Water replenishing device for electrolytic hydrogen production mass transfer system

Abstract

The invention relates to a water replenishing device for an electrolytic hydrogen production mass transfer system, a water replenishing system unit comprises membrane assemblies, a liquid inlet main pipeline, a liquid outlet main pipeline, an alkali liquor inlet and outlet pump and a flow divider, the input end of the liquid inlet main pipeline is connected with an alkali liquor tank, and the output end of the liquid inlet main pipeline is connected with each membrane assembly through the flow divider; an alkali liquor port on the membrane component side is connected with an alkali liquor buffer tank through a first liquid outlet main pipeline, and the output end of the alkali liquor buffer tank is connected with the alkali liquor tank through a second liquid outlet main pipeline; the seawater circulating unit comprises a seawater tank with a seawater liquid inlet and a seawater overflow port, and the membrane component is arranged in the seawater tank; through ingenious design, direct desalination of seawater can be achieved in the electrolysis process, extra energy consumption is not needed, and therefore the overall energy consumption in the hydrogen production process is remarkably reduced. And through the water supplementing system unit, it is ensured that the electrolyte can be efficiently subjected to concentration conversion, and water is supplemented to the electrolyzed solution in time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of hydrogen production, and particularly relates to a water replenishing device for an electrolytic hydrogen production mass transfer system. Background Art

[0002] Due to its high energy density and zero-emission characteristics, hydrogen energy is widely regarded as an important part of the future energy system. Electrolytic hydrogen production is an important way to produce hydrogen energy, with significant low-carbon emission advantages, which helps to promote the green transformation of the energy structure.

[0003] In the traditional electrolytic hydrogen production process, it is usually necessary to desalinate seawater. For example, in the "Solar Electrolytic Seawater Hydrogen Production Device and Method" disclosed in Patent Publication No. CN115198296A, the electrolytic electrodes in the electrolysis chamber electrolyze seawater to generate hydrogen and oxygen by the electric energy provided by the energy storage mechanism; the water replenishing mechanism is mainly used to provide electrolytic seawater for the electrolysis chamber and constantly supplement the consumed seawater during electrolysis to ensure the continuous and stable progress of the electrolysis reaction; the seawater treatment component is used to desalinate seawater.

[0004] This process not only increases energy consumption but also may be accompanied by waste of fresh water resources. Therefore, how to desalinate seawater efficiently and with low energy consumption has become a key issue in the development of electrolytic hydrogen production technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a water replenishing device for an electrolytic hydrogen production mass transfer system to solve the above problems.

[0006] The present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A water replenishing device for an electrolytic hydrogen production mass transfer system, comprising:

[0008] A water replenishing system unit, including a membrane module, a main liquid inlet pipeline, and an alkali liquid inlet and outlet pump installed on the main liquid inlet pipeline. There is more than one group of the membrane modules and they are arranged in parallel. The input end of the main liquid inlet pipeline is connected to an alkali liquid tank, the output end of the main liquid inlet pipeline is connected to each membrane module through a shunt, the overflow tank is connected to an alkali liquid buffer tank through a first main liquid outlet pipeline, the output end of the alkali liquid buffer tank is connected to the alkali liquid tank through a second main liquid outlet pipeline, and an alkali liquid outlet pump is installed on the second main liquid outlet pipeline;

[0009] A water replenishing circulation unit, including a water replenishing tank having a water replenishing liquid inlet, a water replenishing overflow port, and an overflow tank. The water replenishing liquid inlet is connected to an external water source, the membrane module is arranged in the water replenishing tank, and the alkali liquid overflow port of the membrane module is connected to the overflow tank.

[0010] Preferably, a baffle is arranged between the water replenishing liquid inlet and the membrane module in the water replenishing tank.

[0011] Preferably, there are multiple groups of the water replenishing and overflow ports, which are arranged downward along the direction of gravity and the diameters thereof decrease, and corresponding drain valves are arranged inside the water replenishing and overflow ports.

