Methanol reforming hydrogen production system

Abstract

The invention provides a methanol reforming hydrogen production system, and belongs to the technical field of hydrogen preparation, the methanol reforming hydrogen production system comprises a reaction unit, a first material supply unit, a second material supply unit, a hydrogen purification unit and a control unit, the reaction unit comprises a gasifier and a reformer which are integrated together and communicated with each other, a first combustion chamber is arranged on the periphery of the gasifier, a second combustion chamber is arranged on the periphery of the reformer, the first feeding unit is used for feeding combustion substances into the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber, the second feeding unit is used for feeding a methanol aqueous solution into the gasifier, and the hydrogen purification unit is communicated with the reformer. The hydrogen purification unit is used for separating hydrogen from the mixed gas generated by the reformer, and the control unit is electrically connected with the first feeding unit, the second feeding unit and the hydrogen purification unit. According to the method, the safety of hydrogen production is ensured by accurately adjusting main process links in a hydrogen production process route.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of hydrogen preparation, and in particular to a methanol reforming hydrogen production system. Background Art

[0002] Hydrogen energy has many advantages such as high calorific value, sustainability, cleanness and carbon-free. It is considered to be one of the most ideal energy sources and has received extensive attention from all countries. At present, there are many industrial hydrogen production methods and most of them are mature technologies, mainly including fossil fuel hydrogen production, industrial byproduct hydrogen production and water electrolysis hydrogen production. Among them, fossil fuel hydrogen production mainly includes methanol hydrogen production, methane hydrogen production and coal hydrogen production.

[0003] At present, the main technologies for producing hydrogen from methanol include methanol cracking, methanol partial oxidation reforming, methanol autothermal reforming, methanol steam reforming, etc. Among them, methanol steam reforming is a technology for producing hydrogen from methanol, where methanol and water vapor react under the action of a catalyst to generate hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This reaction is a strong endothermic reaction and requires external energy to make the reaction occur. However, the reaction conditions are relatively mild, and the reaction can be carried out at a temperature between 200°C and 350°C, and the requirements for the reactor are relatively low.

[0004] However, in order to ensure that the methanol reforming hydrogen production system can be used for distributed energy supply, such as being used in automobiles to provide hydrogen energy for the vehicle's fuel cells, it is necessary to accurately and efficiently control the hydrogen production system to ensure the safety of hydrogen production. Summary of the invention

[0005] Based on this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a methanol reforming hydrogen production system, which ensures the safety of hydrogen production by accurately adjusting the main process links in the hydrogen production process route.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] The present invention provides a methanol reforming hydrogen production system, comprising a reaction unit, a first feed unit, a second feed unit, a hydrogen purification unit, and a control unit. The reaction unit comprises a gasifier and a reformer that are integrated and interconnected. A first combustion chamber is arranged on the periphery of the gasifier, and a second combustion chamber is arranged on the periphery of the reformer. The first feed unit is used to introduce combustion materials into the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber, and the second feed unit is used to introduce methanol aqueous solution into the gasifier. The hydrogen purification unit is connected to the reformer, and the hydrogen purification unit is used to separate hydrogen from the mixed gas generated by the reformer. The control unit is electrically connected to the first feed unit, the second feed unit and the hydrogen purification unit; wherein, when the reformer When the temperature of the reformer or the gasifier is lower than the first preset temperature, the control unit controls the first feeding unit to sequentially introduce combustion materials into the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber; when the temperatures of the reformer and the gasifier both exceed the first preset temperature, the control unit controls the second feeding unit to introduce methanol aqueous solution into the gasifier; when the temperature of the gasifier is higher than the second preset temperature, the control unit controls the first feeding unit to stop introducing combustion materials into the first combustion chamber, and when the temperature of the reformer is higher than the second preset temperature, the control unit controls the first feeding unit to stop introducing combustion materials into the second combustion chamber, and the second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature.

[0008] In addition, the methanol reforming hydrogen production system according to the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0009] Further, the first feeding unit includes at least one group of first pump components and at least one group of second pump components, wherein the first pump component includes a first fuel pump and a first fan, both of which are electrically connected to the control unit, and the first fuel pump and the first fan are both connected to the first combustion chamber through pipelines; the second pump component includes a second fuel pump and a second fan, both of which are electrically connected to the control unit, and the second fuel pump and the second fan are both connected to the second combustion chamber through pipelines.

