Thermal management device of full-chain hydrogen energy comprehensive system

Abstract

The invention aims to provide a thermal management device of a full-chain hydrogen energy comprehensive system, belongs to the field of hydrogen energy thermal management, and realizes thermal management of full-chain processes of hydrogen preparation, hydrogen storage and hydrogen use by controlling the temperature of each process of hydrogen preparation, hydrogen storage and hydrogen use. In the hydrogen preparation process, the temperature is reduced through an intercooler so as to ensure the performance of a proton exchange membrane and ensure that hydrogen production through water electrolysis is smoothly carried out; in the hydrogen storage process, the temperature of the heat conduction pipe is flexibly regulated and controlled through cooperation of the intercooler and the heater, and it is ensured that the hydrogen charging / hydrogen evolution process is efficiently carried out; in the hydrogen using process, through cooperation of the heater, the three-way valve and the radiator, rapid cold start of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell is achieved, and meanwhile the temperature of cooling water is dynamically adjusted to prevent the fuel cell and the system from being damaged due to overheating. Through seamless cooperation of all the assemblies, sufficient supply, safe storage and efficient utilization of hydrogen are ensured, and efficient operation and continuous optimization of a whole hydrogen energy application chain are promoted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal management device, specifically a hydrogen energy thermal management device. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread use of fossil fuels, the rate of depletion of traditional energy sources globally has accelerated, causing profound environmental pollution impacts on ecosystems. The gradual depletion of fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources has become a common challenge faced by countries worldwide. Against this backdrop, hydrogen energy, as a clean energy source, has attracted significant attention. Hydrogen is widely distributed on Earth and does not produce pollutants during its use, thus possessing immense potential and development prospects, and is considered an important component of future sustainable energy. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a thermal management device for a complete hydrogen energy system that enables full-chain thermal management of hydrogen production, storage, and use.

[0004] The objective of this invention is achieved as follows: This invention discloses a thermal management device for a complete hydrogen energy system, characterized by comprising a water tank, a chiller, a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and a solid-state hydrogen storage device. The solid-state hydrogen storage device includes a hydrogen storage tank with heat-conducting pipes wound around its exterior. The water tank inlet is connected to a water tank inlet pipe, and the water tank outlet is connected to a water tank outlet pipe. The water tank outlet pipe is connected to a first outlet branch and a second outlet branch. The first outlet branch is connected to the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer inlet, and the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer outlet is connected to the water tank inlet pipe. The second outlet branch is connected to an intercooling branch and a first heating pipe. The intercooling branch and the first heating pipe are connected together. The inlet and outlet of the heat pipe are connected to the heat pipe outlet pipeline, which in turn is connected to the water tank inlet pipeline. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer is connected to the hydrogen storage tank. A first water pump and a first intercooler are installed on the first branch of the water tank outlet, and a second water pump is installed on the second branch of the water tank outlet. A first solenoid valve and a second intercooler are installed on the intercooler branch. A first three-way valve and a first heater are installed on the first heating pipeline. The inlets of both the first and second intercoolers are connected to the outlet of the chiller. The outlets of the first and second intercoolers are connected to the chiller inlet pipeline, which is also connected to the chiller inlet pipeline. A third solenoid valve is installed on the chiller inlet pipeline.

[0005] The present invention may also include: 1. It also includes a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The inlet of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell is connected to the fuel cell inlet pipe, and the outlet of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell is connected to the fuel cell outlet pipe. The second branch of the water tank outlet is connected to the fuel cell outlet pipe through the fuel cell water pipe. A second solenoid valve is installed on the fuel cell water pipe. The fuel cell outlet pipe is connected to the second heating pipe through the second three-way valve. The fuel cell inlet pipe is connected to the second heating pipe and the fuel cell water pipe respectively. A third water pump is installed on the fuel cell outlet pipe. A second heater is installed on the second heating pipe. The hydrogen storage tank is connected to the proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

[0006] 2. A first heat dissipation pipe is set in the heat pipe outlet pipe, and both ends of the first heat dissipation pipe are connected to the heat pipe outlet pipe. A first radiator is installed on the first heat dissipation pipe. A heating bypass branch is set in the first heating pipe, one end of which is connected to a first three-way valve, and the other end of which is connected to the inlet of the heat pipe.

[0007] 3. The second heating pipe is equipped with a second heat dissipation pipe. One end of the second heat dissipation pipe is connected to the second three-way valve, and the other end of the second heat dissipation pipe is connected to the fuel cell water inlet pipe.

