Water segregator suitable for multi-nozzle hydrogen production electrolytic reactor and flow adaptation method of water segregator

By designing a water distributor suitable for multi-water hydrogen production electrolyte, the adjustment push rod assembly is used to adjust the water flow in the water cavity, the problem of uneven distribution of water volumes in each water port at different power consumption and water flow rates is solved, and the performance of the electrolyte is improved.

CN119615283APending Publication Date: 2025-03-14CHINA ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411733599.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-29
Publication Date
2025-03-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Under different power consumption and water flow rates of hydrogen-generated electrolytes in the multi-water port, the water volume distribution of each water port at the inlet end is uneven, resulting in a decrease in the uniformity of the heat mass in the reservoir, affecting the performance of the electrolyte.

Method used

A water distributor suitable for multi-water port hydrogen electrolytic reactors is designed, including a water chamber, an electrolytic reactor water port joint and an adjustment cone rod assembly. By adjusting the depth of the adjustable push rod assembly in the water cavity, adjusting the flow rate in the electrolytic reactor water outlet joint, achieving uniformity in water distribution.

Benefits of technology

It effectively solves the problem of uneven distribution of water volumes in each water port under different power consumption and water flow, meets the water management needs of the electrolytic reactor under different working conditions, and improves the overall performance of the electrolytic reactor.

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Abstract

The invention provides a water segregator suitable for a multi-nozzle hydrogen production electrolytic reactor, comprising: a water cavity comprising a straight tube structure, one end of which is connected with a water source; the electrolytic reactor water gap joints are arranged along the length direction of the water cavity, one end of each electrolytic reactor water gap joint is connected with the water cavity, and the other end of each electrolytic reactor water gap joint is connected with an electrolytic reactor water gap; the adjusting conical rod assembly is arranged at the other end of the water cavity, and the flow in the electrolytic reactor nozzle connector is adjusted by adjusting the depth of the adjusting conical rod assembly in the water cavity; one end of the water cavity is connected with a water source, the other end of the water cavity is connected with an adjusting push rod assembly, and the depth of the adjusting push rod assembly in the water cavity is adjusted so as to change the water inlet of the electrolytic reactor into which the water flows to realize shunting, so that the problem of non-uniform water distribution of each water inlet of the water inlet end under different power consumption and water flow of the electrolytic reactor is effectively solved; and the divided water enters the electrolytic reactor through the water openings of the electrolytic reactor for hydrogen production, so that the water management requirements in the runners corresponding to the water openings in the operation process of the electrolytic reactor under different working conditions are met.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of water electrolysis hydrogen production, and in particular to a water separator suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack and a flow adaptation method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Hydrogen is a secondary clean energy source. With the continuous development of the hydrogen energy industry and the rise of green hydrogen projects, water electrolysis hydrogen production technology and electrolyzer product development are experiencing rapid growth. PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production technology offers advantages such as low energy consumption, fast response, high current density, and high-purity hydrogen production. However, it is still in the early stages of commercialization and the industrial chain is not yet fully developed. As a key component of PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production systems, PEM electrolyzers occupy a crucial position in the system and influence its overall cost.

[0003] Expanding the capacity and scale of the stack and increasing the proportion of the reaction zone in a single stack are effective ways to reduce the unit power cost of the electrolytic stack. Expanding the reaction zone area and increasing the number of stack layers increase the capacity of a single stack while also increasing the water supply demand. A single water supply port can no longer meet the in-pile water management needs of the local flow channel of the plate. Therefore, the plate flow channel can be divided into blocks and multiple water ports can be used as water / oxygen inlets and outlets to alleviate abnormal water management conditions in the local flow channels within the plate. However, electrolytic stacks with multiple water ports designed directly use traditional pipeline water distribution methods, which can easily lead to uneven water flow distribution at each port, resulting in a decrease in thermal mass uniformity within the stack, which in turn affects the overall performance of the electrolytic stack. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the problem of uneven water distribution at each water inlet under different power consumption and water flow rates in the prior art, the present invention proposes a water distributor suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack, comprising:

[0005] The water chamber comprises a straight cylindrical structure, one end of which is connected to a water source;

[0006] There are multiple electrolytic stack water inlet connectors arranged along the length of the water cavity, one end of which is connected to the water cavity and the other end is connected to the electrolytic stack water inlet;

[0007] The regulating cone rod assembly is arranged at the other end of the water cavity, and the flow in the water inlet joint of the electrolytic stack is adjusted by adjusting the depth of the regulating push rod assembly in the water cavity.

