Electrolysis system and rapid early warning method for control

Abstract

The invention provides an electrolysis system and a rapid early warning method for control, and relates to the technical field of hydrogen and oxygen production through electrolysis of water, the electrolysis system comprises an electrolytic bath, a first separation system and a second separation system, the electrolytic bath can generate a first gas-liquid mixture and a second gas-liquid mixture, the first gas-liquid mixture comprises water and first gas, and the second gas-liquid mixture comprises second gas and second gas; the second gas-liquid mixture comprises a second gas and an electrolyte; one of the first gas and the second gas is hydrogen, and the other is oxygen; the electrolytic cell is respectively connected with the first separation system and the second separation system through a first channel, so that a first gas-liquid mixture flows into the first separation system, and a second gas-liquid mixture flows into the second separation system; the first channel is connected with a gas analysis mechanism, the gas analysis mechanism comprises a gas analyzer, and the gas analyzer is used for detecting the proportion of the second gas contained in the first gas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of producing hydrogen and oxygen by electrolyzing water, and in particular to an electrolysis system and a rapid early warning method for control. Background Art

[0002] With the widespread application of electrolysis technology, electrolysis systems are playing an increasingly important role in industrial production. During the electrolysis process, the gas-liquid mixture produced by the electrolyzer needs to be separated through a separation system to ensure gas purity and safety. To monitor the purity of hydrogen and oxygen during the electrolysis process, existing electrolysis systems typically include hydrogen-to-oxygen and oxygen-to-hydrogen analyzers after the separation system. These analyzers measure the hydrogen and oxygen content in the separated gases to ensure they meet safety standards.

[0003] The specific process is as follows: the gas-liquid mixture produced by the electrolyzer first enters the separation system. After separation, the gas is transported to the analyzer for testing. The analyzer uses sensors and a data processing unit to monitor the concentrations of hydrogen and oxygen in the gas in real time and feeds the test results back to the control system. If the concentration of oxygen in hydrogen or hydrogen in oxygen exceeds the standard, the control system will issue a warning signal, prompting the operator to take appropriate safety measures.

[0004] However, because the analyzer is located after the separation system, the gas must travel a long distance through pipelines and equipment before reaching the analyzer, resulting in a significant delay in detection time. When the diaphragm is damaged or the concentration of oxygen in hydrogen or hydrogen in oxygen exceeds the standard, the analyzer cannot issue an immediate warning, thus failing to provide a fast, safe and effective warning, which can easily cause irreversible damage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an electrolysis system and a rapid early warning method for control, so as to alleviate the technical problem that the analyzer cannot detect the damage of the diaphragm of the existing electrolysis system in the first time.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an electrolysis system comprising: an electrolytic cell, a first separation system, and a second separation system, wherein the electrolytic cell is capable of producing a first gas-liquid mixture and a second gas-liquid mixture, wherein the first gas-liquid mixture comprises water and a first gas, and the second gas-liquid mixture comprises a second gas and an electrolyte; one of the first gas and the second gas is hydrogen, and the other is oxygen; the electrolytic cell is connected to the first separation system and the second separation system, respectively, via a first channel, such that the first gas-liquid mixture flows into the first separation system, and the second gas-liquid mixture flows into the second separation system; The first channel is connected to a gas analysis mechanism, which includes a gas analyzer. The gas analyzer is used to detect the proportion of the second gas in the first gas.

[0007] Furthermore, the gas analyzer is located on a side of the first channel closer to the electrolytic cell.

[0008] Furthermore, the gas analyzer is electrically connected to the electrolytic cell. When the gas analyzer detects that the ratio of the second gas in the first gas is greater than a preset value, the electrolytic cell is closed and stops working.

[0009] Furthermore, the electrolysis system further comprises an alarm module, which is electrically connected to the gas analyzer. When the ratio of the second gas in the first gas is greater than a preset value, the alarm module sends an alarm signal.

[0010] Furthermore, the gas analysis mechanism further includes a humidity detector, which is arranged between the gas analyzer and the electrolytic cell; A valve is provided between the gas analyzer and the humidity detector, and the valve is used to control the on and off of the gas analyzer.

[0011] Furthermore, the humidity detector is electrically connected to the electrolytic cell and the valve, respectively. When the water content in the first gas-liquid mixture detected by the humidity detector is greater than the upper limit threshold of the gas analyzer, the electrolytic cell is closed and stops working. In addition, the gas analysis mechanism further includes a gas-liquid separator, which is disposed between the humidity detector and the electrolytic cell.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a rapid early warning method for controlling an electrolysis system, the method being performed by the above-mentioned electrolysis system and comprising the steps of: Step S10: Start the system and obtain the ratio of the second gas in the first gas; Step S20: When the ratio is greater than a preset value, the electrolytic cell stops working.

