A hydrogen production device for formic acid cracking under the pressurized water reactor environment

Abstract

The present invention provides a hydrogen production device by formic acid cracking in a pressurized water reactor environment, which includes a first loop system of the pressurized water reactor, a second loop system, and a hydrogen production system. The first loop system of the pressurized water reactor includes a reactor, a pressurizer, and a steam generator. The reactor, the pressurizer, and the steam generator are sequentially connected to form a loop, and the steam generator connects the second loop system and the hydrogen production system. The second loop system includes a steam-water separator, a steam turbine, and a condenser. The steam output end of the steam-water separator is connected to the steam turbine. The medium-pressure output port of the steam turbine is connected to the hydrogen production system, and the low-pressure output port of the steam turbine is connected to the condenser. The condenser is connected to the steam generator. The present invention combines nuclear energy technology and hydrogen production technology to carry out large-scale production of hydrogen and improve the hydrogen production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of hydrogen production by formic acid cracking, and particularly relates to a hydrogen production device by formic acid cracking in a pressurized water reactor environment. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the increasing energy demand of mankind and greenhouse gas emissions have led to a rise in global temperature, which has attracted great attention from countries around the world. To meet the requirements of the times, developing clean energy with high energy density and no pollution has become a top priority. As the clean energy with the most development potential in the 21st century, hydrogen energy has received a great deal of attention. Formic acid (HCOOH, FA) is the simplest hydrogen-containing monobasic organic carboxylic acid, with a relatively high volumetric hydrogen storage capacity (53 g / L). Under the action of a suitable catalyst, hydrogen can be released by decomposition under mild conditions (room temperature - 150 °C). Formic acid is inexpensive, widely sourced, and mainly produced by hydrolysis of methyl formate synthesized by methanol carbonylation. It has low toxicity, is liquid at room temperature and normal pressure, has stable properties, is not easy to burn, and is safe and convenient for transportation and storage. It is a highly potential chemical hydrogen storage material that can better solve the three major pain points in the popularization and application of existing hydrogen energy technologies. Nuclear energy is a representative of high efficiency, low consumption, environmental protection, and cleanliness, with the advantages of not producing greenhouse gases, using water as a raw material, high efficiency, and large scale. If nuclear energy technology and hydrogen production technology are combined to carry out large-scale hydrogen production, it is an important solution for future large-scale hydrogen supply, opening up a new path for sustainable development and the hydrogen economy. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To solve the problems in the existing technology, the present invention provides a hydrogen production device by formic acid cracking in a pressurized water reactor environment, which combines nuclear energy technology and hydrogen production technology to carry out large-scale hydrogen production and improve the hydrogen production efficiency.

[0004] The present invention solves its technical problems by adopting the following technical solutions:

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen production device by formic acid cracking in a pressurized water reactor environment, including a first loop system of a pressurized water reactor, a second loop system, and a hydrogen production system.

[0006] The first loop system of the pressurized water reactor includes a reactor, a pressurizer, and a steam generator. The reactor, the pressurizer, and the steam generator are sequentially connected to form a loop, and the steam generator is connected to the second loop system and the hydrogen production system.

[0007] The second loop system is a water circulation system, including a steam-water separator, a steam turbine, and a condenser. The steam output end of the steam-water separator is connected to the steam turbine. The medium-pressure output port of the steam turbine is connected to the hydrogen production system. The low-pressure output port of the steam turbine is connected to the condenser. The condenser is connected to the steam generator.

[0008] The hydrogen production system is connected to the steam turbine and the condenser, and the hydrogen production system includes a cracking reactor and a pressure swing adsorption system.

[0009] Further, the medium-pressure output port of the steam turbine is connected to the cracking reactor, and a second regulating valve is provided between the steam turbine and the cracking reactor.

[0010] Further, the steam outlet of the low-pressure section of the steam turbine is connected to the condenser, and the power output end of the low-pressure section of the steam turbine is connected to the generator.

[0011] Further, the generator is connected to the power grid.

[0012] Further, the steam generator, the steam-water separator, the steam turbine, and the condenser are connected to form a loop.

[0013] Further, the condenser is also connected to a cooling tower, and the cooling tower provides a cold source for the condensation chamber.

[0014] Further, a feed water pump is provided between the condenser and the steam generator.

