Water-electricity-hydrogen co-production device based on interface evaporation
By using a water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device that couples interfacial evaporation and thermoelectric conversion, the problems of single-use solar energy and energy waste have been solved, and the simultaneous production of fresh water, electricity and hydrogen has been achieved, improving the system's energy utilization efficiency and functional integration.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
Smart Images
Figure CN121653685A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of solar energy comprehensive utilization technology, specifically to a water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation. Background Technology
[0002] Against the backdrop of a green energy transition, "green hydrogen," as a clean energy carrier, has garnered significant attention. Utilizing renewable energy to drive water electrolysis for hydrogen production is a key pathway to achieving "green hydrogen" production. Interfacial evaporation technology, a cutting-edge research area in solar-powered desalination in recent years, can significantly improve the conversion efficiency of solar energy to steam. This technology offers a low-carbon and efficient potential solution to the global freshwater shortage problem. Meanwhile, thermoelectric power generation, a classic energy conversion method based on the Seebeck effect, directly generates electricity using the temperature difference between the hot and cold ends. This technology is simple in structure, reliable in operation, and has broad application prospects.
[0003] However, these single-function devices suffer from drawbacks such as low energy utilization efficiency and insufficient functional integration: solar power generation devices can only convert solar energy into electrical energy, failing to effectively utilize the waste heat generated during the power generation process; solar desalination devices can only produce fresh water by heating seawater with solar energy, but cannot convert excess heat energy into electrical energy, resulting in a waste of solar energy resources. Meanwhile, traditional thermoelectric power generation devices often rely on complex heat exchange systems to maintain the temperature difference, resulting in cumbersome structures and high costs, while traditional interfacial evaporation water production devices lack energy recovery and utilization designs, making it difficult to meet the practical application requirements for multifunctional, high-efficiency energy utilization equipment. Therefore, developing an integrated device capable of comprehensive solar energy utilization and synergistic water-electricity-hydrogen transformation has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation. By coupling the interfacial evaporation and thermoelectric conversion processes, it can achieve the simultaneous production of fresh water, electricity and hydrogen in the same device, significantly improve the comprehensive utilization efficiency of solar energy, and solve the problems of single solar energy utilization, serious energy waste and low functional integration in the prior art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation, comprising a thermoelectric module, thermoelectric pins, and a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer; the thermoelectric module is arranged in an array connected in series, and the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer is electrically connected to the thermoelectric module pins through the thermoelectric pins and is disposed at the lower end of the thermoelectric module. A return water layer is used to introduce pure water generated by interfacial evaporation, and hydrogen and oxygen are discharged through flexible hoses to the hydrogen and oxygen generated by electrolysis.
[0006] The thermoelectric modules are arranged in a 3×3 array in series. This configuration can meet the operating voltage required to drive the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, while effectively balancing the requirements of miniaturization and integration of the device, achieving an optimal balance between voltage output and spatial layout.
[0007] Preferably, the thermoelectric module includes a photothermal end, a thermoelectric conversion layer, a cold end, and pins; the photothermal end is disposed on the upper end of the thermoelectric conversion layer, and a return water layer, a water supply layer, and a water delivery layer are stacked sequentially on its lower end; a heat insulation layer is disposed on the lower end of the water supply layer, and a cold end is disposed on the lower end of the thermoelectric conversion layer.
[0008] Preferably, the photothermal end, thermoelectric conversion layer, and cold end have the same area to achieve efficient and stable heat flow transmission.
[0009] Preferably, the photothermal end is made of an alumina ceramic sheet, and the upper surface is uniformly coated with and cured with water-based acrylic solvent. Carbon powder, as a highly efficient and inexpensive photothermal material, improves photothermal conversion efficiency. The water-based acrylic solvent is stable and non-toxic, effectively preventing carbon powder shedding and ensuring long-term stability of photothermal performance.
[0010] Preferably, the thermoelectric conversion layer is wrapped with a thermoplastic polyurethane film on the outside and integrates a return water layer, a water supply layer, a heat insulation layer, and thermoelectric conductors inside. The return water layer, water supply layer, and heat insulation layer are in close contact from top to bottom, and the thermoelectric conductors run through the middle. The thermoelectric conductors are connected to the photothermal end and the cold end respectively by a waterproof tape in a radial pattern.
