side is connected to the condenser.

[0047] In practice, the fifth valve 17 is opened, and under the drive of the fifth pump body 12, the water in the second water tank 6 enters the hydrogen fuel cell stack 7, absorbing its heat and thus raising its temperature.

[0048] In practice, the first adsorption device 2 absorbs water vapor from the air. After the first adsorption device 2 has finished adsorbing, the third valve 15 is opened, and driven by the third pump 10, the heated hot water enters the first adsorption device 2 from the second water tank 6, releasing heat and causing the first adsorption device 2 to desorb. The released water vapor enters the condenser for condensation and finally becomes liquid water, returning to the water collector 1, completing one water collection cycle. Similarly, for the desorption of the second adsorption device 4, the first valve 13 is opened, driving the fourth pump 11.

[0049] In practice, after the first adsorption device 2 completes desorption, the first valve 13 is opened, and under the drive of the first pump body 8, room temperature water from the first water tank 5 enters the first adsorption device 2 to cool it, allowing it to regain its adsorption capacity. After cooling, adsorption continues, and this process is repeated. Similarly, for cooling the second adsorption device 4, the second valve 14 is opened, and the second pump body 9 is driven. In practice, while the first adsorption device 2 is performing the adsorption process, the second adsorption device 4 is performing the desorption process, and the two processes alternate.

[0050] In practice, the condenser releases heat to the third water tank 18, the water in the third water tank 18 absorbs the heat and becomes hotter, and then enters the flash tank 19 to evaporate into water vapor, which is then compressed into higher temperature water vapor by the compressor 20, and finally enters the steam supply unit 21 for food processing and industrial production.

[0051] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A sustainable and stable water-electricity-steam cogeneration system, characterized in that, include: Water collector (1), first adsorption device (2), condenser (3), second adsorption device (4), first water tank (5), second water tank (6), hydrogen fuel cell stack (7), third water tank (18), flash tank (19), compressor (20), and steam supply unit (21); The water collector (1) is connected to the condenser (3), the condenser (3) is connected to the first adsorption device (2), the second adsorption device (4), and the third water tank (18) respectively, the first adsorption device (2) is connected to the first water tank (5) and the second water tank (6), the second water tank (6) is connected to the hydrogen fuel cell stack (7), the second adsorption device (4) is connected to the first water tank (5) and the second water tank (6), the third water tank (18) is connected to the flash tank (19), the flash tank (19) is connected to the compressor (20), and the compressor (20) is connected to the steam supply unit (21). The compressor (20) is located on the connecting pipeline between the flash tank (19) and the steam supply unit (21); The compressor (20) and the hydrogen fuel cell stack (7) are electrically connected; The first adsorption device (2) and the first water tank (5) are connected by a first pump body (8) and a first valve (13). The second pump body (9) and the second valve (14) between the second adsorption device (4) and the first water tank (5); A third pump body (10) and a third valve (15) are provided on the connecting pipeline between the first adsorption device (2) and the second water tank (6); A fourth pump body (11) and a fourth valve (16) are provided on the connecting pipeline between the second water tank (6) and the second adsorption device (4). A fifth pump body (12) and a fifth valve (17) are provided on the connecting pipeline between the second water tank (6) and the hydrogen fuel cell stack (7).

2. The water-electricity-steam cogeneration system with sustainable and stable operation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pump body (8), the second pump body (9), the third pump body (10), the fourth pump body (11), and the fifth pump body (12) are all water pumps.

3. The water-electricity-steam cogeneration system with sustainable and stable operation according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a manual valve, which is located on the connecting pipeline.

Citation Information

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