A hydrogen-blended combustion system with a hydrogen distribution component

Abstract

This invention relates to a hydrogen blending and combustion system with a hydrogen distribution component. The hydrogen pipeline is perpendicular to the main pipeline and positioned between the natural gas tank and the burner. The connection point between the hydrogen pipeline and the main pipeline is located between the natural gas tank and the burner. The key feature is that the hydrogen pipeline is horizontally positioned and contains a hydrogen flow equalization device. The hydrogen distribution component is a blade structure comprising multiple blades. The flow channels between adjacent blades are horizontal, and the flow area decreases progressively from bottom to top vertically. The burner with this hydrogen distribution component, through the spacing between the blades, ensures uniform hydrogen distribution, avoids uneven natural gas and hydrogen ratios in certain areas, improves combustion efficiency, and prevents accidents.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of combustion technology, and more specifically to a hydrogen-blended combustion system with a hydrogen distribution component. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of global carbon emission reduction policies, hydrogen, as a high-energy-density gaseous fuel and a green, clean, and efficient new energy storage medium that does not directly produce pollutants such as carbon compounds, sulfur oxides, and soot during its direct utilization, is considered one of the most promising clean energy sources today. China has officially included hydrogen energy in its energy category and is continuously promoting the development of related industries. The rapid development of hydrogen energy is mainly due to its lubricating effect on the transition process of the energy structure. Hydrogen energy can effectively absorb the abandoned electricity generated by renewable energy sources such as wind power, hydropower, and photovoltaic power through water electrolysis, thereby storing the electricity that cannot be connected to the grid through hydrogen storage and flexibly utilizing it downstream in the hydrogen energy industry chain.

[0003] Currently, hydrogen is mainly used in the industrial sector as a chemical raw material and gaseous fuel. Its utilization as fuel in fuel cells and burners is a significant driver of carbon emission reduction in my country's thermal power industry. However, due to economic constraints, limitations in infrastructure development, and related technological bottlenecks, the use of pure hydrogen as fuel, apart from its initial commercialization in the mobile transportation sector through proton exchange membrane fuel cells, requires considerable time for further development and utilization in other fields. Overall, its contribution to the low-carbon transformation of the energy structure is quite limited. Blending hydrogen with natural gas to form a hydrogen-blended natural gas mixture and then burning it is one of the best transitional solutions for promoting the low-carbon transformation of the energy structure using hydrogen energy. Existing burners employ spraying and other methods to achieve uniform heat exchange and improve efficiency, but their structure increases costs. They also suffer from limitations in temperature control, restricting their application. Some burners integrating sensors and other precision detection instruments are too expensive to be widely used. Furthermore, burner malfunctions, preventing heat exchange with the liquid, can easily lead to burns for users.

[0004] Because hydrogen's physicochemical properties differ significantly from those of natural gas, and its combustion characteristics, such as flammability, combustion temperature, and combustion rate, differ considerably, directly burning hydrogen in a natural gas burner can easily lead to combustion instability issues such as thermoacoustic instability and backfire. Furthermore, the inability of hydrogen and natural gas to mix sufficiently results in low combustion efficiency and incomplete combustion, and excessive localized hydrogen can also cause deflagration. In addition, hydrogen's low density causes uneven distribution during flow, easily leading to localized areas of excessive or insufficient hydrogen in the mixed fuel.

[0005] Therefore, based on the above problems, a new combustion system is needed that can improve combustion efficiency, reduce carbon monoxide emissions, and avoid danger by fully mixing hydrogen and natural gas. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a combustion system for a mixture of hydrogen and gas fuel, thereby improving combustion efficiency.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A hydrogen-blended combustion system with a hydrogen distribution component includes a natural gas tank, a hydrogen production unit, a hydrogen tank, and a burner. Hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production unit is delivered to the hydrogen tank. The natural gas tank is connected to the burner via a main pipeline. The hydrogen tank is connected to the main pipeline via a hydrogen pipeline. Natural gas and hydrogen are mixed in the main pipeline to form a mixed fuel, which is then delivered to the burner via the main pipeline. The hydrogen pipeline is vertically connected to the main pipeline, and the connection point between the hydrogen pipeline and the main pipeline is located between the natural gas tank and the burner. The hydrogen pipeline is horizontally positioned, and a hydrogen distribution component is installed within it. The hydrogen distribution component is a hydrogen flow equalization device with a blade structure comprising multiple blades. The flow channels between adjacent blades are horizontal, and the flow area between adjacent blades decreases continuously along a vertical upward direction.