[0011] As a preferred option, the return water layer and the supply water layer are made of pure cotton gauze. Pure cotton gauze is inexpensive and has excellent hydrophilicity and capillary action, which can quickly transport water to the interior of the thermoelectric conversion layer, reduce the heat transferred to the cold end by evaporation, and collect pure water.
[0012] As a preferred option, the water transport layer is made of bacterial cellulose hydrogel, which is prepared by a static fermentation-physical cross-linking composite process. With its three-dimensional nanofiber network, bacterial cellulose hydrogel has superhydrophilicity, high porosity and low thermal conductivity, which can efficiently transport water and inhibit the downward diffusion of heat, thus maintaining an ideal hydrothermal environment for interfacial evaporation and thermoelectric power generation modules.
[0013] Preferably, the insulation layer is made of a high-temperature resistant material with low thermal conductivity, such as, but not limited to, aluminosilicate ceramic fiber paper, aerogel, or rock wool. Its room temperature thermal conductivity is preferably less than 0.1 W / (m·K) to ensure effective suppression of longitudinal heat conduction of the thermoelectric conversion layer and maintain a stable temperature difference between the photothermal end and the cold end.
[0014] As a preferred option, a small proton exchange membrane electrolyzer with a rated power of 10W is selected to match the output power of the thermoelectric module. The anode of the electrolyzer is equipped with a platinum-iridium alloy catalyst, and the cathode is equipped with a platinum-carbon catalyst. The proton exchange membrane is a perfluorosulfonic acid membrane to ensure electrolysis efficiency and stability.
[0015] Preferably, the thermoelectric conductor consists of 50 pairs of constantan wires and nickel-silicon-chromium alloy wires connected in series, each with a diameter of 0.5 mm. A thermopile is formed using the Seebeck effect to collect and output the voltage generated by the thermoelectric conversion layer. Using 0.5 mm diameter wires balances cross-sectional area and material usage while ensuring low resistance and reducing Joule heat loss, contributing to better output power at a given temperature difference.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following advantages: 1. Through the combined action of the interface evaporation process and the insulation layer, heat transfer to the cold end is suppressed, thereby maintaining a stable temperature difference between the solar and thermal ends and the cold end, creating ideal working conditions for the thermoelectric power generation module.
[0017] 2. Simultaneous freshwater production, electricity generation, and hydrogen production within the same device solve the problems of single solar energy utilization and low functional integration in existing technologies.
[0018] 3. Using fresh water produced by interfacial evaporation as the feedstock for hydrogen electrolysis eliminates the need for an external water source, reducing operating costs and avoiding damage to the electrolyzer from impurities in the external water source, thus extending equipment lifespan and achieving a hydrogen production efficiency of 12%.
[0019] The present invention provides a water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation, which significantly improves the energy utilization efficiency and functional integration of the overall system, and ultimately realizes the synergistic cogeneration of fresh water, electricity and hydrogen. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the thermoelectric module structure of a water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the thermoelectric module of a water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation according to the present invention. Figure 4 This is a side view of the thermoelectric module of a water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation according to the present invention. The components are as follows: 1. Thermoelectric module; 11. Photothermal end; 12. Thermoelectric conversion layer; 121. Return water layer; 122. Water supply layer; 123. Water supply layer; 124. Insulation layer; 125. Thermoelectric conductor; 13. Cold end; 14. Lead; 2. Thermoelectric lead; 3. Proton exchange membrane electrolyzer; 31. Oxygen port; 32. Hydrogen port; 33. Anode plate; 34. Proton exchange membrane; 35. Cathode plate. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "one side," "one end," and "one side," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "phase," etc., are used interchangeably. The terms "connection" and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0024] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.
[0025] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0026] It should also be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.
[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate various structural schematic diagrams according to embodiments disclosed in this invention. These drawings are not to scale, and some details have been enlarged for clarity, and some details may have been omitted. The shapes of the various regions and layers shown in the drawings, as well as their relative sizes and positional relationships, are merely exemplary and may deviate from reality due to manufacturing tolerances or technical limitations. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can design regions / layers with different shapes, sizes, and relative positions as needed.
