Pressure balancing device and hydrogen production system

Abstract

The invention discloses a pressure balancing device and a hydrogen production system. The pressure balancing device comprises a pressure balancing cavity; and the number of the pressure introduction cavities is at least two, the pressure introduction cavities are arranged in the pressure balance cavity, all the pressure introduction cavities are used for being communicated with all the to-be-balanced medium paths, and the pressure of any pressure introduction cavity is transmitted to other pressure introduction cavities through the middle buffer medium in the pressure balance cavity. According to the invention, all the pressure introduction cavities are communicated with all the to-be-balanced medium paths to be balanced, so that the pressure balance of all the pressure introduction cavities and all the to-be-balanced medium paths communicated with all the pressure introduction cavities can be automatically maintained under the action of the pressure introduction cavities and the pressure balance cavity. A pressure sensor does not need to be arranged for detecting the pressure, so that the problem of inaccuracy caused by different errors of a plurality of pressure sensors does not exist; and the hysteresis problem of pressure detection and valve opening action does not exist, and the pressure of each system is always kept consistent automatically by utilizing a pure physical principle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrolytic hydrogen production, and more specifically, to a pressure balancing device and a hydrogen production system. Background Art

[0002] Electrolysis is a traditional method of hydrogen production with a relatively mature technical foundation. The main device for hydrogen production is an electrolyzer, which consists of a pair of electrodes immersed in an electrolyte and a diaphragm in the middle to prevent gas penetration. When a certain voltage of direct current is passed, water decomposes to produce hydrogen on the cathode surface and oxygen on the anode surface. In order to meet the key performance requirements of low energy consumption, high purity, and high yield required by industrial applications, the pressure difference on the hydrogen and oxygen sides of the electrolysis hydrogen production system must be reasonably designed.

[0003] Due to the obstruction of the diaphragm, hydrogen and oxygen will not mix together through the diaphragm, but the electrolyte can pass through the diaphragm to enter the other side. When the hydrogen production system is in operation, the mixture of hydrogen and electrolyte and the mixture of oxygen and electrolyte pass through the gas-water separator to separate the gas and electrolyte, and the electrolyte flows back to the electrolyzer. The hydrogen and oxygen enter the purification device for purification and collection. If the pressure on one side of the diaphragm is too high, the alkaline electrolyte will press through the diaphragm, causing the alkaline electrolyte to mix, and the hydrogen and oxygen gases will also mix in large quantities. The equipment will not be able to operate normally, and there may even be a risk of explosion, so the pressure difference on the hydrogen and oxygen sides should be controlled.

[0004] At present, the pressure balance control of two or more systems relies on pressure sensors as monitoring devices and solenoid valves or pneumatic valves as control actuators. When the pressure sensor measures that the pressure on one side is higher than that on the other side, the control system issues a command to start the valve on the side with higher pressure to release the excess pressure, and then close the valve after the pressure on both sides is balanced. This method uses two pressure systems for separate measurements, and the two pressure sensors have inherent errors, making the measurement results inaccurate. In addition, because the pressure sensor uses data sampling to convert the pressure signal into an electrical signal, the electrical signal is converted by the control system into a digital command signal, and then transmitted to the actuator, there is inevitably a lag, and the opening and closing of the actuator cannot be controlled in real time.

[0005] Therefore, how to solve the problems of inaccuracy and hysteresis in the method of using pressure detection to balance the pressure on both sides has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently by technical personnel in this field. Summary of the invention

[0006] In view of this, the object of the present invention is to provide a pressure balancing device to solve the problems of inaccuracy and hysteresis in the method of balancing the pressure on both sides by pressure detection; Another object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen production system having the above-mentioned pressure balancing device.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: A pressure balancing device, comprising: Pressure balance chamber; There are at least two pressure introduction chambers, which are arranged in the pressure balancing chamber. Each pressure introduction chamber is used to communicate with each path of the medium to be balanced. The pressure of any pressure introduction chamber is transmitted to the other pressure introduction chambers through the intermediate buffer medium in the pressure balancing chamber.

[0008] Optionally, in the above-mentioned pressure balancing device, each of the pressure introduction chambers is connected to each path of the medium to be balanced through a pressure collection pipeline, and a pressure-introducing switch valve is provided on the pressure collection pipeline.

[0009] Optionally, in the above-mentioned pressure balancing device, the pressure balancing chamber is formed in a pressure balancing tank, and the pressure introduction chamber is formed in a pressure collection airbag; The pressure balance tank is filled with the intermediate buffer medium, which is a pressure-conducting liquid medium.

