An integrated system for electric hydrogen production and hydrogen compression

Abstract

The application discloses an integrated system for hydrogen production and compression, and relates to the technical field of hydrogen energy.The system comprises a water source module, a water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module, a multiplex electrolytic cell, a low-pressure hydrogen storage module, a high-pressure hydrogen storage module and a power supply.The multiplex electrolytic cell comprises an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by a proton exchange membrane.The anode chamber comprises a PEM anode chamber and an EHC anode chamber separated by an anode separator layer.The inlet of the water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module is connected to the outlet of the water source module and the low-pressure hydrogen storage module, and the outlet is selectively connected to the PEM anode chamber or the EHC anode chamber.The cathode chamber is selectively connected to the inlet of the high-pressure hydrogen storage module or the inlet of the low-pressure hydrogen storage module.The power supply can supply power to the multiplex electrolytic cell.The application is used for improving the performance of hydrogen production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of hydrogen energy technology, and in particular to an integrated system for electro-hydrogen production and hydrogen compression and reuse. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy, as a clean and efficient energy source, plays a crucial role in energy transition and carbon neutrality goals. Currently, proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis technology is relatively mature and commercialization is gradually being implemented. However, due to the inherent properties of hydrogen, its practical use requires pressurization. Electrochemical hydrogen compression (EHC) technology, with its advantages of low compression energy consumption, no moving equipment, and purification of gas impurities, is currently attracting widespread attention.

[0003] Although the electrolyzers in existing PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production systems and EHC electrochemical hydrogen compression technologies are structurally very similar, most existing PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production systems and EHC hydrogen compression systems employ two completely independent systems, each with a complex composition. The two systems lack interoperability, and equipment operation is cumbersome and inconvenient. Especially for the key component of both systems—the electrolyzer—two different sets of electrolyzers need to be purchased to achieve the overall functionality, resulting in poor economic efficiency and high space requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of this application provide an integrated system for electrolytic hydrogen production and hydrogen compression reuse. By separating the anode chamber of the electrolyzer and sharing the cathode chamber, the system enables the reuse of two independent processes, water electrolysis hydrogen production and electrochemical hydrogen compression, in a single electrolyzer. This solves the problems of insufficient linkage between the water electrolysis hydrogen production system and the hydrogen compression system, inadequate equipment integration, and poor economic efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application provide an integrated system for electrolytic hydrogen production and hydrogen compression and reuse, including a water source module, a water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module, a reuse electrolyzer, a low-pressure hydrogen storage module, a high-pressure hydrogen storage module, and a power supply; the reuse electrolyzer includes an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by a proton exchange membrane; the anode chamber includes a PEM anode chamber and an EHC anode chamber separated by an anode separator layer; the inlet of the water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module is connected to the outlet of the water source module and the outlet of the low-pressure hydrogen storage module, respectively, and the outlet can be selectively connected to the PEM anode chamber or the EHC anode chamber; the cathode chamber can be selectively connected to the inlet of the high-pressure hydrogen storage module or the inlet of the low-pressure hydrogen storage module; the power supply can supply power to the reuse electrolyzer.

[0006] Furthermore, the anode separator layer is made of ceramic material.

[0007] Furthermore, the water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module can be selectively connected to the PEM anode chamber or the EHC anode chamber via a first two-position three-way valve; the cathode chamber can be selectively connected to the inlet of the high-pressure hydrogen storage module or the inlet of the low-pressure hydrogen storage module via a second two-position three-way valve.

[0008] Furthermore, a gas-liquid separator is also provided between the cathode chamber and the second two-position three-way valve.

[0009] Furthermore, the hydrogen outlet of the EHC anode chamber is connected to a low-pressure hydrogen storage module.

[0010] Furthermore, the water source module includes a water tank and a pump; the pump's inlet is connected to the water tank, and its outlet is connected to a water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module.

[0011] Furthermore, the water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module includes a first filter and a first shut-off valve disposed at the outlet of the first filter.

[0012] Furthermore, the low-pressure hydrogen storage module includes a second filter, a second shut-off valve, a low-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder, and a flow control valve arranged sequentially along the gas flow direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the high-pressure hydrogen storage module includes a high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder; a flame arrester is provided at the inlet of the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder.

[0014] Furthermore, the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder is equipped with a first state monitoring sensor; the low-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder is equipped with a second state monitoring sensor.

[0015] This application has the following advantages over the prior art:

[0016] 1. The embodiments of this application integrate the electrolyzer for water electrolysis to produce hydrogen with the electrolyzer for electrochemical hydrogen compression. By dividing the anode chamber and sharing the cathode chamber, the hydrogen production and compression equipment can be reused, which improves the integration of the equipment, reduces the complexity of the equipment, and lowers the production cost.

[0017] 2. The embodiments of this application can freely choose to produce hydrogen or compress hydrogen according to actual production needs, and have the advantages of higher integration, simpler structure, high hydrogen purity, cleanliness and low noise.

