Low-pressure portable efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane

Abstract

The invention discloses a low-pressure portable efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane, which comprises a pressure-resistant and high-temperature-resistant cylindrical shell, an annular porous skeleton in which an efficient catalyst is embedded, a pluggable stirring module, a heating assembly, a gas exporting and purifying module, a safety monitoring assembly and the like, and relates to the technical field of hydrogen production equipment. According to the low-pressure portable efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane, the shell has pressure-resistant and high-temperature-resistant performance, by adopting a special efficient catalyst, the pyrolysis reaction temperature of ammonia borane is reduced, the generation rate and yield of hydrogen are increased, efficient hydrogen production is achieved, the device is provided with a temperature sensor and a pressure safety valve, safety is guaranteed, and the device is suitable for popularization and application. The reaction product nitrogen boride can be utilized, key materials can be recycled and replaced regularly, the device is suitable for a robot with a body, a robot dog, an unmanned aerial vehicle, an emergency power supply and the like, hydrogen can be supplied integrally or in a distributed mode, and the problems that an existing hydrogen production device is low in efficiency, poor in portability, insufficient in safety and the like are effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of hydrogen production equipment, and in particular to a low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of science and technology, the demand for clean energy is increasing. Hydrogen, as an efficient and clean energy carrier, has broad application prospects in many fields. Ammonia borane has become one of the most promising hydrogen storage materials due to its high theoretical hydrogen production capacity. However, the current hydrogen production technology based on ammonia borane faces many challenges in practical applications. Traditional hydrogen production devices generally have the problem of low hydrogen production efficiency. The reaction temperature is too high or the reaction rate is slow, resulting in the inability to quickly and efficiently produce enough hydrogen. At the same time, most of these devices are large in size, complex in structure, and have poor portability. They are difficult to meet application scenarios such as embodied robots, robot dogs, and drones that have strict requirements on equipment size and weight. In addition, safety is also an important issue. During the hydrogen production process, the device cannot effectively monitor and control parameters such as temperature and pressure, which can easily cause safety accidents. Therefore, the development of an efficient, portable and safe hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane is of great practical significance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention provides a low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane. This device addresses the low efficiency, poor portability, and safety issues of existing hydrogen production devices. By optimizing the device structure and reaction conditions, it achieves efficient hydrogen production and improves the device's applicability and safety.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions: a low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane, comprising a reaction chamber shell, the inner cavity of the reaction chamber shell is provided with an annular porous skeleton, and the inner cavity of the annular porous skeleton is embedded with an efficient catalyst that accelerates the pyrolysis reaction and reduces the reaction temperature, sealing rings are provided at both ends of the reaction chamber shell, an output shell is provided at one end of the reaction chamber shell, and a pressure valve is provided on the surface of the output shell, a cylindrical outer shell is provided at the other end of the reaction chamber shell, and a power input shaft is rotatably sleeved on the surface of the cylindrical outer shell, one end of the power input shaft is fixedly connected to a mounting shaft, and stirring blades are symmetrically provided on the surface of the mounting shaft, a heating component is provided on the surface of the reaction chamber shell, reaction particles are provided in the inner cavity of the annular porous skeleton, and a temperature sensor is provided between the reaction chamber shell and the heating component.

[0005] Preferably, the reaction chamber shell, cylindrical shell and output shell are made of austenitic stainless steel, nickel-based alloy or carbon fiber composite material, with a thickness of 3-5 mm, can withstand an internal pressure of ≥4 bar without hydrogen embrittlement, and have a melting point or obvious deformation temperature ≥150°C and a thermal conductivity coefficient ≥15W / m·K, ensuring structural stability at the ammonia borane pyrolysis temperature. Preferably, the sealing ring is in compression contact with the output housing and the cylindrical outer shell to limit the escape of hydrogen.

[0006] Preferably, an output air port is provided on the surface of the output housing, and a diaphragm is provided in the inner cavity.

[0007] Preferably, the power input shaft is connected to an external motor to drive the mounting shaft and the stirring blades to rotate inside the reaction chamber shell.

[0008] Preferably, the high-efficiency catalyst is a transition metal-based carrier and a non-precious metal active coating loaded on its surface. For example, a catalyst in which a Co-PB coating is coated on Ni and Si nanoparticles is selected. This catalyst can significantly accelerate the reaction of ammonia borane and reduce the reaction temperature, so that ammonia borane can achieve a high hydrogen pyrolysis yield at a relatively low temperature of about 80°C, greatly improving the hydrogen production efficiency. The high-efficiency catalyst can reduce the temperature at which ammonia borane pyrolysis produces a high hydrogen yield, so as to adapt to the operating temperature range of proton exchange membrane fuel cells in the range of 70~90°C.

