A separation device for hydrogen production using an alkaline water electrolyzer in environmental engineering.

Abstract

This invention discloses a separation device for hydrogen production in an alkaline water electrolyzer used in environmental engineering, relating to the field of energy technology in environmental engineering. It includes a hydrogen separation tank and a cooling separation assembly. The end of the hydrogen separation tank is connected to a gas-liquid inlet pipe via a flange to receive the gas-liquid mixture generated by alkaline water electrolysis. Its top is connected to an exhaust pipe via a flange to transport the separated hydrogen containing alkaline vapor impurities. This separation device, based on gravity separation, cools the hydrogen containing alkaline vapor impurities after initial separation using a cooling water baffle. This liquefies the alkaline vapor, increasing its weight and achieving secondary separation. It effectively solves the problem of separating high-temperature alkaline vapor. Simultaneously, the output motor drives a ring piston to continuously rise and fall, providing the driving force for the circulating flow of cooling water. This ensures the circulating flow of coolant and, in conjunction with the heat dissipation and cooling mechanism, achieves long-term effective cooling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of environmental engineering and energy technology, specifically to a separation device for hydrogen production using an alkaline water electrolyzer in environmental engineering. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy, as a zero-carbon energy carrier, has become a core link between renewable energy (wind power, photovoltaic) and the decarbonization of traditional industries. Alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production is the mainstream technology for large-scale green hydrogen production in environmental protection projects due to its mature technology, controllable cost, and adaptability to wide load operation. In the process of producing hydrogen using an alkaline electrolyzer, the hydrogen produced at the cathode contains alkaline solution and enters the separation system for separation. The separation system performs gas-liquid separation on the hydrogen containing alkaline solution, recovers the alkaline solution, and sends it back to the electrolyzer for recycling.

[0003] Most existing separation systems employ one or more of the following methods in combination: centrifugal separation, gravity separation, and wire mesh agglomeration separation. However, since the temperature of the electrolyzer is controlled at 70-90 degrees Celsius during hydrogen production, the gas-liquid mixture formed by the generated hydrogen and alkaline electrolyte enters the separation system at high temperature. The above methods are not effective in separating the portion of the alkaline solution that evaporates into vapor at high temperature, resulting in impurities in this portion of alkaline solution vapor reducing the purity of the hydrogen. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a separation device for hydrogen production using an alkaline water electrolyzer in environmental engineering, which solves the problems mentioned in the background section.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: a separation device for hydrogen production in an alkaline water electrolysis cell for environmental protection engineering, comprising a hydrogen separation tank and a cooling separation component. The end of the hydrogen separation tank is connected to a gas-liquid inlet pipe via a flange to receive the gas-liquid mixture generated by alkaline water electrolysis, and its top is connected to an exhaust inner pipe via a flange for transmitting hydrogen containing alkaline vapor impurities after separation.

[0006] The cooling separation component is sleeved outside the exhaust inner pipe and includes a cooling pipe. One side of the upper part of the outer wall of the cooling pipe is connected to the water inlet pipe through a first one-way valve for introducing cooling medium, and the other side is connected to the water outlet pipe through a second one-way valve to form a cooling medium circulation path. The temperature of the gas-liquid mixture is reduced through heat exchange between the cooling pipe and the exhaust inner pipe.

[0007] The top of the exhaust pipe is fixed with a transfer platform, and a hydrogen exhaust pipe is provided on its side to output purified hydrogen.

[0008] The top of the transfer platform is fixed with an output motor via a bracket. The output end of the output motor is connected to a turntable. A transmission rod is rotatably connected to the side of the turntable surface. A piston rod is rotatably connected to the end of the transmission rod. Telescopic rods are fixed to both sides of the bottom of the piston rod. A ring piston is connected to the top of the telescopic rod. The output motor drives the turntable to rotate, which in turn drives the piston rod and the ring piston to move up and down reciprocally via the transmission rod. With the extension and retraction of the telescopic rod, the gas flow in the exhaust pipe and the heat exchange efficiency with the cooling pipe are enhanced.

