Device and method for improving cold start speed of alkaline electric hydrogen production equipment system

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for increasing the cold start speed of an alkaline electric hydrogen production equipment system, and relates to the field of water electrolysis hydrogen production technical equipment.The device comprises a liquid inlet assembly, the liquid outlet end of the liquid inlet assembly is connected with an acceleration assembly, the liquid outlet end of the acceleration assembly is connected with an electrolytic bath, and the liquid outlet end of the electrolytic bath communicates with the liquid inlet assembly; the acceleration assembly comprises an acceleration box, and a temperature rising assembly is arranged in the acceleration box. The cold start speed of the alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment system is greatly increased, the cold start time is reduced from the hour level to the minute level, the response speed of the electric hydrogen production equipment system to the fluctuation working condition is increased, and the adaptability and flexibility of the electric hydrogen production equipment in a renewable energy power generation system are enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water electrolysis hydrogen production technology and equipment, and in particular to a device and method for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment system. Background Technology

[0002] Renewable energy power generation is characterized by fluctuations and randomness, and water electrolysis for hydrogen production is an excellent means of absorbing renewable energy power. The basic structure of an alkaline electrolyzer includes a power source, an electrolyzer, a gas-liquid separator, gas purification equipment, and a control system.

[0003] The power supply provides energy to the equipment system; the control system controls parameters such as reaction temperature and pressure; the alkali pump pumps the electrolyte into the electrolytic cell to react, generating hydrogen on the cathode side and oxygen on the anode side. The gas-liquid mixtures from both sides enter different gas-liquid separators to separate the gases. The separated oxygen is either vented or collected, while the hydrogen enters a gas purification unit for drying and purification, forming hydrogen with a purity of over 99.8%.

[0004] Before starting the power supply, determine the electrolyte inlet temperature. When the temperature of the electrolyte entering the electrolytic cell is below 40℃, set the current density to 80% of the rated current density; when 60℃ ≥ T ≥ 40℃, set the current density to 85% of the rated current density; when the inlet temperature T ≥ 60℃, set the current density to 90% of the rated current density; when the inlet temperature T ≥ 80℃, set the current density to the rated current density.

[0005] Traditional alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production systems are designed with components and control systems oriented towards fixed operating conditions. Their cold start-up time can be as long as one hour, which cannot adapt to the intermittent nature of renewable energy power generation and affects the flexibility of the equipment in participating in the consumption of fluctuating energy. Cold start-up speed refers to the time from starting the equipment to reaching the required reaction temperature of the electrolyzer.

[0006] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, the inventors believe that in existing cold start solutions, the heat source is an electrolytic cell, and the alkaline solution flows within the equipment system. While heat is evenly distributed to the electrolyte within the system, the entire electrolyte needs to be heated to the set temperature. Furthermore, the large mass of the electrolyte results in a slow heating rate and a long time to reach the set temperature, impacting the cold start speed. Simultaneously, using an electrolytic cell for heating involves converting some energy into hydrogen gas during the heating process. The heating power is lower than the power supply, leading to a longer time to reach the set temperature and a slower cold start speed. Currently, vacuum insulated tanks are used to raise the initial electrolyte temperature. During shutdown, the electrolyte needs to be extracted into the vacuum insulated tank, resulting in the equipment losing its liquid seal function. Upon startup, nitrogen purging is required again, making the process complex and time-consuming, ultimately contributing to a slow cold start speed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To significantly improve the cold start speed of alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment systems, reducing the cold start time from hours to minutes, and enhancing the response speed of the electric hydrogen production equipment system to fluctuating operating conditions, thereby increasing the adaptability and flexibility of the electric hydrogen production equipment in renewable energy power generation systems, this application provides a device and method for improving the cold start speed of alkaline electric hydrogen production equipment systems.