[0009] As an improvement, the flow area of ​​the flow channel between adjacent blades decreases by an increasingly larger margin along the vertical upward direction.

[0010] As an improvement, the hydrogen flow equalization device is installed near the main hydrogen pipeline.

[0011] As an improvement, the hydrogen flow equalization device is set 1-2 mm away from the connection point between the hydrogen pipeline and the main pipeline.

[0012] As an improvement, a main pipe distribution device is installed in the main pipeline. The main pipe distribution device is a blade structure and is located upstream of the connection position. The blade structure has multiple blades, and the extension direction of the flow channel between adjacent blades is parallel to the central axis of the hydrogen pipeline.

[0013] As an improvement, the horizontal direction of the flow channel of the main distribution device is offset from the horizontal direction of the flow channel of the hydrogen equalization device.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0015] 1) Based on existing burners, a burner system with full mixing is creatively proposed. By setting blades on the hydrogen pipeline and varying the gap of the blades along the height direction, the local difference in the ratio of natural gas and hydrogen can be avoided, thereby improving combustion efficiency and preventing accidents.

[0016] 2) Based on existing burners, a novel hybrid burner system with flow regulation, rectification, and flow equalization functions is proposed. This system includes upstream and downstream main pipe distribution devices and a flow equalization and mixing device, enabling dual control and dual flow equalization. It addresses the problem at its source—uneven inlet flow velocity—resulting in significant flow equalization. This improves the accuracy and stability of inlet flow and temperature measurements, thereby enhancing the economy and stability of the combustion system. Furthermore, the device has a simple structure, avoiding the excessive pressure drop and increased operating costs associated with the additional flow equalization and mixing device in existing technologies, thus offering high economic benefits. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system structure of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the combustion structure of the burner of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 A partial three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the hybrid structure provided by the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 A second schematic diagram of a partial three-dimensional structure of the hybrid structure provided by the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 5 A third schematic diagram of a partial three-dimensional structure of the hybrid structure provided by the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 6 The split blade structure of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1-4 A schematic diagram of the hybrid burner structure of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 As shown, a combustion system for a hydrogen and gas mixture includes a natural gas tank, a hydrogen production device, a hydrogen tank, and a burner 3. The hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device is transported to the hydrogen tank. The natural gas tank is connected to the burner 3 through a main pipeline 1. The hydrogen tank is connected to the main pipeline through a hydrogen pipeline 2. Natural gas and hydrogen are mixed in the main pipeline 1 to form a mixed fuel, which is then transported to the burner 3 through the main pipeline.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, hydrogen pipeline 2 is installed perpendicular to main pipeline 1, and is located between the natural gas tank and burner 3. A main pipe distribution device 4 is installed in main pipeline 1, positioned upstream of the connection point between the hydrogen pipeline and the main pipeline. Figure 3 As shown, the main distribution device 4 is a blade structure with multiple blades.

[0026] As an improvement, the hydrogen pipeline is horizontally arranged, and a hydrogen distribution component is installed inside the hydrogen pipeline. The hydrogen distribution component is a hydrogen flow equalization device 6, which is a blade structure. The blade structure includes multiple blades, and the flow channel between adjacent blades is horizontal. Along the vertical direction from bottom to top, the flow area of ​​the flow channel between adjacent blades continuously decreases.

[0027] Because hydrogen has a very low density, it tends to accumulate at the top during flow. By varying the flow area, the distribution of hydrogen across the entire pipe cross-section can be made more even, preventing localized over- or under-distribution and thus ensuring a more uniform overall ratio of hydrogen to natural gas in the mixture.

[0028] As an improvement, the main pipe is set horizontally.

[0029] As an improvement, the flow area of ​​the channel between adjacent blades decreases at an increasingly larger rate along the vertical upward direction. This design further ensures a more balanced hydrogen distribution and improves combustion efficiency.