[0015] Further, the coolant is pumped into the reactor by a coolant pump.

[0016] Further, the cracking reactor is connected to a formic acid storage tank and a catalyst storage tank, and a high-pressure pump is provided between the formic acid storage tank and the cracking reactor.

[0017] Further, the cracking reactor is connected to the condenser, and the steam for heating the cracking reactor is condensed in the condenser after heat exchange.

[0018] Further, the steam-water separator, the steam turbine, and the cracking reactor are connected to the condenser, and the crystallized water and low-temperature steam in the steam-water separator, the steam turbine, and the cracking reactor enter the condenser for condensation.

[0019] Further, a hydrogen-rich buffer is provided between the cracking reactor and the pressure swing adsorption system.

[0020] Further, the pressure swing adsorption system is connected to a hydrogen storage tank.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0022] As a clean primary energy source, nuclear energy in the present invention has the advantages of high efficiency, cleanliness, and stability. Combining nuclear energy technology with hydrogen production technology is conducive to the large-scale production of hydrogen by formic acid cracking, improving energy utilization efficiency and reducing the production cost of hydrogen. In the present invention, the primary loop system and the secondary loop system of the pressurized water reactor are both closed loops, avoiding energy waste, and physically isolating the hydrogen production system from the primary loop system and the secondary loop system of the pressurized water reactor.

[0023] The present invention directly heats the reaction environment of the cracking reactor using the waste heat of the reactor grid system, without the need to provide additional heat and without changing the structure of the original grid system. Compared with the prior art, it avoids the problem that after heating formic acid and then adding it to the cracking reactor for reaction, the temperature and pressure of the reaction environment are unstable, prone to side reactions, and affecting the purity and yield of hydrogen. The present invention uses the medium-pressure steam output by the steam turbine to heat the cracking reactor, and the second regulating valve can adjust the appropriate reaction temperature according to the type of catalyst selected, making the cracking reaction process more stable, avoiding side reactions, improving the output rate and hydrogen purity, and simplifying the process flow of hydrogen production by formic acid cracking.

[0024] The present invention uses formic acid as the reaction raw material. Compared with methanol, formic acid is non-toxic, harmless, not easy to burn, and easily decomposes in the natural environment, having good environmental protection and safety properties.

[0025] The present invention collects all the condensed water and surplus steam generated by equipment such as the steam-water separator, heat exchanger, and cracking reactor into the condenser, and uses it as the steam source of the steam generator. At the same time, the condensed cooling water is further used as the refrigerant of the condenser, making the water in the secondary loop system fully utilized, greatly reducing the production cost, and the system structure is simple.

[0026] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to be able to understand the technical means of the present invention more clearly, it can be implemented according to the content of the description. And in order to make the above and other purposes, features, and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the following specifically gives the specific embodiments of the present invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] Figure 1 It is a flow chart of a hydrogen production device by formic acid cracking in a pressurized water reactor environment according to the present invention.

[0028] In the attached drawings, 1 is the primary circuit system of a pressurized water reactor, 2 is a hydrogen production system, 3 is the secondary circuit system, 4 is a generator, 5 is a power grid, 101 is a reactor, 102 is a coolant pump, 103 is a pressurizer, 104 is a steam generator, 210 is a first flowmeter, 202 is a cracking reactor, 203 is a hydrogen-rich buffer, 204 is a pressure swing adsorption system, 205 is a formic acid storage tank, 206 is a catalyst storage tank, 207 is a high-pressure pump, 212 is a second regulating valve, 209 is a hydrogen storage tank, 201 is a second flowmeter, 211 is a pressure regulating valve, 208 is a first regulating valve, 301 is a steam-water separator, 302 is a steam turbine, 303 is a condenser, 304 is a circulating water pump, and 305 is a feed water pump. Detailed implementation manners

[0029] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the attached drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following embodiments are only used to illustrate and explain the present invention exemplarily, and should not be construed as limiting the protection scope of the present invention. All technologies implemented based on the above content of the present invention are covered within the scope of protection intended by the present invention.

[0030] In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated, various raw materials, reagents, instruments, and equipment used in the present invention can be obtained through market purchases or prepared by existing methods.

[0031] A formic acid cracking hydrogen production device in a pressurized water reactor environment includes a primary circuit system 1 of a pressurized water reactor, a secondary circuit system 3, and a hydrogen production system 2.

