Methanol-to-hydrogen burner
By adopting a Venturi tube structure and modular splicing design in the methanol-to-hydrogen burner, the problems of high equipment complexity and high operating costs in existing methanol-to-hydrogen methods have been solved, achieving efficient, low-energy-consumption hydrogen production and stable combustion processes.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511877494.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing methanol-to-hydrogen methods suffer from problems such as high equipment complexity, high operating costs, low hydrogen purity, or high equipment investment costs, especially in methanol steam reforming, methanol partial oxidation, and methanol autothermal reforming.
The methanol-to-hydrogen burner utilizes a venturi tube structure to provide combustion air branch channels, eliminating the need for high-pressure pumping of liquid methanol. Combined with a modular splicing structure and 3D printing integrated molding process, it optimizes the gas mixing and combustion process, achieving uniform gas distribution and efficient combustion through the Venturi effect.
It reduces system costs and operating energy consumption, improves hydrogen purity and combustion efficiency, reduces emissions of incomplete combustion products, and enhances the versatility and applicability of the burner.
Smart Images
Figure CN121408696A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of hydrogen-containing gas separation and purification technology, and in particular to a methanol-to-hydrogen burner. Background Technology
[0002] Hydrogen energy, as a clean and efficient energy source, plays a vital role in the transformation of modern society's energy structure. With the continuous development of fuel cells, distributed energy systems, and mobile energy devices, the demand for efficient and stable energy supply methods is increasing. The use of hydrogen can effectively reduce environmental pollution, improve energy efficiency, and promote a more sustainable development of the energy sector.
[0003] There are several traditional methods for producing hydrogen from methanol. One is methanol steam reforming, which involves mixing and heating methanol and steam, then decomposing them into hydrogen and carbon dioxide under the action of a catalyst. This method is highly efficient and can stably produce hydrogen under certain conditions. Another method is methanol partial oxidation, which involves mixing methanol with oxygen to partially oxidize the methanol to produce hydrogen and other byproducts. This method can start up quickly and has advantages in scenarios requiring rapid hydrogen supply. Finally, methanol autothermal reforming combines the advantages of steam reforming and partial oxidation, utilizing the heat generated by the oxidation of methanol itself to accelerate the reaction.
[0004] However, methanol steam reforming requires strict temperature control of the equipment, which increases the complexity of the equipment and operating costs. Even slight deviations in temperature control can affect hydrogen production efficiency. The hydrogen produced by partial oxidation of methanol has relatively low purity, which cannot meet the needs of some applications requiring high hydrogen purity. Autothermal methanol reforming requires a more complex combustion device to balance the heat demands of oxidation and steam reforming, which not only increases investment costs but also raises the difficulty of system maintenance. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In order to reduce the cost of hydrogen production and the energy consumption of equipment operation, this application provides a methanol-to-hydrogen burner.
[0006] This application provides a methanol-to-hydrogen burner, which adopts the following technical solution: A methanol-to-hydrogen burner includes a burner body and a burner unit embedded in the burner body for connecting to a combustion chamber. The burner body is provided with a waste hydrogen supply channel, a methanol gas supply channel and a combustion air supply channel. The burner unit has multiple evenly distributed vaporization power supply modules along its length. Each vaporization power supply module includes a waste hydrogen branch channel connected to the waste hydrogen supply channel, a methanol gas branch channel connected to the methanol gas supply channel, and multiple combustion air branch channels connected to the combustion air supply channel. The combustion air branch channels adopt a Venturi tube structure, and a connecting channel is provided between the waste hydrogen branch channel and the Venturi tube structure. The burner unit also has multiple gas outlet channels connected to the methanol gas branch channels.