[0008] This application provides a device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] A device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electrolytic hydrogen production system includes a liquid inlet assembly, an acceleration assembly connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid inlet assembly, an electrolytic cell connected to the liquid outlet of the acceleration assembly, and the liquid inlet assembly communicating with the liquid inlet assembly. The acceleration assembly includes an acceleration chamber, and a heating assembly is installed inside the acceleration chamber.

[0010] Optionally, the heating component includes a heater located inside the acceleration chamber, which heats the internal medium of the acceleration chamber.

[0011] Optionally, the heater includes an electric heating wire that surrounds the side wall of the acceleration chamber, and a control element for controlling the heating power of the electric heating wire is provided on one side of the electric heating wire.

[0012] Optionally, the outside of the acceleration chamber is provided with a heat insulation component, which completely wraps the side wall of the acceleration chamber.

[0013] Optionally, the acceleration assembly further includes a first acceleration pipe and a second acceleration pipe. The first acceleration pipe is opposite to the acceleration chamber, and the first acceleration pipe connects the liquid inlet end of the acceleration chamber to the liquid inlet assembly. The first acceleration pipe also connects the liquid outlet end of the acceleration chamber to the electrolytic cell. The second acceleration pipe connects the liquid inlet assembly to the electrolytic cell.

[0014] Optionally, the first acceleration pipe includes a liquid inlet section, the liquid inlet end of which is connected to the liquid inlet assembly, the liquid outlet end of which is connected to the acceleration box, and the liquid outlet end of the acceleration box is provided with a liquid outlet section, the liquid outlet end of which is connected to the electrolytic cell.

[0015] Optionally, a first opening regulating valve is fixedly connected to the liquid inlet section, and a second opening regulating valve is fixedly connected to the liquid outlet section.

[0016] Optionally, a third opening adjustment valve is fixedly connected to the second acceleration tube.

[0017] Optionally, the electrolytic cell includes a body, on which a hydrogen-liquid separation section and an oxygen-liquid separation section are provided. The outlet ends of the hydrogen-liquid separation section and the oxygen-liquid separation section are connected to the liquid inlet assembly.

[0018] Optionally, an alkali pump is fixedly connected to the outlet end of the electrolytic cell, and the alkali pump pumps the liquid from the outlet end of the electrolytic cell into the inlet assembly.

[0019] Optionally, a hydrogen collection unit and a first alkaline solution pipe are fixedly connected to the hydrogen liquid separation unit, and an oxygen collection unit and a second alkaline solution pipe are fixedly connected to the oxygen liquid separation unit. The first alkaline solution pipe and the second alkaline solution pipe are connected to each other, and both the first alkaline solution pipe and the second alkaline solution pipe are connected to the liquid inlet assembly.

[0020] Optionally, the liquid inlet assembly includes an alkali tank, with an inlet on one side of the alkali tank, and the other side of the alkali tank is connected to the outlet of the electrolytic cell.

[0021] This application also discloses a method for improving cold start speed, applied to the aforementioned device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system, the method comprising:

[0022] S01: Central heating of electrolyte in heating box: After starting the equipment, determine whether the liquid level in the acceleration box has reached the set value;

[0023] S02: The heater operates at low power, and the hydrogen production equipment is started: After the reaction begins, the temperature of the acceleration component is maintained at low power, and the remaining power is allocated to the electrolyzer to carry out the reaction. The first opening regulating valve and the second opening regulating valve are opened, and the opening of the first opening regulating valve, the second opening regulating valve and the third opening regulating valve are adjusted.

[0024] S03: The power of the acceleration component returns to zero, and steady-state operation begins: the temperature of the electrolyte gradually increases, and the power of the heating device is reduced;

[0025] S04: Shutdown Insulation: When the electro-hydrogen production equipment system is shut down, the second opening adjustment valve is closed. After the acceleration component storage tank is filled with electrolyte, the first opening adjustment valve is closed.

