Metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor with bionic fins and hydrogen storage method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor with bionic fins and a hydrogen storage method of the metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor. The hydrogen storage reactor comprises an upper sealing head, an internal hydrogen storage tank body, a bionic fin heat exchange tube and an external heat exchange tank body, a hydrogen inlet is formed in the upper sealing head, and a gas distribution unit is arranged at the joint of the upper sealing head and the internal hydrogen storage tank body; the bionic fin heat exchange tube is provided with a heat exchange fluid inlet and axially penetrates through the upper sealing head, the gas distribution unit and the internal hydrogen storage tank body, and the area between the bionic fin heat exchange tube and the gas distribution unit and the area between the bionic fin heat exchange tube and the internal hydrogen storage tank body are used for loading a metal hydride bed layer; a heat exchange fluid outlet is formed in the external heat exchange tank body, and the internal hydrogen storage tank body is sleeved with the external heat exchange tank body; the bionic fin heat exchange tube comprises a heat exchange body, a plurality of tree-shaped fins are evenly distributed on the outer wall of the heat exchange body in the circumferential direction, and the tree-shaped fins are distributed in the metal hydride bed layer. The hydrogen storage reactor is excellent in heat and mass transfer effect, high in hydrogen storage-hydrogen desorption rate, compact in structure, simple in preparation process and long in service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of hydrogen storage, and in particular to a metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor with bionic fins and a hydrogen storage method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor is the core component of solid-state hydrogen storage technology, but there are still some technical problems in practical application. For example: due to the extremely poor thermal conductivity of metal hydrides themselves, the heat generated by the hydrogenation reaction cannot be effectively and timely transferred during the hydrogen storage process. The temperature inside the reactor rises sharply in a short period of time, which will cause the pressure of the hydrogen absorption platform to rise, reduce the hydrogen storage rate or even stop hydrogen storage. At the same time, the heat generated by the hydrogenation reaction cannot be transmitted out in time. The accumulation in the hydrogen storage tank will cause uneven heating of the hydrogen storage tank body, which will lead to uneven distribution of thermal stress, causing deformation of the hydrogen storage tank body and even seal failure, causing hydrogen leakage. In addition, during the dehydrogenation reaction, the hydride in the hydrogen storage tank decomposes to release hydrogen. In order to maintain the chemical reaction, an external heat source is required. At this time, heat must be transferred to the hydride inside the tank body through a high-temperature heat source. The efficient heat transfer efficiency determines the speed of the dehydrogenation reaction.

[0003] CN113713721A discloses a coupled sleeve hydrogen storage reactor of composite fins and metal foams, which improves the heat exchange between the reaction bed and the heat exchange sleeve by setting an integrally formed fin-metal foam structure in the packing area, thereby improving the overall hydrogen storage performance of the reactor. However, the combination of this structure requires a high processing capability, and the processing and molding process for a large-sized composite heat exchange structure is complicated; in addition, after absorbing hydrogen, the volume expansion of the metal powder particles easily blocks the gaps in the metal foam, increasing the hydrogen storage pressure and hindering the rapid reaction.

[0004] CN114917842A discloses a metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor with a corrugated fin structure and a hydrogen storage method thereof, which increases the heat transfer area between the metal hydride bed and the heat exchange fluid by arranging an array of corrugated fins, thereby improving the hydrogen storage rate of the reactor. However, hydrogen storage powder is easily accumulated at the bend of the corrugated fin. During the hydrogen absorption process, the heat release of the hydrogen storage powder will cause local thermal stress concentration at the bend, resulting in structural stress degradation, thereby limiting the long-term and multiple use of the hydrogen storage reactor.

[0005] How to provide a metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor that can improve the heat transfer efficiency between the reaction bed inside the reactor and the outside, improve the hydrogen storage-dehydrogenation rate, and avoid the aggregation of metal hydride powder and the concentration of thermal stress of the hydrogen absorption reaction and has a simple processing technology has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the invention

[0006] Based on the above problems, the present application provides a metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor with bionic fins, which has excellent heat and mass transfer effects, fast hydrogen storage and dehydrogenation rates, compact structure, simple preparation process and long service life.

