Gas-liquid separation device for hydrogen production by alkaline electrolysis of water

Abstract

The application discloses a gas-liquid separation device for hydrogen production by alkaline electrolysis of water, which comprises a tank body, a liquid inlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe are arranged on the tank body, a heating gas gathering chamber is arranged in the tank body, the liquid inlet pipe is connected with the heating gas gathering chamber, a heating gas gathering element is arranged in the heating gas gathering chamber, the heating gas gathering element comprises a heating pipe and a gas gathering fiber layer which are arranged in sequence and overlap each other, the heating gas gathering element is used for heating the alkali liquor entering from the liquid inlet pipe and gathering the tiny gas bubbles in the alkali liquor, a liquid outlet is arranged on the heating gas gathering chamber, and the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet pipe are respectively located on the two sides of the heating gas gathering element; a gas outlet is arranged at the upper end of the tank body, a liquid recovery element is arranged at the gas outlet, and a gas discharge and liquid outlet hole is arranged on the liquid recovery element; the application can gather the tiny gas bubbles in the alkali liquor, and effectively improves the gas-liquid separation efficiency and separation effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen production technology through water electrolysis, specifically to a gas-liquid separation device for alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing global demand for clean energy, hydrogen, as a clean and efficient energy carrier, has attracted widespread attention for its production technology. Alkaline water electrolysis is a mature hydrogen production technology, but during the production process, the hydrogen and oxygen produced need to be effectively separated from the electrolyte to improve the purity and yield of the hydrogen. This separation requires a gas-liquid separation device.

[0003] Utility model patent CN202320919552.7 discloses a gas-liquid separation device and an electrolytic water hydrogen production system. The gas-liquid separation device includes a separation container and an inlet pipe. The separation container defines a separation chamber, with an alkaline outlet at the bottom and a gas outlet at the top. The inlet pipe penetrates the side wall of the separation container, and its inner section within the separation chamber is positioned obliquely downwards. The end face of the inner section is spaced apart from the side wall of the separation container. The inlet pipe is used to introduce a gas-liquid mixture. By positioning the inner end of the inlet pipe obliquely downwards, the gas-liquid mixture, upon entering the separation chamber, experiences an axial rotational speed and a vertically downward acceleration due to inertia and centrifugal force. The difference in gas and liquid densities accelerates separation. Furthermore, the spaced end face of the inner section from the side wall of the separation container causes the gas-liquid mixture to collide with the side wall upon entering the separation chamber, resulting in liquid adhering to the side wall and improving gas-liquid separation efficiency and effect.

[0004] The gas-liquid separation device provided by the aforementioned patent improves the gas-liquid separation efficiency and effect to a certain extent compared with the traditional one. However, it cannot aggregate the tiny bubbles in the alkaline solution, which causes the tiny bubbles in the alkaline solution to flow out of the gas-liquid separation device with the alkaline solution. Therefore, its gas-liquid separation efficiency needs to be further improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a gas-liquid separation device for alkaline water electrolysis to produce hydrogen, aiming to improve the problem that existing gas-liquid separation devices cannot aggregate tiny bubbles in alkaline solutions, causing these tiny bubbles to flow out of the gas-liquid separation device with the alkaline solution.

[0006] This invention is implemented as follows:

[0007] A gas-liquid separation device for alkaline water electrolysis to produce hydrogen includes a tank body with an inlet pipe and a outlet pipe. A heating and gas-gathering chamber is located within the tank body. The inlet pipe is connected to the heating and gas-gathering chamber, which contains a heating and gas-gathering element. This element heats the alkaline solution entering through the inlet pipe and gathers tiny bubbles within the solution. An outlet is located on the heating and gas-gathering chamber, with the outlet and inlet pipe situated on opposite sides of the heating and gas-gathering element. An exhaust port is located at the upper end of the tank body, and a liquid recovery element is located at the exhaust port. The liquid recovery element has an exhaust return hole.

[0008] Preferably, the heating gas-gathering element includes heating tubes and gas-gathering fiber layers arranged in a series of overlapping layers. The heating tubes have a multi-S-shaped structure, including straight tube sections and arc-shaped bend sections connecting adjacent straight tube sections. Multiple heating tubes are arranged along the overlapping direction, and the straight tube sections of adjacent heating tubes are perpendicular to each other. The two ends of the heating tubes are respectively connected to a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe, and both the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe pass through the tank wall of the tank and are connected to the hot liquid supply device.

