Water electrolysis device system
Through modular design and rapid connection technology, the problem of long and high cost of water electrolytic devices in the construction and assembly process is solved, and the rapid and economical construction of hydrogen plants and variable-power hydrogen plant system are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380040696.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-05-17
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-17
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-27
AI Technical Summary
The existing water electrolytic devices consume long time and cost during the construction and assembly process, and the transportation and connection components are cumbersome, which affects the rapid and economical construction of hydrogen plants.
Modular design is adopted, with electrolytic stack, power electronic device and control unit as electrolytic device modules, and medium processing and medium conveying components as process modules. By quickly connecting the connected components, welding and line laying are reduced, and automated production and rapid assembly are achieved.
Significantly reduces construction and connection time and cost, improves the rapid construction and expansion capabilities of hydrogen plants, reduces transportation costs and labor costs, and ensures variable power and reliability of the system.
Smart Images
Figure CN119213171A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a water electrolyser system for producing hydrogen. In addition, the invention relates to a hydrogen plant comprising at least one such water electrolyser system. Background Art
[0002] The core of a PEM water electrolysis device is the electrolysis stack. The general trend for industrial hydrogen production is towards very powerful units with a power of several MW. In addition, the electrolysis device also includes different supply units, the so-called balance of plant (BoP). These units are water pumps, gas-water separators, ion filters, heat exchangers, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, gas sensors, ultrapure water treatment (Reinstwasseraufbereitung), hydrogen post-treatment and purification, transformers, rectifiers, control and management units, cables, pipes and valves. How these components are connected to each other and whether these components supply one stack or multiple stacks are all within the manufacturer's design and measurement scope. Depending on the design principle, different combinations and pre-assembled units can be advantageous.
[0003] DE 10 055 973 A1 discloses an offshore power plant having a plurality of individual power generation facilities, each of which has its own energy storage device. The power generation facilities are electrically connected to a busbar. The energy storage device has an electrolysis device, by means of which hydrogen and oxygen can be produced from water, the oxygen being stored in a pressure tank. A fuel cell assembly is arranged in the energy storage device, by means of which electrical energy can be generated from hydrogen.
[0004] DE 20 2019 003 849 U1 discloses a system for energy generation and energy management. The system comprises a plurality of solar panels and a plurality of wind power plants for generating energy. The system has one or more electrolysis devices, by means of which hydrogen and oxygen can be produced from water.
[0005] When constructing an electrolysis system at a customer's site (e.g. next to a solar farm), the costs are mainly determined by the transport to the construction site and the costs for assembly and commissioning. The delivery of individual components may be advantageous for operation, but assembly and commissioning require a high expenditure of time and manpower.
[0006] The object of the present invention is to specify a water electrolysis system by means of which a simpler, faster and more cost-effective construction of such a system is possible.
[0007] This object is achieved by a water electrolysis system having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments can be gathered from the independent claims. Summary of the invention
[0008] The present invention proposes a water electrolysis device system for producing hydrogen. Here, the water electrolysis device system includes an electrolysis stack for converting water into hydrogen, a power electronic device for supplying the electrolysis stack, components for medium treatment and medium transportation of process media supplied to and discharged from the electrolysis stack, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is used to control the electrolysis stack, the power electronic device, and the components for medium treatment and medium transportation. Here, at least the electrolysis stack, the power electronic device, and the control unit are together constructed as an electrolysis device module, and the components for medium treatment and medium transportation are together constructed as a process module, wherein a connectable portion is provided on the module. The individual modules can be connected to one another fluidically and electrically via the connectable parts.
[0009] Advantageously, the electrolysis stack is a PEM electrolysis stack. In the sense of the present invention, a module is understood to be a structural unit that is produced together in a manufacturing plant. Preferably, these modules are produced automatically. After manufacture, the modules are brought to the following location, for example by means of a truck or a ship: a hydrogen plant should be established or expanded at this location. According to the present invention, the electrolysis device system only has a structural group of electrolysis modules, process modules and control modules. Here, depending on the scale of the hydrogen plant, a plurality of these modules can be set. Through automated production in the factory, the time and manpower costs for constructing and connecting the various components are significantly reduced and the cost for such facilities is significantly reduced.