[0030] As an improvement, the hydrogen equalization device 6 is located near the main pipeline of the hydrogen pipeline, preferably 1-2 mm away from the connection point between the hydrogen pipeline and the main pipeline. This ensures that the hydrogen is evenly distributed in accordance with the initial distribution state, and allows it to cooperate with the main distribution device 4 located near the connection point to further ensure a more even mixing ratio.

[0031] As an improvement, a main pipe distribution device 4 is installed in the main pipeline. The main pipe distribution device has a blade structure and is located upstream of the connection point. The blade structure has multiple blades, and the flow channels between adjacent blades extend horizontally. The gaps between the main pipeline distribution component and the hydrogen pipeline distribution component are both horizontal and parallel to each other, which reduces impact and noise during fluid mixing.

[0032] As an improvement, the horizontal direction of the main distribution device's flow channel is offset from the horizontal direction of the hydrogen flow equalization device's flow channel. This offset ensures that during mixing, the hydrogen layer flowing out of the hydrogen flow channel enters precisely between the two layers of natural gas in the adjacent, offset natural gas flow channel, while the natural gas flowing out of the natural gas flow channel enters precisely between the adjacent hydrogen layers. This offset and spacing between the natural gas and hydrogen layers results in a more uniform distribution, and also reduces noise and impact.

[0033] As an improvement, unlike the previous embodiments, the flow channels between adjacent blades on the main duct are arranged vertically. For example... Figure 4 As shown.

[0034] The main pipeline is equipped with a fuel flow equalization device 5, which is located downstream of the connection between the hydrogen pipeline and the main pipeline; a hydrogen flow equalization device 6 is installed on the hydrogen pipeline 2, which is located on the pipeline between the inlet main pipe distribution device 4 and the flow equalization device 5. The main pipe distribution device 4 and the flow equalization device 5 are multi-blade structures.

[0035] When the extension direction of the flow channel between adjacent blades on the main pipeline is set perpendicular to the central axis of the hydrogen pipeline (i.e., set vertically), the tilt angle of the swing direction of adjacent blades of the main distribution device 4 is different. As the distance from the hydrogen pipeline increases, the angle between the swing direction of the blade and the central axis of the hydrogen pipeline decreases. The angle is the angle between the central axis of the hydrogen pipeline in the direction of hydrogen flow and the tilt direction of the blade.

[0036] Near the hydrogen outlet, the hydrogen flow rate is at its maximum, resulting in the best mixing of hydrogen and natural gas. However, this leads to uneven mixing overall. As the distance from the outlet increases, the amount of hydrogen decreases, further worsening the mixing and ultimately leading to poor overall mixing. This invention addresses this by improving the blade angle, causing the natural gas flow rate to decrease gradually along the direction of the hydrogen-to-natural-gas pipeline, resulting in more balanced mixing throughout the entire area and improved overall mixing uniformity.

[0037] Based on existing burners, this invention creatively proposes an inlet flow regulation system that not only regulates flow but also provides equalization, rectification, and flow equalization functions. It includes two opposing regulating devices at the upstream and downstream ends, enabling dual control and dual flow equalization. This results in a significant equalization effect for natural gas and hydrogen, and offers high economic benefits.

[0038] Preferably, as the distance from the hydrogen pipeline increases, the angle between the blades and the liquid flow direction along the central axis of the hydrogen pipeline gradually decreases. This variation in the angle improves the mixing ratio and achieves more uniform overall mixing.

[0039] While the above method ensures a thorough and even mixing of natural gas and hydrogen, preventing localized overfilling of either gas or hydrogen and the resulting hydrogen explosion, it leads to uneven fuel distribution within the main pipeline. This results in more fuel near the hydrogen pipeline and less further away. To ensure a more uniform fuel distribution throughout the pipeline, the following improvements were implemented:

[0040] As an improvement, the spacing between adjacent blades in the main distribution device 4 varies, decreasing with distance from the secondary pipeline. Near the hydrogen outlet, the hydrogen flow rate is highest, resulting in optimal mixing of hydrogen and natural gas. However, this leads to uneven mixing overall. Further away from the outlet, hydrogen levels decrease, further worsening the mixing and ultimately resulting in poor overall mixing. This invention addresses this by improving the gap size, ensuring that the natural gas flow rate decreases along the direction of hydrogen entry into the natural gas pipeline, leading to more balanced mixing throughout the region and improving the overall uniformity of the mixed natural gas-hydrogen ratio.