[0026] Optionally, in S01, if the liquid level in the acceleration tank does not reach the specified liquid level, the second opening adjustment valve is closed and the first opening adjustment valve is opened; until the liquid level in the acceleration tank reaches the set value, the first opening adjustment valve is closed.

[0027] Optionally, the heater can be turned on, providing full power to it until the electrolyte temperature in the acceleration chamber reaches the set temperature T. set1 .

[0028] Optionally, the electrolyte temperature in the acceleration chamber reaches a set temperature T. set1 Temperature T greater than the set temperature T of the electro-hydrogen production system set0 .

[0029] Optionally, in S02, the sum N0 of the electrolyte flow rate N2 from the acceleration tank and the electrolyte flow rate N3 from the inlet assembly is equal to the flow rate N set by the electro-hydrogen production equipment system. set .

[0030] Optionally, in S02, the electrolyte temperature T0 entering the electrolyzer is equal to the set temperature T of the electro-hydrogen production system. set0 The internal electrolyte temperature of the acceleration component is maintained at a set temperature T. set1 .

[0031] Optionally, in S03, when the opening of the third opening regulating valve reaches 80%, the acceleration box starts to supply energy.

[0032] Optionally, in S03, the sum N0 of the electrolyte flow rate N2 flowing out of the acceleration tank and the electrolyte flow rate N3 flowing out of the inlet assembly is equal to the flow rate N set by the electro-hydrogen production equipment system. set The electrolyte temperature T0 entering the electrolyzer is equal to the set temperature T of the electro-hydrogen production system. set0 The internal electrolyte temperature of the accelerating component is maintained at the set temperature T of the electro-hydrogen production equipment system. set0 .

[0033] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0034] 1. The acceleration device is equipped with an adiabatic chamber and a heater. During cold starts, energy is concentrated on the heater, and only the electrolyte in the adiabatic chamber is heated. Compared with traditional solutions, it has the following three advantages in accelerating cold starts:

[0035] 1. During cold start, only the alkaline solution in the insulation box is heated, and the mass of the alkaline solution is small;

[0036] 2. During cold start, energy is concentrated on the heater, resulting in high heating power;

[0037] 3. The insulation box has a heat preservation effect, the initial temperature of the electrolyte is high, and the required temperature increase is small.

[0038] Taking all three factors into account, the cold start speed of the device can be improved. Generally speaking, the cold start speed of an alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device is about 1 hour. By using a cold start acceleration device, the cold start speed can be shortened to less than 10 minutes; when the temperature of the alkaline solution in the insulation box is high, the start speed can be shortened to less than 5 minutes. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an acceleration component of a device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system, as described in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the power and temperature changes of the heater and acceleration box in an embodiment of this application for a device to improve the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Liquid inlet assembly; 11. Alkali tank; 2. Acceleration assembly; 21. Heating assembly; 211. Acceleration chamber; 212. Heater; 22. First acceleration pipe; 221. Liquid inlet section; 222. Liquid outlet section; 23. Second acceleration pipe; 24. First opening regulating valve; 25. Second opening regulating valve; 26. Third opening regulating valve; 3. Electrolyzer; 31. Hydrogen-liquid separation section; 311. First alkali pipe; 32. Oxygen-liquid separation section; 321. Second alkali pipe; 4. Alkali pump; 41. Return pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0044] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0045] Renewable energy power generation is characterized by fluctuations and randomness, and water electrolysis for hydrogen production is an excellent means of absorbing renewable energy power. The basic structure of an alkaline electrolyzer includes a power source, an electrolyzer, a gas-liquid separator, gas purification equipment, and a control system.

[0046] The power supply provides energy to the equipment system; the control system controls parameters such as reaction temperature and pressure; the alkali pump pumps the electrolyte into the electrolytic cell to react, generating hydrogen on the cathode side and oxygen on the anode side. The gas-liquid mixtures from both sides enter different gas-liquid separators to separate the gases. The separated oxygen is either vented or collected, while the hydrogen enters a gas purification unit for drying and purification, forming hydrogen with a purity of over 99.8%.