[0010] Optionally, in the above-mentioned pressure balancing device, the pressure balancing tank is connected to a medium supply pipeline, the medium supply pipeline is used to inject pressure-conducting liquid medium into the pressure balancing tank, and a medium supply valve is provided on the medium supply pipeline.

[0011] Optionally, in the above-mentioned pressure balancing device, the pressure balancing chamber is formed in a pressure balancing groove, and n-1 pressure balancing membrane capsules are arranged in the pressure balancing groove, and each of the pressure balancing membrane capsules divides the pressure balancing chamber into n pressure introduction chambers that are sealed and separated, and n is a positive integer greater than 1; The pressure-balancing membrane bag is filled with the intermediate buffer medium, which is a pressure-conducting liquid medium.

[0012] The pressure balancing device provided by the present invention has various pressure introduction chambers arranged in the pressure balancing chamber, and the pressure of any pressure introduction chamber can be transmitted to other pressure introduction chambers through the intermediate buffer medium in the pressure balancing chamber. The pressure balancing chamber can balance the pressures of various pressure introduction chambers, and when the pressure of one pressure introduction chamber increases so that there is a pressure difference with other pressure introduction chambers, the pressure of this pressure introduction chamber will be transmitted to other pressure introduction chambers through the intermediate buffer medium in the pressure balancing chamber, thereby maintaining the pressure balance of various pressure introduction chambers.

[0013] Compared with the prior art method of using a pressure sensor to detect pressure and controlling the valve action to release pressure, the pressure balancing device provided by the present invention only needs to connect its various pressure introduction chambers with various paths of the medium to be balanced that need to be balanced, and under the action of the pressure introduction chamber and the pressure balancing chamber, the pressure balance of each pressure introduction chamber and each path of the medium to be balanced that is connected to each pressure introduction chamber can be automatically maintained. In addition, since there is no need to set up multiple pressure sensors to detect pressure, there is no problem of inaccuracy caused by different errors of multiple pressure sensors; there is no hysteresis problem in pressure detection and valve opening action.

[0014] A hydrogen production system, comprising: An electrolytic cell, divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a diaphragm; a first medium circulation loop, connected to the first cavity and used for medium circulation in the first cavity; a second medium circulation loop, connected to the second cavity and used for medium circulation in the second cavity; The pressure balancing device is a pressure balancing device as described in any of the above items, wherein the pressure balancing device comprises two pressure introduction chambers, wherein the first medium circulation loop is one of the medium paths to be balanced, and the second medium circulation loop is the other medium path to be balanced.

[0015] Optionally, in the above hydrogen production system, the first medium circulation loop includes a first medium outflow pipeline and a first medium inflow pipeline; The second medium circulation loop includes a second medium outflow pipeline and a second medium inflow pipeline; One of the pressure introduction chambers is communicated with the first medium outflow pipeline, and the other pressure introduction chamber is communicated with the second medium outflow pipeline.

[0016] Optionally, in the above hydrogen production system, the first medium circulation loop includes a first medium outflow pipeline and a first medium inflow pipeline; The second medium circulation loop includes a second medium outflow pipeline and a second medium inflow pipeline; One of the pressure introduction chambers is communicated with the first medium inflow pipeline, and the other of the pressure introduction chambers is communicated with the second medium inflow pipeline.

[0017] Optionally, in the above hydrogen production system, the first medium inflow pipeline and the second medium inflow pipeline are connected in parallel; The first medium outflow pipeline and the second medium outflow pipeline are connected in parallel; The first medium circulation loop and the second medium circulation loop share a circulation pump, the outlet of the circulation pump is connected to the first medium inlet pipeline and the second medium inlet pipeline, and the inlet of the circulation pump is connected to the first medium outflow pipeline and the second medium outflow pipeline.

[0018] Optionally, in the above hydrogen production system, both the first medium inflow pipeline and the second medium inflow pipeline have a sewage outlet; The first medium inflow pipeline is provided with a first drain valve, and the second medium inflow pipeline is provided with a second drain valve; The circulation pump is connected between the first drain valve of the first medium inflow pipeline and the first cavity; The circulation pump is connected between the second drain valve and the second cavity of the second medium inflow pipeline.