[0009] Preferably, the gas-gathering fiber layer includes a rectangular frame, a fiber mesh layer, a front rigid material mesh layer, and a rear rigid material mesh layer. The fiber mesh layer, the front rigid material mesh layer, and the rear rigid material mesh layer are all disposed within the rectangular frame. The fiber mesh layer is located between the front rigid material mesh layer and the rear rigid material mesh layer. The front rigid material mesh layer is composed of multiple parallel first baffles, and the rear rigid material mesh layer is composed of multiple parallel second baffles. The first baffles are perpendicular to the second baffles and are perpendicular to the straight section of the heating tube in front of them.

[0010] Preferably, the tank body is provided with a first partition, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are respectively located on both sides of the first partition, the side of the first partition near the inlet pipe is the inlet chamber, the side of the first partition near the outlet pipe is the outlet chamber, the heating gas gathering chamber is located in the inlet chamber, and the alkaline solution discharged from its outlet all enters the inlet chamber; the bottom of the first partition is provided with a connecting hole connecting the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber, and multiple ultrasonic rods are provided in the inlet chamber.

[0011] Preferably, a second partition is provided in the drainage chamber, the second partition being parallel to the first partition, dividing the drainage chamber into a first drainage chamber and a second drainage chamber. The first drainage chamber is located between the first and second partitions, and a first gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer is provided in the first drainage chamber. The drainage pipe is L-shaped, including a horizontal pipe section and a vertical pipe section, with the horizontal pipe section located at the upper end of the vertical pipe section. The vertical pipe section of the drainage pipe is located in the second drainage chamber. The drain pipe passes through the tank wall of the tank body. The horizontal section of the drain pipe is lower than the upper end of the second partition, and the upper end of the second partition is lower than the upper end of the first partition. A second gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer is provided in the second drain chamber. The vertical section of the drain pipe passes through the second gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer, and the lower end of the vertical section of the drain pipe is located below the second gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer. A drain port is provided on the bottom wall of the inlet chamber and / or the bottom wall of the first drain chamber, and a drain valve is provided at the drain port.

[0012] Preferably, the liquid recovery element includes an outer shell, an inner shell, and a bottom shell. Both the outer shell and the inner shell are hollow frustum-shaped. The upper and lower ends of the outer shell are open, and the diameter of the upper end of the outer shell is larger than the diameter of the lower end. The upper end of the outer shell is connected to the vent of the tank. The diameter of the upper end of the inner shell is smaller than the diameter of the lower end. The upper end of the inner shell is sealed, and the lower end is open. Multiple venting and liquid return holes are provided on the side wall of the inner shell. The bottom shell is annular, and the lower end of the inner shell and the lower end of the outer shell are connected through the bottom shell.

[0013] Preferably, multiple sets of venting and return holes are provided on the side wall of the inner shell, and each set of venting and return holes is evenly arranged along the circumference of the inner shell; each set of venting and return holes includes multiple venting and return holes arranged sequentially along the generatrix direction of the side wall of the inner shell, and the venting and return holes are inverted teardrop shape; in each set of venting and return holes, a connecting channel is provided between two adjacent venting and return holes, and in each set of venting and return holes, the lower end of the lowermost venting and return hole is also provided with a connecting channel, and the connecting channel extends to the lower end of the inner shell.

[0014] Preferably, a flow meter is installed on the inlet pipe outside the tank body to detect the flow rate Q of the alkali solution entering the tank through the inlet pipe; a second thermometer is installed at the outlet of the outlet pipe outside the tank body to detect the temperature T2 of the alkali solution discharged from the tank through the outlet pipe; an electrical control box is installed on the tank body, containing a controller and a third thermometer to detect the ambient temperature T3; the flow meter, the second thermometer, and the third thermometer are all electrically connected to the controller; the controller has a control module, a calculation module, and a storage module; the storage module stores the process temperature T0 of the alkali solution during electrolysis in the electrolytic cell, then T0 = T2 - T4, where T4 is the temperature of the alkali solution returning from the outlet pipe. The temperature drop due to heat loss upon reaching the electrolytic cell is T4 = f(Q, T2, T3). The calculation module calculates the required discharge temperature T20 of the tank using the formula T2 = T0 + f(Q, T2, T3). The heating pipe is connected to a hot liquid supply device, which has an electric heating module. If T20 > T2, and (T20 - T2) / T2 ≥ N%, where 2 ≤ N ≤ 5, the controller's control module sends a heating signal to the hot liquid supply device, which controls to increase the power of the electric heating module. If T20 < T2, and (T2 - T20) / T2 ≥ M%, where 2 ≤ M ≤ 5, the controller's control module sends a cooling signal to the hot liquid supply device, which controls to stop the electric heating module.