[0007] The first aspect of the present application provides a metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor with bionic fins, the hydrogen storage reactor comprising an upper head, an internal hydrogen storage tank body, a bionic fin heat exchange tube and an external heat exchange tank body, wherein:

[0008] A hydrogen inlet is provided on the upper end cover, and a gas separation unit is provided at the connection between the upper end cover and the internal hydrogen storage tank body;

[0009] The bionic fin heat exchange tube is provided with a heat exchange fluid inlet, and axially penetrates the upper head, the gas separation unit and the internal hydrogen storage tank body. The area between the bionic fin heat exchange tube, the gas separation unit and the internal hydrogen storage tank body is used to load the metal hydride bed layer;

[0010] The external heat exchange tank body is provided with a heat exchange fluid outlet, and is sleeved on the internal hydrogen storage tank body;

[0011] The bionic fin heat exchange tube comprises a heat exchange main body, a plurality of tree-shaped fins are evenly distributed on the outer wall of the heat exchange main body in the circumferential direction, and the tree-shaped fins are distributed inside the metal hydride bed.

[0012] In some embodiments, the tree-shaped fin includes at least one set of fin assemblies, the fin assembly including a first branch and a second branch;

[0013] In the case where the tree-shaped fin includes a group of fin assemblies, the head end of the first branch is connected to the heat exchange body, and the tail end is connected to the head ends of the two second branches;

[0014] In the case where the tree-shaped fin includes a plurality of groups of fin assemblies, the end of any second branch is connected to the head end of the first branch in another group of fin assemblies.

[0015] In some of the embodiments, the outer wall of the heat exchange body is provided with two tree-shaped fin layers, each tree-shaped fin layer includes N tree-shaped fins, and N≥4.

[0016] In some embodiments, corresponding tree-shaped fins in two tree-shaped fin layers are staggered at (180 / N)°.

[0017] In some embodiments, the length of the tree-shaped fins in the first tree-shaped fin layer is 2 to 4 times the diameter of the heat exchange body; the length of the tree-shaped fins in the second tree-shaped fin layer is 2.2 to 4.8 times the diameter of the heat exchange body.

[0018] In some of the embodiments, the distance between two tree-shaped fin layers is 1 / 3 of the depth of the internal hydrogen storage tank.

[0019] In some embodiments, the diameter of the heat exchange body is 50 mm to 90 mm; the wall thickness of the heat exchange body is 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0020] In some of the embodiments, the outer wall of the internal hydrogen storage tank is provided with a plurality of flow guides, and the flow guides are triangular prism structures.

[0021] In some of the embodiments, the number of guide members is 4 to 12.

[0022] In some of the embodiments, the thickness of the tree-shaped fins is 0.7 to 1.2 times the diameter of the heat exchange body.

[0023] In some of the embodiments, the inner diameter of the internal hydrogen storage tank is 5 to 8 times the inner diameter of the heat exchange body.

[0024] The second aspect of the present application provides a hydrogen storage method using the metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor provided in the first aspect, comprising the following steps:

[0025] Passing heat exchange fluid through the heat exchange fluid inlet;

[0026] Hydrogen is introduced into the metal hydride bed through a hydrogen inlet for hydrogen storage.

[0027] The metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor with bionic fins provided in the present application provides a gas separation unit at the connection between the upper head and the internal hydrogen storage tank body, so that after the hydrogen passes through the gas separation unit, the air flow organization can be evenly distributed and enter the internal hydrogen storage tank body, so as to avoid large-scale powder flow of metal hydride powder along with the flow of hydrogen, reduce local aggregation and sedimentation of metal hydride powder, achieve the state of metal hydride powder being kept evenly distributed, and avoid excessive deformation of the metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor or even tank rupture due to excessive local stress.