[0009] Furthermore, the annular piston is located between the exhaust inner pipe and the cooling pipe, and the top of the exhaust inner pipe passes through the top of the cooling pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, a wire mesh umbrella assembly is fitted onto the outer wall of the piston rod, the wire mesh umbrella assembly including an umbrella head, and the umbrella head is fixedly connected to the piston rod.

[0011] Furthermore, the mesh umbrella assembly also includes a mesh umbrella surface, and the mesh umbrella surface is connected to the bottom side of the umbrella head. The mesh umbrella surface has a flexible structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the mesh umbrella assembly also includes a movable frame, and the movable frame is distributed in a ring shape on the inner side of the mesh umbrella surface.

[0013] Furthermore, the mesh umbrella assembly also includes a movable sleeve, and the bottom end of the movable frame is connected to the movable sleeve.

[0014] Furthermore, the movable sleeve is fitted and slidably connected to the outer wall of the piston rod, and the movable sleeve is connected to the wire mesh umbrella surface through a movable frame.

[0015] Furthermore, the maximum diameter of the unfolded mesh umbrella surface is smaller than the inner diameter of the exhaust inner pipe, and the maximum area of ​​the unfolded mesh umbrella surface is adapted to the inner area of ​​the exhaust inner pipe.

[0016] Furthermore, the mesh umbrella surface has a flexible structure, and the weaving density of the mesh umbrella surface is 40-60 mesh to capture 3-5μm alkaline droplets, and the mesh umbrella surface is conical in shape.

[0017] Furthermore, the mesh umbrella assembly also includes a telescopic spring, and a telescopic spring is provided between the upper surface of the movable sleeve and the bottom surface of the umbrella head, and the telescopic spring is sleeved on the outer wall of the piston rod.

[0018] This invention provides a separation device for hydrogen production using an alkaline water electrolyzer in environmental engineering, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] 1. The separation device for hydrogen production using an alkaline water electrolyzer in this environmental protection project, based on gravity separation, uses cooling water baffles to cool the hydrogen gas that still contains alkaline vapor impurities after the initial separation. This causes the alkaline vapor to liquefy and increase its own weight, thereby achieving secondary separation and effectively solving the problem of high-temperature alkaline vapor being difficult to separate. At the same time, the output motor drives the ring piston to continuously rise and fall, which can drive the circulation of cooling water, ensuring the circulation of coolant and working in conjunction with the heat dissipation and cooling mechanism to achieve long-term and effective cooling operation.