[0047] Before starting the power supply, determine the electrolyte inlet temperature. When the temperature of the electrolyte entering the electrolytic cell is below 40℃, set the current density to 80% of the rated current density; when 60℃ ≥ T ≥ 40℃, set the current density to 85% of the rated current density; when the inlet temperature T ≥ 60℃, set the current density to 90% of the rated current density; when the inlet temperature T ≥ 80℃, set the current density to the rated current density.

[0048] Traditional alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production systems are designed with components and control systems oriented towards fixed operating conditions. Their cold start-up time can be as long as one hour, which cannot adapt to the intermittent nature of renewable energy power generation and affects the flexibility of the equipment in participating in the consumption of fluctuating energy. Cold start-up speed refers to the time from starting the equipment to reaching the required reaction temperature of the electrolyzer.

[0049] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, the inventors believe that in existing cold start solutions, the heat source is an electrolytic cell, and the alkaline solution flows within the equipment system. While heat is evenly distributed to the electrolyte within the system, the entire electrolyte needs to be heated to the set temperature. Furthermore, the large mass of the electrolyte results in a slow heating rate and a long time to reach the set temperature, impacting the cold start speed. Simultaneously, using an electrolytic cell for heating involves converting some energy into hydrogen gas during the heating process. The heating power is lower than the power supply, leading to a longer time to reach the set temperature and a slower cold start speed. Currently, vacuum insulated tanks are used to raise the initial electrolyte temperature. During shutdown, the electrolyte needs to be extracted into the vacuum insulated tank, resulting in the equipment losing its liquid seal function. Upon startup, nitrogen purging is required again, making the process complex and time-consuming, ultimately contributing to a slow cold start speed.

[0050] To significantly improve the cold start speed of alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment systems, reducing the cold start time from hours to minutes, and enhancing the response speed of the electric hydrogen production equipment system to fluctuating operating conditions, thereby increasing the adaptability and flexibility of the electric hydrogen production equipment in renewable energy power generation systems, this application provides a device and method for improving the cold start speed of alkaline electric hydrogen production equipment systems.

[0051] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-3 This application will be described in further detail.

[0052] This application discloses a device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electrochemical hydrogen production system. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 A device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electrolytic hydrogen production system includes a liquid inlet assembly 1, an acceleration assembly 2 at the outlet of the liquid inlet assembly 1, and a heating assembly 21 inside the acceleration assembly 2 to heat the medium inside the acceleration assembly 2. An electrolytic cell 3 is located at the outlet of the acceleration assembly 2, which electrolyzes the electrolyte discharged from the deceleration assembly. The electrolyzed hydrogen enters a hydrogen-liquid separation section 31, and the electrolyzed oxygen enters an oxygen-liquid separation section 32. The electrolyzed alkaline solution flows back to the liquid inlet assembly 1 through the outlet of the electrolytic cell 3. An alkaline solution pump 4 is located at the outlet of the electrolytic cell 3, providing power for the alkaline solution flowing from the electrolytic cell 3 back to the liquid inlet assembly 1.

[0053] The liquid inlet assembly 1 includes an alkali tank 11, and an inlet is provided on the side wall of the alkali tank 11. The inlet connects the outside world with the inside of the alkali tank 11. The inlet is used to inject alkali from the outside world into the inside of the alkali tank 11. The electrolyte after electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 3 is connected to the alkali tank 11 through a reflux pipe 41.