[0028] By providing a heat exchange tube with a special fin structure, not only can the heat exchange between the heat exchange fluid and the metal hydride bed be fully achieved, the heat transfer area between the metal hydride bed and the heat exchange fluid is increased, and the heat exchange efficiency is improved. At the same time, the concentration of local thermal stress caused by the local accumulation of hydrogen storage powder and the deterioration of structural stress are avoided, thereby extending the service life of the hydrogen storage reactor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor with bionic fins in one embodiment of the present application.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an external heat exchange tank in one embodiment of the present application.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of an upper head in an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air separation unit and a bionic fin heat exchange tube in one embodiment of the present application.

[0033] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an internal hydrogen storage tank in one embodiment of the present application.

[0034] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of a metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor with bionic fins in one embodiment of the present application.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the average temperature variation of the metal hydride bed during the hydrogen storage process in Application Examples 1 to 3 of the present application.

[0036] Notes on the attached drawings:

[0037] 1. Heat exchange fluid outlet; 2. External heat exchange tank body; 3. Bolts; 4. Sealing ring; 5. Gas distribution unit; 6. Upper head; 7. Hydrogen inlet; 8. Heat exchange fluid inlet; 9. Heat exchange body; 10. Metal hydride bed; 11. Internal hydrogen storage tank body; 12. Flow guide; 13. Tree-shaped fins. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the connotation of the present application, so the present application is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0039] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0040] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0041] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like appear, these terms should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if there is a description that a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, etc., or similar descriptions appear, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above" and "above" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below" and "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0043] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0044] 1 to 6 , the present application provides a metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor with bionic fins, including an upper head 6 , an internal hydrogen storage tank body 11 , bionic fin heat exchange tubes and an external heat exchange tank body 2 . Among them, a hydrogen inlet 7 is provided on the upper head 6, and a gas separation unit 5 is provided at the connection between the upper head 6 and the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11; a heat exchange fluid inlet 8 is provided on the bionic fin heat exchange tube, and the bionic fin heat exchange tube axially penetrates the upper head 6, the gas separation unit 5 and the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11, and the area between the bionic fin heat exchange tube and the gas separation unit 5 and the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11 is used to load the metal hydride bed 10; a heat exchange fluid outlet 1 is provided on the external heat exchange tank body 2, and the external heat exchange tank body 2 is sleeved on the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11; the bionic fin heat exchange tube includes a heat exchange body 9, and a plurality of tree-shaped fins 13 are evenly distributed on the outer wall of the heat exchange body 9 in a circumferential direction, and the tree-shaped fins 13 are distributed inside the metal hydride bed 10.

[0045] It is understandable that there is more than one hydrogen inlet 7 disposed on the upper head 6, and the hydrogen inlet 7 can also be used as a hydrogen outlet during the hydrogen release process.

[0046] In some embodiments, the upper end cap 6, the gas separation unit 5, the internal hydrogen storage tank 11, and the external heat exchange tank 2 are connected by flanges. The upper end cap 6 and the gas separation unit 5, and the gas separation unit 5 and the internal hydrogen storage tank 11 are sealed with a sealing ring 4.

[0047] Exemplarily, the external heat exchange tank body 2 is cylindrical, and two heat exchange fluid outlets 1 are symmetrically arranged on the tank body of the external heat exchange tank body 2. A flange is arranged on the upper edge of the tank body, which can be connected and fixed with the upper head 6, the gas separation unit 5 and the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11 by bolts 3.

[0048] In some embodiments, the bionic fin heat exchange tube is connected to the upper head 6, the gas separation unit 5, and the internal hydrogen storage tank 11 by welding.

[0049] In some embodiments, the gas separation unit 5 is a gas separation disk. The gas separation disk has multiple air holes evenly distributed thereon, so that the gas introduced through the hydrogen inlet 7 flows evenly and smoothly into the internal hydrogen storage tank 11 and contacts the metal hydrogen storage material fully and evenly.

[0050] The present application sets a gas separation unit 5 at the connection between the upper head 6 and the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11, so that after the hydrogen passes through the gas separation unit 5, the air flow organization can be evenly distributed and enter the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11, so as to avoid the large-scale powder flow of the metal hydride powder along with the flow of hydrogen, reduce the local aggregation and sedimentation of the metal hydride powder, and achieve the state of metal hydride powder being kept evenly distributed, avoiding the metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor from excessive deformation or even tank rupture due to excessive local stress.