[0018] 3. In the embodiments of this application, the anode separator layer is made of a non-conductive ceramic material that does not participate in the system electrolysis reaction. It only plays a physical isolation role and will not affect the hydrogen production or hydrogen compression effect. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the reused electrolytic cell in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "joining" should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0026] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2This application provides an integrated system for electrolytic hydrogen production and hydrogen compression multiplexing, including a water source module, a water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module, a multiplexing electrolyzer 6, a low-pressure hydrogen storage module, a high-pressure hydrogen storage module, and a power supply 17. The multiplexing electrolyzer 6 includes an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by a proton exchange membrane. The anode chamber includes a PEM anode chamber and an EHC anode chamber separated by an anode separator layer. The inlet of the water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module is connected to the outlets of the water source module and the low-pressure hydrogen storage module, respectively, and the outlet can be selectively connected to either the PEM anode chamber or the EHC anode chamber. The cathode chamber can be selectively connected to the inlet of the high-pressure hydrogen storage module or the inlet of the low-pressure hydrogen storage module. The power supply 17 can supply power to the multiplexing electrolyzer 6.

[0027] Specifically, the water source module includes a water tank 1 and a pump 2. The water tank 1 is also equipped with a water inlet, a drain outlet, and a drain and oxygen outlet. The inlet of the pump 2 is connected to the drain outlet of the water tank 1, and the outlet is connected to the inlet of the water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module.

[0028] The water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module includes a first filter 3 and a first shut-off valve 4. The inlet of the first filter 3 is connected to the outlet of the pump 2, and the outlet is connected to the inlet of the first shut-off valve 4. The first filter 3 is used to filter the fluid in the pipeline, and the first shut-off valve 4 is used to prevent backflow of the fluid in the pipeline.

[0029] The water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module can be selectively connected to either the PEM anode chamber or the EHC anode chamber via a first two-position three-way valve 5. Specifically, the outlet of the first shut-off valve 4 is connected to the inlet of the first two-position three-way valve 5, and the two outlets of the first two-position three-way valve 5 are respectively connected to the PEM anode chamber or the EHC anode chamber of the reused electrolyzer 6. The first two-position three-way valve 5 is controlled to switch directions via a first controller 19.

[0030] Reference Figure 2 The cathode chamber of the reused electrolyzer 6 is shared, while the anode chamber is divided into a PEM anode chamber and an EHC anode chamber by an anode separator layer. Hydrogen is produced by water electrolysis in the PEM anode chamber – water enters the anode side and is electrolyzed to produce O₂. 2- and H + O 2- Oxidation occurs at the PEM anode electrode, where oxygen is generated through accumulation. + Hydrogen gas is produced by reduction at the cathode via a proton exchange membrane. Electrochemical hydrogen compression occurs in the EHC anode chamber – low-pressure hydrogen gas enters the anode side and is oxidized to H₂ at the EHC anode electrode. + Then, through a proton exchange membrane, it is reduced to high-pressure hydrogen at the cathode. To avoid mutual interference between the two different electrolysis chambers in the anode chamber, which could cause safety hazards and affect the purity of the hydrogen, the two electrolysis chambers are separated by an anode separator layer. The anode separator layer is made of ceramic material, which is non-conductive and does not participate in the system's electrolysis reaction. It only plays a physical isolation role and will not affect the hydrogen production or hydrogen compression effect.

[0031] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The cathode chamber of the reused electrolytic cell 6 is connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid separator 7. The gas-liquid separator 7 is equipped with a drain valve 18, and the water produced by the gas-liquid separator 7 is discharged through the drain outlet of the drain valve 18.

[0032] The gas-liquid separator 7 can be selectively connected to the inlet of the high-pressure hydrogen storage module or the inlet of the low-pressure hydrogen storage module via the second two-position three-way valve 8. Specifically, the outlet of the gas-liquid separator 7 is connected to the inlet of the second two-position three-way valve 8, and the two outlets of the second two-position three-way valve 8 are respectively connected to the inlet of the high-pressure hydrogen storage module or the inlet of the low-pressure hydrogen storage module. The second two-position three-way valve 8 is controlled to switch directions by the second controller 20.

[0033] The high-pressure hydrogen storage module includes a high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder 10, and a flame arrester 9 is installed at the inlet of the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder 10. The high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder 10 is also equipped with a first state monitoring sensor 11.

[0034] The low-pressure hydrogen storage module includes a second filter 12, a second shut-off valve 13, a low-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder 15, and a flow control valve 16 arranged sequentially along the gas flow direction. The inlet of the second filter 12 is connected to one of the outlets of the second two-position three-way valve 8, and the outlet of the flow control valve 16 is connected to the inlet of the first filter 3. The second filter 12 is used to filter the fluid in the pipeline, the second shut-off valve 13 is used to prevent backflow of the fluid in the pipeline, and the flow control valve 16 is used to control the flow rate of the fluid. A second status monitoring sensor 14 is also provided on the low-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder 15.