[0041] As the distance from the secondary pipeline increases, the gap between adjacent blades decreases at an increasingly larger rate. This configuration further ensures balanced mixing throughout the region, improving the overall uniformity of the hydrogen-to-natural gas mixture.

[0042] Preferred, such as Figure 3 As shown, a flow equalization device 5 is installed downstream of the main pipeline connecting to the hydrogen pipeline. This flow equalization and mixing device has a blade structure with multiple blades. As an improvement, the fuel flow channel spacing between adjacent blades farther from the hydrogen pipeline is larger. This arrangement allows the fuel to flow as far away from the hydrogen pipeline as possible, thus improving the situation where the mixed fuel is concentrated near the hydrogen pipeline after initial mixing, resulting in a more even distribution of fuel throughout the main pipeline.

[0043] As an improvement, the spacing between fuel flow channels between adjacent blades further away from the hydrogen pipeline is continuously increased. This configuration further ensures more even fuel distribution throughout the entire pipeline.

[0044] When the flow equalization and mixing device is partially open, the two opposing blades in each set can guide the flow to both sides. The main distribution device 4 can diffuse the flow velocity in the horizontal direction, and the flow equalization device 5 can diffuse the flow velocity in the vertical direction. After the main distribution devices 4 and 5 are combined, since the two sets of regulating devices are perpendicular to each other, the flow can be diffused in all four directions, both horizontally and vertically, resulting in a higher degree of homogenization.

[0045] Preferably, the blades can be angled and the spacing between adjacent blades can be adjusted to control the fluid flow rate.

[0046] This invention, based on existing burners, creatively proposes an inlet flow regulation system that not only regulates flow but also provides proportional, rectification, and flow equalization functions. It includes upstream and downstream devices for dual control and dual flow equalization, resulting in a significant proportional equalization effect between natural gas and hydrogen. Furthermore, the flow equalization device ensures uniform distribution throughout the pipeline. The cooperation of these two devices achieves flow control, uniform proportional distribution, and uniform fuel distribution throughout the pipeline. Preferably, a mixing device 6 is located downstream of the flow equalization device 5. This mixing device has a blade structure, comprising multiple blades, with adjacent blades forming a counter-adjustable structure.

[0047] As an improvement, the flow channel between adjacent blades of the flow equalization device 5 is set to extend parallel to the central axis of the hydrogen pipeline.

[0048] Preferably, multiple mixing devices 6 can be provided. The mixing mechanism blades include horizontal structures with the blade gaps arranged horizontally in the horizontal direction and vertical structures arranged vertically in the vertical direction, with the horizontal and vertical structures arranged alternately. After the mixing devices in different directions are combined, since the two sets of regulating devices are perpendicular to each other, the flow can be diffused in all four directions, both horizontally and vertically, resulting in a higher degree of homogenization.

[0049] Preferably, the adjacent blades of devices 4-6 are a split-adjustment structure, such as... Figure 6 As shown.

[0050] Natural gas flow needs to be controlled. The split-type regulating device of the present invention has both flow equalization and flow regulation functions.

[0051] Preferably, the flow equalization device 6 has a multi-blade structure, with adjacent blades having a split-adjustment structure. By setting the split-adjustment structure, the input hydrogen gas can be made more uniform.

[0052] Preferably, the main distribution device 4, the hydrogen flow equalization device 6, and the fuel flow equalization device 5 are independently adjustable. Different device openings result in different flow resistances and varying mixing effects. When the equipment can withstand higher flow resistances, a smaller device opening can be used to achieve better mixing.

[0053] As an improvement, the main pipe distribution device 4 is located near the connection point between the hydrogen pipeline and the main pipeline, preferably 1-2 mm from the upstream point of the connection point. By arranging both the main pipe distribution device 4 and the hydrogen flow equalization device 6 near the connection point, the natural gas and hydrogen can be more accurately distributed according to the initial distribution through the blades. This allows the gas distributed by the main pipe distribution device 4 to be more accurate depending on the distance from the hydrogen pipeline, resulting in a more accurate overall proportional distribution.