[0051] In some embodiments, the tree-shaped fin 13 includes at least one set of fin assemblies, and the fin assembly includes a first branch and a second branch. When the tree-shaped fin 13 includes only one set of fin assemblies, the head end of the first branch is connected to the heat exchange body 9, and the end is connected to the head ends of two second branches; when the tree-shaped fin 13 includes multiple sets of fin assemblies, the end of any second branch is connected to the head end of the first branch in another set of fin assemblies.

[0052] Exemplarily, when the tree-shaped fins 13 include three groups of fin assemblies, the head end of the first branch of the first group of fin assemblies is connected to the heat exchange body 9, and the end is connected to the head ends of two second branches, and the ends of the two second branches are respectively connected to the head ends of the first branches in the second and third groups.

[0053] In the present application, the end of the first branch and the second branch close to the heat exchange body 9 is defined as the "head end", and the end of the first branch and the second branch far from the heat exchange body 9 is defined as the "end end".

[0054] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the heat exchange body 9 is provided with two tree-shaped fin layers, each tree-shaped fin layer includes N tree-shaped fins 13, N ≥ 4. For example, it can be 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12, but it is not limited to the listed values, and other values ​​not listed in the numerical range are also applicable.

[0055] In some embodiments, the material of the bionic fin heat exchange tube includes but is not limited to any one of copper, aluminum, copper alloy or aluminum alloy. The bionic fin heat exchange tube can be obtained at one time through metal 3D printing technology and has a compact structure.

[0056] In some embodiments, the corresponding tree-shaped fins 13 in two tree-shaped fin layers are staggered at (180 / N)°.

[0057] Furthermore, the outer wall of the heat exchange body 9 is provided with two tree-shaped fin layers, each tree-shaped fin layer includes four tree-shaped fins 13. The corresponding tree-shaped fins 13 in the two tree-shaped fin layers are staggered at 45 degrees.

[0058] The arrangement of the tree-shaped fins 13 in the present application increases the heat exchange area and improves the heat exchange efficiency. At the same time, it has the effect of limiting the longitudinal movement of the metal hydrogen storage material to cause self-compaction and thus stress concentration damage; the upper and lower layers of bionic heat exchange fins are staggered, and numerical simulation results show that the staggered arrangement of the upper and lower layers of fins can improve the uniformity of bed temperature distribution during the reaction process.

[0059] In some embodiments, the length of the tree fins 13 in the first tree fin layer is 2 to 4 times the diameter of the heat exchange body 9, for example, it can be 2 times, 3 times or 4 times, but is not limited to the listed values, and other unlisted values ​​within this numerical range are also applicable.

[0060] The length of the tree fins 13 in the second tree fin layer is 2.2 to 4.8 times the diameter of the heat exchange body 9, for example, it can be 2.2 times, 2.4 times, 3.6 times or 4.8 times, but is not limited to the listed values, and other unlisted values ​​within this numerical range are also applicable.

[0061] In the present application, the tree-shaped fin layer far from the upper head 6 is defined as a "first layer", and the tree-shaped fin layer close to the upper head 6 is defined as a "second layer".

[0062] In some embodiments, the distance between the two tree-shaped fin layers is 1 / 3 of the depth of the internal hydrogen storage tank 11. The present application sets the distance between the two tree-shaped fin layers to ensure that the radiation areas of the heat exchange fluids in the two tree-shaped fin layers inside the metal hydride bed 10 are substantially consistent, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0063] In some embodiments, the diameter of the heat exchange body 9 is 50 mm to 90 mm, for example, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm or 90 mm, but is not limited to the listed values, and other unlisted values ​​within the numerical range are also applicable.

[0064] The wall thickness of the heat exchange body 9 is 5 mm to 10 mm, for example, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm, but is not limited to the listed values, and other values ​​not listed within the numerical range are also applicable.

[0065] In some embodiments, the thickness of the tree-shaped fins 13 is 0.7 to 1.2 times the diameter of the heat exchange body 9, for example, it can be 0.7 times, 0.8 times, 0.9 times, 1 times, 1.1 times or 1.2 times, but is not limited to the listed values, and other unlisted values ​​within the numerical range are also applicable.