[0010] Furthermore, the fuel delivered by the first fuel pump and the second fuel pump is methanol.

[0011] Further, when the temperature of the gasifier is higher than the second preset temperature, the control unit controls the first fuel pump to stop working, and after a preset delay time, the control unit controls the first fan to stop working; when the temperature of the reformer is higher than the second preset temperature, the control unit controls the second fuel pump to stop working, and after a preset delay time, the control unit controls the second fan to stop working.

[0012] Furthermore, the hydrogen purification unit comprises a gas-liquid separation device and a pressure swing adsorption device. The gas-liquid separation device is connected to the reformer, and the pressure swing adsorption device is connected to the gas-liquid separation device.

[0013] Furthermore, a first heat exchange device is connected in series between the gas-liquid separation device and the reformer, and the first heat exchange device is used to reduce the temperature of the mixed gas generated by the reformer to a third preset temperature, and the third preset temperature is lower than the first preset temperature.

[0014] Furthermore, the pressure swing adsorption device is also connected to the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber.

[0015] Furthermore, the pressure swing adsorption device is connected to the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber through a buffer tank.

[0016] Furthermore, the methanol reforming hydrogen production system also includes a second heat exchange device, and the second heat exchange device is used to cool the gas exhausted from the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit controls the amount of hydrogen outputted to the load by the hydrogen purification unit through a PID control strategy.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention include at least: in the programmed control of methanol reforming hydrogen production, the control strategy of controlling the reaction temperature of the reaction unit by the first feeding unit can ensure the safe and efficient operation of methanol catalytic combustion; at the same time, part of the gas extracted by the hydrogen purification unit is reintroduced into the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber for combustion, which not only provides part of the heat required for the methanol reforming reaction, but also effectively promotes the recycling of material flow, gives full play to the comprehensive benefits of resources, and lays a solid foundation for the efficient operation of the system. In addition, by controlling the amount of hydrogen output to the load by the hydrogen purification unit through the PID control strategy, the hydrogen output required by the load fluctuating within an appropriate range can be automatically adjusted to achieve efficient and safe operation of the reforming hydrogen production system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a methanol reforming hydrogen production system in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is a control flow chart of a methanol reforming hydrogen production system in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Description of main component symbols:

[0022] Reaction unit 100, gasifier 110, first combustion chamber 111, reformer 120, second combustion chamber 121, first feeding unit 200, first pump assembly 210, first fuel pump 211, first fan 212, a group of second pump assembly 220, second fuel pump 221, second fan 222, second feeding unit 300, hydrogen purification unit 400, gas-liquid separation device 410, pressure swing adsorption device 420, control unit 500, first heat exchange device 600, buffer tank 700, second heat exchange device 800, monitoring alarm unit 900;

[0023] The following specific implementation manner will further illustrate the present invention in conjunction with the above-mentioned drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described more fully below with reference to the relevant drawings. Several embodiments of the present invention are given in the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to make the disclosure of the present invention more thorough and comprehensive.

[0025] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used herein in the specification of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 1 to Figure 2 , is a methanol reforming hydrogen production system provided by the present invention, and the methanol reforming hydrogen production system includes a reaction unit 100, a first feeding unit 200, a second feeding unit 300, a hydrogen purification unit 400, and a control unit 500.

[0028] Specifically, the reaction unit 100 includes a gasifier 110 and a reformer 120 which are integrated and interconnected. A first combustion chamber 111 is disposed at the periphery of the gasifier 110 , and a second combustion chamber 121 is disposed at the periphery of the reformer 120 .

[0029] When methanol is reformed to produce hydrogen, the first feeding unit 200 introduces combustion materials into the first combustion chamber 111 and the second combustion chamber 121, and the heat generated by the combustion of the combustion materials provides the gasifier 110 and the reformer 120 with the temperature required for the reaction.

[0030] When methanol is reformed to produce hydrogen, the second feeding unit 200 introduces methanol aqueous solution into the gasifier 110, and the methanol aqueous solution then generates methanol vapor and water vapor in the gasifier 110, and then the methanol and water vapor undergo a reforming reaction in the reformer 120 provided with a catalyst, and finally generate a mixed gas containing hydrogen, carbon dioxide and a small amount of carbon monoxide. Among them, the catalyst in the reformer 120 can be a copper-based catalyst to promote the reaction.