[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, during operation of the methanol-to-hydrogen burner, the combustion air enters the combustion air branch channel of the venturi tube structure from the combustion air supply channel. The gas flow forms a negative pressure zone, and waste hydrogen is drawn into the diffusion section of the venturi tube structure through the waste hydrogen supply channel, the waste hydrogen branch channel, and the connecting channel. Methanol gas enters the combustion chamber from the methanol gas supply channel, the methanol gas branch channel, and then through the outlet channel. Waste hydrogen, methanol gas, and combustion air mix and burn in the combustion chamber. The combustion air branch channel adopts a venturi tube structure, utilizing the Venturi effect to eliminate the need for a high-pressure pump to deliver liquid methanol, reducing the requirement for external compressors or high-pressure pumps, thereby reducing system costs and operating energy consumption. At the same time, it improves the methanol vaporization effect, enabling methanol to burn more completely and reducing the emission of incomplete combustion products. Multiple evenly distributed vaporization energy supply modules along the length of the burner unit ensure the stability and efficiency of the combustion process.
[0008] Optionally, the venturi tube structure includes a contraction section and a diffusion section, the contraction section and the diffusion section are connected to form a negative pressure zone; the inlet of the contraction section is connected to the combustion air supply channel, and the outlet of the diffusion section is connected to the combustion chamber.
[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the combustion air enters the contraction section of the Venturi tube structure from the combustion air supply channel. As the cross-sectional area of the contraction section gradually decreases, the gas velocity increases and the pressure decreases, forming a negative pressure zone at the connection between the contraction section and the diffusion section. Subsequently, the gas flows out from the diffusion section and enters the combustion chamber. The negative pressure zone formed by the gas flow improves the methanol vaporization efficiency. By utilizing the Venturi effect, pressure drop and complete vaporization can be achieved, reducing energy consumption and system complexity. At the same time, it can also promote better mixing of waste hydrogen and combustion air, improve combustion efficiency and flame stability, and make methanol combustion more complete.
[0010] Optionally, the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of the contraction section to the cross-sectional area of the outlet of the diffusion section is 1:3, and the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of the contraction section to the cross-sectional area of the inlet of the contraction section is 1:5.
[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, in the contraction section, as the cross-sectional area gradually decreases, the gas velocity increases. According to Bernoulli's principle, the pressure decreases here, forming a negative pressure zone. A suitable cross-sectional area ratio can make the pressure drop in the negative pressure zone reach the ideal value, forming a more reasonable gas velocity change within the Venturi tube structure, which can maximize the methanol vaporization efficiency.
[0012] Optionally, the end of the connection channel extends into the interior of the diffusion section.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the diffusion section of the Venturi tube structure has a negative pressure zone. When the combustion air flows in the Venturi tube, the negative pressure formed in the diffusion section can smoothly draw the waste hydrogen in the waste hydrogen branch channel through the connecting channel, so that the waste hydrogen can be better mixed with the combustion air in the diffusion section, providing a more complete mixed gas for subsequent combustion in the combustion chamber and improving combustion efficiency.
[0014] Optionally, filter plates are fixed in the waste hydrogen supply channel, methanol gas supply channel and combustion air supply channel.
[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, waste hydrogen, methanol gas and combustion air flow through the waste hydrogen supply channel, methanol gas supply channel and combustion air supply channel respectively. The filter plates fixed in the channels will filter these gases, prevent impurities from entering the burner unit, and avoid impurities affecting the normal operation and performance of the burner. Moreover, the filter plates can make the gas diffuse evenly along the length of the burner body, making the combustion process of the burner more stable and efficient.
[0016] Optionally, the filter plate has a mesh structure, and the mesh aperture of the mesh structure is smaller than the maximum particle size of impurities carried by the gas under the working state of the burner.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the mesh structure can uniformly obstruct and guide the gas as it passes through the filter plate. This allows the gas to diffuse evenly along the length of the burner body and also diffuse evenly through the mesh openings on the filter plate into the burner unit, providing a more stable gas supply for the combustion process. Furthermore, setting the mesh aperture of the mesh structure to be smaller than the maximum particle size of impurities carried by the gas during burner operation effectively intercepts impurities, preventing them from entering the burner unit and ensuring the burner's stable performance and service life.
[0018] Optionally, both the burner body and the burner unit adopt a modular splicing structure.
[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the burner body and burner unit adopt a modular splicing structure. In actual use, the individual burner bodies and burner units can be flexibly spliced and combined according to different power requirements, thereby quickly adapting to different application scenarios, improving the versatility and applicability of the burner, and making full use of limited space, making it more suitable for small or high-efficiency equipment.