[0035] In addition, to prevent hydrogen waste, the hydrogen outlet of the EHC anode chamber is connected to the inlet of the second filter 12, thereby allowing the low-pressure hydrogen generated in the EHC anode chamber to be compressed and reused. Similarly, to prevent water waste, the water and oxygen outlets of the PEM anode chamber are connected to water tank 1 for the recycling of the generated water.

[0036] The working process of this application embodiment is as follows:

[0037] 1. Hydrogen production process by water electrolysis:

[0038] Water in tank 1, driven by pump 2, flows sequentially through first filter 3 and first shut-off valve 4 before entering first two-position three-way valve 5. First controller 19 selects different valve paths based on system operating status before the water enters the PEM anode chamber of reused electrolyzer 6. Power supply 17 provides power for water electrolysis to produce hydrogen. Low-pressure hydrogen generated in the cathode chamber of reused electrolyzer 6 enters gas-liquid separator 7. Water is discharged through steam trap 18. Purified low-pressure hydrogen enters second two-position three-way valve 8. Second controller 20 controls the valve to select the appropriate path based on system operating status, and the low-pressure hydrogen flows sequentially through second filter 12 and second shut-off valve 13 before entering low-pressure hydrogen storage tank 15 for storage. Second status monitoring sensor 14 constantly monitors the status of low-pressure hydrogen storage tank 15 to ensure its safety and reliability.

[0039] 2. Electrochemical hydrogen compression process:

[0040] Hydrogen gas in low-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder 15 passes through flow control valve 16, then sequentially through first filter 3 and first shut-off valve 4 before entering first two-position three-way valve 5. First controller 19 selects different valve paths based on system operating status before the hydrogen enters the EHC anode chamber of reused electrolytic cell 6. Power supply 17 provides power for electrochemical compression. The compressed high-pressure hydrogen gas generated in the cathode chamber of reused electrolytic cell 6 enters gas-liquid separator 7. Moisture is discharged through drain valve 18. Purified high-pressure hydrogen enters second two-position three-way valve 8. Second controller 20 controls the valve to select the appropriate path based on system operating status, and the hydrogen then passes through flame arrester 9 before entering high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder 10 for storage. Second status monitoring sensor 14 constantly monitors the status of high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder 10 to ensure its safety and reliability.

[0041] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An integrated system for electro-hydrogen production and hydrogen compression and reuse, characterized in that, The system includes a water source module, a water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module, a reuse electrolyzer, a low-pressure hydrogen storage module, a high-pressure hydrogen storage module, and a power supply. The reuse electrolyzer includes an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by a proton exchange membrane. The anode chamber includes a PEM anode chamber and an EHC anode chamber separated by an anode separator layer. The inlet of the water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module is connected to the outlet of the water source module and the outlet of the low-pressure hydrogen storage module, respectively, and the outlet can be selectively connected to the PEM anode chamber or the EHC anode chamber. The cathode chamber can be selectively connected to the inlet of the high-pressure hydrogen storage module or the inlet of the low-pressure hydrogen storage module. The power supply can supply power to the reuse electrolyzer. The water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module can be selectively connected to the PEM anode chamber or the EHC anode chamber through a first two-position three-way valve.

2. The integrated system for electro-hydrogen production and hydrogen compression and reuse according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anode separator layer is made of ceramic material.

3. The integrated system for electro-hydrogen production and hydrogen compression and reuse according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode chamber can be selectively connected to the inlet of the high-pressure hydrogen storage module or the inlet of the low-pressure hydrogen storage module via a second two-position three-way valve.

4. The integrated system for electro-hydrogen production and hydrogen compression and reuse according to claim 3, characterized in that, A gas-liquid separator is also provided between the cathode chamber and the second two-position three-way valve.

5. The integrated system for electro-hydrogen production and hydrogen compression and reuse according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen outlet of the EHC anode chamber is connected to the low-pressure hydrogen storage module.

6. The integrated system for electro-hydrogen production and hydrogen compression and reuse according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water source module includes a water tank and a pump; the pump inlet is connected to the water tank, and the outlet is connected to a water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module.

7. The integrated system for electro-hydrogen production and hydrogen compression and reuse according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water or low-pressure hydrogen pretreatment module includes a first filter and a first shut-off valve disposed at the outlet of the first filter.

8. The integrated system for electro-hydrogen production and hydrogen compression and reuse according to claim 1, characterized in that, The low-pressure hydrogen storage module includes a second filter, a second shut-off valve, a low-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder, and a flow control valve arranged sequentially along the gas flow direction.

9. The integrated system for electro-hydrogen production and hydrogen compression and reuse according to claim 8, characterized in that, The high-pressure hydrogen storage module includes a high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder; a flame arrester is installed at the inlet of the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder.

10. The integrated system for electro-hydrogen production and hydrogen compression and reuse according to claim 9, characterized in that, The high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder is equipped with a first state monitoring sensor; the low-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder is equipped with a second state monitoring sensor.

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