[0012] Preferably, the lye in the first main liquid outlet pipe flows towards the lye buffer tank by gravity drive.

[0013] Preferably, it further includes a data monitoring unit, which is connected to a Cl ion detector, an electromagnetic regulating valve, a flow meter, a pressure gauge, a first liquid level gauge and a second liquid level gauge. The data monitoring unit controls the corresponding electromagnetic regulating valve according to the feedback data provided by the Cl ion detector, the electromagnetic regulating valve, the flow meter, the first liquid level gauge, the second liquid level gauge and the pressure gauge.

[0014] Preferably, the water replenishing inlet of the water replenishing tank is connected to external water replenishment through a water replenishing inlet pipe, and a corresponding manual stop valve, an electromagnetic regulating valve and a flow meter are installed on the water replenishing inlet pipe.

[0015] Preferably, the first branch of the output end of the lye inlet and outlet pump is connected to the lye tank, and the second branch is connected to the diverter. A corresponding electromagnetic regulating valve is installed on the first branch.

[0016] Preferably, a corresponding manual stop valve, an electromagnetic regulating valve, a flow meter and a pressure gauge are installed on the first branch.

[0017] Preferably, a Cl ion detector is installed on the first main liquid outlet pipe.

[0018] Preferably, a first liquid level gauge for monitoring the liquid level height therein is installed on the lye buffer tank, and a second liquid level gauge for monitoring the liquid level height therein is installed on the diverter.

[0019] The present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0020] Through ingenious design, the present invention can directly desalinate seawater during the electrolysis process without additional energy consumption, thus significantly reducing the overall energy consumption of the hydrogen production process. It not only helps to improve the economy and environmental friendliness of the electrolytic hydrogen production technology, but also provides technical support for the large-scale promotion of hydrogen energy globally, and is expected to become an important driving force for the future clean energy revolution.

[0021] The water replenishing system unit ensures that the electrolyte can be efficiently converted in concentration and timely replenishes water for the electrolyzed solution. The water replenishing system unit can directly replenish water with seawater, reduce the process of seawater desalination, reduce energy loss, and meet the demand for automatically replenishing water to the alkaline electrolyzer electrolyte without additional energy consumption;

[0022] Data is monitored, collected, analyzed, and reported in real-time or periodically through sensors such as flow meters, level gauges, Cl ion detectors, and pressure gauges to ensure the stability, efficiency, and safety of the device during the process of replenishing the electrolyte flowing out of the electrolytic cell with water.

[0023] By designing the seawater tank, the balance of the seawater height difference is maintained, and the continuous flow of seawater is achieved to keep the seawater height unchanged during operation. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of each unit of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of each component of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the seawater circulation unit of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of the lye inlet pump and the first main outlet pipe of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the lye buffer tank and the lye tank of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the components on the first branch of the first main outlet pipe of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the seawater tank and the membrane module inside it of the present invention.

[0031] The reference numerals in the drawings are as follows:

[0032] 401, manual stop valve; 402, electromagnetic regulating valve; 403, flow meter; 404, Cl ion detector; 405, first level gauge; 406, pressure gauge; P-0401, lye inlet pump; P-0402, lye outlet pump; V-403, lye buffer tank; M-401~M-409, membrane modules; M-410, diverter; M-411, overflow tank; M-412, baffle; M-413, water replenishing tank; M-415, water replenishing overflow port; M-416, water replenishing inlet; M-417, second level gauge. Detailed Embodiments

[0033] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0034] Example:

[0035] A water replenishing device for a mass transfer system for hydrogen production by electrolysis, such as Figure 1-7 As shown:

[0036] It includes a water replenishment system unit, a water replenishment circulation unit and a data monitoring unit.

[0037] The water replenishment system unit works in conjunction with the water replenishment circulation unit and is mainly responsible for replenishing the high-concentration electrolyte transmitted in the electrolytic hydrogen production system.