[0013] Furthermore, the rapid early warning method for controlling the electrolysis system further includes performing the following steps after step S20: Step S30: Send an alarm signal.

[0014] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a rapid early warning method for controlling an electrolysis system, the method being performed by the above-mentioned electrolysis system and comprising the steps of: Step S10. Start the system with the valve in the open state and detect the water content in the first gas-liquid mixture and the second gas-liquid mixture; Step S20: When the water content of one of the first gas-liquid mixture or the second gas-liquid mixture is greater than the upper threshold of the gas analyzer, the electrolytic cell stops operating; Step S30. When the water content of one of the first gas-liquid mixture or the second gas-liquid mixture is less than or equal to the upper threshold of the gas analyzer, obtaining the ratio of the second gas in the first gas; Step S40: When the ratio is greater than a preset value, the electrolytic cell stops working.

[0015] The present invention has at least the following advantages or beneficial effects: The electrolysis system provided by the present invention includes: an electrolytic cell, a first separation system and a second separation system, the electrolytic cell can produce a first gas-liquid mixture and a second gas-liquid mixture, the first gas-liquid mixture includes water and a first gas, and the second gas-liquid mixture includes a second gas and an electrolyte; one of the first gas and the second gas is hydrogen, and the other is oxygen; the electrolytic cell is respectively connected to the first separation system and the second separation system through a first channel, so that the first gas-liquid mixture flows into the first separation system and the second gas-liquid mixture flows into the second separation system; the first channel is connected to a gas analysis mechanism, the gas analysis mechanism includes a gas analyzer, and the gas analyzer is used to detect the proportion of the second gas in the first gas.

[0016] Unlike existing setups, this embodiment places the gas analyzer on the first path. This allows for early detection of the ratio of the first gas to the second gas in both the first and second gas-liquid mixtures flowing out of the electrolytic cell. If the diaphragm in the electrolytic cell ruptures, the second gas will mix with the first gas, increasing the ratio of the second gas to the first gas. If the ratio exceeds a preset value, the user can immediately shut down the electrolytic cell to prevent the ratio from continuing to rise and potentially causing an explosion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the specific embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an electrolysis system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] 1-electrolyzer; 2-first separation system; 3-second separation system; 4-first channel; 8-gas analyzer; 7-humidity detector; 6-valve; 9-gas-liquid separator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0021] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but rather merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined or explained in subsequent drawings.

[0023] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" and the like indicate positions or locations based on the positions shown in the accompanying drawings, or the positions or locations in which the inventive product is typically placed when in use. These terms are intended solely to facilitate the description of the present invention and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used solely to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not necessarily mean that a component must be absolutely horizontal or overhanging, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but rather that it can be slightly tilted.

[0025] In the description of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they may refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they may refer to internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] like Figure 1As shown, the electrolysis system provided by the present invention comprises: an electrolyzer 1, a first separation system 2, and a second separation system 3. The electrolyzer 1 can be a membrane hydrogen production electrolyzer. This system provides a rapid warning upon diaphragm damage in the electrolyzer 1, protecting the electrolyzer 1 and the separation system. This system complements the reliability and safety instability of the diaphragm and plays a significant role in improving the safety of the electrolyzer 1 and the system, and further expanding the market.

[0027] The electrolytic cell 1 can produce a first gas-liquid mixture and a second gas-liquid mixture, wherein the first gas-liquid mixture includes water and a first gas, and the second gas-liquid mixture includes a second gas and an electrolyte. In this embodiment, the first gas is hydrogen and the second gas is oxygen.

[0028] The electrolytic cell 1 is connected to the first separation system 2 via a first channel 4, so that the first gas-liquid mixture flows into the first separation system 2 through the first channel 4. Similarly, the electrolytic cell 1 is connected to the second separation system 3 via a first channel 4, so that the second gas-liquid mixture flows into the second separation system 3 through the first channel 4.

[0029] The first channel 4 and the gas analysis mechanism at the front end of the first separation system 2 and the second separation system 3 are arranged in the same manner.