[0008] 4. During hydrogen production, the working liquid supplied by the water tank enters the first intercooler via the first water pump. At the same time, the circulating cooling water supplied by the chiller provides a temperature environment for the cooling process of the first intercooler. The two reduce the temperature of the working liquid through heat exchange. After hydrogen production is completed, the working liquid returns to water tank 1 to prepare for the next cycle. The circulating cooling water after heat exchange returns to the chiller via the third solenoid valve to prepare for the next cycle.

[0009] 5. Hydrogen storage includes hydrogen charging and hydrogen evolution. The charging process: The first three-way valve is closed, and the heat exchange medium water flows out of the water tank. It is then pumped by the second water pump under the control of the first solenoid valve and enters the second intercooler, where it exchanges heat with the circulating cooling water from the chiller to lower its temperature. Liquid water flows into the heat pipe, further reducing the temperature of the heat pipe and achieving an efficient charging process. After circulation, the heat exchange medium water flows out of the heat pipe and back to the water tank. The circulating cooling water, after heat exchange, returns to the chiller under the control of the third solenoid valve. The hydrogen evolution process: The first solenoid valve is closed, and the heat exchange medium water flows out of the water tank. It is pumped by the second water pump under the control of the first three-way valve and enters the first heater for heating. Liquid water enters the heat pipe, increasing its temperature to ensure efficient hydrogen evolution. After circulation, the water flows out and enters the first radiator, where its temperature is lowered before returning to the water tank. When the hydrogen evolution rate is too fast or the pressure is too high, the water flows around the first heater under the control of the first three-way valve and into the heat pipe.

[0010] 6. When using hydrogen, cooling water flows out from the water tank and participates in the thermal management of the hydrogen use process under the control of the second solenoid valve by the second water pump. In the initial stage of the cold start process, the third water pump draws out the cooling water and enters the second heater for heating under the control of the second three-way valve. The heated cooling water returns to the proton exchange membrane fuel cell. When the temperature of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell and the cooling water reaches the preset level, the second three-way valve adjusts the flow direction, and the cooling water bypasses the second heater and enters the second radiator to maintain temperature balance and prevent overheating.

[0011] The advantages of this invention are: 1. The thermal management solution provided by this invention covers the entire chain of hydrogen production, storage and use. Under the premise of ensuring hydrogen safety, it realizes the stable operation and performance output of the hydrogen energy whole chain integrated system, and improves the overall system's operating efficiency and safety characteristics.

[0012] 2. The thermal management scheme proposed in this invention achieves dynamic adjustment of cooling water temperature through intercooler and chiller, and achieves cooling water flow control through the introduction of water pump. At the same time, the use of water tank realizes the supply of cooling water and the recycling of return cooling water. The combination of the three ensures the efficient and stable operation of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer hydrogen production system, and provides a stable source for hydrogen storage and use.

[0013] 3. The thermal management scheme proposed in this invention controls the flow rate of liquid water required for the solid-state hydrogen storage device through the use of a water pump; the use of a chiller and intercooler ensures the ambient temperature environment required for the hydrogen charging process; the radiator cools the high-temperature liquid water discharged during the hydrogen charging process; and the use of a heater ensures the high-temperature environment required for the hydrogen release process. The synergistic effect of these components achieves efficient hydrogen storage and release, ensuring a reliable fuel source for hydrogen use.

[0014] 4. The thermal management scheme proposed in this invention ensures the temperature environment required for the initial start-up of the fuel cell through the use of a heater. At the same time, the combination of water pump and radiator ensures the temperature and cooling water environment required during operation. The cooperation of each component ensures the efficient and stable operation of hydrogen use, realizes stable performance output of the fuel cell, and improves the overall system operating efficiency and energy utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings: Combination Figure 1 The present invention discloses a thermal management device for a complete hydrogen energy system, comprising a hydrogen production unit, a hydrogen storage unit, and a hydrogen utilization unit.

[0017] The hydrogen production unit includes a first water pump 3, a first intercooler 4, and a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer 2. The electrolyzer 2 is used for electrolyzing water to produce hydrogen, the first water pump 3 provides a certain flow of water to the electrolyzer 2, and the first intercooler 4 is used for cooling.

[0018] The hydrogen storage unit includes a solid-state hydrogen storage device 11, a first solenoid valve 7, a second intercooler 9, a first three-way valve 8, a first heater 10, and a first radiator 12. The hydrogen charging and hydrogen evolution processes are carried out in the solid-state hydrogen storage device 11.

[0019] The hydrogen storage unit is also equipped with a heat pipe 1101, which works in conjunction with the aforementioned intercooler, heater and other devices to control the hydrogen charging / evolution process.