[0038] The water replenishment system unit includes an alkali solution inlet pump P-0401, an alkali solution outlet pump P-0402, an electromagnetic regulating valve 402, a second liquid level meter M-417, a diverter M-410, an overflow tank M-411 and a membrane assembly.

[0039] Attached Figure 2 The marks M-401 to M-409 are all membrane modules.

[0040] The high concentration electrolyte in the alkali liquid tank enters the water replenishment system unit through the alkali liquid inlet pump P-0401. Figure 2 The main liquid inlet pipeline in the figure adopts a blue line, and is divided into a first branch and a second branch in parallel on the main liquid inlet pipeline, wherein the first branch is connected to the alkali liquid tank, and a corresponding electromagnetic regulating valve 402 is installed on the first branch;

[0041] The electromagnetic regulating valve 402 installed on the first branch can accurately control the flow of electrolyte entering the first branch and the second branch by adjusting the valve opening through linkage feedback with the back-end instrumentation;

[0042] The second branch is further divided into several third branches connected in parallel, and the third branch is further divided into several fourth branches connected in parallel. The end of the fourth branch is connected with a flow divider M-410. The third branch is equipped with a corresponding manual stop valve 401 and a pressure gauge 406, and the fourth branch is equipped with a corresponding electromagnetic regulating valve 402 and a flow meter 403. The flow rate of each branch is adjusted by the electromagnetic regulating valve 402, the flow meter 403 and the pressure gauge 406 to ensure that the flow rate of each branch pipeline remains stable and uniform.

[0043] The electromagnetic regulating valves 402 on the liquid inlet main pipeline are controlled by the flow meter 403 and the pressure gauge 406 on the liquid inlet main pipeline to keep the flow rates of the fourth branches consistent.

[0044] The data monitoring unit can adopt a central processing unit or a PLC. The data monitoring unit is electrically connected to the Cl ion detector 404, the electromagnetic regulating valves 402 at various parts, the flow meters 403 at various parts, the pressure gauges 406 at various parts, the first liquid level gauges 405 at various parts, the second liquid level gauges M-417 at various parts and the third liquid level gauge; through a positive and negative feedback regulation mechanism, the data monitoring unit realizes the precise control of the electrolyte flow rate and ensures the consistent liquid inflow of each diverter M-410.

[0045] The design of the diverter M-410 enables the electrolyte of each branch flow to be evenly distributed into each membrane module, so that the electrolysis process can be maintained continuously and at a low flow rate, effectively avoiding the risk of impact rupture of the membrane module caused by excessive flow rate and the dripping phenomenon caused by too small flow rate, and then improving the service life and mass transfer efficiency of the membrane module.

[0046] The main function of the overflow tank M-411 of the membrane module is to recover the electrolyte that has been replenished with water by the membrane module to maintain the continuous circulation of the system. Once the electrolyte enters the diverter M-410, they will be evenly distributed into each membrane module. As the internal volume of the membrane module increases, the electrolyte will naturally overflow through its lye overflow port and be connected by the overlapping overflow tank M-411, and then flow into the first main liquid outlet pipe. The first main liquid outlet pipe in the attachment Figure 2 is shown by a green line. A Cl ion detector 404 is installed on the first main liquid outlet pipe. The electrolyte in the first main liquid outlet pipe flows to the lye buffer tank V-403 by gravity. The output end of the lye buffer tank V-403 is connected to the lye tank through the second main liquid outlet pipe. A corresponding manual stop valve 401, an electromagnetic regulating valve 402 and a lye outlet pump P-0402 are installed on the second main liquid outlet pipe;

[0047] The lye outlet pump P-0402 transports the dilute concentration electrolyte in the lye buffer tank V-403 to the lye tank; this process not only completes the recovery of the electrolyte, but also the independent Cl ion detector 404 in each branch detects the electrolyte after water replenishment to identify whether there is a rupture problem with the membrane module. The collected electrolyte will be introduced into the lye buffer tank V-403, and the first liquid level gauge 405 corresponding to the upper part of the lye buffer tank V-403 is used to determine whether to start the lye reflux pump P-0402.