[0015] Preferably, T4 = f(Q, T2, T3) = f(T2) × f(Q, T3), where f(T2) can be expressed by Table 1:

[0016] T21≤T2<T22 A1 T22≤T2<T23 A2 …… …… T2k≤T2 Ak

[0017] (Table 1)

[0018] f(Q, T3) can be expressed in Table 2:

[0019]

[0020] (Table 2)

[0021] In Tables 1 and 2, n, m, and k are all integers greater than 1.

[0022] Preferably, a first thermometer is installed on the inlet pipe. The first thermometer is located on the outside of the tank. The first thermometer is used to detect the temperature T1 of the alkaline solution entering the tank through the inlet pipe. The first thermometer is electrically connected to the controller. The heating gas-gathering element has a heating tube through which heating liquid flows. The temperature of the heating liquid is T5. If T0 > T1, then T5 > T0. If T1 ≥ T0, the controller module sends an alarm signal to the electrolytic cell.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The present invention is provided with a heating gas-gathering chamber, in which a heating gas-gathering element is provided. The heating gas-gathering element heats the alkaline solution, increasing the temperature of the alkaline solution and reducing the solubility of gases in the alkaline solution, thus enhancing gas-liquid separation for the first time. The gas-gathering fiber layer of the heating gas-gathering element gathers the tiny bubbles in the alkaline solution, thus enhancing gas-liquid separation for the second time. The ultrasonic bar gathers the tiny bubbles in the alkaline solution discharged from the heating gas-gathering chamber into the liquid inlet chamber, thus enhancing gas-liquid separation for the third time. The first gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer in the first liquid outlet chamber gathers the tiny bubbles in the alkaline solution entering the first liquid outlet chamber, thus enhancing gas-liquid separation for the fourth time. The second gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer in the second liquid outlet chamber gathers the tiny bubbles in the alkaline solution entering the second liquid outlet chamber, thus enhancing gas-liquid separation for the fifth time. Only after five enhanced gas-liquid separations will the alkaline solution enter the drain pipe for discharge. Therefore, the present invention can gather the tiny bubbles in the alkaline solution, effectively improving the gas-liquid separation efficiency and separation effect. Other advantages of the present invention will be described in the following specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is the front view of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a top view of the heating gas-gathering element of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a top view of the heating gas-gathering element of the present invention when removing the gas-gathering fiber layer;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the gas-gathering fiber layer of the heating gas-gathering element of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gas-gathering fiber layer of the heating gas-gathering element of the present invention when the fiber web layer is removed;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the liquid recovery element of the present invention from a top-down perspective;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the liquid recovery element of the present invention from an oblique elevation view;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the exhaust and return port structure of the liquid recovery element of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of the electronic control structure of the present invention.

[0034] In the diagram: 1. Tank body; 2. Inlet pipe; 3. Drain pipe; 4. Heating and gas-gathering chamber; 5. Heating and gas-gathering element; 501. Heating tube; 502. Gas-gathering fiber layer; 5021. Rectangular frame; 5022. Fiber mesh layer; 5023. Front rigid material mesh layer; 5024. Rear rigid material mesh layer; 6. Liquid recovery element; 601. Outer shell; 602. Inner shell; 603. Bottom shell; 604. Exhaust and return hole; 6041. Arc section; 6042. V-shaped section; 605. Connecting channel; 7. First partition; 8. Second partition; 9. First gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer; 10. Second gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer; 11. Drain valve; 12. Flow meter; 13. First thermometer; 14. Second thermometer; 15. Electrical control box; 16. Ultrasonic rod. Detailed implementation method:

[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, provides further details:

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a gas-liquid separation device for alkaline water electrolysis to produce hydrogen includes a tank 1, with an inlet pipe 2 and a drain pipe 3 installed on the tank 1. A first partition 7 and a second partition 8 are vertically arranged within the tank 1. The inlet pipe 2 and the drain pipe 3 are located on the left and right sides of the first partition 7, respectively. The side of the first partition 7 closest to the inlet pipe 2 (i.e., the left side of the first partition 7) is the inlet chamber, and the side of the first partition 7 closest to the drain pipe 3 (i.e., the right side of the first partition 7) is the drain chamber. The second partition 8 is located in the drain chamber and is parallel to the first partition 7. The second partition 8 divides the drain chamber into a first drain chamber and a second drain chamber. The first drain chamber is located between the first partition 7 and the second partition 8; that is, the left side of the second partition 8 is the first drain chamber, and the right side of the second partition 8 is the second drain chamber. The drain pipe 3 is L-shaped and includes a horizontal pipe section and a vertical pipe section. The horizontal pipe section is located at the upper end of the vertical pipe section. The vertical pipe section of the drain pipe 3 is located in the second drain chamber. The horizontal pipe section of the drain pipe 3 passes through the tank wall of the tank body 1. The horizontal pipe section of the drain pipe 3 is lower than the upper end of the second partition 8. The upper end of the second partition 8 is lower than the upper end of the first partition 7.

[0038] like Figures 2-6 As shown, a heating gas-gathering chamber 4 is provided in the liquid inlet chamber, and the liquid inlet pipe 2 is connected to the heating gas-gathering chamber 4. A heating gas-gathering element 5 is provided in the heating gas-gathering chamber 4. The heating gas-gathering element 5 includes heating tubes 501 and gas-gathering fiber layers 502 arranged in a series of overlapping positions. The heating tubes 501 have a multi-S-shaped structure, including straight tube sections and arc-shaped bend sections connecting adjacent straight tube sections. Multiple heating tubes 501 are arranged along the overlapping direction, and the straight tube sections of adjacent heating tubes 501 are perpendicular to each other. This allows each heating tube 501 to have more uniform contact with the alkali solution, resulting in better heating efficiency. The air-gathering fiber layer 502 includes a rectangular frame 5021, a fiber web layer 5022, a front rigid material web layer 5023, and a rear rigid material web layer 5024. The fiber web layer 5022, the front rigid material web layer 5023, and the rear rigid material web layer 5024 are all disposed in the rectangular frame 5021. The fiber web layer 5022 is located between the front rigid material web layer 5023 and the rear rigid material web layer 5024. The front rigid material web layer 5023 and the rear rigid material web layer 5024 are used to protect the fiber web layer 5022 and can effectively prevent the fiber web layer 5022 from being damaged by water flow. The front rigid material mesh layer 5023 is composed of multiple parallel first baffles, and the rear rigid material mesh layer 5024 is composed of multiple parallel second baffles. The first baffles are perpendicular to the second baffles and perpendicular to the straight section of the heating pipe 501 in front of them. The front rigid material mesh layer 5023 and the heating pipe 501 in front of it form a multi-well structure. Before the alkaline solution impacts the fiber mesh layer 5022, it is blocked and cut by the front rigid material mesh layer 5023 and the heating pipe 501 in front of it, which can further prevent the fiber mesh layer 5022 from being damaged by the water flow.

[0039] The heating tube 501 is connected to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe at both ends. Both the inlet and outlet pipes pass through the tank wall of the tank body 1 and are connected to a hot liquid supply device. The hot liquid supply device includes a transfer pump, a storage tank, and an electric heating module. The storage tank contains liquid, and the electric heating module, which is an electric heating plate or an electric heating rod, is used to heat the liquid stored in the storage tank. The transfer pump delivers the heated liquid to the heating tube 501, and the liquid discharged from the heating tube 501 returns to the storage tank. When hot liquid flows through the heating tube 501, the alkaline solution in contact with the heating tube 501 can be heated.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the vertical cross-sectional area of ​​the heating gas-gathering chamber 4 is larger than that of the inlet pipe 2. While the flow rate remains constant, the increased cross-sectional area reduces the flow velocity entering the heating gas-gathering chamber 4. A drain port is provided on the heating gas-gathering chamber 4, with the drain port and inlet pipe 2 located on opposite sides of the heating gas-gathering element 5. The drain port is positioned on the upper side wall or the top wall of the heating gas-gathering chamber 4. This ensures that the alkaline solution entering the heating gas-gathering chamber 4 through the inlet pipe 2 first fills or nearly fills the chamber before exiting. This has the following effects: firstly, it prevents the alkaline solution from directly impacting the fiber web layer 5022, and secondly, it minimizes the flow velocity of the alkaline solution in the heating gas-gathering chamber 4, resulting in minimal impact on the fiber web layer 5022. This effectively prevents damage to the fiber web layer 5022 from water flow impact, thus significantly improving its service life. Secondly, it allows the heating gas-gathering element 5 to be fully utilized, maximizing the contact area between the alkali solution and the heating gas-gathering element 5, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating tube 501 and the gas-gathering effect of the gas-gathering fiber layer 502.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the bottom of the first partition 7 has a connecting hole that connects the inlet chamber and the first outlet chamber. The alkaline solution in the inlet chamber enters the first outlet chamber through this connecting hole. Multiple ultrasonic rods 16 are installed in the inlet chamber to gather tiny air bubbles in the alkaline solution discharged from the heated gas-gathering chamber 4 into the inlet chamber. A first gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer 9 is installed in the first outlet chamber to gather tiny air bubbles in the alkaline solution entering the first outlet chamber. A second gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer 10 is installed in the second outlet chamber. The vertical section of the outlet pipe 3 passes through the second gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer 10, and the lower end of the vertical section of the outlet pipe 3 is located below the second gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer 10. The second gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer 10 gathers tiny air bubbles in the alkaline solution entering the second outlet chamber, after which the alkaline solution enters the outlet pipe 3 and is discharged.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a drain port is provided on the bottom wall of the liquid inlet chamber and / or the bottom wall of the first liquid outlet chamber of the tank body 1. A drain valve 11 is provided at the drain port for draining after long-term use.