[0031] The hydrogen purification unit 400 is in communication with the reformer 120 , and is used to separate hydrogen from the mixed gas generated by the reformer 120 , thereby obtaining high-purity hydrogen.

[0032] The control unit 500 is electrically connected to the first feeding unit 200, the second feeding unit 300 and the hydrogen purification unit 400. In order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the reaction unit 100, when the temperature of the reformer 120 or the gasifier 110 is lower than the first preset temperature, the control unit 500 controls the first feeding unit 200 to sequentially introduce the combustion material into the first combustion chamber 111 and the second combustion chamber 121, so as to ensure that the temperature of the reaction unit 100 can be steadily increased and maintain the stability of the reforming reaction conditions. When the temperatures of the reformer 120 and the gasifier 110 both exceed the first preset temperature, the control unit 500 controls the second feeding unit 300 to pass methanol aqueous solution into the gasifier 110; when the temperature of the gasifier 110 is higher than the second preset temperature, the control unit 500 controls the first feeding unit 200 to stop passing the combustion material into the first combustion chamber 111 to prevent overheating during the reforming reaction. Similarly, when the temperature of the reformer 120 is higher than the second preset temperature, the control unit 500 controls the first feeding unit 200 to stop passing the combustion material into the second combustion chamber 112, which can also prevent overheating during the reforming reaction. It should be noted that the second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature.

[0033] In this embodiment, the integrated design of the gasifier 110 and the reformer 120 can simplify the process flow, reduce pipelines and connection points, reduce the risk of leakage of reaction raw materials, and reduce maintenance costs. At the same time, the integrated design of the gasifier 110 and the reformer 120 also helps to achieve better temperature and pressure control because all reaction areas are located in the same device space.

[0034] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the first feeding unit 200 includes at least one set of first pump assemblies 210 and at least one set of second pump assemblies 220 .

[0035] The first pump assembly 210 includes a first fuel pump 211 and a first fan 212, both of which are electrically connected to the control unit 500. The first fuel pump 211 and the first fan 212 are both connected to the first combustion chamber 111 through pipelines. When the reaction unit 100 is working, the first fuel pump 211 delivers combustible materials to the first combustion chamber 111 through the pipeline, and the first fan 212 delivers combustion-supporting air to the first combustion chamber 111 through the pipeline.

[0036] The second pump assembly 220 includes a second fuel pump 221 and a second fan 222, both of which are electrically connected to the control unit 500. The second fuel pump 221 and the second fan 222 are both connected to the second combustion chamber 112 through pipelines. When the reaction unit 100 is working, the second fuel pump 221 delivers combustible materials to the second combustion chamber 112 through the pipeline, and the second fan 222 delivers combustion-supporting air to the second combustion chamber 112 through the pipeline.

[0037] In some optional embodiments, the combustible materials delivered by the first fuel pump 111 and the second fuel pump 221 are both methanol. In this example, the combustible material methanol is a clean fuel, and the pollutants generated after its combustion are less than those of traditional fuels. The purchase cost of methanol fuel is similar to that of diesel vehicles, and the use cost is relatively low. In addition, the vapor pressure of methanol is small, and it is not easy to volatilize and float. As a fuel that provides the temperature required for the reforming reaction, it is safer. In addition, the methanol that does not participate in the reforming reaction in the reformer 120 can also be recovered, and part of the methanol recovered later can be used to provide part of the heating energy for the reforming reaction, thereby improving the utilization rate of methanol.

[0038] In some optional embodiments, when the temperature of the gasifier 110 is higher than the second preset temperature, the control unit 500 controls the first fuel pump 211 to stop working, and after a preset delay, the control unit 500 controls the first fan 212 to stop working. When the temperature of the reformer 120 is higher than the second preset temperature, the control unit 500 controls the second fuel pump 221 to stop working, and after a preset delay, the control unit 500 controls the second fan 222 to stop working.