[0020] 2. The separation device for hydrogen production using an alkaline water electrolysis cell in this environmental protection project utilizes the flexibility of wire mesh to create a wire mesh umbrella surface. The movement of the cooling liquid, driven by the lifting and lowering of a piston rod, causes the wire mesh umbrella surface to close as it rises and unfold as it descends. The unfolded wire mesh umbrella surface, as it descends, can collect liquefied alkaline solution to accelerate its weight gain and facilitate its rapid fall. It can also push hydrogen downwards to prolong the heat exchange time between hydrogen vapor impurities and the cooling liquid, thus fully liquefying the alkaline solution vapor. Simultaneously, the pushed hydrogen gas moves closer to the inner wall of the exhaust pipe, enhancing the heat exchange effect between the alkaline solution vapor impurities and the cooling liquid, thereby accelerating the liquefaction rate of the alkaline solution vapor. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hydrogen separation tank structure of a separation device for hydrogen production using an alkaline water electrolyzer in environmental engineering, according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling pipe structure of a separation device for hydrogen production using an alkaline water electrolyzer in an environmental engineering project, according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the cooling pipe structure of a separation device for hydrogen production using an alkaline water electrolyzer in an environmental engineering project, according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the annular piston structure of a separation device for hydrogen production using an alkaline water electrolyzer in environmental engineering, according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the wire mesh umbrella structure of a separation device for hydrogen production using an alkaline water electrolyzer in environmental engineering, according to the present invention.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Hydrogen separator; 2. Gas-liquid inlet pipe; 3. Exhaust pipe; 4. Cooling and separation assembly; 401. Cooling pipe; 402. First check valve; 403. Water inlet pipe; 404. Second check valve; 405. Water outlet pipe; 406. Transfer platform; 407. Hydrogen exhaust pipe; 408. Output motor; 409. Turntable; 410. Transmission rod; 411. Piston rod; 412. Telescopic rod; 413. Annular piston; 5. Wire mesh umbrella assembly; 501. Umbrella head; 502. Wire mesh umbrella surface; 503. Movable frame; 504. Moving sleeve; 505. Telescopic spring. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0028] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the present invention provides a technical solution: a separation device for hydrogen production using an alkaline water electrolyzer in environmental engineering, comprising a hydrogen separation tank 1 and a cooling separation assembly 4. The hydrogen separation tank 1 has a gas-liquid inlet pipe 2 connected to its end flange, and an exhaust inner pipe 3 connected to its top via a flange. The cooling separation assembly 4 includes a cooling pipe 401 sleeved outside the exhaust inner pipe 3. A water inlet pipe 403 is connected to one side of the upper outer wall of the cooling pipe 401 via a first one-way valve 402, and a water outlet pipe 405 is connected to the other side of the upper outer wall of the cooling pipe 401 via a second one-way valve 404. A transfer platform is fixed to the top of the exhaust inner pipe 3. 406, and a hydrogen exhaust pipe 407 is provided on the side of the transfer platform 406. An output motor 408 is fixed on the top of the transfer platform 406 by a bracket. A turntable 409 is connected to the output end of the output motor 408. A transmission rod 410 is rotatably connected to the side of the surface of the turntable 409. A piston rod 411 is rotatably connected to the end of the transmission rod 410. Telescopic rods 412 are fixed on both sides of the bottom end of the piston rod 411. An annular piston 413 is connected to the top of the telescopic rod 412. The annular piston 413 is located between the exhaust inner pipe 3 and the cooling pipe 401. The top end of the exhaust inner pipe 3 passes through the top of the cooling pipe 401.

[0029] The specific operation is as follows: the gas-liquid mixture formed by hydrogen containing alkali solution enters the hydrogen separator 1 from the electrolytic cell through the gas-liquid inlet pipe 2. At this time, under the action of gravity, the hydrogen rises while the alkali solution falls to the bottom of the hydrogen separator 1 and accumulates. The accumulated alkali solution is returned to the electrolytic cell through the alkali solution discharge pipe, thus achieving preliminary separation. The hydrogen after preliminary separation contains alkali solution vapor impurities. At this time, the hydrogen containing impurities rises along the exhaust pipe 3. At the same time, the water inlet pipe 403 injects coolant into the cooling pipe 401. The coolant adheres to the outer wall of the exhaust pipe 3 to cool the hydrogen containing impurities inside, so that the alkali solution vapor impurities in the hydrogen are cooled and liquefied. As the impurities liquefy and increase in weight, they naturally fall back to the bottom of the hydrogen separator 1, while the hydrogen is discharged along the hydrogen discharge pipe 407.

[0030] When the hydrogen gas after initial separation is cooled and rises on the inner wall of the exhaust pipe 3, the output motor 408 drives the turntable 409 to rotate, causing the transmission rod 410 to carry the piston rod 411 to make vertical piston movement. When the piston rod 411 descends, the telescopic rod 412 carries the annular piston 413 to descend. At this time, the first one-way valve 402 opens and the second one-way valve 404 closes, so that the cooling water inside the water inlet pipe 403 is drawn into the cooling pipe 401. When the annular piston 413 rises, the second one-way valve 404 opens and the first one-way valve 402 closes, so that the cooling water in the cooling pipe 401 is discharged along the water outlet pipe 405, thus becoming the driving force for the circulation of cooling water.