[0019] The hydrogen production system disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention has the above-mentioned pressure balancing device, and therefore has all the technical effects of the above-mentioned pressure balancing device, which will not be described in detail herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0021] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the pressure balancing device disclosed in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressure balancing device disclosed in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] The meanings of the reference numerals in the figures are as follows: 100-electrolyzer; 101-first medium outflow pipeline; 102-second medium outflow pipeline; 103-first medium inflow pipeline; 104-second medium inflow pipeline; 105-first sewage valve; 106-second sewage valve; 200 - pressure balancing device; 210 - first pressure-introducing switch valve; 220 - second pressure-introducing switch valve; 201a-pressure balance tank; 202a-first pressure collection airbag; 203a-second pressure collection airbag; 204a-medium supply valve; 201b - first membrane cavity; 202b - second membrane cavity; 203b - pressure balance membrane capsule; 204b - pressure balance groove; 300-Circulation pump. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The core of the present invention is to provide a pressure balancing device to solve the problems of inaccuracy and hysteresis in the method of balancing the pressure on both sides by pressure detection; Another core of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen production system having the above-mentioned pressure balancing device.

[0024] The following embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiments shown below do not limit the invention contents described in the claims. In addition, the entire contents of the structures represented by the following embodiments are not limited to those necessary as solutions to the inventions described in the claims. It should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to the inventions are shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0025] Hydrogen production by electrolysis refers to the electrochemical process in which water molecules are dissociated into hydrogen and oxygen under the action of direct current, and then separated from the cathode and anode respectively. Depending on the electrolyte, it can be divided into two categories: alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production and acidic water electrolysis hydrogen production.

[0026] The working principle of the alkaline electrolyzer is that under the action of direct current, water molecules undergo a reduction reaction at the cathode to generate hydrogen and hydroxide ions (OH–). The hydroxide ions pass through the diaphragm to the anode under the action of the electric field and the concentration difference between the hydrogen and oxygen sides, and an oxygen evolution reaction occurs on the anode side to generate oxygen and water. When the electrolyzer is assembled, it is immersed in a high concentration (20%~30%) KOH solution. At this time, the ion conductivity is the highest. The main disadvantage is that the electrolyte is corrosive. NaOH and NaCl solutions can also be used as electrolytes, but they are not commonly used. The electrolytic cell of the alkaline tank is divided into two electrodes, which separate the airtight diaphragm. Due to the obstruction of the diaphragm, hydrogen and oxygen will not mix together through the diaphragm, but the electrolyte can pass through the diaphragm to the other side. When the hydrogen production system is in operation, the mixture of hydrogen and electrolyte (alkaline solution) and the mixture of oxygen and electrolyte (alkaline solution) pass through the gas-water separator to separate the gas and the electrolyte, and the electrolyte flows back to the electrolyzer. The hydrogen and oxygen enter the purification device for purification and then are collected.

[0027] If the pressure on one side of the diaphragm is too high, the alkaline electrolyte will press through the diaphragm, causing the alkaline electrolyte to mix, and the hydrogen and oxygen gases will also mix in large quantities. The equipment will not be able to operate normally and there may even be a risk of explosion, so the pressure difference on the hydrogen and oxygen sides should be controlled.

[0028] In order to balance the pressure difference between the hydrogen and oxygen sides, pressure sensors are usually used as monitoring devices in the prior art. If a pressure difference is detected between the hydrogen and oxygen sides, the valve on the side with higher pressure is activated to release the excess pressure. Since two pressure sensors are required for measurement, the errors of the two pressure sensors are different, which will lead to inaccurate measurement results. Moreover, this method of balancing pressure has a hysteresis in pressure regulation.

[0029] Based on this, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a pressure balancing device that can be used for pressure balancing on the hydrogen and oxygen sides of a hydrogen production system. It should be noted that other pressure-bearing equipment that needs to balance pressure can also use the pressure balancing device to maintain pressure balance and avoid safety problems caused by excessive pressure differences. For example, there is a demand for pressure balance in the fields of chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, and military industry, and the pressure balancing device disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention can be applied. In order to facilitate the understanding of the solution, the embodiment of the present invention is introduced by taking the application in a hydrogen production system as an example, and those skilled in the art can apply it to any field that requires pressure balance according to needs.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the pressure balancing device disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention includes a pressure balancing chamber and a pressure introducing chamber.

[0031] The function of the pressure balance chamber is to achieve mutual conduction of pressures in each pressure introduction chamber. There are at least two pressure introduction chambers, and the specific number of pressure introduction chambers should be related to the number of chambers of the pressure-bearing equipment that need to balance pressure; if the pressure-bearing equipment has two chambers that need to balance pressure, two pressure introduction chambers can be set; if the pressure-bearing equipment has more than two chambers that need to balance pressure, a corresponding number of pressure introduction chambers can be set.

[0032] It should be noted that the chamber of the pressure-bearing equipment that needs to balance the pressure is usually connected to a medium pipeline, and the medium pipeline and the corresponding chamber form a medium path to be balanced. Each pressure introduction chamber is used to connect with each medium path to be balanced. The position of the pressure introduction chamber in the medium path to be balanced can be selected according to the actual application scenario. The pressure introduction chamber can be connected to the cavity that needs to be balanced, or to the pipeline of the cavity that needs to be balanced, as long as the pressure in the chamber that needs to balance the pressure can be guided to the pressure introduction chamber through the connection.