[0020] The hydrogen storage unit is equipped with a first radiator 12 to cool the hot water flowing out of the heat pipe 1101 and return it to the water tank for the next cycle.

[0021] The hydrogen utilization unit includes a proton exchange membrane fuel cell 19, a third water pump 15, a second heater 18, a second three-way valve 16, and a second radiator 17. Its main purpose is to accelerate the cold start process of the fuel cell by forming a large and small circulation loop through the coordinated operation of the above devices.

[0022] The thermal management device includes a water tank 1, which provides water to the whole-chain hydrogen energy integrated system through a first water pump 3 and a second water pump 5.

[0023] The thermal management unit also includes a chiller 6, whose main purpose is to provide circulating cooling water for the first intercooler 4 and the second intercooler 9.

[0024] The specific structure of this invention is as follows: The solid-state hydrogen storage device 11 includes a hydrogen storage tank 1102, with a heat-conducting pipe 1101 wound around its exterior. The inlet of a water tank 1 is connected to a water tank inlet pipe 101, and the outlet of the water tank 1 is connected to a water tank outlet pipe 102. The water tank outlet pipe 101 is connected to a first outlet branch 103 and a second outlet branch 104. The first outlet branch 103 is connected to the inlet of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer 2, and the outlet of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer 2 is connected to the water tank inlet pipe 101. The second outlet branch 104 is connected to an intercooling branch 105 and a first heating pipe 106. The intercooling branch 105 and the first heating pipe 106 are connected and then connected to the inlet of the heat-conducting pipe 1101. The outlet of the heat-conducting pipe 1101 is connected to the heat-conducting pipe outlet pipe. Line 107, the heat conduction pipe outlet line 107 is connected to the water tank inlet line 101, the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer 2 is connected to the hydrogen storage tank 1102; the first water pump 3 and the first intercooler 4 are installed on the first branch line 103 of the water tank outlet, the second water pump 5 is installed on the second branch line 104 of the water tank outlet, the first solenoid valve 7 and the second intercooler 9 are installed on the intercooler branch line 105, the first three-way valve 8 and the first heater 10 are installed on the first heating line 106, the inlets of the first intercooler 4 and the second intercooler 9 are both connected to the outlet of the chiller 6, the outlets of the first intercooler 4 and the second intercooler 9 are connected and connected to the chiller inlet line 108, the chiller inlet line 108 is connected to the inlet of the chiller 6, and the third solenoid valve 14 is installed on the chiller inlet line 108. The heat pipe outlet pipe 107 is provided with a first heat dissipation pipe 109. Both ends of the first heat dissipation pipe 109 are connected to the heat pipe outlet pipe 107. A first radiator 12 is installed on the first heat dissipation pipe 109. The first heating pipe 106 is provided with a heating bypass branch 110. One end of the heating bypass branch 110 is connected to a first three-way valve 8, and the other end of the heating bypass branch 110 is connected to the inlet of the heat pipe 1101.

[0025] The inlet of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 19 is connected to the fuel cell inlet pipe 111, and the outlet of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 19 is connected to the fuel cell outlet pipe 112. The second branch 104 of the water tank outlet is connected to the fuel cell outlet pipe 112 through the fuel cell water pipe 113. A second solenoid valve 13 is installed on the fuel cell water pipe 113. The fuel cell outlet pipe 112 is connected to the second heating pipe 114 through the second three-way valve. The fuel cell inlet pipe 111 is connected to both the second heating pipe 114 and the fuel cell water pipe 113. A third water pump 15 is installed on the fuel cell outlet pipe 112. A second heater 18 is installed on the second heating pipe 114. The hydrogen storage tank 1102 is connected to the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 19. The second heating pipe 114 is equipped with a second heat dissipation pipe 115. One end of the second heat dissipation pipe 115 is connected to the second three-way valve 16, and the other end of the second heat dissipation pipe 115 is connected to the fuel cell inlet pipe 111.

[0026] Hydrogen production process: The working liquid supplied by water tank 1 enters the first intercooler 4 via the first water pump 3. Simultaneously, the circulating cooling water supplied by chiller 6 provides the temperature environment for the cooling process of the first intercooler 4. The two exchange heat to lower the temperature of the working liquid. The cooling water reaching the target temperature effectively ensures the reaction temperature of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer 2 for hydrogen production. After hydrogen production, the working liquid returns to water tank 1 to prepare for the next cycle. The circulating cooling water after heat exchange returns to chiller 6 via the third solenoid valve 14 to prepare for the next cycle.