[0031] Based on the above description, this invention utilizes gravity separation to cool the hydrogen gas, which still contains alkaline vapor impurities after initial separation, using a cooling water baffle. This causes the alkaline vapor to liquefy and increase its weight, thereby achieving secondary separation and effectively solving the problem of high-temperature alkaline vapor being difficult to separate. At the same time, the output motor 408 drives the annular piston 413 to continuously rise and fall, which serves as the driving force for the circulation of cooling water, ensuring the circulation of coolant and cooperating with the heat dissipation and cooling mechanism to achieve long-term and effective cooling.

[0032] like Figures 1-5As shown, a wire mesh umbrella assembly 5 is fitted onto the outer wall of the piston rod 411. The wire mesh umbrella assembly 5 includes an umbrella head 501, which is fixedly connected to the piston rod 411. The wire mesh umbrella assembly 5 also includes a wire mesh umbrella surface 502, which is connected to the bottom side of the umbrella head 501. The wire mesh umbrella surface 502 has a flexible structure. The wire mesh umbrella assembly 5 also includes a movable frame 503, which is distributed in a ring shape on the inner side of the wire mesh umbrella surface 502. The wire mesh umbrella assembly 5 also includes a movable sleeve 504, which is connected to the bottom end of the movable frame 503. The movable sleeve 504 is fitted onto and slidably connected to the outer wall of the piston rod 411. The movable sleeve 504 is connected to the wire mesh umbrella surface 502 via the movable frame 503. After the wire mesh umbrella surface 502 is unfolded, its maximum diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the exhaust inner pipe 3, and its maximum area after unfolding is matched with the inner area of ​​the exhaust inner pipe 3. The wire mesh umbrella surface 502 has a flexible structure, and the weaving density of the wire mesh umbrella surface 502 is 40-60 mesh to capture 3-5μm alkaline droplets. The wire mesh umbrella surface 502 is also conical. The wire mesh umbrella assembly 5 also includes a telescopic spring 505, and a telescopic spring 505 is provided between the upper surface of the movable sleeve 504 and the bottom surface of the umbrella head 501. The telescopic spring 505 is sleeved on the outer wall of the piston rod 411.

[0033] The specific operation is as follows: while the piston rod 411 is raised and lowered to drive the coolant to circulate, when the piston rod 411 rises, due to the wind resistance pressure on the upper surface of the wire mesh umbrella surface 502 and the elastic action of the telescopic spring 505, the movable sleeve 504 moves away from the umbrella head 501, and at this time the wire mesh umbrella surface 502 is in a contracted state.

[0034] When the piston rod 411 descends, the wind resistance pressure on the lower surface of the wire mesh umbrella 502 is greater than the elastic effect of the telescopic spring 505, causing the telescopic spring 505 to be compressed. At this time, the movable sleeve 504 moves up and closes to the umbrella head 501, thereby causing the movable frame 503 to unfold the wire mesh umbrella 502. The descending and unfolded wire mesh umbrella 502 comes into contact with and accumulates the alkaline liquid in the rising hydrogen gas after it has been cooled, so as to accelerate the weight gain of the alkaline liquid and allow the alkaline liquid to fall quickly.

[0035] Furthermore, the descending and unfolding wire mesh umbrella 502 will push the hydrogen downwards and push the hydrogen closer to the inner wall of the exhaust inner pipe 3, thereby slowing down the rising speed of the hydrogen and prolonging the time for the remaining alkaline vapor impurities in the hydrogen to exchange heat with the coolant. At the same time, since the hydrogen is pushed to the inner wall of the exhaust inner pipe 3 to be closer to the coolant, the heat exchange effect between the remaining alkaline vapor impurities and the coolant is enhanced, thereby accelerating the liquefaction speed of the alkaline vapor.

[0036] Based on the above description, the present invention utilizes the flexible properties of the wire mesh to form a wire mesh umbrella surface 502. The piston rod 411 is used to drive the circulation of the coolant, causing the wire mesh umbrella surface 502 to close when rising and unfold when falling. When the unfolded wire mesh umbrella surface 502 descends, it can collect liquefied alkali solution to accelerate its weight gain and cause it to fall quickly. It can also push hydrogen gas downwards to prolong the heat exchange time between internal vapor impurities and the coolant, thus fully liquefying the alkali vapor. Simultaneously, the pushed hydrogen gas will move closer to the inner wall of the exhaust pipe 3 to enhance the heat exchange effect between the alkali vapor impurities and the coolant, thereby accelerating the liquefaction rate of the alkali vapor.