[0020] Optionally, the burner unit is fabricated using a 3D printing integral molding process.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, when the burner unit is manufactured using the 3D printing one-piece molding process, the internal flow channels and nozzles of the burner unit can be precisely designed, avoiding the structural limitations brought about by traditional processing methods, ensuring the high precision of the internal structure of the burner unit, optimizing combustion efficiency and flame shape, and improving burner performance.
[0022] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: The combustion air branch channel adopts a Venturi tube structure, which utilizes the Venturi effect to eliminate the need for high-pressure pumps to deliver methanol liquid, reducing the need for external compressors or high-pressure pumps, thereby reducing system costs and operating energy consumption; at the same time, it improves the methanol vaporization effect, enabling methanol to burn more completely and reducing the emission of incomplete combustion products; multiple uniformly distributed vaporization energy supply modules are set along the length of the burner unit to ensure the stability and efficiency of the combustion process. Combustion air enters the contraction section of the Venturi tube structure from the combustion air supply channel. As the cross-sectional area of the contraction section gradually decreases, the gas velocity increases and the pressure decreases, creating a negative pressure zone at the junction of the contraction and diffusion sections. The gas then flows out from the diffusion section into the combustion chamber. This negative pressure zone, created by the gas flow, improves methanol vaporization efficiency. The Venturi effect enables pressure drop and complete vaporization, reducing energy consumption and system complexity. Simultaneously, it promotes better mixing of waste hydrogen and combustion air, enhancing combustion efficiency and flame stability, resulting in more complete methanol combustion. The negative pressure zone formed by the combustion air branch channel can effectively utilize the Venturi effect to enhance the suction of waste hydrogen, allowing waste hydrogen to mix better with the combustion air, thereby optimizing the combustion process and improving combustion efficiency and flame stability. Waste hydrogen, methanol gas, and combustion air flow through the waste hydrogen supply channel, methanol gas supply channel, and combustion air supply channel, respectively. Fixed filter plates in the channels filter these gases, preventing impurities from entering the burner unit and avoiding impurities from affecting the normal operation and performance of the burner. In addition, the filter plates can make the gas diffuse evenly along the length of the burner body, making the combustion process of the burner more stable and efficient. The burner body and burner unit adopt a modular splicing structure. In actual use, the individual burner bodies and burner units can be flexibly spliced and combined according to different power requirements, so as to quickly adapt to different application scenarios, improve the versatility and applicability of the burner, and make full use of limited space, making it more suitable for small or high-efficiency equipment. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the methanol-to-hydrogen burner in this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the modular assembly structure of a methanol-to-hydrogen burner; Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a methanol-to-hydrogen burner; Figure 4 It means Figure 3 A magnified schematic diagram of part A in the middle section; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the burner unit; Figure 6 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the burner unit.
[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Burner body; 2. Burner unit; 3. Waste hydrogen supply channel; 4. Methanol gas supply channel; 5. Combustion air supply channel; 6. Vaporization energy supply module; 61. Waste hydrogen branch channel; 62. Methanol gas branch channel; 63. Combustion air branch channel; 631. Contraction section; 632. Diffusion section; 64. Connecting channel; 65. Gas outlet channel; 7. Filter plate. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-6 This application will be described in further detail.
[0026] This application discloses a methanol-to-hydrogen burner. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The methanol-to-hydrogen burner includes a burner body 1 and a burner unit 2 embedded in the burner body 1 for connecting the combustion chamber. The burner body 1 provides installation space and gas supply channel for the burner unit 2. The burner unit 2 transports, mixes and combusts waste hydrogen, methanol gas and combustion-supporting gas, thereby achieving efficient combustion and stable energy supply.
[0027] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3The burner body 1 is equipped with a waste hydrogen supply channel 3, a methanol gas supply channel 4, and a combustion air supply channel 5. The waste hydrogen supply channel 3 is used to transport recovered waste hydrogen, the methanol gas supply channel 4 is used to transport methanol gas, and the combustion air supply channel 5 is used to transport combustion air. The cross-sections of the methanol gas supply channel 4, the waste hydrogen supply channel 3, and the combustion air supply channel 5 increase sequentially.