[0008] Preferably, the adjusting cone rod assembly includes:

[0009] An adjustable tapered rod is inserted and slidably fitted into the water cavity;

[0010] The motor transmission mechanism is located outside the water chamber and connected to the adjustable cone rod.

[0011] Preferably, the adjustable tapered rod comprises a tapered head, two stuffing boxes and a screw rod connected in sequence;

[0012] One end of the screw rod away from the cone head is connected to the motor and the transmission mechanism, and the two stuffing boxes are filled with packing.

[0013] Preferably, the length of the cone head is adapted to the length of the water cavity, and the diameter of the large end of the cone head 251 is adapted to the cavity diameter of the water cavity.

[0014] Preferably, the two stuffing boxes are filled with packing.

[0015] Preferably, the braided material of the packing is polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0016] Preferably, the water cavity comprises: a water diversion cavity and inlet and outlet valves;

[0017] The regulating push rod assembly is arranged at one end of the water branch cavity, and the other end is connected to the water source through the inlet and outlet valves. A plurality of electrolytic stack water outlet joints are arranged on the water branch cavity.

[0018] Preferably, the inlet and outlet valves are check valves.

[0019] Preferably, the branch water confluence cavity includes a plurality of branch water confluence cavity units, and the connection ports of the branch water confluence cavity units are connected to the electrolytic stack water inlet joints or plugs.

[0020] Preferably, it is characterized in that a rubber hose is connected between the electrolysis stack water inlet joint and the electrolysis stack water inlet.

[0021] The present application also provides a flow adaptation method for a water separator applicable to a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack, using the water separator applicable to the multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack as described above, the flow adaptation method includes:

[0022] Adjusting the depth of the push rod assembly in the water cavity and recording the water flow data of the electrolytic stack water inlet joint at different water supply flow rates;

[0023] According to the obtained water flow data, the optimal stroke adjustment amount under different water supply flow rates when the depth of the adjustment push rod assembly in the water cavity is different is analyzed.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] The present invention provides a water distributor suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack, comprising: a water chamber, including a straight cylindrical structure, one end of which is connected to a water source; a plurality of electrolysis stack water inlet connectors arranged along the length of the water chamber, one end of which is connected to the water chamber and the other end of which is connected to the electrolysis stack water inlet; an adjusting cone rod assembly, disposed at the other end of the water chamber, which adjusts the flow rate in the electrolysis stack water inlet connector by adjusting the depth of the adjusting push rod assembly in the water chamber. After the water source passes through the water chamber, it is diverted through the electrolysis stack water inlet connector and then flows into the electrolysis stack for hydrogen production. The water chamber is connected to an adjusting cone rod assembly, which moves along the water chamber, and by changing the depth in the water chamber, changes the water flow through the electrolysis stack water inlet connector, thereby achieving flow distribution adjustment and meeting the water management requirements in the corresponding flow channels of each water inlet during the operation of the electrolysis stack under different operating conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the water divider of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the water separator of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustable cone rod structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the flow rate adaptation method of the water distributor of the present invention;

[0030] Among them, 1-electrolytic stack, 2-water distributor, 21-inlet and outlet valves, 22-water distribution chamber, 23-electrolytic stack water outlet joint, 24-rubber hose, 25-adjustable cone rod, 251-cone head, 252-filling packing, 253-screw rod, 26-motor transmission mechanism, 3-hydrogen port, 4-electrolytic stack water outlet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Example 1:

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention proposes a water separator suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack, comprising:

[0033] The water chamber comprises a straight cylindrical structure, one end of which is connected to a water source;

[0034] There are multiple electrolytic stack water inlet connectors 23 arranged along the length of the water cavity, one end of which is connected to the water cavity and the other end of which is connected to the electrolytic stack water inlet 4;

[0035] The regulating cone rod assembly is provided at the other end of the water cavity, and the flow in the electrolytic stack water inlet joint 23 is adjusted by adjusting the depth of the regulating push rod assembly in the water cavity.