[0033] Each pressure introduction chamber is arranged in the pressure balance chamber, and the pressure of any pressure introduction chamber can be transmitted to other pressure introduction chambers through the intermediate buffer medium in the pressure balance chamber. The pressure balance chamber can balance the pressure of each pressure introduction chamber. When the pressure of one pressure introduction chamber increases, so that there is a pressure difference with other pressure introduction chambers, the pressure of this pressure introduction chamber will be transmitted to other pressure introduction chambers through the pressure balance chamber, so as to maintain the pressure balance of each pressure introduction chamber.

[0034] The intermediate buffer medium can be a liquid medium or a gas medium. When a gas medium (such as air) is used as the intermediate buffer medium, the pressure change of one pressure introduction cavity can be elastically and slowly transmitted to another pressure introduction cavity; when a liquid medium (such as water) is used as the intermediate buffer medium, it can be used to cool and isolate the medium in the pressure introduction cavity, and the liquid is incompressible. When the pressure in one pressure introduction cavity changes, the pressure can be quickly transmitted to the pressure introduction cavity on the other side.

[0035] Compared with the prior art method of using a pressure sensor to detect pressure and controlling the valve action to release pressure, the pressure balancing device disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention only needs to connect its various pressure introduction chambers with various paths of the medium to be balanced that need to be balanced, and can automatically maintain the pressure balance of each pressure introduction chamber and each path of the medium to be balanced that is connected to each pressure introduction chamber under the action of the pressure introduction chamber and the pressure balancing chamber. In addition, since there is no need to set up multiple pressure sensors to detect pressure, there is no problem of inaccuracy caused by different errors of multiple pressure sensors; there is no hysteresis problem in pressure detection and valve opening action.

[0036] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, each pressure introduction chamber is connected to each medium path to be balanced through a pressure collection pipeline, and a pressure-introducing switch valve is provided on the pressure collection pipeline (taking two pressure introduction chambers as an example, the pressure-introducing switch valve connected to one of the pressure introduction chambers is the first pressure-introducing switch valve 210, and the pressure-introducing switch valve connected to the other pressure introduction chamber is the second pressure-introducing switch valve 220). The pressure-introducing switch valve can control the connection state between the pressure introduction chamber and the medium path to be balanced, that is, when it is necessary to balance the pressure of each medium path to be balanced, it is necessary to open each pressure-introducing switch valve; when it is not necessary to balance the pressure of each medium path to be balanced, each pressure-introducing switch valve can be closed. For example, when there is a fault in the pressure balancing device and maintenance is required, each pressure-introducing switch valve can be closed to cut off the connection between the pressure balancing device and each medium path to be balanced, and then the corresponding components of the pressure balancing device are repaired. After the maintenance is completed, each pressure-introducing switch valve is opened to restore the pressure balance adjustment function of the pressure balancing device.

[0037] The embodiments of the present invention disclose two different types of pressure balancing devices, which are introduced in turn below.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the pressure balancing device disclosed in the first embodiment of the present invention includes a pressure balancing tank 201a and a pressure collection airbag disposed in the pressure balancing tank 201a. The pressure balancing cavity is formed in the pressure balancing tank 201a, and the pressure introduction cavity is formed in the pressure collection airbag, that is, the cavity in the pressure balancing tank 201a is the pressure balancing cavity, and the cavity in the pressure collection airbag is the pressure introduction cavity. Each pressure collection airbag is connected to each medium path to be balanced, so that media of different pressures are introduced into each pressure collection airbag.

[0039] Taking the case where there are two pressure collection airbags as an example, it should be noted that there may be more than two pressure collection airbags, and the two pressure collection airbags are respectively the first pressure collection airbag 202a and the second pressure collection airbag 203a. The intermediate buffer medium is poured into the pressure balance tank 201a. Optionally, the intermediate buffer medium may be a pressure-conducting liquid medium, that is, the pressure balance chamber has a pressure-conducting liquid medium, and the pressure-conducting liquid medium may be any liquid medium that can conduct pressure, such as water and oil. The pressure-conducting liquid medium is incompressible and can accurately conduct pressure. At the same time, the liquid can also reduce the temperature of the medium in the pressure collection airbag to avoid aging and rupture of the pressure collection airbag due to excessive temperature.