[0043] like Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the upper end of the tank 1 is provided with an exhaust port, and a liquid recovery element 6 is installed at the exhaust port. The liquid recovery element 6 includes an outer shell 601, an inner shell 602, and a bottom shell 603. Both the outer shell 601 and the inner shell 602 are hollow frustum shapes. The upper and lower ends of the outer shell 601 are open, and the diameter of the upper end of the outer shell 601 is larger than the diameter of the lower end. The upper end of the outer shell 601 is connected to the exhaust port of the tank 1. The diameter of the upper end of the inner shell 602 is smaller than the diameter of the lower end. The upper end of the inner shell 602 is sealed, and the lower end is open. The bottom shell 603 is annular, and the lower end of the inner shell 602 and the lower end of the outer shell 601 are connected through the bottom shell 603. Multiple sets of exhaust and liquid return holes 604 are provided on the side wall of the inner shell 602, and the sets of exhaust and liquid return holes 604 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the inner shell 602. Each set of venting and return ports 604 includes multiple venting and return ports 604 arranged sequentially along the generatrix direction of the sidewall of the inner shell 602. The venting and return ports 604 are inverted teardrop shapes. In each set of venting and return ports 604, a connecting channel 605 is provided between adjacent venting and return ports 604. In each set of venting and return ports 604, the lower end of the lowest venting and return port 604 also has a connecting channel 605, which extends to the lower end of the inner shell 602. The gas and water vapor separated from the alkaline solution rise, and some of the gas and water vapor directly contact the outer wall of the outer shell 601, forming condensate on the outer wall of the outer shell 601 and dripping down. This recovers the alkaline solution, reduces its loss, and improves the purity of the collected gas. Some gas and water vapor come into direct contact with the inner wall of the inner shell 602, forming condensate on the inner wall and dripping down. In addition, some gas and water vapor enter the exhaust return hole 604 directly. When the gas comes into contact with the hole wall of the exhaust return hole 604, it will be blocked to a certain extent. The liquid contained in the gas will accumulate here and flow through the hole wall to the connecting channel 605, and then drip down for recycling.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, the inverted teardrop-shaped exhaust and return hole 604 has an upper arc-shaped portion 6041 and a lower V-shaped portion 6042. The arc-shaped portion 6041 is roughened and covered with sharp protrusions, which not only increases the contact with gas but also punctures air bubbles, effectively increasing the recovery rate of alkali solution. The V-shaped portion 6042 has a smooth surface, ensuring that accumulated alkali solution flows down quickly.

[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, the tank 1 is provided with one or more layers of blocking and accumulating mesh, which is located between the liquid recovery element 6 and the first partition 7. Water vapor can be accumulated and recovered through the blocking and accumulating mesh, forming droplets that fall down.

[0046] In some exemplary embodiments, the outer casing 601 is hollow and connected to a cooling medium inlet pipe and a cooling medium outlet pipe. The cooling medium can be cold water or cold air. This improves the efficiency of the outer casing 601 in recovering alkali solution.