[0009] Preferably, the heating element is either a resistor patch or a heat pipe. The heating element can be a number of resistor patches, with the heating temperature controlled by an external control system, or a number of heat pipes, which conduct heat from the fuel cell to the interior of the device. The heating process can be observed and controlled, ensuring that the reaction proceeds at an appropriate temperature, further improving hydrogen production efficiency.

[0010] Preferably, the pressure valve in the output shell is used to limit the maximum pressure of the gas discharged from the cavity. When the internal pressure of the device exceeds the limit, the pressure valve automatically opens to release the pressure, ensuring the safety of the cavity and effectively avoiding the occurrence of safety accidents. The diaphragm in the output shell is used to limit the cylindrical shell in the cavity from entering the output gas port. The rear end of the output shell is connected to a purification module containing a palladium purifier. The generated gas is discharged to the purification module through the pressure valve and the output gas port. The palladium purifier is used to separate hydrogen from impurity gases such as nitrogen. The purified hydrogen is input into the reaction device through the pressure regulating valve to ensure the purity and quality of the hydrogen.

[0011] Preferably, the reaction particles react with ammonia borane to release hydrogen, which is a raw material for hydrogen production.

[0012] Preferably, the temperature sensor monitors the device temperature in real time to control the reaction rate.

[0013] Preferably, the hydrogen production device can be applied to embodied robots, robot dogs, drones, and emergency power supplies, and can supply hydrogen in an overall or distributed manner.

[0014] Preferably, the product after the reaction of the hydrogen production device includes boron nitrogen with utilization value, and the palladium used for purifying hydrogen and the high-efficiency catalyst used for catalytic reaction can be regularly recovered and replaced.

[0015] The present invention provides a low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane. Compared with the existing technology, it has the following advantages: 1. This low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane uses a special high-efficiency catalyst to reduce the thermal decomposition temperature of ammonia borane, increase the hydrogen generation rate and output, and achieve efficient hydrogen production.

[0016] 2. This low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane is cylindrical in shape, compact in structure, and has reasonable functional modules. It is easy to carry and install on various equipment, meeting the needs of different application scenarios.

[0017] 3. This low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane can withstand a certain pressure through its outer shell, and is equipped with safety monitoring and protection devices such as temperature sensors and pressure valves. Compared with traditional high-pressure hydrogen cylinders, the pressure inside the cavity is significantly reduced, effectively ensuring the safety of the device during operation.

[0018] 4. This low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane effectively utilizes the boronized nitrogen product after the reaction and regularly recycles and replaces key materials such as palladium and catalyst coatings, thereby improving resource utilization and reducing operating costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the present invention.

[0020] In the figure: 1. Reaction chamber shell; 2. Power input shaft; 3. Sealing ring; 4. Cylindrical outer shell; 5. Output shell; 6. Heating component; 7. Pressure valve; 8. Mounting shaft; 9. Stirring blade; 10. Reaction particles; 11. Ring-shaped porous skeleton; 12. High-efficiency catalyst; 13. Temperature sensor; 14. Diaphragm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention are clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] See also Figure 1-3 The embodiment of the present invention provides a technical solution: a low-pressure portable high-efficiency hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane, comprising a reaction chamber shell 1, the inner cavity of the reaction chamber shell 1 is provided with an annular porous skeleton 11, and the inner cavity of the annular porous skeleton 11 is embedded with an efficient catalyst 12 that accelerates the pyrolysis reaction and reduces the reaction temperature, both ends of the reaction chamber shell 1 are sleeved with a sealing ring 3, one end of the reaction chamber shell 1 is provided with an output shell 5, and the surface of the output shell 5 is connected to a pressure valve 7, and the other end of the reaction chamber shell 1 is provided with a cylindrical shell 4, the sealing ring 3 and the output shell 5 are connected. It is squeezed into contact with the cylindrical shell 4 to form a seal to limit the escape of hydrogen, and a power input shaft 2 is rotatably sleeved on the surface of the cylindrical shell 4, one end of the power input shaft 2 is fixedly connected to the mounting shaft 8, and stirring blades 9 are symmetrically arranged on the surface of the mounting shaft 8. A heating component 6 is arranged on the surface of the reaction chamber shell 1, and the inner cavity of the annular porous skeleton 11 is provided with reaction particles 10. The reaction particles 10 react with ammonia borane and release hydrogen, which is the raw material for hydrogen production. A temperature sensor 13 is provided between the reaction chamber shell 1 and the heating component 6 to monitor the device temperature in real time and control the reaction rate.