[0028] This invention provides a water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation, with the following technical solution: It includes a thermoelectric module 1, thermoelectric pins 2, and a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer 3; the thermoelectric module 1 is arranged in a 3×3 array connected in series, and the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer 3 is electrically connected via the thermoelectric pins 2 and positioned at the lower end of the thermoelectric module 1. A return water layer 121 is used to introduce pure water generated by interfacial evaporation, and hydrogen port 31 and oxygen port 32 are used to export hydrogen and oxygen generated by electrolysis via flexible hoses.
[0029] The thermoelectric module 1 includes a photothermal end 11, a thermoelectric conversion layer 12, a cold end 13, and pins 14. The photothermal end 11 is disposed at the upper end of the thermoelectric conversion layer 12, and a return water layer 121, a water supply layer 122, and a water supply layer 123 are stacked sequentially at its lower end. A heat insulation layer 124 is disposed at the lower end of the water supply layer 123, and a cold end 13 is disposed at the lower end of the thermoelectric conversion layer 12.
[0030] The photothermal end 11 is made of alumina ceramic sheet, and the upper surface is uniformly coated with carbon powder using water-based acrylic varnish and then cured. Carbon powder, as a highly efficient and inexpensive photothermal material, can improve photothermal conversion efficiency; water-based acrylic varnish is stable and non-toxic, effectively preventing carbon powder from falling off and ensuring long-term stability of photothermal performance.
[0031] The thermoelectric conversion layer 12 is entirely wrapped with a thermoplastic polyurethane film to form a sealed cavity. This ensures that water vapor generated by interfacial evaporation is effectively guided and collected, significantly improving freshwater collection efficiency. Furthermore, it effectively protects the internal thermoelectric unit and water supply structure from external environmental corrosion, ensuring the long-term stability and reliability of the device. The sealed cavity integrates a return water layer 121, a water supply layer 122, a water supply layer 123, a heat insulation layer 124, and thermoelectric conductors 125.
[0032] The return water layer 121 and the supply water layer 123 are made of pure cotton gauze with a thickness of 1-2 mm, which has excellent hydrophilicity and capillary action. The supply water layer 123 can pump external water from the bottom to the transport water layer 122 through capillary effect, providing a continuous water supply for interface evaporation. The return water layer 121 is used to remove the steam generated by the transport water layer 122, which is convenient for subsequent condensation and collection of fresh water.
[0033] The water conveyance layer 122 is made of bacterial cellulose hydrogel, and the preparation method adopts a static fermentation-physical cross-linking composite process, the specific steps of which are as follows: Acetobacter xylinum was selected as the fermentation strain and inoculated into LB liquid medium. The culture was shaken at 30℃ and 120 r / min for 24 h to obtain activated seed culture. The seed culture was then inoculated into the fermentation medium at a 10% (v / v) inoculation rate and statically fermented at 30℃ for 72 h to avoid disturbance, allowing Acetobacter xylinum to form a dense bacterial cellulose membrane at the gas-liquid interface.
[0034] The bacterial cellulose membrane was removed, rinsed three times with deionized water, and then immersed in 0.5 mol / L NaOH solution for 2 h at 80°C to remove residual bacteria, culture medium impurities, and extracellular polysaccharides. Subsequently, it was repeatedly rinsed with deionized water until the pH of the washing solution was neutral to obtain the purified bacterial cellulose membrane.
[0035] The purified bacterial cellulose membrane was cut to a size that matched the thermoelectric conversion layer, immersed in deionized water, and left to stand at 25°C for 12 h to allow it to fully swell and form a bacterial cellulose hydrogel with a water content ≥90%. The thermoelectric conversion layer 12 contains a thermopile, which is composed of multiple pairs of constantan wires and nickel-silicon-chromium alloy wires connected in series to form thermoelectric conductors 125, preferably 50 pairs of constantan wires and nickel-silicon-chromium alloy wires with a diameter of 0.5 mm. The thermoelectric conductors 125 penetrate the thermoelectric conversion layer 12 and are physically connected and thermally contacted to the upper photothermal end 11 and the lower cold end 13 respectively in a radial arrangement using waterproof tape. All series connections are insulated to effectively prevent short circuits. Electrical energy is collected and continuously output through pin 14.