[0036] One end of the water chamber is connected to a water source as an inlet and outlet of the water flow, and the other end of the water chamber is connected to an adjusting cone rod assembly for realizing flow diversion. By adjusting the depth of the cone rod assembly in the water chamber, the size of the water flow from the water chamber to the electrolytic stack can be adjusted;

[0037] The electrolysis stack water inlet joints 23 are provided in plurality along the length direction of the water cavity, and the other ends of the plurality of electrolysis stack water inlet joints are used to be connected to the electrolysis stack water inlet 4 of the electrolysis stack 1. The water flows through the water cavity, the electrolysis stack water inlet joints 23, and the electrolysis stack water inlet 4 and finally enters the electrolysis stack 1, thereby realizing hydrogen production. The plurality of electrolysis stack water inlet joints 23 can be connected to a plurality of reactive electrolysis stacks 1 to simultaneously produce hydrogen to meet demand.

[0038] The adjusting push rod assembly changes its position in the water cavity to isolate some of the electrolytic stack water inlet joints, thereby achieving uniform distribution of water flow when there are multiple water inlets, effectively solving the problem of uneven water distribution at each water inlet at the water inlet end under different power consumption and water flow rates, and meeting the water management needs within the electrolytic stack.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the adjusting cone rod assembly includes:

[0040] An adjustable tapered rod 25 is slidably fitted in the water cavity;

[0041] The motor transmission mechanism 26 is located outside the water chamber and connected to the adjustable cone rod 25 .

[0042] The motor transmission mechanism 26 is connected to one end of the adjustable push rod 25. The motor in the motor and transmission mechanism 26 is a servo motor that can convert a voltage signal into torque and speed to drive a gear transmission mechanism.

[0043] The adjustable cone rod 25 cooperates with the motor transmission mechanism 26 to achieve flow distribution adjustment, thereby meeting the water management requirements of each water outlet corresponding to the flow channel during the operation of the electrolytic stack under different working conditions.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the adjustable tapered rod 25 includes a tapered head 251, two stuffing boxes and a screw rod 253 connected in sequence;

[0045] One end of the screw rod 253 away from the cone head 251 is connected to the motor and the transmission mechanism 26 , and the two stuffing boxes are filled with packing 252 .

[0046] The tail end of the cone head 251 is connected to two stuffing boxes, and the end of the two stuffing boxes away from the prime cone head 251 is connected to one end of the screw rod 253, and the other end of the screw rod 253 is connected to the motor transmission mechanism 26. The motor transmission mechanism 26 drives the screw rod to extend or shorten, thereby changing the position of the adjustable cone rod 25 in the water chamber.

[0047] The structure of the screw rod 253 is adapted to the motor transmission mechanism 26 .

[0048] A filling packing 252 is provided in the groove of the stuffing box. The filling packing 252 is used to achieve sealing between the adjustable cone rod 25 and the water cavity, thereby achieving a diversion effect.

[0049] Preferably, the length of the cone head 251 is adapted to the length of the water cavity, and the diameter of the large end of the cone head 251 is adapted to the cavity diameter of the water cavity.

[0050] The length of the cone head 251 is adapted to the length of the water cavity, and the diameter of the large end of the cone head 251 is adapted to the cavity diameter of the water cavity, which is conducive to the sliding of the cone head 251 in the water cavity, thereby adjusting the diversion of the water flow.

[0051] Preferably, the braided material of the filling packing 252 is polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0052] The polytetrafluoroethylene braided packing 252 is used to achieve dynamic sealing. The two stuffing boxes and the packing 252 in the stuffing boxes achieve double-layer dynamic sealing, thereby improving sealing reliability.