[0040] For example, when the pressure in the first pressure collection airbag 202a increases, since the first pressure collection airbag 202a and the second pressure collection airbag 203a are both located in the pressure balance tank 201a, the first pressure collection airbag 202a with increased pressure will expand and occupy a larger volume in the pressure balance tank 201a. Since the pressure-conducting liquid medium in the pressure balance tank 201a is incompressible, the increased volume of the first pressure collection airbag 202a will compress the pressure-conducting liquid medium. Since the pressure-conducting liquid medium is incompressible, the pressure can be quickly applied to the second pressure collection airbag 203a and squeeze the second pressure collection airbag 203a, so that the second pressure collection airbag 203a is reduced by the same volume, thereby achieving the balance of pressure in the first pressure collection airbag 202a and the second pressure collection airbag 203a.

[0041] Furthermore, since the medium in the first pressure collection airbag 202a and the second pressure collection airbag 203a is wrapped in the pressure-conducting liquid medium, the medium in the first pressure collection airbag 202a and the second pressure collection airbag 203a can be cooled, thereby avoiding aging and rupture of the first pressure collection airbag 202a and the second pressure collection airbag 203a due to excessive temperature. When the pressure in the second pressure collection airbag 203a increases, it is the same as the increase in the first pressure collection airbag 202a, and will not be repeated in this article.

[0042] In addition, each medium path to be balanced is connected to each pressure collection airbag respectively. The pressure collection airbag can play a better isolation role and prevent the media in each medium path to be balanced from mixing in the pressure balancing tank 201a. Even if the pressure collection airbag leaks, it will not mix with the media in the non-leaking pressure collection airbag, which can effectively prevent danger and leave enough time for maintenance.

[0043] The first pressure collection airbag 202a and the second pressure collection airbag 203a are respectively connected to two paths of the medium to be balanced to access the two media. The back pressure outside the first pressure collection airbag 202a and the second pressure collection airbag 203a is provided by the pressure-conducting liquid medium (which can be water) in the pressure balance tank 201a.

[0044] When the pressures in the two paths of the medium to be balanced are the same, the two pressure collection airbags (the first pressure collection airbag 202a and the second pressure collection airbag 203a) are the same size. When the pressure on one side increases, the volume of the pressure collection airbag on this side begins to expand under the pressure, squeezing the pressure-conducting liquid medium in the pressure balance tank 201a. Since the volume of the inner cavity of the pressure balance tank 201a is fixed, the pressure will be exerted on the other pressure collection airbag through the pressure-conducting liquid medium, so that the back pressure of the pressure collection airbag on the other side increases, thereby compressing its volume. The compressed pressure collection airbag will transmit the pressure to the medium path to be balanced connected to it, so that the pressure in the medium path to be balanced increases. After the pressure collection airbag on the high-pressure side expands, part of the internal pressure is released, so that the pressure on both sides finally reaches a balanced state.

[0045] Furthermore, the pressure balancing tank 201a is connected to a medium supply pipeline, and the medium supply pipeline is used to inject pressure-conducting liquid medium into the pressure balancing tank 201a, and a medium supply valve 204a is provided on the medium supply pipeline. By opening the medium supply valve 204a, the pressure-conducting liquid medium can be injected into the pressure balancing tank 201a through the medium supply pipeline. After the injection is completed, the medium supply valve 204a is closed to maintain the back pressure in the pressure balancing tank 201a. After the pressure-conducting liquid medium in the pressure balancing tank 201a is lost due to leakage at various interfaces of the pressure balancing tank 201a, the pressure-conducting liquid medium can be replenished into the pressure balancing tank 201a through the medium supply pipeline.

[0046] like Figure 2As shown, the pressure balancing device disclosed in the second embodiment of the present invention includes a pressure balancing groove 204b and a pressure balancing membrane capsule 203b disposed in the pressure balancing groove 204b. The pressure balancing cavity is formed in the pressure balancing groove 204b, and n-1 pressure balancing membrane capsules 203b are disposed in the pressure balancing groove 204b. Each pressure balancing membrane capsule 203b divides the pressure balancing cavity into n pressure introduction cavities that are sealed and separated, and n is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0047] Take the pressure balancing membrane capsule 203b as one, and divide the pressure balancing cavity into two sealed and separated pressure introduction cavities as an example, the two pressure introduction cavities are respectively the first membrane cavity 201b and the second membrane cavity 202b. The first membrane cavity 201b and the second membrane cavity 202b are respectively connected to two paths of the medium to be balanced, so that different pressure media are introduced into the first membrane cavity 201b and the second membrane cavity 202b.

[0048] When the pressures in the two paths of the medium to be balanced are consistent, the two pressure introduction chambers (the first membrane chamber 201b and the second membrane chamber 202b) are the same size, and the pressure balancing membrane capsule 203b is located in the middle of the pressure balancing groove 204b.