[0036] The heat insulation layer 124 is made of a high-temperature resistant hydrophobic material with low thermal conductivity, including but not limited to aluminum silicate ceramic fiber paper, aerogel or rock wool. Its thermal conductivity at room temperature is preferably less than 0.1 W / (m·K) and the contact angle is 90-120°. It is used to significantly suppress longitudinal heat diffusion and ensure the stability of the temperature difference between the heat-generating end 11 and the cold end 13.
[0037] The cold end 13 is preferably made of alumina ceramic sheet with high thermal conductivity. On the one hand, this material can quickly and evenly diffuse the heat transferred from above and carried away by the internal circulating water, ensuring the uniformity of the temperature of the contact surface with the cold end junction of the thermoelectric conversion layer 12, thereby optimizing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency. On the other hand, it has excellent electrical insulation properties, which can effectively prevent current leakage or short circuit that may occur inside the system, ensuring signal stability and device operation safety.
[0038] The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer 3 comprises, from top to bottom, an anode plate 33, a proton exchange membrane 34, and a cathode plate 35, and integrates an oxygen port 31 and a hydrogen port 32, all secured by bolts. The oxygen port 31 is located on the side of the upper outer shell of the electrolyzer, with a return water layer 121 connected to its lower end. Pure water is introduced through the return water layer 121 to the anode plate 33 located above it. The proton exchange membrane 34 is positioned below the return water layer 121, and the cathode plate 35 is located below the proton exchange membrane 34. The anode plate 33 and cathode plate 35 are electrically connected to external thermoelectric pins 2. The anode plate 33 uses a platinum-iridium alloy catalyst, the cathode plate 35 uses a platinum-carbon catalyst, and the proton exchange membrane 34 is a perfluorosulfonic acid membrane, ensuring the efficiency of the electrolysis reaction and the stability of long-term operation.
[0039] This invention provides a water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation, the working method or principle of which is as follows: The photothermal end 11 is used to absorb solar energy and convert it into thermal energy. Based on the principle of molecular thermal vibration, the carbon powder on the surface of the photothermal end 11 converts solar energy into thermal energy, which is transferred downward to the thermoelectric conversion layer 12 through heat transfer, providing continuous power for the interface evaporation process.
[0040] The thermoelectric conversion layer 12 is used to generate fresh water and convert the heat energy transferred from the photothermal end 11 into electrical energy. The water supply layer 123 pumps external water from the bottom to the water conveying layer 122 through capillary effect. Water evaporates at the interface in the water conveying layer 122, and the generated steam is exported and collected by the return water layer 121, realizing the preparation of fresh water. During the interface evaporation process, a large amount of heat is absorbed. At the same time, the heat insulation layer 124 at the lower end of the water supply layer 123 further blocks the longitudinal heat diffusion, effectively suppressing the transfer of heat to the cold end 13, so that a stable temperature difference is formed and maintained between the photothermal end 11 and the cold end 13.
[0041] The thermopile inside the thermoelectric conversion layer 12 achieves thermal contact with the photothermal end 11 and the cold end 13 respectively through radially arranged constantan-nickel-silicon-chromium alloy thermoelectric wires 125. Based on the Seebeck effect, the temperature difference is directly converted into an electric potential difference, and electrical energy is output through the pin 14 to achieve the synchronous production of electrical energy and fresh water.
[0042] The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer 3 is driven by electrical energy output from the thermoelectric pin 2. The return water layer 21 transports the fresh water produced by interfacial evaporation to the anode side of the electrolyzer. Under electrocatalysis, water oxidation occurs at the anode (2H2O → O2↑ + 4H+). + + 4e － The reduction reaction of hydrogen ions occurs at the cathode (2H+). + + 2e － → H2↑), the generated hydrogen is discharged and collected on the cathode side through a hose, while oxygen is collected on the anode side as a byproduct, ultimately achieving the combined production of fresh water, electricity and hydrogen.