[0054] One end of the reflux pipe 41 is fixedly connected to the outlet end of the electrolytic cell 3, and the reflux pipe 41 is in relative communication with the interior of the outlet end of the electrolytic cell 3. The other end of the reflux pipe 41 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the alkali tank 11, and the interior of the reflux pipe 41 is in relative communication with the interior of the alkali tank 11. The alkali solution discharged from the electrolytic cell 3 is guided by the reflux pipe 41 and re-enters the interior of the alkali tank 11 for circulation. At the same time, the alkali solution is heated by the acceleration component 2, and after electrolysis, the heated alkali solution flows back to the interior of the alkali tank 11 through the reflux pipe 41, raising the temperature of the alkali solution inside the alkali tank 11 and increasing the overall temperature of the alkali solution inside the equipment.

[0055] The acceleration assembly 2 includes a first acceleration pipe 22, one end of which is fixedly connected to and in communication with the side wall of the alkali tank 11, and the other end of which is fixedly connected to and in communication with the inlet of the electrolytic cell 3. An acceleration chamber 211 is fixedly connected to the first pipe, and the acceleration chamber 211 is used to heat the alkali solution inside the acceleration chamber 211.

[0056] A second accelerating pipe 23 is also provided between the alkali tank 11 and the electrolytic cell 3. One end of the second accelerating pipe 23 is fixedly connected to the alkali tank 11, and the interior of the second accelerating pipe 23 is in relative communication with the interior of the alkali tank 11. The other end of the second accelerating pipe 23 is fixedly connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell 3, and the interior of the second accelerating pipe 23 is in relative communication with the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell 3. The alkali solution located inside the alkali tank 11 can be directly transported to the interior of the electrolytic cell 3 through the second accelerating pipe 23.

[0057] The first acceleration pipe 22 includes an inlet section 221 located between the acceleration tank 211 and the alkali tank 11. One end of the inlet section 221 is fixedly connected to the alkali tank 11, and the other end of the inlet section 221 is fixedly connected to the acceleration tank 211. An outlet section 222 is also provided between the outlet end of the acceleration tank 211 and the inlet end of the electrolytic cell 3. One end of the outlet section 222 is fixedly connected to the outlet end of the acceleration tank 211, and the other end of the outlet section 222 is fixedly connected to the inlet end of the electrolytic cell 3.

[0058] A first opening regulating valve 24 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the liquid inlet section 221. The first opening regulating valve 24 is used to regulate the opening of the pipe inside the liquid inlet section 221, thereby regulating the flow rate of the alkali solution inside the alkali solution tank 11 into the acceleration tank 211.

[0059] A second opening regulating valve 25 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the liquid outlet section 222. The second opening regulating valve 25 is used to regulate the opening of the pipe inside the liquid outlet section 222, thereby regulating the flow rate of the alkaline solution inside the acceleration box 211 into the electrolytic cell 3.

[0060] A third opening regulating valve 26 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the second acceleration pipe 23. The third opening regulating valve 26 is used to regulate the opening of the second acceleration pipe 23, thereby regulating the flow rate of the alkali solution inside the alkali solution tank 11 into the electrolytic cell 3.

[0061] The heating assembly 21 includes a heater 212 located on the acceleration chamber 211. In some embodiments, the heater 212 may be an electric heating wire, which is wound around the outside of the acceleration chamber 211. An insulation layer is provided on the outside of the heating chamber, which completely wraps the outer wall of the acceleration chamber 211. The electric heating wire heats the alkaline solution inside the acceleration chamber 211, and the insulation layer on the outside of the acceleration chamber 211 provides insulation for the inside of the acceleration chamber 211.

[0062] A temperature controller is also installed on one side of the acceleration chamber 211. This controller controls the heating power of the heater 212, allowing for the selection of different heating powers based on various operating conditions, thus improving heating efficiency. During cold start-up, energy is concentrated on the heater 212, and only the alkaline solution in the adiabatic chamber is heated. This allows the alkaline solution to quickly reach the reaction temperature required by the electrolytic cell 3.

[0063] The electrolytic cell 3 includes an electrolytic cell body, which electrolyzes the alkaline solution inside it. The electrolyzed oxygen-liquid mixture enters the oxygen-liquid separation section 32 for gas-liquid separation, and the electrolyzed hydrogen-liquid mixture enters the hydrogen-liquid separation section 31 for gas-liquid separation.