[0028] Reference Figures 4-6 The burner unit 2 has multiple evenly distributed vaporization power supply modules 6 along its length. Each vaporization power supply module 6 includes a waste hydrogen branch channel 61 connected to the waste hydrogen supply channel 3, a methanol gas branch channel 62 connected to the methanol gas supply channel 4, and multiple combustion air branch channels 63 connected to the combustion air supply channel 5. The combustion air branch channels 63 adopt a Venturi tube structure, and a connecting channel 64 is provided between the waste hydrogen branch channels 61 and the Venturi tube structure. The burner unit 2 also has multiple gas outlet channels 65 connected to the methanol gas branch channels 62. The gas outlet channels 65 cooperate with the combustion air branch channels 63 and the waste hydrogen branch channels 61 to ensure that the methanol gas, combustion air, and waste hydrogen are fully mixed and combusted in the combustion chamber.
[0029] When the methanol-to-hydrogen burner is in operation, the combustion air enters the combustion air branch channel 63 of the venturi tube structure from the combustion air supply channel 5. The gas flow forms a negative pressure zone. Waste hydrogen is drawn into the venturi tube structure through the waste hydrogen supply channel 3, the waste hydrogen branch channel 61, and the connecting channel 64. Methanol gas enters the combustion chamber from the methanol gas supply channel 4, the methanol gas branch channel 62, and then through the gas outlet channel 65. Waste hydrogen, methanol gas, and combustion air are mixed and burned in the combustion chamber.
[0030] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Both the burner body 1 and burner unit 2 adopt a modular assembly structure. This modular structure allows the burner to be flexibly assembled according to different power requirements, improving its applicability and scalability. The burner body 1 is a rectangular metal shell that can be assembled using bolts or other connectors, or by welding. The burner unit 2 is embedded and fixed into the burner body 1 via a slot. The burner unit 2 is manufactured using a 3D printing one-piece molding process. This one-piece molding process allows for highly precise design of the internal flow channels and multi-hole injection structure, optimizing combustion efficiency and flame shape, reducing structural limitations imposed by traditional processing methods, and significantly improving burner performance.
[0031] Specifically, refer to Figures 4-6The Venturi tube structure includes a contraction section 631 and a diffuser section 632, which are connected to form a negative pressure zone. The inlet of the contraction section 631 is connected to the combustion air supply channel 5, and the outlet of the diffuser section 632 is connected to the combustion chamber. The contraction section 631 is a tapered, gradually narrowing pipe used to increase the flow rate of the combustion air and reduce its pressure, thus creating a negative pressure zone. The diffuser section 632 is a tapered, gradually widening pipe used to slow down the flow rate of the combustion air and restore its pressure. The connecting channel 64 extends into the interior of the diffuser section 632, connecting the waste hydrogen branch channel 61 to the diffuser section 632 of the Venturi tube structure. This allows waste hydrogen to be drawn into the combustion air when a negative pressure is formed in the Venturi tube structure, achieving mixing between the two. The ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of the contraction section 631 to the outlet cross-sectional area of the diffusion section 632 is 1:3, and the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of the contraction section 631 to the inlet cross-sectional area of the contraction section 631 is 1:5. This ratio ensures that the Venturi tube structure forms a suitable negative pressure, allowing the waste hydrogen and combustion air to mix fully.
[0032] Combustion air enters the contraction section 631 of the Venturi tube structure from the combustion air supply channel 5. As the cross-sectional area of the contraction section 631 gradually decreases, the gas velocity increases and the pressure decreases, forming a negative pressure zone at the connection between the contraction section 631 and the diffuser section 632. Subsequently, the gas flows out from the diffuser section 632 and enters the combustion chamber. The negative pressure zone formed by the gas flow improves the methanol vaporization efficiency. The pressure drop and complete vaporization can be achieved by means of the Venturi effect, reducing energy consumption and system complexity. At the same time, it can also promote better mixing of waste hydrogen and combustion air, improve combustion efficiency and flame stability, and make methanol combustion more complete.