[0043] This invention discloses a water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation technology, comprising a thermoelectric module, thermoelectric leads, and a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. The thermoelectric module includes a photothermal end, a thermoelectric conversion layer, a cold end, and leads. The thermoelectric conversion layer is entirely sealed with a thermoplastic polyurethane film to form a closed cavity. Inside this cavity, from top to bottom, there are a return water layer, a water supply layer, a water delivery layer, and a heat insulation layer, with each layer tightly bonded to achieve efficient energy and matter transfer.
[0044] The solar thermal end serves as the energy input unit, efficiently absorbing solar energy and converting it into heat energy. This heat energy is directionally transferred to the water transport layer, driving interfacial evaporation of the internal water. The endothermic effect during evaporation effectively blocks heat diffusion to the cold end. Combined with the significant inhibition of longitudinal heat transfer by the insulation layer, a stable temperature difference is established and maintained on both sides of the thermopile. The thermopile consists of multiple pairs of series-connected copper-constantan wires, arranged radially through the thermoelectric conversion layer, maintaining close thermal contact with both the solar thermal and cold ends. Based on the Seebeck effect, the temperature difference is directly converted into electrical energy, which is output externally via a series connection of pins. The cold end uses an alumina ceramic sheet, which possesses excellent thermal conductivity, temperature uniformity, and electrical insulation properties, ensuring uniform temperature distribution at the cold end contact surface and effectively preventing short circuits within the system.
[0045] The electrical energy output from the thermoelectric pins is directly supplied to the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer for electrolyzing the fresh water produced by this device to produce hydrogen. This invention innovatively integrates interfacial evaporation, thermoelectric conversion, and hydrogen electrolysis to achieve the simultaneous co-production of fresh water, electricity, and hydrogen in a single device, breaking through the limitation of the single function of traditional solar energy devices and significantly improving the comprehensive utilization efficiency of solar energy.
[0046] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments: Example 1 To verify the actual performance of the invention, under a standard solar intensity (i.e., 1 kW / m²), 2 A water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation (AM 1.5G) was tested. The device consisted of a 3×3 array of thermoelectric modules connected in series, with each thermoelectric module's thermopile composed of 50 pairs of constantan wires and nickel-silicon-chromium alloy wires with a diameter of 0.5 mm connected in series. The cold end used alumina ceramic sheets, and the insulation layer was made of aluminosilicate ceramic fiber paper (thermal conductivity at room temperature 0.08 W / (m·K)). The test environment was 25℃ and the relative humidity was 50%. Under these conditions, the device was subjected to continuous illumination testing. After approximately 30 minutes of operation, the system reached a stable operating state. Relevant performance parameters were measured using thermocouples, a voltage meter, and a condensate collection device. The results are as follows: Temperature difference parameters: The temperature at the photothermal end is stable at 72±2℃, and the temperature at the cold end is stable at 32±2℃. A stable operating temperature difference of 40±2℃ is formed and maintained at both ends of the thermopile, proving that the temperature difference maintenance mechanism of the present invention can effectively guarantee the temperature difference conditions required for thermoelectric conversion.
[0047] Power generation performance: The open-circuit output voltage of the device reached 2.12±5 V, as measured by the thermoelectric pins, indicating that the thermopile structure can efficiently convert temperature difference into electrical energy and has a stable power generation capability.
[0048] Water production performance: Through the collection and measurement of condensate, the average freshwater production rate of the device was determined to be 1.2 kg / (m³). 2 The figure (·h) illustrates that the interfacial evaporation and steam collection system of the present invention can achieve efficient freshwater production.
[0049] Hydrogen production performance: By collecting and measuring hydrogen, the average freshwater production rate of the device was found to be 8.5 mL / min, indicating that the thermoelectric power generation coupled interface evaporation system of the present invention can achieve efficient hydrogen production.
[0050] Example 2 This embodiment has the same core structure as the aforementioned basic embodiment. The main difference lies in the number of wire pairs in the thermopile: the number of constantan wire and nickel-silicon-chromium alloy wire in series is reduced from 50 pairs to 40 pairs. The thermoelectric module is still a 3×3 array in series, and the wire diameter is still 0.5mm. The heat insulation layer uses the aluminum silicate ceramic fiber paper of the basic embodiment, the cold end is still an alumina ceramic sheet, and the encapsulation material remains unchanged.