[0049] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate buffer medium is poured into the pressure balance membrane bag 203b, and optionally, the intermediate buffer medium is a pressure-conducting liquid medium. It should be noted that the pressure-conducting liquid medium can be an incompressible liquid medium such as water and oil.

[0050] In this embodiment, the pressure-balancing membrane capsule 203b has a sandwich structure, and a pressure-conducting liquid medium is poured into the sandwich structure. The pressure-conducting liquid medium is incompressible and can accurately conduct pressure. At the same time, the liquid can also reduce the temperature of the pressure-balancing membrane capsule 203b, thereby preventing the pressure-balancing membrane capsule 203b from aging and rupture due to excessively high temperature of the medium in the pressure-introducing cavity.

[0051] For example, when the pressure of the medium path to be balanced connected to the first membrane cavity 201b increases, the volume of the first membrane cavity 201b begins to expand under the pressure, while the volume of the pressure balancing cavity of the pressure balancing groove 204b remains unchanged. Therefore, when the volume of the first membrane cavity 201b increases, since the pressure balancing membrane capsule 203b has a pressure-conducting liquid medium, the pressure-conducting liquid medium is incompressible and can quickly transfer the pressure to the direction of the second membrane cavity 202b, that is, the pressure balancing membrane capsule 203b expands (i.e., elastic deformation occurs) in the direction of the second membrane cavity 202b, and the volume of the second membrane cavity 202b decreases. Since the volume of the second membrane cavity 202b is compressed, the pressure generated by the compression is transmitted to the medium path to be balanced connected thereto, so that the pressure in the medium path to be balanced increases. After the first membrane cavity 201b on the high-pressure side expands, a part of the internal pressure is released, so that the pressure on both sides finally reaches a balanced state.

[0052] In addition, each medium path to be balanced is connected to each pressure introduction chamber respectively, and the pressure balancing membrane bag 203b used to separate each pressure introduction chamber has a sandwich structure and the interlayer is filled with a pressure-conducting liquid medium, which can play a better isolation role and prevent the media in each medium path to be balanced from mixing in the pressure balancing groove 204b. Even if the membrane on one side of the pressure balancing membrane bag 203b ruptures, it will not mix with the medium on the other side of the membrane that has not leaked, which can effectively prevent the occurrence of danger and leave enough time for maintenance.

[0053] The embodiment of the present invention further discloses a hydrogen production system, which includes an electrolyzer 100 , a first medium circulation loop, a second medium circulation loop and a pressure balancing device 200 .

[0054] The electrolytic cell 100 is divided into a first cavity and a second cavity by a diaphragm. One of the first cavity and the second cavity is a cavity for generating hydrogen, and the other is a cavity for generating oxygen. In this embodiment, no distinction is made between the first cavity and the second cavity.

[0055] The first medium circulation loop is connected to the first cavity and is used for medium circulation in the first cavity. For example, the gas (one of hydrogen and oxygen) generated in the first cavity carries part of the electrolyte to leave the first cavity through the first medium circulation loop, and the gas and the electrolyte are separated by the gas-water separator, and the electrolyte is returned to the first cavity through the first medium circulation loop, and the gas is purified by the purification device and then collected.

[0056] The second medium circulation loop is connected to the second cavity and is used for medium circulation in the second cavity. For example, the gas (one of hydrogen and oxygen) generated in the second cavity carries part of the electrolyte and leaves the second cavity through the second medium circulation loop, and the gas and the electrolyte are separated by the gas-water separator, and the electrolyte is returned to the second cavity through the second medium circulation loop, and the gas is purified by the purification device and then collected.

[0057] The pressure balancing device 200 is the pressure balancing device 200 disclosed in the above embodiment, and the pressure balancing device 200 includes two pressure introduction chambers, and the first medium circulation loop is one of the medium paths to be balanced, that is, one of the pressure introduction chambers is connected to the first medium circulation loop. The second medium circulation loop is another medium path to be balanced, that is, another pressure introduction chamber is connected to the second medium circulation loop.

[0058] The hydrogen production system disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention has the above-mentioned pressure balancing device 200, and therefore has all the technical effects of the above-mentioned pressure balancing device 200, which will not be described in detail herein.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first medium circulation loop includes a first medium outflow pipeline 101 and a first medium inflow pipeline 103. The first medium outflow pipeline 101 is used to transport gas carrying electrolyte to the gas separator to separate the gas from the electrolyte. The first medium inflow pipeline 103 is used to transport the electrolyte separated by the gas separator to the electrolytic cell 100.