[0037] In summary, the separation device for hydrogen production using an alkaline water electrolyzer in this environmental protection project first introduces a gas-liquid mixture of hydrogen containing alkaline solution into the hydrogen separator 1 through the gas-liquid inlet pipe 2. Under gravity, the hydrogen rises while the alkaline solution falls to the bottom of the hydrogen separator 1 and accumulates. The accumulated alkaline solution is then returned to the electrolyzer through the alkaline solution discharge pipe, thus achieving preliminary separation. The hydrogen after preliminary separation contains alkaline solution vapor impurities. The hydrogen containing impurities rises along the exhaust pipe 3, while the water inlet pipe 403 injects coolant into the cooling pipe 401. The coolant adheres to the outer wall of the exhaust pipe 3 to cool the hydrogen containing impurities, causing the alkaline solution vapor impurities in the hydrogen to liquefy. As the impurities liquefy and increase in weight, they naturally fall back to the bottom of the hydrogen separator 1, while the hydrogen is discharged along the hydrogen discharge pipe 407.

[0038] When the hydrogen gas after initial separation is cooled and rises on the inner wall of the exhaust pipe 3, the output motor 408 drives the turntable 409 to rotate, causing the transmission rod 410 to carry the piston rod 411 to make vertical piston movement. When the piston rod 411 descends, the telescopic rod 412 carries the annular piston 413 to descend. At this time, the first one-way valve 402 opens and the second one-way valve 404 closes, so that the cooling water inside the water inlet pipe 403 is drawn into the cooling pipe 401. When the annular piston 413 rises, the second one-way valve 404 opens and the first one-way valve 402 closes, so that the cooling water in the cooling pipe 401 is discharged along the water outlet pipe 405, thereby making the cooling water circulate.

[0039] While the piston rod 411 is raised and lowered to drive the coolant to circulate through the annular piston 413, when the piston rod 411 rises, due to the wind resistance pressure on the upper surface of the wire mesh umbrella surface 502 and the elastic action of the telescopic spring 505, the movable sleeve 504 moves away from the umbrella head 501, and at this time the wire mesh umbrella surface 502 is in a contracted state.

[0040] When the piston rod 411 descends, the wind resistance pressure on the lower surface of the wire mesh umbrella 502 is greater than the elastic effect of the telescopic spring 505, causing the telescopic spring 505 to be compressed. At this time, the movable sleeve 504 moves up and closes to the umbrella head 501, thereby causing the movable frame 503 to unfold the wire mesh umbrella 502. The descending and unfolded wire mesh umbrella 502 comes into contact with and accumulates the alkaline liquid in the rising hydrogen gas after it has been cooled, so as to accelerate the weight gain of the alkaline liquid and allow the alkaline liquid to fall quickly.

[0041] Furthermore, the descending and unfolding wire mesh umbrella 502 will push the hydrogen downwards, causing it to be pushed closer to the inner wall of the exhaust inner pipe 3. This slows down the rising speed of the hydrogen, thereby extending the time for the remaining alkaline vapor impurities in the hydrogen to exchange heat with the coolant. At the same time, because the hydrogen is pushed closer to the inner wall of the exhaust inner pipe 3, the heat exchange effect between the remaining alkaline vapor impurities and the coolant is enhanced, thereby accelerating the liquefaction rate of the alkaline vapor.

[0042] The embodiments of the present invention are given for illustrative and descriptive purposes only, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to better illustrate the principles and practical application of the invention, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention and to design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose.