[0066] The present application provides a heat exchange tube with a special fin structure, which not only allows sufficient heat exchange between the heat exchange fluid and the metal hydride bed 10, but also increases the heat transfer area between the metal hydride bed 10 and the heat exchange fluid, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. At the same time, it avoids the concentration of local thermal stress caused by the local accumulation of hydrogen storage powder, which leads to the deterioration of structural stress, thereby extending the service life of the hydrogen storage reactor.

[0067] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the internal hydrogen storage tank 11 is 5 to 8 times the inner diameter of the heat exchange body 9, for example, it can be 5 times, 6 times or 8 times, but is not limited to the listed values, and other unlisted values ​​within the numerical range are also applicable.

[0068] In some embodiments, a plurality of guide members 12 are evenly arranged on the outer wall of the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11, and the guide member 12 is a triangular prism structure. Specifically, one side surface of the triangular prism guide member is attached to the outer wall of the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11; the triangular prism guide member and the bottom of the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11 present an angle other than 90°.

[0069] The number of the guide members 12 is 4 to 12, for example, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12, but is not limited to the listed values, and other values ​​not listed within the numerical range are also applicable.

[0070] It can be understood that the guide member 12 disposed on the outer wall of the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11 is used to flow the heat exchange fluid flowing through the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11 back to the external heat exchange tank body 2 .

[0071] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11 is 8-20 mm, for example, 8 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, or 20 mm, but is not limited to the listed values, and other unlisted values ​​within the numerical range are also applicable.

[0072] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the external heat exchange tank body 2 is 15-25 mm, for example, 15 mm, 20 mm, or 25 mm, but is not limited to the listed values, and other unlisted values ​​within the numerical range are also applicable.

[0073] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the external heat exchange tank body 2 is 1.2 to 1.5 times the inner diameter of the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11, for example, it can be 1.2 times, 1.3 times, 1.4 times or 1.5 times, but is not limited to the listed values, and other unlisted values ​​within this numerical range are also applicable.

[0074] It can be understood that, using the metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor provided in the present application, the flow path of the heat exchange fluid is as follows: hydrogen enters the upper head 6 from the hydrogen inlet 7, flows through the gas separation unit 5, and flows evenly and smoothly into the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11 to react with the metal hydride bed 10 to release heat; the heat exchange fluid flows in from the heat exchange fluid inlet 8 above the bionic fin heat exchange tube, exchanges heat with the metal hydride bed 10 through the tree-shaped fins 13, and after the heat exchange fluid fills the space between the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11 and the external heat exchange tank body 2, it flows out through the heat exchange fluid outlet 1.

[0075] The second aspect of the present application provides a hydrogen storage method using the metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor provided in the first aspect, comprising the following steps:

[0076] S1, introducing heat exchange fluid through the heat exchange fluid inlet 8;

[0077] S2. Introduce hydrogen into the metal hydride bed 10 through the hydrogen inlet 7 to store hydrogen.

[0078] In some embodiments, the heat exchange fluid is cooling water.

[0079] In some embodiments, the average flow rate of the heat exchange fluid is 0.5 m / s to 4 m / s, for example, 0.5 m / s, 1 m / s, 1.5 m / s, 2 m / s, 2.5 m / s, 3 m / s, 3.5 m / s or 4 m / s, but is not limited to the listed values, and other values ​​not listed in the numerical range are also applicable. Further, the average flow rate is 2 m / s.

[0080] It is understandable that the average flow rate of the heat exchange fluid needs to be controlled within a reasonable range. When the average flow rate is less than or equal to 0.5m / s, the fluid state is laminar flow, and its heat exchange efficiency with the metal hydride bed 10 is low; when the average flow rate is 1.5m / s~4m / s, the fluid state gradually becomes turbulent, and the heat exchange efficiency of the system is significantly improved. When the average flow rate is greater than 2m / s, the heat exchange efficiency is not significantly improved compared with the average flow rate of 2m / s, and the cost of the corresponding fluid conveying equipment is greatly increased. Therefore, based on economic considerations, the present application further sets the average flow rate of the heat exchange fluid to 2m / s.