[0010] Here, the modules can be constructed and expanded according to the building block principle. Through the modular construction, the transportation costs are additionally reduced, because by aggregating the individual components into modules, the travel required to bring all the components to the site is less. In order to ensure the good transportability of the electrolyzer module, the power of the electrolysis stack is a maximum of 1MW. In the case of such power, the weight does not exceed the limit value required for transportability. Preferably, the power of the electrolysis stack is between 500kW and 1500kW. On site, the modules only need to be connected via the connectable parts, which can be constructed in a standardized manner, for example. Therefore, only the lines between these connectable parts are required, thereby reducing the number of lines. Thus, the connection costs between the modules are also reduced. In a preferred embodiment, the electrolysis module or the entire electrolysis system is arranged in a shipping container shell.
[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the power electronics are designed to convert alternating current into direct current. A direct current must be applied to the electrolysis stack. If the water electrolysis system is supplied with alternating current, a corresponding conversion is required.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connectable part is configured as a plug-in connection and / or a flange connection. The use of a plug-in connection and / or a flange connection has the advantage that the connection does not need to be produced by, for example, laborious welding. As a result, costs for welders can be saved. In addition, the connection can be quickly configured, for example by tightening screws. As a result, the modules can be quickly and cost-effectively connected.
[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modules are connected to each other only by means of prefabricated process medium lines and current lines. In other words, the prefabricated process medium lines and current lines have already been manufactured, for example, in an automated production process. These prefabricated process medium lines and current lines are only attached for connecting the connectable parts. Therefore, there is no need to lay connecting lines in a laborious manner. This also significantly reduces the manufacturing costs of such a water electrolysis device system and the time required for this.
[0014] Particularly preferably, the power lines are designed as common busbars which extend both into the electrolyser modules and into the process modules. All electrical consumers of the electrolyser modules and process modules can be connected to the busbars and can therefore preferably be supplied with current only via these return rails.
[0015] Advantageously, a process module is connected to a plurality of electrolyzer modules. As a result, such a water electrolyzer system can be upgraded to a larger installation. Depending on the power capacity, the individual components for medium treatment and medium transport can then be assigned to the process module, i.e., in such a way that a plurality of electrolyzer modules are supplied, or can be assigned to the individual electrolyzer modules themselves, i.e., in such a way that only one electrolyzer module is always supplied. Thus, the installation of the water electrolyzer system remains variable, in particular in terms of its power size.
[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the electrolyser module has a plurality of electrolysis stacks. This is advantageous in particular when the dimensions of the installation space, for example a shipping container, allow a plurality of electrolysis stacks to be arranged in one electrolyser module. In addition, it is advantageous when a plurality of electrolysis stacks can share a control unit of the electrolyser module.
[0017] Preferably, the connectable part is designed in such a way that the data connection and the current connection can be connected via a common plug. Therefore, the plug has not only contacts for making the current connection, but also contacts for the data connection. Therefore, only a single plug is required to ensure the current connection and the data connection. In this regard, the plug has the advantage that no tools are required to prepare the current cable and the data cable for connection and to connect them. As a result, the connection can be established quickly and easily. Advantageously, the plugs are designed in a way that prevents confusion, so that even those who are not skilled in the art can correctly attach them.
[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the process module additionally has a pump, which is used to circulate water through the electrolysis stack. The arrangement of the pump in the process module has the advantage that the pump can supply a plurality of electrolysis plant modules.
[0019] In an alternative advantageous development, the electrolyser module has a pump for circulating water through the electrolysis stack. Arranging the pump in the electrolyser module, rather than in the process module, has the advantage that a smaller pump can be used for each electrolyser module. In addition, in the event of failure of the pump, not all electrolyser modules are deactivated, but only the electrolyser module in which the pump is arranged. As a result, the water electrolyser system continues to operate, so that redundancy is achieved. If metal chips are directed into the electrolysis stack due to a defect in a pump, only this electrolysis stack needs to be replaced, rather than all electrolysis stacks.