[0064] The hydrogen separation unit 31 is fixedly connected to a hydrogen collection unit and a first alkali solution pipeline 311. The hydrogen collection unit is used to collect the separated hydrogen for subsequent purification steps. The first alkali solution pipeline 311 is fixedly connected to and communicates with the return pipe 41, so that the separated alkali solution is returned to the interior of the alkali solution tank 11 through the first alkali solution pipeline 311.

[0065] An oxygen collection section and a second alkali solution pipe 321 are fixedly connected to the oxygen-liquid separation section 32. The oxygen collection section is used to collect the separated oxygen for subsequent collection and use. The second alkali solution pipe 321 is fixedly connected to and communicates with the return pipe 41, so that the separated alkali solution is returned to the interior of the alkali solution tank 11 through the second alkali solution pipe 321.

[0066] This application also discloses a method for improving cold start speed, applied to the aforementioned device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system. The method for improving cold start speed includes:

[0067] S01: Centralized heating of electrolyte in the heating tank: After starting the equipment, determine whether the liquid level in the acceleration tank 211 has reached the set value; if it has not reached the specified liquid level, close the second opening regulating valve 25 and open the first opening regulating valve 24 until the liquid level inside the acceleration tank 211 reaches the set value, close the first opening regulating valve 24, turn on the heater 212, and provide all the power to the heater 212 until the temperature of the electrolyte inside the acceleration tank 211 reaches the set temperature T. set1 (T set1 The value is greater than the set temperature T of the electro-hydrogen production system. set0 );

[0068] S02: Heater 212 operates at low power to start the hydrogen production equipment: After the reaction begins, the temperature inside the acceleration chamber 211 is maintained at 30% of the power supply, and the remaining power is allocated to the electrolyzer 3 to carry out the reaction.

[0069] Open the first opening regulating valve 24 and the second opening regulating valve 25. Using PID control, adjust the openings of the first opening regulating valve 24, the second opening regulating valve 25, and the third opening regulating valve 26 to meet the following three requirements:

[0070] (1) Ensure that the sum of the electrolyte flow rate N2 flowing out of the acceleration component (2) and the electrolyte flow rate N3 flowing out of the alkali tank (11) is equal to the flow rate N set by the electro-hydrogen production equipment system. set ;

[0071] (2) The electrolyte temperature T0 entering the electrolyzer (3) is equal to the set temperature T of the electro-hydrogen production equipment system. set0 ;

[0072] (3) The internal electrolyte temperature of the acceleration component (2) is maintained at the set temperature T. set1 ;

[0073] S03: The power of the acceleration component 2 is reduced to zero, and steady-state operation begins: As the reaction proceeds, the temperature T of the electrolyte gradually increases. An automatic control program is set to gradually reduce the power of the heating device. When the opening of the third opening regulating valve 26 reaches 80%, the acceleration component 2 starts to supply energy.

[0074] The control strategy is used to adjust the opening degrees of the first opening regulating valve 24, the second opening regulating valve 25, and the third opening regulating valve 26, as well as the power of the acceleration component 2, so that the system meets the following requirements:

[0075] (1) Ensure that the sum of the electrolyte flow rate N2 from the acceleration component (2) and the electrolyte flow rate N3 from the alkali tank (11) is equal to the flow rate N0 set by the electro-hydrogen production equipment system. set ;

[0076] (2) The electrolyte temperature T0 entering the electrolyzer (3) is equal to the set temperature T of the electro-hydrogen production equipment system. set0 ;

[0077] (3) Accelerating component (2) maintains the internal electrolyte temperature to the set temperature T of the hydrogen production equipment system. set0 .