[0039] In this embodiment, by monitoring the temperature of the gasifier 110 and the reformer 120, when the temperature of the gasifier 110 exceeds the second preset temperature, the control unit 500 immediately controls the first fuel pump 211 to stop working, thereby stopping the supply of fuel to the first combustion chamber 111. Similarly, when the temperature of the reformer 120 exceeds the second preset temperature, the control unit 500 also immediately controls the second fuel pump 221 to stop working, thereby stopping the supply of fuel to the second combustion chamber 112. However, after the first fuel pump 211 or the second fuel pump 221 stops working, the first fan 212 and the second fan 222 do not stop accordingly, but perform a period of purge to take away heat through the flow of gas, so that the temperature of the reaction unit 100 can be effectively reduced, overheating during the reaction process can be prevented, and potential safety hazards can be avoided.

[0040] In some optional embodiments, preferably, the control unit 500 controls the first fuel pump 211 to stop working, and after a delay of at least two minutes, the control unit 500 controls the first fan 212 to stop working.

[0041] In some optional embodiments, preferably, the control unit 500 controls the second fuel pump 221 to stop working, and after a delay of at least two minutes, the control unit 500 controls the second fan 222 to stop working.

[0042] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen purification unit 400 includes a gas-liquid separation device 410 and a pressure swing adsorption device 420 . The gas-liquid separation device 410 is connected to the reformer 120 , and the pressure swing adsorption device 420 is connected to the gas-liquid separation device 410 .

[0043] In this embodiment, the gas-liquid separation device 410 separates the excess water vapor and methanol vapor from the mixed gas generated by the reformer 120 to obtain a mixed gas containing hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide, and then the pressure swing adsorption device 420 uses the difference in adsorption capacity of different gas components on the adsorbent to purify the hydrogen. Among them, the adsorbent usually includes molecular sieves, activated carbon, silica gel and other materials, which have relatively weak adsorption capacity for hydrogen, but strong adsorption capacity for impurities such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. By controlling the pressure cycle of adsorption and desorption, continuous purification of hydrogen can be achieved.

[0044] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first heat exchange device 600 is further connected in series between the gas-liquid separation device 410 and the reformer 120. The first heat exchange device 600 is used to reduce the temperature of the mixed gas generated by the reformer 120 to a third preset temperature, which is lower than the first preset temperature. Optionally, the first heat exchange device 600 can use a water-cooled radiator, so that the hot water generated can meet other use requirements, such as heating.

[0045] In some optional embodiments, in order to ensure hydrogen production efficiency and safety, preferably, the first preset temperature is set to 245°C.

[0046] In some optional embodiments, in order to ensure hydrogen production efficiency and safety, preferably, the second preset temperature is set to 275°C.

[0047] In some optional embodiments, in order to ensure the efficiency of the pressure swing adsorption of the pressure swing adsorption device 420 and improve the purity of hydrogen production, preferably, the third preset temperature is set to 24° C. to 25° C.

[0048] In some optional embodiments, since the mixed gas generated by the reformer 120 contains combustible gases such as hydrogen and carbon monoxide, in order to improve the resource utilization rate of the reaction products, such as Figure 1 As shown, the pressure swing adsorption device 420 is also connected to the first combustion chamber 111 and the second combustion chamber 121. In this way, part of the produced hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the reaction product can be used to provide the required heat for methanol reforming, meet the energy demand of the entire system, give play to the comprehensive benefits of resources, and lay a solid foundation for the efficient operation of the system.

[0049] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the pressure swing adsorption device 420 is connected to the first combustion chamber 111 and the second combustion chamber 121 through the buffer tank 700. In this embodiment, the buffer tank 700 can effectively balance the pressure fluctuation of the outlet gas of the pressure swing adsorption device 420 to ensure the stability of the output gas.

[0050] Since the exhaust gas generated by combustion has a high temperature, it is not conducive to environmental protection treatment. Therefore, in some optional embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the methanol reforming hydrogen production system further includes a second heat exchange device 800, which is used to cool the gas discharged from the first combustion chamber 111 and the second combustion chamber 121. The temperature of the exhaust gas can be reduced to a range that can be tolerated by subsequent processing equipment or allowed by environmental emission standards through cooling treatment. Optionally, the second heat exchange device 800 can use a water-cooled radiator, so that the hot water generated can meet other use requirements, such as for heating.