[0032] The primary circuit system 1 of the pressurized water reactor includes a reactor 101, a pressurizer 103, and a steam generator 104. The reactor 101, the pressurizer 103, and the steam generator 104 are sequentially connected to form a circuit, and the steam generator 104 is connected to the secondary circuit system 3 and the hydrogen production system 2.

[0033] The secondary circuit system 3 is a water circulation system, including a steam-water separator 301, a steam turbine 302, and a condenser 303. The steam output end of the steam-water separator 301 is connected to the steam turbine 302. The medium-pressure output port of the steam turbine 302 is connected to the hydrogen production system 2, and the low-pressure output port of the steam turbine 302 is connected to the condenser 303. The condenser 303 is connected to the steam generator 104.

[0034] The hydrogen production system 2 is connected to the steam turbine 302 and the condenser 303. The hydrogen production system 2 includes a cracking reactor 202 and a pressure swing adsorption system 204.

[0035] The present invention converts the nuclear energy of the primary circuit system 1 of a pressurized water reactor into the thermal energy of high-temperature steam to provide energy for hydrogen production by formic acid cracking, combining nuclear energy with hydrogen production technology, which is conducive to the large-scale production of hydrogen production by formic acid cracking. The thermal energy generated by the nuclear reaction in the reactor 101 is transmitted to the steam generator 104 after the pressure of the outlet of the reactor 101 is stabilized by the pressurizer 103. The steam generator 104 conducts heat exchange to heat the water inside into steam to provide energy for the power grid system and the hydrogen production system 2, realizing the conversion of nuclear energy into thermal energy and forming a circulation loop. When the water vapor passes through the steam turbine 302 again, the steam turbine 302 does work to convert thermal energy into mechanical energy. The medium-pressure output port of the steam turbine 302 is connected to the hydrogen production system 2. The hydrogen production system 2 uses part of the waste heat of the steam turbine 302 as thermal energy to provide energy for the cracking reaction of formic acid, enabling the formic acid and the catalyst to react in the best state. The steam thermal energy directly acts on the cracking reactor 202, making the reaction process more stable, improving the purity of hydrogen and the production product rate, absorbing the generated carbon dioxide through the pressure swing adsorption system 204, and adjusting the pressures of hydrogen and carbon dioxide to make them stable. The secondary circuit system 3 is used for steam-water separation, cooling the condensed water and then returning it to the steam generator 104. The secondary circuit system 3 is connected to the primary circuit system 1 of the pressurized water reactor and the hydrogen production system 2, and keeps the water in the whole system circulating.

[0036] The medium-pressure output port of the steam turbine 302 is connected to the cracking reactor 202, and a second regulating valve 212 is provided between the steam turbine 302 and the cracking reactor 202. The steam outlet of the low-pressure section of the steam turbine 302 is connected to the condenser 303, and the power output end of the low-pressure section of the steam turbine 302 is connected to the generator. The steam turbine 302 includes three cylinder bodies: a high-pressure section, a medium-pressure section, and a low-pressure section. The steam-water separator 301 is connected to the high-pressure section, and the high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated by the steam generator 104 enters the high-pressure section of the steam turbine 302. The steam in the high-pressure section enters the medium-pressure section. Part of the water vapor in the medium-pressure section enters the cracking reactor 202 through the second regulating valve 212, and the other part of the water vapor enters the low-pressure section of the steam turbine 302. It continues to be converted into the mechanical energy of the steam turbine 302 in the low-pressure section of the steam turbine 302. The power output end is connected to the generator 4. After being converted from mechanical energy to electrical energy by the generator 4, it supplies power to the power grid 5. The steam outlet of the low-pressure section is connected to the condenser 303. After the steam enters the condenser 303 for further condensation, it returns to the steam generator 104 as a water source.

