A control system and method for improving pressure fluctuations of an electrochemical hydrogen pump

Abstract

The application relates to a control system for improving pressure fluctuation of an electrochemical hydrogen pump, comprising a water electrolysis hydrogen production device, a first direct current power supply, a first proportional valve, an electrochemical hydrogen pump, a second direct current power supply, a second proportional valve, a first pressure sensor, a solid-state hydrogen storage device, a water chiller and a first three-way valve; the water electrolysis hydrogen production device, the first proportional valve, the electrochemical hydrogen pump, the second proportional valve, the first pressure sensor and the solid-state hydrogen storage device are sequentially connected; the first direct current power supply is connected with the water electrolysis hydrogen production device; the second direct current power supply is connected with the electrochemical hydrogen pump; and the first three-way valve is connected with the water chiller, the water electrolysis hydrogen production device and the solid-state hydrogen storage device respectively. The application also provides a control method for improving pressure fluctuation of an electrochemical hydrogen pump. The application can stabilize the inlet and outlet pressures of the electrochemical hydrogen pump, improve the pressure fluctuation during the operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump, and provide a possibility for commercialization of the electrochemical hydrogen pump.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of battery, in particular to a control system and method for improving pressure fluctuation of an electrochemical hydrogen pump. BACKGROUND

[0002] A fuel cell is a power generation device that converts chemical energy in fuel into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. With the continuous development of the hydrogen energy industry, the hydrogen purification process has received continuous attention. Using an electrochemical hydrogen pump to purify hydrogen is a relatively low-cost method. Currently, the electrochemical hydrogen pump is easily affected by the outlet pressure of the front-end hydrogen supply equipment, the inlet pressure of the rear-end hydrogen using equipment, and the self-lifting current when it is running, which causes the outlet pressure of the electrochemical hydrogen pump to fluctuate too much, seriously limiting the use of the electrochemical hydrogen pump, making it difficult to commercialize, and making it difficult to apply the electrochemical hydrogen pump. SUMMARY

[0003] Therefore, the embodiments of the present application provide a control system and method for improving pressure fluctuation of an electrochemical hydrogen pump, aiming to solve the technical problems that the electrochemical hydrogen pump on the market has too large pressure fluctuation when running and is difficult to run stably. Through the present application, hydrogen purification, pressure boosting, and hydrogen charging for a hydrogen storage device can be achieved.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, in one aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide the following technical solutions: a control system for improving pressure fluctuation of an electrochemical hydrogen pump, comprising a water electrolysis hydrogen production device, a first direct current power supply, a first proportional valve, an electrochemical hydrogen pump, a second direct current power supply, a second proportional valve, a first pressure sensor, a solid-state hydrogen storage device, a water chiller, and a first three-way valve; the water electrolysis hydrogen production device, the first proportional valve, the electrochemical hydrogen pump, the second proportional valve, the first pressure sensor, and the solid-state hydrogen storage device are connected in sequence; the first direct current power supply is connected with the water electrolysis hydrogen production device; the second direct current power supply is connected with the electrochemical hydrogen pump; and the first three-way valve is connected with the water chiller, the water electrolysis hydrogen production device, and the solid-state hydrogen storage device, respectively.

[0005] As a preferred embodiment, the control system for improving pressure fluctuation of an electrochemical hydrogen pump further comprises a second three-way valve, which is connected with the water electrolysis hydrogen production device, the water chiller, and the solid-state hydrogen storage device, respectively.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment, a gas drying device is arranged between the second proportional valve and the first pressure sensor, and the gas drying device is connected with the second proportional valve and the first pressure sensor, respectively.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment, a second pressure sensor is arranged between the water electrolysis hydrogen production device and the first proportional valve, and the second pressure sensor is connected with the water electrolysis hydrogen production device and the first proportional valve respectively.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment, a third pressure sensor is arranged between the first proportional valve and the electrochemical hydrogen pump, and the third pressure sensor is connected with the electrochemical hydrogen pump and the first proportional valve respectively.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, a fourth pressure sensor is arranged between the second proportional valve and the electrochemical hydrogen pump, and the fourth pressure sensor is connected with the electrochemical hydrogen pump and the second proportional valve respectively.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the pull current of the first direct current power supply is I1, the pull current of the second direct current power supply is I2, and I1=ε×I2, where ε is a current conversion coefficient.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, when I1=ε×I2, the first proportional valve and the second proportional valve are closed-loop controlled.