[0033] Reference Figures 4-6 Filter plates 7 are fixed in the waste hydrogen supply channel 3, methanol gas supply channel 4, and combustion air supply channel 5. The filter plates 7 have a mesh structure, and the mesh aperture is smaller than the maximum particle size of impurities carried by the gas during burner operation. The filter plates 7 serve two purposes: firstly, to filter impurities in the gas, preventing them from easily entering the burner unit 2 and ensuring normal burner operation; secondly, the filter plates 7 facilitate uniform gas diffusion along the length of the burner body 1, making the combustion process more stable and efficient.
[0034] The implementation principle of a methanol-to-hydrogen burner according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: The methanol-to-hydrogen burner provides the required gas to the burner unit 2 by rationally arranging the waste hydrogen supply channel 3, methanol gas supply channel 4, and combustion air supply channel 5 in the burner body 1. The combustion air branch channel 63 adopts a Venturi tube structure, utilizing the Venturi effect to eliminate the need for high-pressure pumping of methanol liquid, reducing the need for external compressors or high-pressure pumps, thereby reducing system costs and operating energy consumption; at the same time, it improves the methanol vaporization effect, enabling methanol to burn more completely and reducing the emission of incomplete combustion products; multiple uniformly distributed vaporization energy supply modules 6 arranged along the length of the burner unit 2 can ensure the stability and efficiency of the combustion process. The modular splicing structure allows for flexible splicing and combination of various independent burner bodies 1 and burner units 2 according to different power requirements in actual use, thereby quickly adapting to different application scenarios, improving the burner's versatility, applicability, and scalability; the 3D printing integrated molding process enhances the burner's performance. Compared to traditional methanol-to-hydrogen burners, this burner reduces the need for external compressors or high-pressure pumps, lowers system costs and operating energy consumption, improves methanol vaporization, makes combustion more complete, reduces emissions of incomplete combustion products, and can effectively utilize limited space, making it suitable for small or high-efficiency equipment.
[0035] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A methanol-to-hydrogen burner, characterized in that, It includes a burner body (1) and a burner unit (2) embedded in the burner body (1) for connecting the combustion chamber. The burner body (1) is provided with a waste hydrogen supply channel (3), a methanol gas supply channel (4) and a combustion air supply channel (5). The burner unit (2) is provided with a plurality of uniformly distributed vaporization power supply modules (6) along its length. Each vaporization power supply module (6) includes a waste hydrogen branch channel (61) connected to the waste hydrogen supply channel (3), a methanol gas branch channel (62) connected to the methanol gas supply channel (4), and a plurality of combustion air branch channels (63) connected to the combustion air supply channel (5). The combustion air branch channel (63) adopts a venturi tube structure, and a connecting channel (64) is provided between the waste hydrogen branch channel (61) and the venturi tube structure. The burner unit (2) is also provided with a plurality of gas outlet channels (65) connected to the methanol gas branch channels (62).
2. The methanol-to-hydrogen burner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Venturi tube structure includes a contraction section (631) and a diffusion section (632). The contraction section (631) and the diffusion section (632) are connected to form a negative pressure zone. The inlet of the contraction section (631) is connected to the combustion air supply channel (5), and the outlet of the diffusion section (632) is connected to the combustion chamber.
3. The methanol-to-hydrogen burner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of the contraction section (631) to the outlet cross-sectional area of the diffusion section (632) is 1:3, and the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of the contraction section (631) to the inlet cross-sectional area of the contraction section (631) is 1:
5.
4. The methanol-to-hydrogen burner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the connecting channel (64) extends into the interior of the diffusion section (632).
5. The methanol-to-hydrogen burner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Filter plates (7) are fixed in the waste hydrogen supply channel (3), methanol gas supply channel (4) and combustion air supply channel (5).
6. The methanol-to-hydrogen burner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The filter plate (7) has a mesh structure, and the mesh aperture of the mesh structure is smaller than the maximum particle size of impurities carried by the gas under the working state of the burner.
7. The methanol-to-hydrogen burner according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Both the burner body (1) and the burner unit (2) adopt a modular splicing structure.
8. The methanol-to-hydrogen burner according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The burner unit (2) is fabricated using a 3D printing integral molding process.