[0037] A second regulating valve 212 is provided between the cracking reactor 202 and the steam turbine 302. According to the type of catalyst selected in the hydrogen production by formic acid cracking, the steam heating temperature entering the cracking reactor 202 is adjusted through the second regulating valve 212 to match the temperature of the catalyst reaction range, improving the cracking reaction efficiency. Compared with the prior art in which formic acid is heated and then enters the cracking reactor 202 for reaction, the conditions in the cracking reactor 202 are more stable, avoiding the occurrence of side reactions and improving the conversion rate of hydrogen.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, a second flowmeter 201 is further provided between the second regulating valve 212 and the cracking reactor 202, which is used to detect the steam flow rate flowing into the cracking reactor 202 and is adjusted and controlled by the second regulating valve 212, and is adjusted according to the heat conditions required for the cracking reaction to improve the cracking reaction efficiency.

[0039] The steam generator 104, the steam-water separator 301, the steam turbine 302, and the condenser 303 are connected to form a loop. The condenser 303 is further connected to a cooling tower, and the cooling tower provides a cold source for the condensation chamber; a feed water pump 305 is provided between the condensation chamber and the steam generator 104. The condensed water formed in the steam-water separator 301, the steam turbine 302, and the cracking reactor 202 enters the condenser 303, the cooling water after condensation in the condenser 303 enters the cooling tower, and the water after condensation in the condenser 303 is pumped into the steam generator 104 by the feed water pump 305 as the steam source.

[0040] In a specific embodiment, a circulating water pump 304 is provided between the condenser 303 and the cooling tower to realize the circulation of the cooling water in the condenser 303 through the circulating water pump 304.

[0041] The coolant is pumped into the reactor 101 by the coolant pump 102, and the coolant pump 102 is arranged between the coolant storage tank and the reactor 101.

[0042] The cracking reactor 202 is connected to a formic acid storage tank 205 and a catalyst storage tank 206, and a high-pressure pump 207 is provided between the formic acid storage tank 205 and the cracking reactor 202. In a specific embodiment, a first regulating valve 208 is further provided between the high-pressure pump 207 and the cracking reactor 202. The formic acid in the formic acid storage tank 205 is pressurized by the high-pressure pump 207 to reach the high-pressure state required for the formic acid cracking reaction, and the pressure is adjusted by the first regulating valve 208 to keep the pressure stable. At this time, the reaction conditions in the cracking reactor 202 are the optimal pressure and temperature for the reaction of formic acid with the catalyst, and the reaction efficiency is high.

[0043] The cracking reactor 202 is connected to the condenser 303, and the steam for heating the cracking reactor 202 is discharged into the condenser 303 for condensation after heat exchange. The steam-water separator 301, the steam turbine 302, and the cracking reactor 202 are connected to the condenser 303, and the crystal water and low-temperature steam in the steam-water separator 301, the steam turbine 302, and the cracking reactor 202 enter the condenser 303 for condensation.

[0044] In a specific embodiment, a first flowmeter 210 is further provided between the first regulating valve 208 and the cracking reactor 202, which is used to detect the amount of the formic acid solution injected into the cracking reactor 202.

[0045] To buffer the reaction products hydrogen and carbon dioxide and improve the adsorption of carbon dioxide by the pressure swing adsorption system 204, a hydrogen-rich buffer 203 is provided between the pyrolysis reactor 202 and the pressure swing adsorption system 204. In a preferred embodiment, a pressure regulating valve 211 is provided between the hydrogen-rich buffer 203 and the pyrolysis reactor 202. The pressure regulating valve 211 regulates the outlet pressure of the pyrolysis reactor 202, and at the same time, the hydrogen-rich buffer 203 buffers and regulates the pressure of the reaction products to avoid pressure fluctuations, so that the pressure states of hydrogen and carbon dioxide input to the pressure swing adsorption system 204 remain relatively stable.

[0046] The pressure swing adsorption system 204 is connected to a hydrogen storage tank 209. The pressure swing adsorption system 204 absorbs the generated carbon dioxide and further adjusts the pressures of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, so that the gas output to the hydrogen storage tank 209 is high-purity hydrogen.

[0047] The working process of a formic acid pyrolysis hydrogen production device in a pressurized water reactor environment according to the present invention is as follows:

[0048] The first loop system 1 of the pressurized water reactor uses the energy provided by the pressurized water reactor principle to make the steam generator 104 generate high-temperature steam. The coolant, the reactor 101, the pressurizer 103, and the steam generator 104 form a circulation loop, convert the nuclear energy generated by the reactor 101 into heat energy and transmit it to the steam generator 104, and transfer it to the power grid system and the hydrogen production system 2 through the steam generator 104.