[0047] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 10 As shown, a first thermometer 13 is installed on the inlet pipe 2 outside the tank 1. The first thermometer 13 is used to detect the temperature T1 of the alkaline solution entering the tank 1 through the inlet pipe 2. A flow meter 12 is installed on the inlet pipe 2 outside the tank 1. The flow meter 12 is used to detect the flow rate Q of the alkaline solution entering the tank 1 through the inlet pipe 2. A second thermometer 14 is installed at the outlet of the drain pipe 3 outside the tank 1. The second thermometer 14 is used to detect the temperature T2 of the alkaline solution discharged from the tank 1 through the drain pipe 3. An electrical control box 15 is installed on the tank body 1. The electrical control box 15 contains a controller and a third thermometer. The third thermometer is used to detect the ambient temperature T3. The first thermometer 13, the flow meter 12, the second thermometer 14 and the third thermometer are all electrically connected to the controller. The controller has a control module, a calculation module and a storage module. The storage module stores the process temperature T0 of the alkaline solution during the electrolysis of the alkaline solution in the electrolytic cell. Then T0 = T2 - T4, where T4 is the temperature drop due to heat loss when the alkaline solution flows back to the electrolytic cell from the drain pipe 3. T4 = f(Q, T2, T3). The calculation module calculates the required drain temperature T20 of the tank body 1 using the formula T2 = T0 + f(Q, T2, T3). Heating element 501 is connected to a hot liquid supply device, which has an electric heating module. If T20 > T2, and (T20-T2) / T2 ≥ N%, where 2 ≤ N ≤ 5, it indicates that T2 is too low. In this case, the controller's control module sends a heating signal to the hot liquid supply device, which then controls the increase of the electric heating module's power. If T20 < T2, and (T2-T20) / T2 ≥ M%, where 2 ≤ M ≤ 5, it indicates that T2 is too high. In this case, the controller's control module sends a cooling signal to the hot liquid supply device, which then controls the shutdown of the electric heating module.

[0048] T4 = f(Q, T2, T3) = f(T2) × f(Q, T3), where f(T2) is the temperature regulation coefficient, which can be expressed in Table 1:

[0049] Table 1

[0050] T21≤T2<T22 A1 T22≤T2<T23 A2 …… …… T2k≤T2 Ak

[0051] f(Q, T3) can be expressed in Table 2:

[0052] Table 2

[0053]

[0054] In Tables 1 and 2, n, m, and k are all integers greater than 1.

[0055] Table 1 and Table 2 are both stored in the controller's storage module. When the controller's calculation module calculates T4 using the formula T4 = f(Q, T2, T3) = f(T2) × f(Q, T3), it calls f(T2) and f(Q, T3) from Table 1 and Table 2.

[0056] Heating liquid flows through the heating tube 501 of the heating gas-gathering element 5. The temperature of the heating liquid is T5, which is the temperature of the liquid supplied by the hot liquid supply device. If T0 > T1, then T5 > T0. If T1 ≥ T0, it indicates that the heating element or temperature detection element in the electrolytic cell is malfunctioning, and the control module of the controller sends an alarm signal to the electrolytic cell.

[0057] The working principle of this invention is as follows: This invention includes a heating gas-gathering chamber 4, within which a heating gas-gathering element 5 is installed. The heating gas-gathering element 5 heats the alkaline solution, increasing its temperature and reducing the solubility of gases in the solution, thus enhancing gas-liquid separation for the first time. The gas-gathering fiber layer 502 of the heating gas-gathering element 5 gathers tiny bubbles in the alkaline solution, further enhancing gas-liquid separation. The ultrasonic rod 16 gathers tiny bubbles in the alkaline solution discharged from the heating gas-gathering chamber 4 into the inlet chamber, enhancing gas-liquid separation for the third time. The first gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer 9 in the first outlet chamber gathers tiny bubbles in the alkaline solution entering the first outlet chamber, enhancing gas-liquid separation for the fourth time. The second gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer 10 in the second outlet chamber gathers tiny bubbles in the alkaline solution entering the second outlet chamber, enhancing gas-liquid separation for the fifth time. Only after five enhanced gas-liquid separation processes does the alkaline solution enter the outlet pipe 3 for discharge. Therefore, this invention can gather tiny bubbles in the alkaline solution, effectively improving gas-liquid separation efficiency and effect.