[0051] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 500 controls the amount of hydrogen output to the load by the hydrogen purification unit 420 through a PID control strategy. By implementing the PID control strategy, the working parameters of the hydrogen purification unit 420 and the second feeding unit 300 can be adjusted, and the hydrogen output required by the load fluctuating within an appropriate range can be automatically adjusted to achieve efficient and safe operation of the reforming hydrogen production system.

[0052] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the pressure swing adsorption device 420 is connected to the load through the buffer tank 700. In this embodiment, the buffer tank 700 can effectively balance the pressure fluctuation of the gas at the outlet of the pressure swing adsorption device 420, and ensure the stability of the gas output to the load.

[0053] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the methanol reforming hydrogen production system also includes a monitoring alarm unit 900, which is electrically connected to the control unit 500. The monitoring alarm unit 900 can monitor abnormal conditions including hydrogen leakage in real time. When these abnormal conditions are detected, the alarm control is used to promptly prompt the staff to handle them, and the relevant equipment is controlled to make emergency adjustments.

[0054] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0055] The above-mentioned embodiments only express several implementation modes of the present invention, and the description thereof is relatively specific and detailed, but it cannot be understood as limiting the protection scope of the present invention. It should be pointed out that, for a person of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A methanol reforming hydrogen production system, characterized in that: The methanol reforming hydrogen production system comprises: The reaction unit comprises a gasifier and a reformer which are integrated and interconnected, wherein a first combustion chamber is arranged at the periphery of the gasifier, and a second combustion chamber is arranged at the periphery of the reformer; A first feeding unit, used for introducing combustion materials into the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber; a second feeding unit, used for introducing methanol aqueous solution into the gasifier; a hydrogen purification unit, connected to the reformer, for separating hydrogen from the mixed gas generated by the reformer; A control unit, electrically connected to the first feeding unit, the second feeding unit and the hydrogen purification unit; Wherein, when the temperature of the reformer or the gasifier is lower than a first preset temperature, the control unit controls the first feeding unit to sequentially introduce combustion materials into the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber; when the temperatures of the reformer and the gasifier both exceed the first preset temperature, the control unit controls the second feeding unit to introduce methanol aqueous solution into the gasifier; when the temperature of the gasifier is higher than the second preset temperature, the control unit controls the first feeding unit to stop introducing combustion materials into the first combustion chamber, and when the temperature of the reformer is higher than the second preset temperature, the control unit controls the first feeding unit to stop introducing combustion materials into the second combustion chamber, and the second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature.

2. The methanol reforming hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first feeding unit includes at least one set of first pump components and at least one set of second pump components; The first pump assembly includes a first fuel pump and a first blower both electrically connected to the control unit, and the first fuel pump and the first blower are both connected to the first combustion chamber through pipelines; The second pump assembly includes a second fuel pump and a second blower both electrically connected to the control unit, and the second fuel pump and the second blower are both connected to the second combustion chamber through pipelines.

3. The methanol reforming hydrogen production system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fuel delivered by the first fuel pump and the second fuel pump is methanol.

4. The methanol reforming hydrogen production system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: When the temperature of the gasifier is higher than the second preset temperature, the control unit controls the first fuel pump to stop working, and after a preset delay, the control unit controls the first fan to stop working; when the temperature of the reformer is higher than the second preset temperature, the control unit controls the second fuel pump to stop working, and after a preset delay, the control unit controls the second fan to stop working.

5. The methanol reforming hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogen purification unit comprises: a gas-liquid separation device, connected to the reformer; A pressure swing adsorption device is connected to the gas-liquid separation device.

6. The methanol reforming hydrogen production system according to claim 5, characterized in that: A first heat exchange device is also connected in series between the gas-liquid separation device and the reformer. The first heat exchange device is used to reduce the temperature of the mixed gas generated by the reformer to a third preset temperature, and the third preset temperature is lower than the first preset temperature.

7. The methanol reforming hydrogen production system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The pressure swing adsorption device is also in communication with the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber.

8. The methanol reforming hydrogen production system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The pressure swing adsorption device is connected to the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber through a buffer tank.

9. The methanol reforming hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The methanol reforming hydrogen production system further includes a second heat exchange device, which is used to cool the gas exhausted from the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber.

10. The methanol reforming hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit controls the amount of hydrogen outputted to the load by the hydrogen purification unit through a PID control strategy.

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