[0020] Advantageously, the modules are constructed in such a way that their dimensions are smaller than or equal to the dimensions of a sea container. The dimensions of such sea containers are specified in accordance with ISO standards. The advantage of such containers is that they can be easily transported by road, rail or truck. Thus, no heavy goods transport and no separate transport routes are required to transport the modules to the erection site. This significantly reduces the costs and time for transporting the components.
[0021] In another advantageous embodiment, the electrolyser module and the control unit together have a common connectable part to the process module. Here, a common connectable part is understood to mean that the attachment ends of the control unit and the electrolyser module are arranged directly next to each other. Therefore, only the process module needs to be connected to the common connectable part. This further simplifies the connection of the modules, so that only current lines and process lines need to be arranged between the common connectable part and the process module.
[0022] The common connectable part is advantageously arranged in such a way that, in the case of positioned modules, the distance between the common connectable part and the connectable part on the process module is minimal or they are directly opposite one another.
[0023] According to a suitable embodiment, a plurality of electrolyzer modules are constructed with a common connectable part with a process module. Therefore, a plurality of electrolyzer modules are arranged in a common housing. In the housing, the process lines and data lines of the electrolyzer modules are connected to each other, and a unique common connectable part of all electrolyzer modules with the process module is provided on the housing. Here, preferably, the connection between the electrolyzer modules is implemented automatically in the process of manufacturing the modules. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the connection between the electrolyzer modules, because it is not necessary to construct these electrolyzer modules on site. Therefore, it is only necessary to establish the connection between the common connectable part and the process module.
[0024] In addition, a hydrogen plant is proposed, which comprises at least one such water electrolysis system. With such a hydrogen plant, the aforementioned advantages are substantially achieved. Thus, such a hydrogen plant can be constructed quickly, economically and easily. In addition, a simple expansion possibility of the hydrogen plant, in particular of its power scale, is ensured by the modular construction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. The drawings show:
[0026] Figure 1 A water electrolysis device system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0027] Figure 2 A water electrolysis device system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] exist Figure 1 1 shows a water electrolysis device system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water electrolysis device system 1 according to this embodiment comprises two electrolysis modules 4, each of which has an electrolysis stack 8 (only one electrolysis module is shown) for converting water into hydrogen. In addition, a power electronic device 12 is arranged in the electrolysis module 4, and preferably, the supplied alternating current is converted into a direct current via the power electronic device. In addition, a pump 16 is arranged in the electrolysis module 4, by means of which water or a process medium can be circulated through the electrolysis stack 8.
[0029] In addition, the water electrolysis device system 1 includes a control unit 18, which is arranged in the controller 20. Here, the control unit 18 is connected to the electrolysis module 4 via a control data line 24 for controlling the electrolysis stack 8, the power electronics 12 and the pump 16. The control data line 24 is attached to a common first electrolysis module connectable part 32 together with the current line 28. Here, the two lines 24, 28 can be connected to the first electrolysis module connectable part 32 configured as a socket via a common plug.
[0030] In this embodiment, two electrolysis modules 4 and a control unit 18 are arranged in a common electrolysis device module 36, which is preferably placed in a housing, for example in a shipping container. A second electrolysis module connectable part 40 is arranged on the electrolysis module 4, via which the process medium line 44 of the electrolysis module 4 is connected to a common housing connectable part 48. The control data line 24 of the control unit 18 is also attached to the common housing connectable part 48.
[0031] In addition, the water electrolysis system 1 comprises a process module 52, which has various components for treating and conditioning the process medium. In the illustrated embodiment, the process module 52 has a heat exchanger 56, by means of which the cooling water for the power electronics 12 and the water for the electrolysis stack 8 are cooled. For this purpose, the heat exchanger 56 is connected to the cooling water attachment 60. In addition, a cathode gas water separator 64 is arranged in the process module 52, in which the hydrogen from the cathode is separated from the cathode process medium and directed to the hydrogen attachment 68.