[0030] The first channel 4 is connected to a gas analyzer 8, which can detect the ratio of oxygen in hydrogen. Install the first channel 4 at a suitable location on the gas outlet of the electrolyzer 1, preferably as close to the electrolyzer 1 as possible. The connection material and pressure level should be comparable to the pipeline material. For other installation methods, please refer to relevant standards for inspection and acceptance.

[0031] The detection result obtained by the gas analyzer 8 can be sent to the user, or an alarm message can be sent through the alarm module. The alarm message can be an audio / visual message, and the user manually shuts down the electrolytic cell 1.

[0032] In this embodiment, in order to improve the degree of automation, the gas analyzer 8 is electrically connected to the electrolytic cell 1. When the gas analyzer 8 detects that the proportion of the second gas in the first gas is greater than a preset value, the electrolytic cell 1 is automatically shut down to prevent danger from occurring as soon as possible.

[0033] The gas analysis mechanism also includes a humidity detector 7, which is arranged between the gas analyzer 8 and the electrolytic cell 1, so that the water content of the first gas-liquid mixture can be detected. When the water content is too high (greater than the upper limit threshold of the gas analyzer 8), the valve 6 will be closed to avoid damage to the gas analyzer 8.

[0034] The gas analysis mechanism also includes a gas-liquid separator 9, which is provided between the humidity detector 7 and the electrolytic cell 1. The gas-liquid separator 9 is used to remove the liquid portion of the first gas-liquid mixture before it enters the humidity detector 7, so that the gas portion of the first gas-liquid mixture passes through the humidity detector 7 and the valve 6 in sequence and enters the gas analyzer 8, thereby preventing the liquid portion from affecting the detection accuracy of the gas analyzer 8. The liquid filtered by the gas-liquid separator 9 is discharged from the drain port below to ensure the safety of the gas analyzer 8.

[0035] A rapid early warning method of the system includes the following steps: Step S10. Start the system, the electrolytic cell 1 works and generates a first gas-liquid mixture and a second gas-liquid mixture at the output ports at both ends thereof, and the gas analyzer 8 obtains the ratio of the second gas in the first gas. Both gas analyzers 8 are in a detection state, one of which detects the ratio of oxygen in hydrogen, and the other detects the ratio of hydrogen in oxygen.

[0036] Step S20: If the ratio is less than or equal to the preset value, the diaphragm of electrolytic cell 1 is intact. If the ratio is greater than the preset value, the diaphragm is damaged, oxygen and hydrogen are mixed, and electrolytic cell 1 stops operating immediately to avoid explosion.

[0037] Step S30: Send out an alarm signal to remind the user to check the electrolytic cell 1.

[0038] When the diaphragm is damaged, due to the pressure difference between the two channels, oxygen from the oxygen side will leak into the hydrogen side. At this time, the oxygen concentration in the hydrogen will exceed the standard and be immediately detected by the gas analyzer 8 at the gas outlet. It will interlock with the control program and quickly shut down the electrolyzer 1 to prevent the system from leaking hydrogen and oxygen and causing a safety accident. At this time, the gas content is still far within the lower explosion limit. The gas analyzer 8 is generally set to ≤2% of the oxygen content in hydrogen, and the lower explosion limit of hydrogen and oxygen is 4%. However, due to the detection time lag, the back-end detection may still be within the safe range, but the gas content in the electrolyzer 1 has already exceeded the standard.

[0039] The gas analyzer 8 has requirements for the water content of the gas-liquid mixture, which must be less than 10%. When the system is operating normally, the pressure on both sides of the electrolyzer 1 should be set so that the pressure on the oxygen side is slightly higher than the pressure on the hydrogen side (the pressure differential value can be determined according to the characteristics of the membrane). The water content of the first gas-liquid mixture is usually 1-5%. However, to prevent damage to the gas analyzer 8 due to increased water content, the humidity detector 7 is located between the gas analyzer 8 and the electrolyzer 1 to detect the water content of the first gas-liquid mixture; a valve 6 is provided between the gas analyzer 8 and the humidity detector 7 to control the on and off of the gas analyzer 8. In an emergency, if the water content exceeds the standard and the system cannot be controlled or fails, the valve 6 is closed and the electrolyzer stops operating.

[0040] In order to improve the degree of automation, the humidity detector 7 is electrically connected to the electrolytic cell 1 and the valve 6 respectively. When the water content in the first gas-liquid mixture detected by the humidity detector 7 is greater than the upper limit threshold of the gas analyzer 8, the valve 6 is closed and the electrolytic cell stops working.