[0027] Hydrogen storage process: Both hydrogen charging and hydrogen evolution processes are carried out in the solid-state hydrogen storage device 11. During hydrogen charging, the heat exchange medium water flows out from the water tank 1, enters the second loop through the second water pump 5, and enters the second intercooler 9 under the control of the first solenoid valve 7, where it exchanges heat with the circulating cooling water from the chiller 6 to lower its temperature. The liquid water, cooled to a suitable temperature, flows into the heat conduction pipe 1101, thereby lowering the temperature of the heat conduction pipe 1101 to achieve an efficient hydrogen charging process. After circulation, the heat exchange medium water flows out of the heat conduction pipe 1101 and returns to the water tank 1. The circulating cooling water, after heat exchange, returns to the chiller 6 under the control of the third solenoid valve 14. During this process, the first three-way valve 8 located in the hydrogen evolution flow path is in the closed state. During hydrogen evolution, the heat exchange medium water flows out from the water tank 1 and enters the second loop through the second water pump 5. Under the control of the first three-way valve 8, the water enters the first heater 10 for heating. When heated to a suitable temperature, liquid water enters the heat pipe 1101, ensuring efficient hydrogen evolution by increasing the temperature of the heat pipe 1101. After circulation, the water flows out and enters the first radiator 12, where it cools down before returning to the water tank 1. When the hydrogen evolution rate is too fast or the pressure is too high, the water flows around the first heater 10 and into the heat pipe 1101 under the control of the first three-way valve 8 to achieve pressure relief and precise temperature control. During the hydrogen evolution reaction, the first solenoid valve 7 located in the hydrogen charging path is in the closed state.

[0028] Hydrogen usage process: Cooling water flows out from water tank 1 and enters the second circuit via the second water pump 5. Under the control of the second solenoid valve 13, it participates in the thermal management of the hydrogen usage process. In the initial stage of the cold start process, to ensure a rapid start-up, the third water pump 15 draws out cooling water, which enters the second heater 18 for heating under the control of the second three-way valve 16. The heated cooling water returns to the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 19 to help it heat up quickly. When the temperatures of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 19 and the cooling water reach a certain level, the second three-way valve 16 adjusts the flow direction, allowing the cooling water to bypass the second heater 18 and enter the second radiator 17 to maintain the system's temperature balance, prevent overheating, and further ensure the effective operation of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell reaction.

[0029] This invention relates to a thermal management device for a comprehensive hydrogen energy system, which manages the thermal performance of the entire hydrogen production, storage, and utilization process by controlling the temperature of the working fluid. During hydrogen production, the electrolysis of water generates heat, causing the temperature to rise. Excessive temperatures can affect the performance of the proton exchange membrane, reduce electrolysis efficiency, and even damage the membrane material. Therefore, an intercooler is needed to maintain the temperature within a suitable range. During hydrogen storage, the charging process needs to be carried out at a relatively low temperature, and heat is released during this process. Therefore, an intercooler is needed to lower the temperature of the heat pipe to maintain the optimal reaction environment, while water circulation removes excess heat generated by the reaction. The hydrogen evolution process requires a heater to appropriately increase the temperature of the heat pipe to ensure efficient and complete hydrogen evolution. During hydrogen utilization, the fuel cell needs to heat up rapidly to reach the appropriate operating temperature. Therefore, a three-way valve and heater are used to quickly heat the water flow, and circulating cooling water accelerates the heating of the fuel cell itself, thereby reducing cold start time. Simultaneously, a radiator activates when the temperature is too high to prevent overheating and damage to the fuel cell and system. The thermal management device of the aforementioned integrated hydrogen energy system ensures sufficient hydrogen supply, stable hydrogen storage, and appropriate hydrogen use through overall temperature control, thereby achieving the target power requirements.

Claims

1. A thermal management device for a full-chain hydrogen energy integrated system, characterized by: The application relates to a hydrogen production system, which comprises a water tank, a water chiller, a proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell and a solid-state hydrogen storage device, wherein the solid-state hydrogen storage device comprises a hydrogen storage tank, a heat conduction pipe is wound outside the hydrogen storage tank, an inlet of the water tank is connected with a water tank inlet pipeline, an outlet of the water tank is connected with a water tank outlet pipeline, the water tank outlet pipeline is connected with a water tank outlet first branch and a water tank outlet second branch respectively, the water tank outlet first branch is connected with a water inlet of the proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell, a water outlet of the proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell is connected with the water tank inlet pipeline, the water tank outlet second branch is connected with a medium cooling branch and a first heating pipeline respectively, the medium cooling branch and the first heating pipeline are connected with the inlet of the heat conduction pipe, the outlet of the heat conduction pipe is connected with a heat conduction pipe outlet pipeline, the heat conduction pipe outlet pipeline is connected with the water tank inlet pipeline, and the proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell is connected with the hydrogen storage tank; a first water pump and a first medium cooler are arranged on the water tank outlet first branch, a second water pump is arranged on the water tank outlet second branch, a first electromagnetic valve and a second medium cooler are arranged on the medium cooling branch, a first three-way valve and a first heater are arranged on the first heating pipeline, the inlets of the first medium cooler and the second medium cooler are connected with the outlet of the water chiller, the outlets of the first medium cooler and the second medium cooler are connected and connected with a water chiller inlet pipeline, the water chiller inlet pipeline is connected with the inlet of the water chiller, and a third electromagnetic valve is arranged on the water chiller inlet pipeline.