[0051] Temperature difference parameters: The temperature at the photothermal end is stable at 70±2℃, and the temperature at the cold end is stable at 35±2℃. A stable operating temperature difference of 35±2℃ is formed and maintained at both ends of the thermopile.
[0052] Power generation performance: Measured via thermoelectric pins, the open-circuit output voltage of the device reaches 1.85±5 V.
[0053] Water production performance: Through the collection and measurement of condensate, the average freshwater production rate of the unit was determined to be 1.0 kg / (m³). 2 •h). Hydrogen production performance: Through the collection and measurement of hydrogen, the average freshwater production rate of the device was found to be 6.4 mL / min.
[0054] Example 3 This embodiment has the same core structure as the aforementioned basic embodiment. The main difference lies in the material selection of the insulation layer 24: ordinary silicate cotton is selected as the insulation layer material, with a room temperature thermal conductivity of 0.15W / (m·K) and a thickness of 2mm; the thermoelectric module is still a 3×3 array connected in series, the thermopile is still composed of 50 pairs of constantan wires with a diameter of 0.5mm and nickel-silicon-chromium alloy wires connected in series, the cold end uses an alumina ceramic sheet, and the outer encapsulation material of the thermoelectric conversion layer is a thermoplastic polyurethane film.
[0055] Temperature difference parameters: The temperature at the photothermal end is stable at 70±2℃, and the temperature at the cold end is stable at 40±2℃. A stable operating temperature difference of about 30±2℃ is formed and maintained at both ends of the thermopile.
[0056] Power generation performance: Measured via thermoelectric pins, the open-circuit output voltage of the device reaches 1.59±5 mV.
[0057] Water production performance: Through the collection and measurement of condensate, the average freshwater production rate of the unit was determined to be 1.0 kg / (m³). 2 •h). Hydrogen production performance: Through the collection and measurement of hydrogen, the average freshwater production rate of the device was found to be 3.5 mL / min.
[0058] Comparative Example 1 To compare the advantages of the "interfacial evaporation + thermoelectric power generation" coupling mechanism of this invention, a traditional thermoelectric power generation device was designed as a comparative example. The differences in structure between this device and the present invention are as follows: Remove the return water layer 121, water supply layer 122, and water supply layer 123 inside the thermoelectric conversion layer, leaving only the insulation layer 124 (material is the same as the aluminosilicate ceramic fiber paper in Example 1, with a thermal conductivity of 0.08 W / (m·K) at room temperature); after the solar thermal end 11 absorbs solar energy and converts it into heat energy, there is no interface evaporation heat absorption process, and the heat is naturally transferred to the cold end 13 through the insulation layer; the thermopile structure is the same as in Example 1: 50 pairs of constantan wires with a diameter of 0.5 mm are connected in series with nickel-silicon-chromium alloy wires, radially connecting the solar thermal end and the cold end; there is no steam collection system; only the temperature difference and power generation performance are evaluated (no interface evaporation water supply, no water or hydrogen production).
[0059] Temperature difference parameters: The temperature at the photothermal end is stable at 80±3℃, and the temperature at the cold end is stable at 52±2℃. A stable operating temperature difference of 28±3℃ is formed and maintained at both ends of the thermopile.
[0060] Power generation performance: Measured via thermoelectric pins, the open-circuit output voltage of the device reaches 1.12±5 mV.
[0061] Based on the data from Examples 1 and 2, it can be seen that, under the condition that the number of thermoelectric modules, the insulation layer material (alumina ceramic fiber paper), and the cold end structure (alumina ceramic sheet) are the same, the effect of increasing the number of thermopile wire pairs on the device performance is selective. Increasing the number of thermopile series wire pairs is an efficient way to improve power generation performance and does not interfere with the interface evaporation water production process.
[0062] According to the data from Examples 1 and 3, under the conditions that the number of thermoelectric modules, the structural parameters of the thermoelectric stack, and the cold end structure (alumina ceramic sheet) are the same, the thermal conductivity of the insulation layer material has a significant impact on the performance of the device. The insulation layer with low thermal conductivity can simultaneously optimize the temperature difference, power generation and water production performance by enhancing the heat resistance effect.