[0060] The second medium circulation loop includes a second medium outflow pipeline 102 and a second medium inflow pipeline 104. The second medium outflow pipeline 102 is used to transport the gas carrying the electrolyte to the gas separator to separate the gas from the electrolyte. The second medium inflow pipeline 104 is used to transport the electrolyte separated by the gas separator to the electrolytic cell 100.

[0061] In this embodiment, the pressure introduction chamber can be connected to the medium outflow pipeline to introduce the pressure in the medium outflow pipeline. That is, one pressure introduction chamber is connected to the first medium outflow pipeline 101, and the other pressure introduction chamber is connected to the second medium outflow pipeline 102.

[0062] In another embodiment of the present invention, the first medium circulation loop includes a first medium outflow pipeline 101 and a first medium inflow pipeline 103. The first medium outflow pipeline 101 is used to transport the gas carrying the electrolyte to the gas separator to separate the gas from the electrolyte. The first medium inflow pipeline 103 is used to transport the electrolyte separated by the gas separator to the electrolytic cell 100.

[0063] The second medium circulation loop includes a second medium outflow pipeline 102 and a second medium inflow pipeline 104. The second medium outflow pipeline 102 is used to transport the gas carrying the electrolyte to the gas separator to separate the gas from the electrolyte. The second medium inflow pipeline 104 is used to transport the electrolyte separated by the gas separator to the electrolytic cell 100.

[0064] That is, the connection relationship between the first medium circulation loop and the second medium circulation loop is the same as that of the first medium circulation loop and the second medium circulation loop in the above embodiment. The difference is that the pressure introduction cavity is connected to the medium inflow pipeline to introduce the pressure in the medium inflow pipeline. That is, one of the pressure introduction cavities is connected to the first medium inflow pipeline 103, and the other pressure introduction cavity is connected to the second medium inflow pipeline 104.

[0065] It should be noted that the connecting positions of the first medium inlet pipeline and the first medium outlet pipeline are the same, and the connecting positions of the second medium inlet pipeline and the second medium outlet pipeline are also the same. Therefore, whether the pressure introduction cavity is connected to the medium inlet pipeline or to the cut-off outflow pipeline, the pressure of the first cavity and the second cavity can be introduced.

[0066] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the first medium inflow pipeline 103 and the second medium inflow pipeline 104 are connected in parallel; the first medium outflow pipeline 101 and the second medium outflow pipeline 102 are also connected in parallel. Since the two medium inflow pipelines are connected in parallel and the two medium outflow pipelines are also connected in parallel, the first medium circulation loop and the second medium circulation loop can share a circulation pump 300.

[0067] The outlet of the circulation pump 300 is connected to the first medium inflow pipeline 103 and the second medium inflow pipeline 104, and the inlet of the circulation pump 300 is connected to the first medium outflow pipeline 101 and the second medium outflow pipeline 102 (the first medium outflow pipeline 101 and the second medium outflow pipeline 102 are both connected to the gas-liquid separator). It should be noted that the circulation pump 300 is used to realize the circulation of the electrolyte, so the inlet of the circulation pump 300 needs to be connected to the downstream of the gas-liquid separator to pump the electrolyte separated by the gas-liquid separator back to the electrolytic cell 100 through the circulation pump 300.

[0068] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, both the first medium inflow pipeline 103 and the second medium inflow pipeline 104 have a sewage outlet, that is, the first medium inflow pipeline 103 and the second medium inflow pipeline 104 can serve as sewage outlets in addition to returning the electrolyte to the electrolytic cell 100. In order to be able to discharge the electrolyte in the first cavity and the second cavity through the first medium inflow pipeline 103 and the second medium inflow pipeline 104, respectively, the first medium inflow pipeline 103 and the second medium inflow pipeline 104 need to be provided with sewage outlets.

[0069] The first medium inflow pipeline 103 is provided with a first drain valve 105, and the second medium inflow pipeline 104 is provided with a second drain valve 106. When it is necessary to discharge the electrolyte in the first cavity and the second cavity, the first drain valve 105 and the second drain valve 106 need to be opened, and the electrolyte in the first cavity and the second cavity is discharged through the drain pipe openings of the first medium inflow pipeline 103 and the second medium inflow pipeline 104. When it is not necessary to discharge the electrolyte, the first drain valve 105 and the second drain valve 106 are in a closed state.

[0070] The circulation pump 300 is connected between the first drain valve 105 of the first medium inflow pipeline 103 and the first cavity; the circulation pump 300 is connected between the second drain valve 106 of the second medium inflow pipeline 104 and the second cavity. That is, when the circulation pump 300 is used to input electrolyte into the electrolytic cell 100 through the first medium inflow pipeline 103 and the second medium inflow pipeline 104, it does not pass through the first drain valve 105 and the second drain valve 106, so that when the first drain valve 105 and the second drain valve 106 are closed, the circulation of the electrolyte is not affected.