2. The thermal management device of a full-chain hydrogen energy integrated system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogen production system further comprises a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, a water inlet of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell is connected with a fuel cell water inlet pipeline, a water outlet of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell is connected with a fuel cell water outlet pipeline, the water tank outlet second branch is connected with the fuel cell water outlet pipeline through a fuel cell water pipeline, a second electromagnetic valve is arranged on the fuel cell water pipeline, the fuel cell water outlet pipeline is connected with a second heating pipeline through a second three-way valve, the fuel cell water inlet pipeline is connected with the second heating pipeline and the fuel cell water pipeline respectively, a third water pump is arranged on the fuel cell water outlet pipeline, a second heater is arranged on the second heating pipeline, and the hydrogen storage tank is connected with the proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

3. The thermal management device of a full-chain hydrogen energy integrated system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat conduction pipe outlet pipeline is provided with a first heat dissipation pipeline, the first heat dissipation pipeline is connected with the heat conduction pipe outlet pipeline at both ends, and a first radiator is arranged on the first heat dissipation pipeline.

4. The thermal management device of a full-chain hydrogen energy integrated system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second heating pipeline is provided with a second heat dissipation pipeline, one end of the second heat dissipation pipeline is connected with the second three-way valve, and the other end of the second heat dissipation pipeline is connected with the fuel cell water inlet pipeline.

5. The thermal management device of a full-chain hydrogen energy integrated system according to claim 1, characterized in that: When hydrogen is produced, working liquid provided by the water tank enters the first medium cooler through the first water pump, meanwhile, circulating cooling water provided by the water chiller provides a temperature environment for the cooling process of the first medium cooler, and the working liquid and the circulating cooling water are cooled through heat exchange; the working liquid returns to the water tank 1 after the heat exchange to prepare for the next cycle; and the circulating cooling water returns to the water chiller through the third electromagnetic valve to prepare for the next cycle.

6. The thermal management device of a full-chain hydrogen energy integrated system according to claim 1, characterized in that: When storing hydrogen, including hydrogen charging and hydrogen evolution; hydrogen charging process: close the first three-way valve, the heat exchange medium water flows out from the water tank, enters the second intercooler under the control of the first electromagnetic valve, exchanges heat with the circulating cooling water from the water chiller to reduce the temperature, the liquid water flows into the heat pipe, and the efficient hydrogen charging process is realized by reducing the temperature of the heat pipe; the heat exchange medium water flows out of the heat pipe after the cycle ends and returns to the water tank, and the circulating cooling water at the end of heat exchange returns to the water chiller under the control of the third electromagnetic valve; hydrogen evolution process: close the first electromagnetic valve, the heat exchange medium water flows out from the water tank, is heated by the first heater under the control of the second water pump and the first three-way valve, and the liquid water enters the heat pipe, and the efficient hydrogen evolution process is ensured by increasing the temperature of the heat pipe; the water flows out after the cycle ends, enters the first radiator, and returns to the water tank after reducing the temperature, when the hydrogen evolution rate is too fast or the pressure is too high, the water flows into the heat pipe under the control of the first three-way valve bypassing the first heater.

7. The thermal management device of a full-chain hydrogen energy integrated system according to claim 2, characterized in that: When using hydrogen, the cooling water flows out from the water tank, participates in the heat management of the hydrogen use process under the control of the second electromagnetic valve by the second water pump, in the initial stage of the cold start process, the third water pump pumps out the cooling water, which enters the second heater under the control of the second three-way valve for heating, and the heated cooling water returns to the proton exchange membrane fuel cell; when the temperature of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell and the cooling water reaches a preset degree, the second three-way valve adjusts the flow direction, the cooling water bypasses the second heater and enters the second radiator to maintain temperature balance and prevent overheating.

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