[0012] In another aspect, the application also provides a control method for improving pressure fluctuation of an electrochemical hydrogen pump, which is realized by the control system for improving pressure fluctuation of an electrochemical hydrogen pump.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, the control method for improving pressure fluctuation of an electrochemical hydrogen pump comprises the following steps:

[0014] S01, starting the water electrolysis hydrogen production device and the water chiller, and adjusting the opening degree of the first three-way valve (to distribute the flow rate of the branch flow);

[0015] S02, starting the first direct current power supply to pull the current to the rated current; when the second pressure sensor reaches the set value, the first proportional valve is opened;

[0016] S03, closed-loop controlling the opening degree of the first proportional valve, and adjusting the opening degree of the first proportional valve to the set value of the third pressure sensor;

[0017] S04, starting the second direct current power supply to pull the current, and the electrochemical hydrogen pump outlet generates hydrogen; when the fourth pressure sensor reaches the set value, the second proportional valve is opened and closed-loop controlled to the set value of the first pressure sensor;

[0018] S05, continuously charging hydrogen for the solid-state hydrogen storage device, and dynamically adjusting the pressure of each pressure sensor and the pull current to the solid-state hydrogen storage device until it is fully charged with hydrogen.

[0019] Compared to existing technologies, the embodiments of this application have the following technical advantages: This application sets a first proportional valve at the inlet of the electrochemical hydrogen pump and a second proportional valve at the outlet of the electrochemical hydrogen pump. Through the dual closed-loop control of the first and second proportional valves, the inlet and outlet pressures of the electrochemical hydrogen pump can be effectively stabilized, thereby effectively improving pressure fluctuations during operation and providing the possibility for the commercialization of electrochemical hydrogen pumps. By changing the pressure at the inlet of the solid-state hydrogen storage device and dynamically adjusting the load current of the electrochemical hydrogen pump and the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, the hydrogen production and charging amounts are dynamically balanced, effectively improving the stability of the entire system. Temperature control during hydrogen charging of the solid-state hydrogen storage device using a chiller saves material costs. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention 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 the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the control system for improving pressure fluctuations in an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 To adopt Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the control method for improving the control system of electrochemical hydrogen pump pressure fluctuation.

[0023] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, top, bottom, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0026] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] It should be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is described as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0028] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0029] Specifically, on the one hand, such as Figure 1 As shown, the present invention proposes the following technical solution: a control system for improving pressure fluctuations in an electrochemical hydrogen pump, comprising an electrolytic hydrogen production device 10, a first DC power supply 20, a first proportional valve 30, an electrochemical hydrogen pump 40, a second DC power supply 50, a second proportional valve 60, a first pressure sensor 70, a solid hydrogen storage device 80, a chiller 90, and a first three-way valve 100; the electrolytic hydrogen production device 10, the first proportional valve 30, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 40, the second proportional valve 60, the first pressure sensor 70, and the solid hydrogen storage device 80 are connected sequentially; the first DC power supply 20 is connected to the electrolytic hydrogen production device 10; the second DC power supply 50 is connected to the electrochemical hydrogen pump 40; and the first three-way valve 100 is connected to the chiller 90, the electrolytic hydrogen production device 10, and the solid hydrogen storage device 80 respectively.

[0030] In this embodiment, the inlet of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 40 is connected to the first proportional valve 30, and the outlet of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 40 is connected to the second proportional valve 60. In this way, through the dual closed-loop control of the first proportional valve 30 and the second proportional valve 60, the inlet and outlet pressures of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 40 can be effectively stabilized, thereby effectively improving the pressure fluctuations during the operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 40 and providing the possibility for the commercialization of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 40.