[0063] Based on the data from Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, it can be seen that the coupling mechanism of "interfacial evaporation + thermoelectric power generation" significantly improves the function and performance of the device. Compared with Comparative Example 1, Example 1 has a lower cold end temperature and a greater temperature difference between the photothermal end and the cold end due to the active heat absorption effect of interfacial evaporation. It also adds freshwater production and hydrogen production functions, while avoiding the risk of component aging caused by overheating of the photothermal end in Comparative Example 1. This fully demonstrates the advantages of the present invention in terms of functional integration and energy utilization efficiency.
[0064] Test results show that the water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation provided by this invention can stably achieve temperature difference maintenance, power output, freshwater preparation, and hydrogen preparation under standard test conditions. All performance parameters meet the expected design goals, demonstrating good practicality and reliability.
[0065] The present invention provides a water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation that achieves synergistic efficiency of "one energy source for three uses" in standard testing: Firstly, through the combined action of the interfacial evaporation process and the insulation layer, heat transfer to the cold end is suppressed, thereby maintaining a stable temperature difference between the solar and thermal ends and the cold end, creating ideal working conditions for the thermoelectric power generation module; secondly, while the system generates steam and collects fresh water through interfacial evaporation, the thermoelectric power generation module can convert thermal energy into electrical energy to drive external equipment, thereby significantly improving the overall system's energy utilization efficiency; thirdly, the system uses the generated electrical energy to produce hydrogen, significantly improving the overall system's functional integration, and ultimately achieving the synergistic cogeneration of water, electricity, and hydrogen.
[0066] The above content is only for illustrating the technical concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications made to the technical solution based on the technical concept proposed in this invention shall fall within the scope of protection of the claims of this invention.
Claims
1. A water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation, characterized in that: It includes a thermoelectric module (1), thermoelectric pins (2), and a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (3); the thermoelectric module (1) is arranged in a 3×3 array in series, and the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (3) is electrically connected through the thermoelectric pins (2) and is located at the lower end of the thermoelectric module (1).
2. The water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thermoelectric module (1) includes a photothermal end (11), a thermoelectric conversion layer (12), a cold end (13), and pins (14); the photothermal end (11) is disposed at the upper end of the thermoelectric conversion layer (12), and a return water layer (121), a water supply layer (122), and a water supply layer (123) are stacked sequentially at its lower end; a heat insulation layer (124) is disposed at the lower end of the water supply layer (123), and a cold end (13) is disposed at the lower end of the thermoelectric conversion layer (12).
3. The water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photothermal end (11) and the cold end (13) are made of alumina ceramic sheets. The upper surface of the photothermal end (11) is coated with carbon powder uniformly and then cured using water-based acrylic solvent.
4. The water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thermoelectric conversion layer (12) is wrapped with a thermoplastic polyurethane film on the outside and integrates a return water layer (21), a water supply layer (22), a water supply layer (123), a heat insulation layer (124) and a thermoelectric conductor (125) inside. The return water layer (121), the water supply layer (122), the water supply layer (123) and the heat insulation layer (124) are in close contact from top to bottom. The thermoelectric conductor (125) runs through the middle and is connected to the light and heat end (11) and the cold end (13) in a radial pattern using waterproof tape.
5. A water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The return water layer (121) and the supply water layer (123) are made of pure cotton gauze.
6. The water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water transport layer (122) is made of bacterial cellulose hydrogel.
7. A water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulation layer (124) is made of a high-temperature resistant material with low thermal conductivity.
8. A water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thermoelectric conductor (125) is composed of 50 pairs of constantan wires with a diameter of 0.5 mm connected in series with nickel-silicon-chromium alloy wire.
9. A water-electricity-hydrogen cogeneration device based on interfacial evaporation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (3) consists of an anode plate (33), a proton exchange membrane (34), and a cathode plate (35) from top to bottom, and integrates an oxygen port (31) and a hydrogen port (32). The whole is fastened by bolts. The anode plate (33) uses a platinum-iridium alloy catalyst, the cathode plate (35) uses a platinum-carbon catalyst, and the proton exchange membrane (34) is a perfluorosulfonic acid membrane.