[0081] It is understandable that the absolute pressure of the hydrogen inlet 7 needs to be controlled within a reasonable range. Since the hydrogen absorption reaction of the metal hydride is a gas-solid reaction, the pressure of the hydrogen inlet 7 is regarded as the driving force of the entire reaction. The greater the pressure of the hydrogen inlet 7, the faster the hydrogen storage reaction proceeds, and the higher the compression cost of the corresponding supporting facilities.

[0082] Therefore, in step S2, the absolute pressure of the hydrogen inlet 7 is 10 bar to 20 bar, for example, 10 bar, 11 bar, 12 bar, 13 bar, 14 bar, 15 bar, 16 bar, 17 bar, 18 bar, 19 bar or 20 bar, but is not limited to the listed values, and other values ​​not listed in the numerical range are also applicable. Further, the pressure of the hydrogen inlet 7 is 15 bar.

[0083] The present application provides a hydrogen storage method adapted to the metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor structure provided in the first aspect, regulates the applicable heat exchange fluid flow rate and the hydrogen inlet 7 pressure, thereby ensuring a smooth and efficient hydrogen storage process and improving the hydrogen storage efficiency.

[0084] Example 1

[0085] A metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor with bionic fins comprises an upper end cap 6, a gas separation disc, an internal hydrogen storage tank 11, a bionic fin heat exchange tube and an external heat exchange tank 2. The upper end cap 6 is provided with a hydrogen inlet 7; the bionic fin heat exchange tube is provided with a heat exchange fluid inlet 8 and axially penetrates the upper end cap 6, the gas separation disc and the internal hydrogen storage tank 11; the heat exchange main body 9 of the bionic fin heat exchange tube is provided with two tree-shaped fin layers on the outer wall; the internal hydrogen storage tank 11 is provided with a flow guide 12 on the outer wall, and a metal hydride bed 10 is provided inside; the outer wall of the external heat exchange tank 2 is symmetrically provided with a heat exchange fluid outlet 1.

[0086] In this embodiment, the bionic fin heat exchange tube is made of copper alloy and is manufactured in one step by 3D printing technology. The diameter of the heat exchange body 9 is 80 mm and the wall thickness is 10 mm. The distance between the two layers of tree-shaped fins is 200 mm. Four tree-shaped fins 13 are evenly distributed on the circumference of the outer wall of the heat exchange body 9, and the thickness of the tree-shaped fins 13 is 56 mm. The corresponding tree-shaped fins 13 in the two layers of tree-shaped fins are staggered at 45°. The length of the tree-shaped fins 13 in the first layer of tree-shaped fins is 160 mm, and the length of the tree-shaped fins 13 in the second layer of tree-shaped fins is 190 mm.

[0087] The internal hydrogen storage tank 11 is made of stainless steel, with a wall thickness of 10 mm and an inner diameter of 500 mm. Six flow guides 12 are arranged on the outer wall of the internal hydrogen storage tank 11. The external heat exchange tank 2 is made of stainless steel, with a wall thickness of 20 mm and an inner diameter of 650 mm.

[0088] The bionic fin heat exchange tube is connected to the upper head 6, the gas distribution disc, the internal hydrogen storage tank 11 and the external heat exchange tank 2 by bolts 3-flanges. The metal hydride in the metal hydride bed 10 is specifically rare earth AB5 metal LaNi5, and the loading amount is 0.8kg.

[0089] Example 2

[0090] A metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor with bionic fins comprises an upper end cap 6, a gas separation disc, an internal hydrogen storage tank 11, a bionic fin heat exchange tube and an external heat exchange tank 2. The upper end cap 6 is provided with a hydrogen inlet 7; the bionic fin heat exchange tube is provided with a heat exchange fluid inlet 8 and axially penetrates the upper end cap 6, the gas separation disc and the internal hydrogen storage tank 11; the heat exchange main body 9 of the bionic fin heat exchange tube is provided with two tree-shaped fin layers on the outer wall; the internal hydrogen storage tank 11 is provided with a flow guide 12 on the outer wall, and a metal hydride bed 10 is provided inside; the outer wall of the external heat exchange tank 2 is symmetrically provided with a heat exchange fluid outlet 1.