[0031] By installing a first pressure sensor at the inlet of the solid-state hydrogen storage device and connecting it to a second proportional valve, the pressure at the inlet can be adjusted. Simultaneously, the load current of the electrochemical hydrogen pump and the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment is dynamically adjusted, achieving a dynamic balance between hydrogen production and charging, effectively improving the stability of the entire system. Temperature control during hydrogen charging of the solid-state hydrogen storage device is achieved using a chiller, saving material costs.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the control system for improving pressure fluctuations in the electrochemical hydrogen pump further includes a second three-way valve 110, which is connected to the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment 10, the chiller 90, and the solid-state hydrogen storage device 80. The second three-way valve can be used for the circulating water confluence in the solid-state hydrogen storage water circulation path, effectively improving water circulation efficiency, saving costs, and increasing energy utilization.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, a gas drying device 120 is provided between the second proportional valve 60 and the first pressure sensor 70, and the gas drying device 120 is connected to both the second proportional valve 60 and the first pressure sensor 70. The gas drying device 120 is used to dry the outlet gas of the electrochemical hydrogen pump.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, a second pressure sensor 130 is provided between the water electrolysis hydrogen production device 10 and the first proportional valve 30, and the second pressure sensor 130 is connected to the water electrolysis hydrogen production device 10 and the first proportional valve 30 respectively.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, a third pressure sensor 140 is provided between the first proportional valve 30 and the electrochemical hydrogen pump 40, and the third pressure sensor 140 is connected to the electrochemical hydrogen pump 40 and the first proportional valve 30 respectively.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, a fourth pressure sensor 150 is provided between the second proportional valve 60 and the electrochemical hydrogen pump 40, and the fourth pressure sensor 150 is connected to the electrochemical hydrogen pump 40 and the second proportional valve 60 respectively.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the load current of the first DC power supply 20 is I1, and the load current of the second DC power supply 50 is I2, where I1 = ε × I2, and ε is the current conversion coefficient.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, when I1 = ε × I2, the first proportional valve 30 and the second proportional valve 60 perform closed-loop control.

[0039] The workflow of the control system for improving pressure fluctuations in the electrochemical hydrogen pump is as follows:

[0040] First, start the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment (i.e., PEM hydrogen production unit) 10 and the chiller 90. The water pump inside the PEM hydrogen production unit rotates, and the pure water in the water tank is pressurized by the water pump and flows through the deionizer and heat exchanger to the PEM electrolyzer. The chiller 90 starts, and part of the cold water flows to the heat exchanger inside the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment 10, thereby controlling the PEM electrolyzer to operate at the rated temperature. The other part of the cold water flows to the heat exchanger inside the solid hydrogen storage device 80, thereby controlling the solid hydrogen storage device 80 to operate at the rated hydrogen charging temperature. The flow distribution on both sides is controlled by controlling the opening of the first three-way valve 100.

[0041] Once the water flow in the PEM electrolyzer's water pipes stabilizes, the first DC power supply 20 begins to draw current I1. The first DC power supply 20 draws current in a stepped manner to the rated current of the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment 10. At this time, the PEM electrolyzer begins to stably produce hydrogen. As time increases, the pressure inside the monitoring pipeline by the second pressure sensor 130 continuously increases. After reaching the target pressure P2, the first proportional valve 30 opens and adopts closed-loop control. By monitoring the pressure of the third pressure sensor 140, the opening degree of the first proportional valve 30 is continuously adjusted until dynamic balance is achieved, and the pressure of the third pressure sensor 140 reaches the target set pressure P3.

[0042] Once pressure P3 is reached, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 40 starts working, and the second DC power supply 50 starts to draw current I2. Hydrogen gas begins to be generated at the outlet of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 40. As time increases, the pressure inside the pipeline monitored by the fourth pressure sensor 150 will continue to increase. After reaching the target pressure P4, the second proportional valve 60 opens. The second proportional valve 60 adopts closed-loop control. By monitoring the pressure of the first pressure sensor 70, the opening degree of the second proportional valve 60 is continuously adjusted. Finally, the pressure reaches the solid hydrogen storage inlet set pressure P1, and then hydrogen is continuously charged into the solid hydrogen storage device 80.

[0043] As the SOC inside the solid-state hydrogen storage device 80 gradually increases, the target pressure P1 set at the inlet pressure will continuously change. The target pressure P1 is adjusted positively or negatively according to the reference pressure, which will increase or decrease the amount of hydrogen produced by the electrochemical hydrogen pump 40. At this time, the electrochemical hydrogen pump's load current I2 is dynamically adjusted, while the PEM electrolyzer's load current I1 is also adjusted; I1 = ε × I2; ε is the current conversion coefficient. After the two currents are adjusted, the first proportional valve 30 and the second proportional valve 60 perform closed-loop control, adjusting the inlet pressure of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 40 and the inlet pressure of the solid-state hydrogen storage device 80 to the new target pressure, respectively. As the SOC of the solid-state hydrogen storage device 80 continues to increase, the above-mentioned target pressure adjustment, target current adjustment, and proportional valve opening adjustment are repeated. Finally, under a continuous dynamic equilibrium state, the electrochemical hydrogen pump purification, pressurization, and filling of the solid-state hydrogen storage device with hydrogen are completed.