[0054] When the blade angle (e.g.) Figure 4When the blade angle (B) is small (approaching a closed state), the flow resistance is high; conversely, when the blade angle is large (approaching an open state), the flow resistance is low. If the flow velocity is high at a certain point, the nearby blades should be adjusted to a smaller angle (approaching a closed state) to induce fuel to flow towards the area with the larger blade angle, achieving a flow equalization effect. If the flow velocity is low at a certain point, the nearby blades should be adjusted to a smaller angle (approaching a closed state) to induce fuel to flow towards the area with the larger blade angle, achieving a flow equalization effect. If all blade angles are the same, although a flow equalization effect can still be achieved, the effect is less pronounced. By adjusting the angles as described above, the optimal flow equalization effect can be achieved with minimal resistance.

[0055] In the vertical arrangement of the flow channels between adjacent blades on the main pipeline, as an improvement, the included angle between adjacent opposing blades of the main pipeline distribution device 4 decreases as the distance to the connection point between the hydrogen pipeline and the main pipeline (the inlet where the hydrogen pipeline enters the main pipeline) decreases. This invention, by improving the included angle of the opposing blades, ensures that the natural gas flow rate decreases along the direction of hydrogen entry into the gas flow channel, adapting to the hydrogen flow rate, resulting in a locally similar ratio of natural gas to hydrogen, and improving the overall mixing effect.

[0056] Preferably, the angle between the two blades of the main distribution device 4 gradually increases as the distance to the connection point between the hydrogen pipeline and the main pipeline decreases. This variation in the angle can improve the uniform mixing effect.

[0057] When the flow channels between adjacent blades on the main pipeline extend perpendicularly to the central axis of the hydrogen pipeline, as an improvement, the distribution density of the blades in the main pipe distribution device 4 decreases as the distance to the hydrogen pipeline decreases. Conversely, the hydrogen flow rate decreases as the distance to the inlet increases. This invention improves the blade distribution density so that the density varies along the direction of the hydrogen inlet channel, adapting to the hydrogen flow rate, resulting in a relatively uniform local ratio of natural gas to hydrogen, thus improving the overall mixing effect.

[0058] Preferably, the distribution density of the blades in the main distribution device 4 increases progressively as the distance to the connection point between the hydrogen pipeline and the main pipeline decreases. This variation in distribution density improves heat exchange efficiency and achieves more uniform overall heat exchange.

[0059] Preferably, multiple mixing devices 6 are provided, and the angle between adjacent blades in the mixing device gradually decreases along the flow direction of the fuel in the main pipeline. By varying the amplitude, it is possible to further ensure uniform flow distribution while maintaining low flow resistance.

[0060] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hydrogen-blended combustion system with a hydrogen distribution component, comprising a natural gas tank, a hydrogen production unit, a hydrogen tank, and a burner, wherein hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production unit is delivered to the hydrogen tank, the natural gas tank is connected to the burner via a main pipeline, and the hydrogen tank is connected to the main pipeline via a hydrogen pipeline, wherein natural gas and hydrogen are mixed in the main pipeline to form a mixed fuel, which is then delivered to the burner via the main pipeline; the hydrogen pipeline is perpendicularly connected to the main pipeline, and the connection point between the hydrogen pipeline and the main pipeline is located between the natural gas tank and the burner, characterized in that... The hydrogen pipeline is horizontally arranged, and a hydrogen distribution component is installed inside the hydrogen pipeline. The hydrogen distribution component is a hydrogen flow equalization device. The hydrogen distribution component has a blade structure, which includes multiple blades. The flow channel between adjacent blades is horizontal, and the flow area of ​​the flow channel between adjacent blades continuously decreases along the vertical direction from bottom to top.

2. The combustion system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Along the vertical upward direction, the flow area of ​​the flow channel between adjacent blades decreases by an increasingly larger margin.

3. The combustion system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen flow equalization device is installed near the main hydrogen pipeline.

4. The combustion system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A main pipe distribution device is installed in the main pipeline. The main pipe distribution device is a blade structure and is located upstream of the connection between the hydrogen pipeline and the main pipeline. The blade structure has multiple blades, and the extension direction of the flow channel between adjacent blades is parallel to the central axis of the hydrogen pipeline.

5. The combustion system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The horizontal direction of the flow channel of the main distribution device is offset from the horizontal direction of the flow channel of the hydrogen equalization device.

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