[0091] In this embodiment, the bionic fin heat exchange tube is made of copper alloy and is manufactured in one step by 3D printing technology. The diameter of the heat exchange body 9 is 90 mm and the wall thickness is 10 mm. The distance between the two layers of tree-shaped fins is 200 mm. Four tree-shaped fins 13 are evenly distributed on the circumference of the outer wall of the heat exchange body 9, and the thickness of the tree-shaped fins 13 is 56 mm. The corresponding tree-shaped fins 13 in the two layers of tree-shaped fins are staggered at 45°, the length of the tree-shaped fins 13 in the first layer of tree-shaped fins is 180 mm, and the length of the tree-shaped fins 13 in the second layer of tree-shaped fins is 200 mm.

[0092] The internal hydrogen storage tank 11 is made of stainless steel, with a wall thickness of 10 mm and an inner diameter of 500 mm. Eight flow guides 12 are arranged on the outer wall of the internal hydrogen storage tank 11. The external heat exchange tank 2 is made of stainless steel, with a wall thickness of 20 mm and an inner diameter of 650 mm.

[0093] The bionic fin heat exchange tube is connected to the upper head 6, the gas distribution disc, the internal hydrogen storage tank 11 and the external heat exchange tank 2 by bolts 3-flanges. The metal hydride in the metal hydride bed 10 is specifically rare earth AB5 metal LaNi5, and the loading amount is 0.8kg.

[0094] Application Example 1

[0095] This application example uses the metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor provided in Example 1 to store hydrogen. The specific hydrogen storage method includes the following steps: introducing cooling water with an average flow rate of 0.5 m / s through the heat exchange fluid inlet 8;

[0096] Hydrogen with an absolute pressure of 12 bar is introduced into the metal hydride bed 10 through the hydrogen inlet 7 for hydrogen storage.

[0097] Application Example 2

[0098] This application example uses the metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor provided in Example 1 to store hydrogen. The specific hydrogen storage method includes the following steps:

[0099] Cooling water with an average flow rate of 2 m / s is introduced through the heat exchange fluid inlet 8;

[0100] Hydrogen with an absolute pressure of 12 bar is introduced into the metal hydride bed 10 through the hydrogen inlet 7 for hydrogen storage.

[0101] Application Example 3

[0102] This application example uses the metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor provided in Example 1 to store hydrogen. The specific hydrogen storage method includes the following steps:

[0103] Cooling water with an average flow rate of 2 m / s is introduced through the heat exchange fluid inlet 8;

[0104] Hydrogen with an absolute pressure of 15 bar is introduced into the metal hydride bed 10 through the hydrogen inlet 7 for hydrogen storage.

[0105] The average bed temperature change diagram of Application Examples 1 to 3 during the hydrogen storage process is shown in Figure 7. It can be seen from Figure 7 that: under the same storage time, the average bed temperature of Application Example 1 is significantly higher than that of Application Examples 2 and 3, and compared with Application Example 1, the average bed temperature drop of Application Example 2 is not as great as that of Application Example 3; this indicates that when the average flow rate of the heat exchange fluid is 0.5m / s, the fluid state is laminar flow, and its heat exchange efficiency with the metal hydride bed 10 is low; when the average flow rate rises to 2m / s, the fluid state gradually changes to turbulent flow, the heat exchange efficiency of the system is significantly improved, and the cost of the corresponding fluid transportation equipment is greatly increased. Therefore, based on economic considerations, this application further prefers that the average flow rate of the heat exchange fluid is 2m / s. Further, from the analysis of the above situation, when the absolute inlet pressure of hydrogen is increased from 12 bar to 15 bar, the hydrogen partial pressure increases, which improves the activity of the reaction between hydrogen and the hydrogen storage bed, and the temperature changes rapidly until the change curve reaches a flat state quickly. Based on the reaction efficiency, the present application further prefers that the absolute inlet pressure of hydrogen is 15 bar.