[0053] Preferably, the water cavity comprises: a water diversion cavity 22 and an inlet and outlet valve 21;

[0054] The regulating push rod assembly is provided at one end of the water branch cavity 22 , and the other end is connected to the water source through the inlet and outlet valves 21 . A plurality of electrolytic stack water outlet joints 23 are provided on the water branch cavity 22 .

[0055] The water source is connected to the inlet and outlet ports of the water branch cavity 22 through the inlet and outlet valves 21 , and the connecting joints between the water branch cavity 22 and the inlet and outlet valves 21 are detachable.

[0056] Preferably, the inlet and outlet valves 21 are check valves.

[0057] The inlet and outlet valves 22 assembled during the electrolysis stack system test are switch valves. During the actual operation of the electrolysis stack system, the inlet and outlet valves 22 can be optionally assembled as check valves.

[0058] Preferably, the branch water cavity 22 includes a plurality of branch water cavity units, and the connection ports of the branch water cavity units are connected to the electrolytic stack water inlet joints 23 or plugs.

[0059] In order to increase the adaptability of the device, the number of ports can be determined by a single customization to achieve downward compatibility. There are multiple water branch cavity units. When corresponding to different electrolytic stacks, the number of electrolytic stack water interfaces is different. Plugs can be installed on the ports of different water branch cavity units to adapt to the different numbers of water outlets of different battery stacks.

[0060] Preferably, a rubber hose 24 is connected between the electrolysis stack water inlet joint 23 and the electrolysis stack water inlet 4 .

[0061] The electrolytic stack water inlet joint 23 and the electrolytic stack water inlet 4 are flexibly connected by a rubber hose 24 connected by a ferrule joint. The rubber hose 24 has a high-pressure resistance function. In order to make the device structure universally adaptable, the length of each section of the flexible connecting rubber hose 24 can be differentially extended to adapt to the electrolytic stack water inlets 4 of different spacings of different electrolytic stacks 1.

[0062] Taking into account the mechanical vibration problem encountered during long-term operation, a flexible connection is made between the high-pressure resistant rubber hose 24 and the electrolytic stack 1, which solves the problems of loosening of connectors and local material fatigue caused by vibration transmission; the vibration of the water pump is isolated to avoid loosening of connections and local material fatigue caused by pipeline surge during long-term operation, and can prevent displacement damage to the pipeline and adjust assembly errors.

[0063] Example 2:

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, the present invention also provides a flow adaptation method for a water separator suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack, using a water separator suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack as described above, the flow adaptation method includes:

[0065] Adjust the depth of the push rod assembly in the water cavity and record the water flow data of the electrolytic stack water inlet joint 23 at different water supply flow rates;

[0066] According to the obtained water flow data, the optimal stroke adjustment amount under different water supply flow rates when the depth of the adjustment push rod assembly in the water cavity is different is analyzed.

[0067] The device is arranged at the water / oxygen inlet and outlet of the PEM electrolytic stack end plate, and is flexibly connected to the electrolytic stack through a high-pressure rubber tube connected by a ferrule joint. It mainly consists of inlet and outlet valves 21, a water distribution cavity 22, an electrolytic stack water outlet joint 23, an adjustable cone rod 25, and a motor transmission mechanism 26. Two stuffing boxes are arranged in the middle of the adjustable cone rod 25, and the stuffing boxes are filled with polytetrafluoroethylene braided packing to achieve sealing.

[0068] Example 3:

[0069] The following is a further detailed description of the present application using the Wushuikou water divider and the Wushuikou electrolytic stack as examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0070] The flow distribution test is intended to test and obtain the flow distribution curve of the water distributor adjustment stroke for the adapted electrolytic stack under different water excess coefficients within the working current range. This test can be carried out simultaneously with other tests on the electrolytic stack.

[0071] The test method is as follows:

[0072] During assembly, the inlet and outlet valves 21 are equipped with switch valves, which are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet ports of the water distribution cavity 22. The other side of the valve is respectively connected to the water circulation pipeline of the electrolytic stack test bench. After the flow meter is installed on each water distribution port of the water distribution cavity 22, it is connected to the water port of the electrolytic stack end plate through a pressure-resistant rubber hose. The stroke of the adjustable cone rod 25 is reset to zero.