[0023] The power input shaft 2 is connected to an external motor to drive the mounting shaft 8 and the stirring blade 9 to rotate inside the reaction chamber shell 1.

[0024] The reaction chamber shell 1, cylindrical shell 4 and output shell 5 are made of austenitic stainless steel, nickel-based alloy or carbon fiber composite material, with a thickness of 3-5 mm, can withstand an internal pressure of ≥4 bar without hydrogen embrittlement, and have a melting point or obvious deformation temperature ≥150°C and a thermal conductivity coefficient ≥15W / m·K, ensuring structural stability at the ammonia borane pyrolysis temperature of 70-90°C. The high-efficiency catalyst 12 is a transition metal-based carrier and a non-precious metal active coating loaded on its surface. For example, a catalyst with a Co-PB coating coated on Ni and Si nanoparticles is selected. This catalyst can significantly accelerate the reaction of ammonia borane and reduce the reaction temperature, so that ammonia borane can achieve high hydrogen pyrolysis yield at a relatively low temperature of about 80°C, greatly improving the hydrogen production efficiency. The high-efficiency catalyst 12 can reduce the temperature at which ammonia borane pyrolysis produces high hydrogen yield, so as to adapt to the operating temperature range of proton exchange membrane fuel cells in the range of 70~90°C.

[0025] The heating element 6 is either a resistor patch or a heat pipe. It can be a number of resistor patches, with the heating temperature controlled by an external control system, or a number of heat pipes, which conduct heat from the fuel cell to the interior of the device. The heating process can be observed and controlled, ensuring the reaction proceeds at the appropriate temperature, further improving hydrogen production efficiency.

[0026] An output gas port is provided on the surface of the output shell 5, and a diaphragm 14 is provided in the inner cavity. The pressure valve 7 in the output shell 5 is used to limit the maximum pressure of the gas discharged from the cavity. When the internal pressure of the device exceeds the limit, the pressure valve 7 automatically opens to release the pressure, ensuring the safety of the cavity and effectively avoiding the occurrence of safety accidents. The diaphragm 14 in the output shell 5 is used to limit the reaction gas in the cavity from entering the output gas port. The rear end of the output shell 5 is connected to a purification module containing a palladium purifier. The generated gas is discharged to the purification module through the pressure valve 7 and the output gas port. The palladium purifier is used to separate hydrogen from impurity gases such as nitrogen. The purified hydrogen is input into the reaction device through a pressure regulating valve to ensure the purity and quality of the hydrogen.

[0027] The hydrogen production device can be applied to embodied robots, robot dogs, drones, and emergency power supplies, and can supply hydrogen in an overall or distributed manner. The products after the reaction of the hydrogen production device include boron nitrogen with utilization value, palladium for purifying hydrogen, and a high-efficiency catalyst 12 for catalytic reaction, which can be regularly recovered and replaced.

[0028] The device is assembled as follows; The porosity of the annular porous skeleton 11 is 60% to 80%, and the pore size ranges from 0.1 to 1 mm. First, a high-efficiency catalyst 12 is embedded in the annular porous skeleton 11, preferably a catalyst having a Co-PB coating on Ni and Si nanoparticles, wherein the catalyst; The particle size is 50~100nm, and the active coating thickness is 5~10nm; The catalyst loading is 15~25wt%, and the specific surface area is ≥200m² / g; The catalytic activity temperature range is 70~90℃, the ammonia borane conversion rate is ≥95%, and the hydrogen production rate is ≥1.5L / min·g.

[0029] The high-efficiency catalyst 12 can reduce the thermal decomposition temperature of ammonia borane to about 80°C, which is consistent with the operating temperature range of the fuel cell. The chemical formula of the thermal decomposition reaction is: .