[0032] Furthermore, an anode gas water separator 72 is arranged in the process module 52 in which oxygen is separated from the anode process medium and conducted to the anode gas connection 76. In the ion exchanger 80, the process medium is deionized for use in the electrolysis stack 8.
[0033] The process modules 52 have a common process module connectable portion 84 to which the components of the process modules 52 are connected. The housing connectable portion 48 is connected to the process module connectable portion 84 via a connecting line 88 .
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the current line 28 is designed as a common busbar. The two electrolysis modules 4 as well as the control module 20 and the process module 52 have an electrical connection to the common busbar.
[0035] exist Figure 2, another water electrolysis device system 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The water electrolysis device system 1 has two electrolysis modules 4, each of which has an electrolysis stack 8 and a power electronic device 12. Here, preferably, the power electronic device 12 respectively has a grid switch and / or a transformer. The two electrolysis modules 4 together with the control unit 18 form an electrolysis device module 36. In addition, the water electrolysis device system 1 includes a process module 52. A pump 16, a heat exchanger 56, a cathode gas water separator 64, an anode gas water separator 72 and an ion exchanger 80 are arranged in the process module 52.
[0036] Arranged between the electrolyser module 36 and the process module 52 is a process medium line 44 , via which a medium is conducted, in particular water and hydrogen, between the two modules 36 , 52 .
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the water electrolysis system 1 further has a busbar designed as a common current line 28, which extends both into the electrolysis module 36 and into the process module 52. Electrical consumers, such as the electrolysis stack 8, the pump 16 and the control unit 18, have electrical connections to the busbar 28.
Claims
1. A water electrolysis device system (1) for producing hydrogen, the water electrolysis device system comprising at least: - an electrolysis stack (8) for converting water into hydrogen, - power electronics (12) for supplying the electrolysis stack (8), - components (16, 56, 64, 72, 80) for medium treatment and medium conveyance of process medium supplied to the electrolysis stack (8) and discharged from the electrolysis stack (8), and a control unit (18) for controlling the electrolysis stack (8), the power electronics (12) and the components (16, 56, 64, 72, 80) for medium processing and medium transport, It is characterized in that At least the electrolysis stack (8), the power electronics (12) and the control unit (18) are together constructed as an electrolysis device module (36), and the components (16, 56, 64, 72, 80) for medium treatment and medium transport are together constructed as a process module (52), wherein connectable parts (32, 40, 48, 84) are provided on the modules (36, 52), and the individual modules (36, 52) can be fluidically and electrically connected to each other via the connectable parts.
2. The water electrolysis device system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power electronics (12) are designed to convert alternating current into direct current.
3. The water electrolysis device system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connectable part (32, 40, 48, 84) is designed as a plug-in connection and / or a flange connection.
4. The water electrolysis device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The modules (36, 52) are connected to one another only by means of prefabricated process medium lines and current lines (28).
5. The water electrolysis device system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The power line (28) is designed as a common busbar which extends both into the electrolyser module (36) and into the process module (52).
6. A water electrolysis device system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The electrolyser module (36) has a plurality of electrolysis stacks (8).
7. A water electrolysis device system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The process module (52) is connected to one or more electrolyser modules (36) by means of a process medium line (44).
8. A water electrolysis device system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The connectable part (32, 40, 48, 84) is designed such that a data connection and a power connection can be connected via a common plug.
9. A water electrolysis device system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The connectable parts (32, 40, 48, 84) are designed such that all process media can be connected via a common plug.
10. A water electrolysis device system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The process module (52) has a pump (16) for circulating water through the at least one electrolysis stack (8).
11. The water electrolysis device system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The electrolyser module (36) has a pump (16) for circulating water through the at least one electrolysis stack (8).
12. A water electrolysis device system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The modules (36, 52) are configured such that the size of the modules is less than or equal to the size of a shipping container.
13. A water electrolysis device system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The electrolysis stack (8), the power electronics (12) and the control unit (18) together have a common connectable part (48) to the process module (52).
14. A water electrolysis device system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: A plurality of electrolysis stacks (8) form a common connectable part (48) to the process module (52).
15. A hydrogen plant comprising a water electrolyser system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.