[0058] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separation device for alkaline water electrolysis to produce hydrogen, comprising a tank (1), wherein the tank (1) is provided with an inlet pipe (2) and a outlet pipe (3), characterized in that, The tank body (1) is provided with a heating gas gathering chamber (4), the liquid inlet pipe (2) is connected to the heating gas gathering chamber (4), the heating gas gathering chamber (4) is provided with a heating gas gathering element (5), the heating gas gathering element (5) is used to heat the alkaline solution entering from the liquid inlet pipe (2) and gather the tiny bubbles in the alkaline solution, the heating gas gathering chamber (4) is provided with a drain port, the drain port and the liquid inlet pipe (2) are respectively located on both sides of the heating gas gathering element (5); the upper end of the tank body (1) is provided with an exhaust port, the exhaust port is provided with a liquid recovery element (6), the liquid recovery element (6) is provided with an exhaust return hole (604); The tank (1) is provided with a first partition (7), the liquid inlet pipe (2) and the liquid outlet pipe (3) are respectively located on both sides of the first partition (7), the side of the first partition (7) near the liquid inlet pipe (2) is the liquid inlet chamber, the side of the first partition (7) near the liquid outlet pipe (3) is the liquid outlet chamber, the heating gas gathering chamber (4) is located in the liquid inlet chamber, and the alkaline solution discharged from its outlet enters the liquid inlet chamber; the bottom of the first partition (7) is provided with a connecting hole connecting the liquid inlet chamber and the liquid outlet chamber, and multiple ultrasonic rods (16) are provided in the liquid inlet chamber; The drainage chamber is provided with a second partition (8), which is parallel to the first partition (7). The second partition (8) divides the drainage chamber into a first drainage chamber and a second drainage chamber. The first drainage chamber is located between the first partition (7) and the second partition (8). A first gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer (9) is provided in the first drainage chamber. The drainage pipe (3) is L-shaped, including a horizontal pipe section and a vertical pipe section. The horizontal pipe section is located at the upper end of the vertical pipe section. The vertical pipe section of the drainage pipe (3) is located at... In the second drainage chamber, the horizontal tube of the drainage pipe (3) passes through the tank wall of the tank body (1), and the horizontal tube of the drainage pipe (3) is lower than the upper end of the second partition (8), and the upper end of the second partition (8) is lower than the upper end of the first partition (7); a second gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer (10) is provided in the second drainage chamber, and the vertical tube of the drainage pipe (3) passes through the second gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer (10), and the lower end of the vertical tube of the drainage pipe (3) is located below the second gas-gathering fiber stacked mesh layer (10).

2. The gas-liquid separation device for alkaline water electrolysis to produce hydrogen according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical cross-sectional area of ​​the heating gas-gathering chamber (4) is larger than the vertical cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid inlet pipe (2). The liquid outlet on the heating gas-gathering chamber (4) is located on the upper end of the side wall of the heating gas-gathering chamber (4) or on the top wall of the heating gas-gathering chamber (4). The heating gas-gathering element (5) includes heating tubes (501) and gas-gathering fiber layers (502) arranged in sequence. The heating tubes (501) have a multi-S-shaped structure, including straight tube sections and arc-shaped bend sections connecting adjacent straight tube sections. Multiple heating tubes (501) are arranged along the overlapping direction, and the straight tube sections of adjacent heating tubes (501) are perpendicular to each other. The two ends of the heating tubes (501) are respectively connected to water inlet pipes and water outlet pipes. Both water inlet pipes and water outlet pipes pass through the tank wall of the tank body (1) and are connected to the hot liquid supply device.

3. The gas-liquid separation device for alkaline water electrolysis to produce hydrogen according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas-gathering fiber layer (502) includes a rectangular frame (5021), a fiber mesh layer (5022), a front rigid material mesh layer (5023), and a rear rigid material mesh layer (5024). The fiber mesh layer (5022), the front rigid material mesh layer (5023), and the rear rigid material mesh layer (5024) are all disposed in the rectangular frame (5021). The fiber mesh layer (5022) is located between the front rigid material mesh layer (5023) and the rear rigid material mesh layer (5024). The front rigid material mesh layer (5023) is composed of multiple parallel first baffles, and the rear rigid material mesh layer (5024) is composed of multiple parallel second baffles. The first baffles are perpendicular to the second baffles and are perpendicular to the straight section of the heating tube (501) on its front side.