[0030] In the absence of an efficient catalyst 12, the basic pyrolysis of ammonia borane is divided into several stages, with a temperature range of 110~200℃. The reaction is incomplete at low temperatures, and intermediate products such as polyborazine are generated. The theoretical total hydrogen storage capacity is about 6.1wt%. However, through the design of an efficient catalyst 12, the temperature can be significantly reduced to 70~90℃, and the theoretical total hydrogen storage capacity reaches 19.6wt%, meeting the integration requirements of portable hydrogen production devices and fuel cells. The annular porous skeleton 11 is then installed inside the reaction chamber shell 1 to ensure that it is firmly installed. The outer diameter of the annular porous skeleton 11 is the same as the inner diameter of the reaction chamber shell 1, and it can be installed by methods such as thermal interference fit.

[0031] Assemble the stirring module, connect the power input shaft 2, the mounting shaft 8 and the stirring blades 9, ensure that the externally connected motor can drive the stirring blades 9 to rotate normally through the power input shaft 2, and arrange at least one group of annular stirring blades 9 on the mounting shaft 8, with a number of 3 to 6 pieces, preferably evenly distributed in the axial direction. There is a certain gap between the stirring blades 9 and the annular porous skeleton 11 in the radial direction, and the radial gap between the stirring blades 9 and the annular porous skeleton 11 is ≤1mm, which is convenient for stirring the reaction particles 10. The stirring module is installed as a whole on one side of the cylindrical shell 4, which can be connected by threaded connection or bayonet pin. A sealing ring 3 is also provided between the cylindrical shell 4 and the reaction chamber shell 1 to limit the escape of hydrogen.

[0032] Install a heating component 6, such as a resistor patch or heat pipe, at at least one location outside the reaction chamber shell 1. Preferably, the component should be evenly distributed in a ring shape. The resistor patch power density should be 1-3 W / cm², or the heat pipe thermal conductivity should be ≥5000 W / m·K. Connect the heating control system to a temperature control accuracy of ±2°C.

[0033] At least one temperature sensor 13 is arranged and embedded between the heating component 6 and the reaction chamber shell 1. The output shell 5 is installed at the other end of the reaction chamber shell 1, which can be connected by threaded connection or bayonet connection. A sealing ring 3 is also provided between the output shell 5 and the reaction chamber shell 1 to limit the escape of hydrogen. An output gas port is provided on one side of the output shell 5, and a pressure valve 7 is provided on the surface. A diaphragm 14 through which hydrogen can pass is provided between the output gas port and the reaction chamber output shell 5 to prevent the reaction particles 10 from leaking from the output gas port. The pore size of the diaphragm 14 is ≤0.1μm. The rear end of the output shell 5 can be connected to a purification module containing a palladium purifier. The palladium purifier is used to separate hydrogen from impurity gases such as nitrogen. The purified hydrogen is input into the reaction device through a pressure regulating valve, wherein Hydrogen production process Pull out the stirring module and add reaction particles 10 to the reaction cavity of the annular porous skeleton 11. After the addition is completed, insert the stirring module back into its original position. After each replacement of the reaction particles 10, connect the output shell 5 directly or indirectly to an external vacuum pump to exhaust impurities such as oxygen and nitrogen in the cavity through the output gas port.

[0034] The motor is started, and the motor drives the stirring blade 9 to rotate through the power input shaft 2 and the mounting shaft 8, so that the reaction particles 10 are evenly distributed in the device through the stirring blade 9.

[0035] The device is heated using either resistors or heat pipes utilizing heat from the fuel cell, depending on the needs. A control system monitors and regulates the heating temperature, maintaining the internal temperature at approximately 80°C. During the heating process, ammonia borane undergoes a pyrolysis reaction over the high-efficiency catalyst 12, producing hydrogen and boronitrile. By controlling the hydrogen production of the temperature control device of the heating assembly 6, the pyrolysis reaction is virtually non-existent when the temperature is below 60°C.

[0036] The generated gas is discharged through the output gas port of the output shell 5. The diameter of the output gas port is determined by the hydrogen production of the device. The output gas port can be connected to an external pipeline to output the product to the purifier. In the purifier, the palladium-containing material separates hydrogen from impurity gases such as nitrogen. The purified hydrogen is then input into the reaction device through a pressure regulating valve for use. In some embodiments for robot dogs, it can be placed as a whole on the abdomen of the robot dog, or it can be distributed on the feet of the robot dog to achieve battery structuring. The axial and radial dimensions of the reaction chamber shell 1 are set according to needs to adapt to application scenarios such as embodied robots, robot dogs, drones, etc. that have strict requirements on equipment volume and weight. For application scenarios with higher lightweight requirements, the material of the reaction chamber shell 1 should preferably be a material with good thermal conductivity and low density, such as carbon fiber material. For application scenarios with higher cost reduction requirements, the material of the reaction chamber shell 1 can be PTFE+carbon fiber composite material. For application scenarios with low requirements for lightweight, the material of the reaction chamber shell 1 should preferably be a material with good thermal conductivity and not prone to hydrogen embrittlement, such as austenitic stainless steel or nickel-based material. The melting point of the material of the reaction chamber shell 1 or the temperature at which obvious deformation occurs needs to be higher than the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 13, further, 20°C higher than the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 13, and further, 50°C higher than the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 13.