[0071] As shown in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates an exception, the words "a", "an", "a kind" and / or "the" do not refer to the singular, but also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "include" and "comprise" only indicate the inclusion of clearly identified steps and elements, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list. The method or device may also include other steps or elements. The elements defined by the sentence "includes a..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, commodity or device that includes the elements.

[0072] In the description of this application, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as setting, installing, connecting, etc. should be understood in a broad sense, and technicians in the relevant technical field can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0073] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0074] The principles and implementation methods of the present invention are described in this article using specific examples. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressure balancing device, characterized in that: include: Pressure balance chamber; There are at least two pressure introduction chambers, which are arranged in the pressure balancing chamber. Each pressure introduction chamber is used to communicate with each path of the medium to be balanced. The pressure of any pressure introduction chamber is transmitted to the other pressure introduction chambers through the intermediate buffer medium in the pressure balancing chamber.

2. The pressure balancing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the pressure introduction chambers is communicated with each path of the medium to be balanced through a pressure collection pipeline, and a pressure introduction switch valve is provided on the pressure collection pipeline.

3. The pressure balancing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure balancing chamber is formed in the pressure balancing tank (201a), and the pressure introduction chamber is formed in the pressure collection airbag; The pressure balance tank (201a) is filled with the intermediate buffer medium, which is a pressure-conducting liquid medium.

4. The pressure balancing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pressure balancing tank (201a) is connected to a medium supply pipeline, the medium supply pipeline is used to inject pressure-conducting liquid medium into the pressure balancing tank (201a), and a medium supply valve (204a) is provided on the medium supply pipeline.

5. The pressure balancing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure balancing chamber is formed in the pressure balancing groove (204b), and n-1 pressure balancing membrane capsules (203b) are arranged in the pressure balancing groove (204b), and each of the pressure balancing membrane capsules (203b) divides the pressure balancing chamber into n pressure introduction chambers that are sealed and separated, where n is a positive integer greater than 1; The pressure-balancing membrane bag (203b) is filled with the intermediate buffer medium, which is a pressure-conducting liquid medium.

6. A hydrogen production system, characterized in that: include: An electrolytic cell (100) is divided into a first cavity and a second cavity by a diaphragm; a first medium circulation loop, connected to the first cavity and used for medium circulation in the first cavity; a second medium circulation loop, connected to the second cavity and used for medium circulation in the second cavity; A pressure balancing device (200) is a pressure balancing device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pressure balancing device (200) comprises two pressure introduction chambers, wherein the first medium circulation loop is one of the medium paths to be balanced, and the second medium circulation loop is the other medium path to be balanced.

7. The hydrogen production system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first medium circulation loop comprises a first medium outflow pipeline (101) and a first medium inflow pipeline (103); The second medium circulation loop comprises a second medium outflow pipeline (102) and a second medium inflow pipeline (104); One of the pressure introduction chambers is in communication with the first medium outflow pipeline (101), and the other of the pressure introduction chambers is in communication with the second medium outflow pipeline (102).

8. The hydrogen production system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first medium circulation loop comprises a first medium outflow pipeline (101) and a first medium inflow pipeline (103); The second medium circulation loop comprises a second medium outflow pipeline (102) and a second medium inflow pipeline (104); One of the pressure introduction chambers is in communication with the first medium inflow pipeline (103), and the other of the pressure introduction chambers is in communication with the second medium inflow pipeline (104).

9. The hydrogen production system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The first medium inflow pipeline (103) and the second medium inflow pipeline (104) are connected in parallel; The first medium outflow pipeline (101) and the second medium outflow pipeline (102) are connected in parallel; The first medium circulation loop and the second medium circulation loop share a circulation pump (300); an outlet of the circulation pump (300) is in communication with the first medium inflow pipeline (103) and the second medium inflow pipeline (104); and an inlet of the circulation pump (300) is in communication with the first medium outflow pipeline (101) and the second medium outflow pipeline (102).

10. The hydrogen production system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first medium inflow pipeline (103) and the second medium inflow pipeline (104) both have a sewage discharge pipe opening; The first medium inflow pipeline (103) is provided with a first drain valve (105), and the second medium inflow pipeline (104) is provided with a second drain valve (106); The circulation pump (300) is connected between the first drain valve (105) of the first medium inflow pipeline (103) and the first cavity; The circulation pump (300) is connected between the second drain valve (106) and the second cavity of the second medium inflow pipeline (104).

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