[0106] The present application provides a metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor with bionic fins. By setting a gas separation unit 5, after the hydrogen passes through the gas separation unit 5, the airflow organization can be evenly distributed and enter the internal hydrogen storage tank body 11, so as to avoid the large-scale powder flow of the metal hydride powder along with the flow of hydrogen, reduce the local aggregation and sedimentation of the metal hydride powder, and achieve the state of metal hydride powder being kept evenly distributed, avoiding the metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor from excessive deformation or even tank rupture due to excessive local stress.

[0107] By providing a bionic fin heat exchange tube with a special structure, the heat exchange area between the heat exchange fluid and the hydrogen absorbing metal hydride bed 10 is increased, the local concentration of thermal stress is reduced, the uniform distribution of thermal stress is achieved, and the service life of the hydrogen storage tank is increased.

[0108] By providing the guide member 12, the turbulence intensity of the heat exchange fluid is increased, the heat exchange between the heat exchange fluid and the internal hydrogen storage tank 11 is strengthened, the temperature of the metal hydrogen storage bed is reduced, the equilibrium pressure during the hydrogen absorption process is reduced, and the energy consumption of the hydrogen storage process is reduced.

[0109] The present application also provides a hydrogen storage method in conjunction with a metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor with bionic fins, which achieves a more efficient hydrogen storage process by controlling the appropriate speed of the heat exchange fluid inlet 8 and the absolute inlet pressure of the hydrogen inlet 7.

[0110] The technical features of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0111] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be pointed out that, for a person of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent application shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor with bionic fins, characterized in that: It includes an upper head, an internal hydrogen storage tank, a bionic fin heat exchange tube and an external heat exchange tank, wherein: The upper cover is provided with a hydrogen inlet, and a gas separation unit is provided at the connection between the upper cover and the internal hydrogen storage tank body; The bionic fin heat exchange tube is provided with a heat exchange fluid inlet, and axially penetrates the upper head, the gas separation unit and the internal hydrogen storage tank body, and the area between the bionic fin heat exchange tube and the gas separation unit and the internal hydrogen storage tank body is used to load the metal hydride bed layer; The external heat exchange tank body is provided with a heat exchange fluid outlet, and is sleeved on the internal hydrogen storage tank body; The bionic fin heat exchange tube comprises a heat exchange body, a plurality of tree-shaped fins are evenly distributed circumferentially on the outer wall of the heat exchange body, and the tree-shaped fins are distributed inside the metal hydride bed.

2. The metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tree-shaped fin comprises at least one set of fin assemblies, and the fin assembly comprises a first branch and a second branch; In the case where the tree-shaped fin includes a group of fin assemblies, the head end of the first branch is connected to the heat exchange body, and the tail end is connected to the head ends of two second branches; In the case that the tree-shaped fin includes a plurality of groups of fin assemblies, the end of any second branch is connected to the head end of the first branch in another group of fin assemblies.

3. The metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the heat exchange main body is provided with two tree-shaped fin layers, each tree-shaped fin layer includes N tree-shaped fins, and N≥4.

4. The metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The corresponding tree-shaped fins in the two tree-shaped fin layers are staggered at (180 / N)°.

5. The metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The length of the tree-shaped fins in the first tree-shaped fin layer is 2 to 4 times the diameter of the heat exchange main body; the length of the tree-shaped fins in the second tree-shaped fin layer is 2.2 to 4.8 times the diameter of the heat exchange main body.

6. The metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The distance between the two tree-shaped fin layers is 1 / 3 of the depth of the internal hydrogen storage tank body.

7. The metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the heat exchange body is 50 mm to 90 mm; the wall thickness of the heat exchange body is 5 mm to 10 mm.

8. The metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the internal hydrogen storage tank is evenly provided with a plurality of flow guides, and the flow guides are triangular prism structures.

9. The metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor according to claim 8, characterized in that: The number of the guide members is 4 to 12.

10. A hydrogen storage method using the metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Passing heat exchange fluid through the heat exchange fluid inlet; Hydrogen is introduced into the metal hydride bed through a hydrogen inlet for hydrogen storage.

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