[0048] As Figure 7As shown in the figure, the water replenishing and circulating unit includes a water replenishing tank M-413. On the opposite sides of the water replenishing tank M-413, there are respectively a water replenishing liquid inlet M-416 and a water replenishing overflow port M-415. On the side of the water replenishing tank M-413 close to the membrane module, there is an overflow tank M-411. The horizontal height of the overflow tank M-411 is higher than that of the water replenishing overflow port M-415. The lye overflow port of the membrane module is lapped and matched with the overflow tank M-411. There are several membrane modules arranged in the water replenishing tank M-413. The water replenishing liquid inlet M-416 is connected to an external water source through a water replenishing pipe, and seawater can be used as the external water source. A corresponding manual stop valve 401, an electromagnetic regulating valve 402, and a flowmeter 403 are installed on the water replenishing pipe. At this time, the water replenishing is monitored by the flowmeter 403 and the electromagnetic regulating valve 402 to ensure that the flow rate is relatively stable.

[0049] The seawater discharged from each water replenishing overflow port M-415 returns to the seawater tank.

[0050] A baffle M-412 is arranged in the water replenishing tank M-413. The baffle M-412 is relatively located between the water replenishing liquid inlet M-416 and the membrane module. There is a certain distance between the baffle M-412 and the inner bottom wall of the water replenishing tank M-413. The height of the water replenishing liquid inlet M-416 is higher than the lower edge of the baffle M-412. Thus, the external seawater is blocked by the baffle M-412 to prevent the seawater from directly impacting the membrane module from the water replenishing liquid inlet M-416. The function of the baffle M-412 is to slow down the flow rate of the seawater and effectively prevent the membrane module from being directly impacted by the seawater, thereby reducing the damage of the seawater to the membrane module.

[0051] Three water replenishing overflow ports M-415 are designed in the water replenishing tank M-415 for recovering seawater to ensure the opening and closing of the water replenishing overflow ports M-415. The three water replenishing overflow ports M-415 are at different horizontal heights, and the larger the horizontal height, the larger the diameter. Each water replenishing overflow port M-415 is equipped with a corresponding valve. A third liquid level gauge for monitoring the water surface height in the water replenishing tank M-415 is installed on the water replenishing tank M-415. Through the feedback adjustment of the third liquid level gauge in the water replenishing tank M-415, the opening and closing of the valves of the water replenishing overflow ports M-415 can be automatically completed to prevent the situation where the water replenishing liquid inflow is greater than the liquid outflow in case of a failure.

[0052] The seawater in the water replenishing tank M-415 passes through the membrane module to replenish the inside of the membrane module. A second liquid level gauge M-417 is installed on the diverter M-410 to monitor the liquid level height in the membrane module.

[0053] With the feedback of the electromagnetic regulating valve 402 on the fourth branch through the pressure gauge 406, the flow rate of the recirculating electrolyte is adjusted; the electrolyte is first introduced into the main inlet pipeline, and the main inlet pipeline branches out into several branch pipelines. These branch pipelines are designed to ensure that the electrolyte can be evenly distributed to the target area. A precisely controlled electromagnetic regulating valve 402 is configured on each branch pipeline. These electromagnetic regulating valves 402 ensure precise control of the flow rate through fine electrical signal regulation. The electromagnetic regulating valves 402 are successively connected to the diverter M410, and the diverter M410 is responsible for the final electrolyte distribution. The diverter M410 evenly distributes the electrolyte to multiple membrane modules to ensure that each part receives the same amount of electrolyte.

[0054] A second liquid level gauge M-417 is installed on the diverter M410. Through the height display of the second liquid level gauge M-417, the flow rate of the electrolyte at this time can be accurately determined. Based on the feedback data provided by the second liquid level gauge M-417, the system can timely adjust the opening degree of the corresponding electromagnetic regulating valve 402 to ensure the most suitable electrolyte flow rate.