[0073] After confirming that all gas and water outlets of the electrolytic stack are connected to the test bench, the positive and negative terminals of the electrolytic stack are connected to the power supply via power cords. The test bench is started and reaches operating temperature, and the exhaust back pressure is cleared. The test bench then gradually increases the electrolysis current value in constant current mode. After the load is increased to the current range to be tested in the flow distribution test, the data collection program for each flow meter is activated. The adjustable cone stroke is divided into n sections from zero to full, with n+1 adjustable stroke ranges on one side and n+1*n+1 adjustable stroke ranges on both sides of the water distribution / collection. The water supply flow rate is adjusted, and flow data for each water outlet on both sides of the water distribution / collection at different water supply flow rates and different strokes is collected and recorded. The current ramp-up amplitude is then controlled within the current range to be tested, and the above test flow test operation is repeated. After the test, the water outlet flow data is summarized, and the optimal stroke adjustment value under different loads and water supply flow rates is analyzed. This is used as the reference adjustment value for the water distributor when the tested electrolytic stack is operating.

[0074] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Thus, the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0075] The present invention is described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that each process and / or block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, as well as combinations of processes and / or blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0076] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0077] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A step that specifies a function in one or more boxes.

[0078] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are included in the scope of the claims of the present invention to be approved.

Claims

1. A water separator suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack, characterized in that: include: The water chamber comprises a straight cylindrical structure, one end of which is connected to a water source; Electrolytic stack water inlet connectors (23), which are in plurality and arranged along the length direction of the water cavity, one end of which is connected to the water cavity and the other end of which is connected to the electrolytic stack water inlet (4); An adjusting cone rod assembly is arranged at the other end of the water cavity, and the flow in the electrolytic stack water inlet joint (23) is adjusted by adjusting the depth of the adjusting push rod assembly in the water cavity.

2. A water separator suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The adjusting cone rod assembly comprises: An adjustable cone rod (25) slidably fitted in the water cavity; The motor transmission mechanism (26) is located outside the water chamber and connected to the adjustable cone rod (25).

3. A water separator suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The adjustable cone rod (25) comprises a cone head (251), a stuffing box and a screw rod (253) which are connected in sequence; One end of the screw rod (253) away from the cone head (251) is connected to the motor and the transmission mechanism (26), and the stuffing box is filled with packing (252).

4. A water separator suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The length of the cone head (251) is adapted to the length of the water cavity, and the diameter of the large end of the cone head (251) is adapted to the cavity diameter of the water cavity.

5. A water separator suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The braided material of the filling packing (252) is polytetrafluoroethylene.

6. A water separator suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The water cavity comprises: a water distribution cavity (22) and an inlet and outlet valve (21); The regulating push rod assembly is arranged at one end of the water branching cavity (22), and the other end is connected to the water source via the inlet and outlet valves (21). A plurality of electrolytic stack water inlet joints (23) are arranged on the water branching cavity (22).

7. A water separator suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The inlet and outlet valves (21) are check valves.

8. A water separator suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The water branching cavity (22) comprises a plurality of water branching cavity units, and the connection ports of the water branching cavity units are connected to the electrolytic stack water inlet joints (23) or plugs.

9. A water separator suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: A rubber hose (24) is connected between the electrolytic stack water inlet joint (23) and the electrolytic stack water inlet (4).

10. A flow adaptation method for a water distributor of a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack, characterized in that: Using a water separator suitable for a multi-water-inlet hydrogen production electrolysis stack as described in claims 1-9, the flow adaptation method includes: Adjusting the depth of the push rod assembly in the water cavity, and recording the data of the water flow rate of the electrolytic stack water inlet joint (23) at different water supply flow rates; According to the water flow data obtained, the optimal stroke adjustment amount under different water supply flow rates when the depth of the push rod assembly in the water chamber is different is analyzed.