[0049] The steam generator 104 is connected to the hydrogen production system through a steam-water separator 301 and a steam turbine 302. The high-temperature and high-pressure steam generated by the steam generator 104 enters the steam-water separator 301 for steam-water separation and then enters the steam turbine 302 to reduce the pressure. The steam generated in the intermediate pressure section of the steam turbine 302 enters the hydrogen production system to provide heat energy for the hydrogen production system; the steam generated in the low-pressure section of the steam turbine 302 enters the generator to generate electricity.

[0050] The hydrogen production system 2 includes a pyrolysis reactor 202, a formic acid storage tank 205, a catalyst storage tank 206, a high-pressure pump 207, a hydrogen-rich buffer 203, a pressure swing adsorption system 204, and a hydrogen storage tank 209. The high-temperature steam is adjusted by a second regulating valve 212 to form the low-temperature steam required for the pyrolysis reaction and enters the pyrolysis reactor 202 to heat the catalyst and formic acid to the optimal reaction temperature in the pyrolysis reactor 202 for the pyrolysis reaction. The generated hydrogen and carbon dioxide after the reaction pass through the hydrogen-rich buffer 203 and the pressure swing adsorption system 204 to adsorb carbon dioxide and stabilize the pressure, and generate high-purity hydrogen which is stored in the hydrogen storage tank 209.

[0051] The secondary loop system 3 is a water circulation system that connects the primary loop system 1 of the pressurized water reactor and the hydrogen production system 2 and performs heat conversion. It transports the steam generated at high temperature in the steam generator 104 to the hydrogen production system 2 to provide the heat energy required for the reaction of the hydrogen production system 2. After heat conversion, the condensed water is cooled in the condenser 303 and the cooling tower, and then pumped into the steam generator 104 to provide a water source for the steam, forming a water cycle.

[0052] The serial numbers of the embodiments of the present invention above are only for description and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0053] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiments. The above specific embodiments are merely illustrative rather than restrictive. Under the inspiration of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the art can also make many forms without departing from the purpose of the present invention and the scope protected by the claims. All of these are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hydrogen production device by formic acid cracking under the pressurized water reactor environment, characterized in that: It includes the primary loop system of a pressurized water reactor, the secondary loop system, and the hydrogen production system. The primary loop system of the pressurized water reactor includes a reactor, a pressurizer, and a steam generator. The reactor, the pressurizer, and the steam generator are connected in sequence to form a loop, and the steam generator is connected to the secondary loop system and the hydrogen production system. The secondary loop system is a water circulation system, including a steam-water separator, a steam turbine, and a condenser. The steam output end of the steam-water separator is connected to the steam turbine. The medium-pressure output port of the steam turbine is connected to the hydrogen production system. The low-pressure output port of the steam turbine is connected to the condenser, and the condenser is connected to the steam generator. The hydrogen production system is connected to the steam turbine and the condenser. The hydrogen production system includes a cracking reactor and a pressure swing adsorption system. The cracking reactor is connected to a formic acid storage tank and a catalyst storage tank. A high-pressure pump is provided between the formic acid storage tank and the cracking reactor. The medium-pressure output port of the steam turbine is connected to the cracking reactor, and the steam waste heat of the steam turbine is used to provide heat for the cracking reactor. A second regulating valve is provided between the steam turbine and the cracking reactor. The cracking reactor is connected to the condenser, and the steam for heating the cracking reactor is exchanged for heat and then discharged into the condenser for condensation.

2. The hydrogen production device by formic acid cracking under the pressurized water reactor environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steam outlet of the low-pressure section of the steam turbine is connected to the condenser, and the power output end of the low-pressure section of the steam turbine is connected to a generator.

3. The hydrogen production device by formic acid cracking under the pressurized water reactor environment according to claim 1, wherein: The steam generator, the steam-water separator, the steam turbine, and the condenser are connected to each other to form a loop.

4. The hydrogen production device by formic acid cracking under the pressurized water reactor environment according to claim 1, wherein: The condenser is also connected to a cooling tower, and the cooling tower provides a cold source for the condensation chamber.

5. The hydrogen production device by pyrolyzing formic acid under the pressurized water reactor environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A hydrogen-rich buffer is provided between the cracking reactor and the pressure swing adsorption system.

Images