[0055] The above-described embodiments merely represent specific implementation manners of the present invention. Their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent of the present invention. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present invention, several modifications and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water replenishing device for a mass transfer system for electrolytic hydrogen production, characterized in that: include: A water replenishment system unit, comprising a membrane assembly, a liquid inlet main pipeline, and an alkali liquid inlet and outlet pump (P-0401) installed on the liquid inlet main pipeline, wherein the membrane assembly has more than one group and is arranged in parallel, the input end of the liquid inlet main pipeline is connected to the alkali liquid tank, the output end of the liquid inlet main pipeline is connected to each membrane assembly through a diverter (M-410), the overflow tank (M-411) is connected to the alkali liquid buffer tank (V-403) through a first liquid outlet main pipeline, the output end of the alkali liquid buffer tank (V-403) is connected to the alkali liquid tank through a second liquid outlet main pipeline, and an alkali liquid outlet pump (P-0402) is installed on the second liquid outlet main pipeline; The water replenishment circulation unit comprises a water replenishment tank (M-413) having a water replenishment inlet (M-416), a water replenishment overflow port (M-415) and an overflow tank (M-411), wherein the water replenishment inlet (M-416) is connected to an external water source, the membrane assembly is arranged in the water replenishment tank (M-413), and the alkali solution overflow port of the membrane assembly is connected to the overflow tank (M-411).

2. The water replenishing device for the mass transfer system for electrolytic hydrogen production according to claim 1, characterized in that: A baffle plate (M-412) is provided in the water replenishment tank (M-413) between the water replenishment liquid inlet (M-416) and the membrane assembly.

3. The water replenishing device for the mass transfer system for electrolytic hydrogen production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water replenishment overflow ports (M-415) are provided in multiple groups and are arranged downward along the gravity direction with decreasing diameters. The water replenishment overflow ports (M-415) are provided with corresponding drainage valves.

4. The water replenishing device for the mass transfer system for electrolytic hydrogen production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The alkali liquid in the first liquid outlet main pipeline flows to the alkali liquid buffer tank (V-403) by gravity driving.

5. The water replenishing device for the mass transfer system for electrolytic hydrogen production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device also includes a data monitoring unit, which is connected to the Cl ion detector (404), the electromagnetic regulating valve (402), the flow meter (403), the pressure gauge (406), the first liquid level meter (405) and the second liquid level meter (M-417). The data monitoring unit controls the corresponding electromagnetic regulating valve (402) according to feedback data provided by the Cl ion detector (404), the electromagnetic regulating valve (402), the flow meter (403), the pressure gauge (406), the first liquid level meter (405) and the second liquid level meter (M-417).

6. A water replenishing device for a mass transfer system for electrolytic hydrogen production according to claim 5, characterized in that: The water replenishment inlet (M-416) of the water replenishment tank (M-413) is connected to external water replenishment through a water replenishment inlet pipe, and a corresponding manual stop valve (401), an electromagnetic regulating valve (402) and a flow meter (403) are installed on the water replenishment inlet pipe.

7. The water replenishing device for the mass transfer system for electrolytic hydrogen production according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first branch of the output end of the alkali liquid inlet and outlet pump (P-0401) is connected to the alkali liquid tank, and the second branch is connected to the diverter (M-410). The first branch is installed with a corresponding electromagnetic regulating valve (402).

8. The water replenishing device for the mass transfer system for electrolytic hydrogen production according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first branch is equipped with a corresponding manual stop valve (401), an electromagnetic regulating valve (402), a flow meter (403) and a pressure gauge (406).

9. The water replenishing device for the mass transfer system for electrolytic hydrogen production according to claim 5, characterized in that: A Cl ion detector (404) is installed on the first liquid outlet main pipeline.

10. A water replenishing device for a mass transfer system for electrolytic hydrogen production according to claim 9, characterized in that: The alkali solution buffer tank (V-403) is equipped with a first liquid level meter (405) for monitoring the liquid level therein, and the diverter (M-410) is equipped with a second liquid level meter (M-417) for monitoring the liquid level therein.

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