[0037] During the entire hydrogen production process, the temperature sensor 13 monitors the internal temperature of the device in real time, with a measurement range of 0~150℃ and an accuracy of ±0.5℃. The pressure valve 7 monitors the internal pressure of the device in real time. When the pressure exceeds the limit, the pressure valve 7 automatically opens to release the pressure to ensure the safety of the device. Usually, the pressure in the cavity does not exceed 4bar, the threshold is 4bar, and the response time is ≤0.5s.

[0038] Product processing and material recovery After the reaction is completed, the boronized nitrogen product in the collection device can be used to manufacture high-performance materials, etc. The palladium used to purify hydrogen and the Co-PB coating coated on the Ni and Si nanoparticles used for catalytic reactions are regularly recovered and replaced. The replaced materials can be specially recycled to achieve resource reuse. After the reaction particles 10 are re-added, the device can continue to produce hydrogen. The entire operation process is simple and safe.

[0039] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0040] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane, comprising a reaction chamber housing (1), characterized in that: The inner cavity of the reaction chamber shell (1) is provided with an annular porous skeleton (11), and the inner cavity of the annular porous skeleton (11) is embedded with a high-efficiency catalyst (12) that accelerates the pyrolysis reaction and reduces the reaction temperature. Both ends of the reaction chamber shell (1) are sleeved with sealing rings (3). One end of the reaction chamber shell (1) is provided with an output shell (5), and the surface of the output shell (5) is connected to and provided with a pressure valve (7). The other end of the reaction chamber shell (1) is provided with a cylindrical shell (4), and the surface of the cylindrical shell (4) is rotatably sleeved with a power input shaft (2). One end of the power input shaft (2) is fixedly connected to a mounting shaft (8), and the surface of the mounting shaft (8) is symmetrically provided with stirring blades (9). The surface of the reaction chamber shell (1) is provided with a heating component (6), the inner cavity of the annular porous skeleton (11) is provided with reaction particles (10), and a temperature sensor (13) is provided between the reaction chamber shell (1) and the heating component (6).

2. The low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing ring (3) is in extrusion contact with the output housing (5) and the cylindrical outer shell (4) to limit the escape of hydrogen.

3. The low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane according to claim 1, characterized in that: An output air port is provided on the surface of the output housing (5), and a diaphragm (14) is provided in the inner cavity.

4. The low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power input shaft (2) is connected to an external motor to drive the mounting shaft (8) and the stirring blade (9) to rotate inside the reaction chamber shell (1).

5. The low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane according to claim 1, characterized in that: The high-efficiency catalyst (12) is a transition metal-based carrier and a non-precious metal active coating loaded on the surface thereof. The high-efficiency catalyst (12) can reduce the temperature at which ammonia borane is pyrolyzed to produce a high hydrogen yield, so as to adapt to the operating temperature range of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell, which is 70 to 90°C.

6. The low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating component (6) is a resistor patch or a heat pipe.

7. The low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pressure valve (7) in the output housing (5) is used to limit the maximum pressure of the gas discharged from the cavity, and the diaphragm (14) in the output housing (5) is used to limit the cylindrical shell (4) in the cavity from entering the output gas port. The rear end of the output housing (5) is connected to a purification module containing a palladium purifier, and the palladium purifier is used to separate hydrogen from impurity gases such as nitrogen. The purified hydrogen is input into the reaction device through a pressure regulating valve.

8. The low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reaction particles (10) react with ammonia borane and release hydrogen, which is a raw material for hydrogen production.

9. The low-pressure, portable, and efficient hydrogen production device based on ammonia borane according to claim 1, characterized in that The reaction chamber shell (1), the cylindrical outer shell (4) and the output shell (5) are made of austenitic stainless steel, nickel-based alloy or carbon fiber composite material.

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