Claims

1. A separation device for hydrogen production using an alkaline water electrolyzer in environmental engineering, comprising a hydrogen separation tank (1) and a cooling separation assembly (4), characterized in that: The end of the hydrogen separator (1) is connected to the gas-liquid inlet pipe (2) via a flange to receive the gas-liquid mixture generated by alkaline water electrolysis, and the top of it is connected to the exhaust inner pipe (3) via a flange to transmit the hydrogen containing alkaline vapor impurities after separation. The cooling separation component (4) is sleeved on the outside of the exhaust inner pipe (3) and includes a cooling pipe (401). The upper side of the outer wall of the cooling pipe (401) is connected to the water inlet pipe (403) through the first one-way valve (402) for introducing cooling medium, and the other side is connected to the water outlet pipe (405) through the second one-way valve (404) to form a cooling medium circulation path. The temperature of the gas-liquid mixture is reduced through the heat exchange between the cooling pipe (401) and the exhaust inner pipe (3). The top of the exhaust inner pipe (3) is fixed with a transfer platform (406), and a hydrogen exhaust pipe (407) is provided on its side to output purified hydrogen. The top of the transfer platform (406) is fixed with an output motor (408) by a bracket. The output end of the output motor (408) is connected to a turntable (409). The side of the turntable (409) is rotatably connected to a transmission rod (410). The end of the transmission rod (410) is rotatably connected to a piston rod (411). The bottom of the piston rod (411) is fixed with telescopic rods (412). The top of the telescopic rod (412) is connected to an annular piston (413). The output motor (408) drives the turntable (409) to rotate. The transmission rod (410) drives the piston rod (411) and the annular piston (413) to move up and down. With the telescopic guide of the telescopic rod (412), the gas flow in the exhaust pipe (3) and the heat exchange efficiency with the cooling pipe (401) are enhanced. The annular piston (413) is located between the exhaust inner pipe (3) and the cooling pipe (401), and the top end of the exhaust inner pipe (3) passes through the top of the cooling pipe (401). The outer wall of the piston rod (411) is fitted with a wire mesh umbrella assembly (5). The wire mesh umbrella assembly (5) includes an umbrella head (501), and the umbrella head (501) is fixedly connected to the piston rod (411). The wire mesh umbrella assembly (5) also includes a wire mesh umbrella surface (502), and the wire mesh umbrella surface (502) is connected to the bottom side of the umbrella head (501). The wire mesh umbrella surface (502) has a flexible structure.

2. The separation device for hydrogen production using an alkaline water electrolyzer for environmental engineering, as described in claim 1, is characterized in that: The mesh umbrella assembly (5) also includes a movable frame (503), and the movable frame (503) is distributed in a ring shape on the inner side of the mesh umbrella surface (502).

3. The separation device for hydrogen production in an alkaline water electrolyzer for environmental engineering as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The mesh umbrella assembly (5) also includes a movable sleeve (504), and the bottom end of the movable frame (503) is connected to the movable sleeve (504).

4. The separation device for hydrogen production in an alkaline water electrolyzer for environmental engineering as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The movable sleeve (504) is fitted and slidably connected to the outer wall of the piston rod (411), and the movable sleeve (504) is connected to the wire mesh umbrella surface (502) through the movable frame (503).

5. The separation device for hydrogen production in an alkaline water electrolyzer for environmental engineering as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The maximum diameter of the mesh umbrella surface (502) after unfolding is smaller than the inner diameter of the exhaust inner pipe (3), and the maximum area of ​​the mesh umbrella surface (502) after unfolding is compatible with the inner area of ​​the exhaust inner pipe (3).

6. The separation device for hydrogen production in an alkaline water electrolyzer for environmental engineering as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The mesh umbrella surface (502) has a flexible structure, and the weaving density of the mesh umbrella surface (502) is 40-60 mesh to capture alkaline droplets of 3-5μm. Moreover, the mesh umbrella surface (502) is conical in shape.

7. The separation device for hydrogen production in an alkaline water electrolyzer for environmental engineering as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The mesh umbrella assembly (5) also includes a telescopic spring (505), and a telescopic spring (505) is provided between the upper surface of the movable sleeve (504) and the bottom surface of the umbrella head (501), and the telescopic spring (505) is sleeved on the outer wall of the piston rod (411).

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