[0041] Furthermore, another rapid early warning method for electrolysis system control includes the steps of: Step S10. Start the system, the valve 6 is in the open state, and the two humidity detectors 7 respectively detect the water content in the first gas-liquid mixture and the second gas-liquid mixture; Step S20: When the water content of one of the first gas-liquid mixture or the second gas-liquid mixture is greater than the upper threshold of the gas analyzer 8, the electrolytic cell 1 stops operating.

[0042] Step S30. When the water content of one of the first gas-liquid mixture or the second gas-liquid mixture is less than or equal to the upper threshold of the gas analyzer 8, obtaining the ratio of the second gas in the first gas; Step S40: When the ratio is greater than a preset value, the electrolytic cell 1 stops working.

[0043] A humidity detector 7 is added to the front end of the gas analyzer 8. When the humidity exceeds the standard, or the proportion of the second gas in the first gas exceeds the standard, the valve 6 is closed, the electrolytic cell 1 stops working, and the workers start maintenance to avoid serious consequences.

[0044] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrolysis system, characterized in that: include: An electrolytic cell (1), a first separation system (2), and a second separation system (3), wherein the electrolytic cell (1) is capable of producing a first gas-liquid mixture and a second gas-liquid mixture, wherein the first gas-liquid mixture comprises water and a first gas, and the second gas-liquid mixture comprises a second gas and an electrolyte; one of the first gas and the second gas is hydrogen, and the other is oxygen; the electrolytic cell (1) is connected to the first separation system (2) and the second separation system (3) respectively through a first channel (4), so that the first gas-liquid mixture flows into the first separation system (2), and the second gas-liquid mixture flows into the second separation system (3); The first channel (4) is connected to a gas analysis mechanism, which includes a gas analyzer (8). The gas analyzer (8) is used to detect the proportion of the second gas in the first gas.

2. The electrolysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that The gas analyzer (8) is located on a side of the first channel (4) closer to the electrolytic cell (1).

3. The electrolysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that The gas analyzer (8) is electrically connected to the electrolytic cell (1). When the gas analyzer (8) detects that the proportion of the second gas in the first gas is greater than a preset value, the electrolytic cell (1) is closed and stops working.

4. The electrolysis system according to claim 3, characterized in that The electrolysis system further comprises an alarm module, which is electrically connected to the gas analyzer (8). When the ratio of the second gas contained in the first gas is greater than a preset value, the alarm module sends an alarm signal.

5. The electrolysis system according to claim 3, characterized in that The gas analysis mechanism further comprises a humidity detector (7), wherein the humidity detector (7) is arranged between the gas analyzer (8) and the electrolytic cell (1); A valve (6) is provided between the gas analyzer (8) and the humidity detector (7), and the valve (6) is used to control the on / off of the gas analyzer (8).

6. The electrolysis system according to claim 5, characterized in that The humidity detector (7) is electrically connected to the electrolytic cell (1) and the valve (6) respectively. When the water content in the first gas-liquid mixture detected by the humidity detector (7) is greater than the upper limit threshold of the gas analyzer (8), the electrolytic cell (1) is closed and stops working; In addition, the gas analysis mechanism further comprises a gas-liquid separator (9), and the gas-liquid separator (9) is provided between the humidity detector (7) and the electrolytic cell (1).

7. A rapid early warning method for electrolysis system control, characterized in that: The method is performed by the electrolysis system according to claim 3 or 4; include step: Step S10: Start the system and obtain the ratio of the second gas in the first gas; Step S20: When the ratio is greater than a preset value, the electrolytic cell (1) stops working.

8. The rapid early warning method for electrolysis system control according to claim 7, characterized in that: The rapid early warning method for electrolysis system control further comprises performing, after step S20: Step S30: Send an alarm signal.

9. A rapid early warning method for electrolysis system control, characterized in that: The method is performed by the electrolysis system according to claim 6; Including steps: Step S10. Start the system, with valve (6) in an open state, and detect the water content in the first gas-liquid mixture and the second gas-liquid mixture; Step S20. When the water content of one of the first gas-liquid mixture or the second gas-liquid mixture is greater than the upper threshold of the gas analyzer (8), the electrolytic cell (1) stops operating; Step S30. When the water content of one of the first gas-liquid mixture or the second gas-liquid mixture is less than or equal to the upper threshold of the gas analyzer (8), obtaining the ratio of the second gas in the first gas; Step S40: When the ratio is greater than a preset value, the electrolytic cell (1) stops working.

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