4. The gas-liquid separation device for alkaline water electrolysis to produce hydrogen according to claim 1, characterized in that, A drain port is provided on the bottom wall of the liquid inlet chamber and / or the bottom wall of the first liquid outlet chamber, and a drain valve (11) is provided at the drain port.

5. The gas-liquid separation device for alkaline water electrolysis to produce hydrogen according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid recovery element (6) includes an outer shell (601), an inner shell (602), and a bottom shell (603). The outer shell (601) and the inner shell (602) are both hollow frustum shapes. The upper and lower ends of the outer shell (601) are open, and the diameter of the upper end of the outer shell (601) is larger than the diameter of the lower end. The upper end of the outer shell (601) is connected to the exhaust port of the tank (1). The diameter of the upper end of the inner shell (602) is smaller than the diameter of the lower end. The upper end of the inner shell (602) is sealed, and the lower end is open. Multiple exhaust and liquid return holes (604) are provided on the side wall of the inner shell (602). The bottom shell (603) is annular. The lower end of the inner shell (602) and the lower end of the outer shell (601) are connected through the bottom shell (603).

6. A gas-liquid separation device for alkaline water electrolysis to produce hydrogen according to claim 5, characterized in that, Multiple sets of venting and return holes (604) are provided on the side wall of the inner shell (602), and each set of venting and return holes (604) is uniformly arranged along the circumferential direction of the inner shell (602). Each set of venting and return holes (604) includes multiple venting and return holes (604) arranged sequentially along the generatrix direction of the side wall of the inner shell (602). The venting and return holes (604) are in the shape of inverted water droplets. In each set of venting and return holes (604), a connecting channel (605) is provided between two adjacent venting and return holes (604). In each set of venting and return holes (604), the lower end of the lowermost venting and return hole (604) is also provided with a connecting channel (605), and the connecting channel (605) extends to the lower end of the inner shell (602).

7. A gas-liquid separation device for alkaline water electrolysis to produce hydrogen according to claim 2, characterized in that, A flow meter (12) is installed on the pipe body outside the tank (1) of the inlet pipe (2). The flow meter (12) is used to detect the flow rate Q of the alkali solution entering the tank (1) through the inlet pipe (2). A second thermometer (14) is installed at the outlet of the drain pipe (3) outside the tank (1). The second thermometer (14) is used to detect the temperature T2 of the alkali solution discharged from the tank (1) through the drain pipe (3). An electrical control box (15) is installed on the tank (1). The electrical control box (15) contains a controller and a third thermometer. The third thermometer is used to detect the ambient temperature T3. The flow meter (12), the second thermometer (14), and the third thermometer are all electrically connected to the controller. The controller has a control module, a calculation module, and a storage module. The storage module stores the process temperature T0 of the alkali solution during electrolysis in the electrolytic cell. T0 = ​​T2 - T4, where T4 is the temperature drop due to heat loss when the alkali solution flows back to the electrolytic cell from the drain pipe (3), T4 = f(Q, T2, T3). The calculation module calculates the required drain temperature T20 of the tank (1) using the formula T2 = T0 + f(Q, T2, T3). The heating pipe (501) is connected to a hot liquid supply device, which has an electric heating module. If T20 > T2 and (T20 - T2) / T2 ≥ N%, where 2 ≤ N ≤ 5, the controller's control module transmits a heating signal to the hot liquid supply device, and the hot liquid supply device controls to increase the power of the electric heating module. If T20 < T2 and (T2 - T20) / T2 ≥ M%, where 2 ≤ M ≤ 5, the controller's control module transmits a cooling signal to the hot liquid supply device, and the hot liquid supply device controls to stop the electric heating module.

8. A gas-liquid separation device for alkaline water electrolysis to produce hydrogen according to claim 7, characterized in that, The T4 = f(Q, T2, T3) = f(T2) × f(Q, T3).

9. A gas-liquid separation device for alkaline water electrolysis to produce hydrogen according to claim 8, characterized in that, A first thermometer (13) is installed on the inlet pipe (2). The first thermometer (13) is located on the outside of the tank (1). The first thermometer (13) is used to detect the temperature T1 of the alkaline solution entering the tank (1) through the inlet pipe (2). The first thermometer (13) is electrically connected to the controller. The heating gas-gathering element (5) has a heating tube (501). Heating liquid flows through the heating tube (501). The temperature of the heating liquid is T5. If T0 > T1, then T5 > T0. If T1 ≥ T0, then the control module of the controller sends an alarm signal to the electrolytic cell.

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