[0044] On the other hand, this application also provides a control method for improving pressure fluctuations in an electrochemical hydrogen pump, the control method being implemented through the control system for improving pressure fluctuations in an electrochemical hydrogen pump.

[0045] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the method for controlling pressure fluctuations in an electrochemical hydrogen pump includes the following steps:

[0046] S01. Start the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment and chiller, and adjust the opening of the first three-way valve (to distribute the flow of the tributary);

[0047] S02. Start the first DC power supply to bring its load current to the rated current; when the second pressure sensor reaches the set value, open the first proportional valve;

[0048] S03. Closed-loop control of the opening degree of the first proportional valve, adjusting the opening degree of the first proportional valve until the third pressure sensor reaches the set value;

[0049] S04. Start the second DC power supply and load current, and hydrogen gas is generated at the outlet of the electrochemical hydrogen pump; when the fourth pressure sensor reaches the set value, open the second proportional valve and close the loop control until the first pressure sensor reaches the set value.

[0050] S05. Continuously charge the solid hydrogen storage device with hydrogen, and dynamically adjust the pressure of each pressure sensor and the load current until the solid hydrogen storage device is full of hydrogen.

[0051] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0052] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0053] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control system for improving pressure fluctuations in an electrochemical hydrogen pump, characterized in that, The device includes an electrolytic water hydrogen production unit, a first DC power supply, a first proportional valve, an electrochemical hydrogen pump, a second DC power supply, a second proportional valve, a first pressure sensor, a solid-state hydrogen storage device, a chiller, and a first three-way valve. The electrolytic water hydrogen production unit, the first proportional valve, the electrochemical hydrogen pump, the second proportional valve, the first pressure sensor, and the solid-state hydrogen storage device are connected sequentially. The first DC power supply is connected to the electrolytic water hydrogen production unit. The second DC power supply is connected to the electrochemical hydrogen pump. The first three-way valve is connected to the chiller, the electrolytic water hydrogen production unit, and the solid-state hydrogen storage device. The load current of the first DC power supply is I1, and the load current of the second DC power supply is I2. I1 = ε × I2, where ε is the current conversion coefficient. The first proportional valve and the second proportional valve are under closed-loop control.

2. The control system for improving pressure fluctuations in an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system for improving pressure fluctuations in the electrochemical hydrogen pump also includes a second three-way valve, which is connected to the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, the chiller, and the solid hydrogen storage device.

3. The control system for improving pressure fluctuations in an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, A gas drying device is provided between the second proportional valve and the first pressure sensor, and the gas drying device is connected to the second proportional valve and the first pressure sensor respectively.

4. The control system for improving pressure fluctuations in an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second pressure sensor is provided between the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment and the first proportional valve. The second pressure sensor is connected to both the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment and the first proportional valve.

5. The control system for improving pressure fluctuations in an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, A third pressure sensor is provided between the first proportional valve and the electrochemical hydrogen pump, and the third pressure sensor is connected to both the electrochemical hydrogen pump and the first proportional valve.

6. The control system for improving pressure fluctuations in an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, A fourth pressure sensor is provided between the second proportional valve and the electrochemical hydrogen pump, and the fourth pressure sensor is connected to both the electrochemical hydrogen pump and the second proportional valve.

7. A method for controlling pressure fluctuations in an electrochemical hydrogen pump, characterized in that, The control method is implemented by the control system for improving pressure fluctuations in an electrochemical hydrogen pump as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. The control method for improving pressure fluctuations in an electrochemical hydrogen pump according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method for improving the control of pressure fluctuations in an electrochemical hydrogen pump includes the following steps: S01. Start the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment and chiller, and adjust the opening of the first three-way valve; S02. Start the first DC power supply to bring its load current to the rated current; when the second pressure sensor reaches the set value, open the first proportional valve; S03. Closed-loop control of the opening degree of the first proportional valve, adjusting the opening degree of the first proportional valve until the third pressure sensor reaches the set value; S04. Start the second DC power supply and load current, and hydrogen gas is generated at the outlet of the electrochemical hydrogen pump; when the fourth pressure sensor reaches the set value, open the second proportional valve and close the loop control until the first pressure sensor reaches the set value. S05. Continuously charge the solid hydrogen storage device with hydrogen, and dynamically adjust the pressure of each pressure sensor and the load current until the solid hydrogen storage device is full of hydrogen.

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