[0078] S04: Shutdown and Heat Preservation: When the electro-hydrogen production equipment system is shut down, close the second opening regulating valve (25) until the acceleration component (2) tank is filled with electrolyte, and then close the first opening regulating valve (24).

[0079] In some embodiments, a 300 standard cubic meter hydrogen production equipment system is used:

[0080] in,

[0081] <![CDATA[Hydrogen production rate of electrolyzer (Nm 3 / h)]]> 300 Alkali solution (t) inside the equipment system 8 <![CDATA[Alkaline solution flow rate of the equipment system (m 3 / h)]]> 20 Equipment system power (MW) 1.5 Equipment system operating temperature (°C) 80 Equipment cold start time (min) 55.7

[0082] Parameters of the configured heating device:

[0083]

[0084]

[0085] When the accelerator assembly is applied to a 300 Nm³ alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production system, the changes in heater power and accelerator chamber temperature within the accelerator assembly are shown in the attached figure. Figure 3 As shown.

[0086] The acceleration device is equipped with an acceleration chamber and a heater. During cold starts, energy is concentrated on the heater, and only the electrolyte in the acceleration chamber is heated. Compared to traditional solutions, it has the following three advantages in accelerating cold starts:

[0087] 1. During cold start, only the alkaline solution in the acceleration tank is heated, and the mass of the alkaline solution is small;

[0088] 2. During cold start, energy is concentrated on the heater, resulting in high heating power;

[0089] 3. The accelerator has a heat preservation effect, the initial temperature of the electrolyte is high, and the required temperature increase is small.

[0090] The formula for calculating cold start time is:

[0091]

[0092] Where t is the time required for cold start, m is the mass of electrolyte to be heated, c is the specific heat capacity of the electrolyte, ΔT is the difference between the set temperature and the initial temperature of the electrolyte, and P is the power to heat the electrolyte.

[0093] Taking all three factors into account, the cold start speed of the device can be improved. Generally speaking, the cold start speed of an alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device is about 1 hour. By using a cold start acceleration device, the cold start speed can be shortened to less than 10 minutes; when the temperature of the alkaline solution in the insulation box is high, the start speed can be shortened to less than 5 minutes.

[0094] In this invention, the term "multiple" refers to at least two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "install," "connect," "link," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "link" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0095] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. A device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system, characterized in that: It includes a liquid inlet assembly (1), the liquid outlet of the liquid inlet assembly (1) is connected to an acceleration assembly (2), the liquid outlet of the acceleration assembly (2) is connected to an electrolytic cell (3), the liquid outlet of the electrolytic cell (3) is connected to the liquid inlet assembly (1), the acceleration assembly (2) includes an acceleration chamber (211), and a heating assembly (21) is provided inside the acceleration chamber (211).

2. The device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating component (21) includes a heater (212) located inside the acceleration chamber (211) and the heater (212) heats the internal medium of the acceleration chamber (211).

3. The device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heater (212) includes an electric heating wire that surrounds the side wall of the acceleration box (211). A control element for controlling the heating power of the electric heating wire is provided on one side of the electric heating wire.

4. The device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outside of the acceleration chamber (211) is provided with a heat insulation component, which completely wraps the side wall of the acceleration chamber (211).

5. The device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The acceleration component (2) further includes a first acceleration pipe (22) and a second acceleration pipe (23). The first acceleration pipe (22) is opposite to the acceleration box (211). The first acceleration pipe (22) connects the liquid inlet end of the acceleration box (211) to the liquid inlet component (1). The first acceleration pipe (22) connects the liquid outlet end of the acceleration box (211) to the electrolytic cell (3). The second acceleration pipe (23) connects the liquid inlet component (1) to the electrolytic cell (3).

6. The device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first acceleration pipe (22) includes a liquid inlet section (221), the liquid inlet end of which is connected to the liquid inlet assembly (1), the liquid outlet end of which is connected to the acceleration box (211), and the liquid outlet end of the acceleration box (211) is provided with a liquid outlet section (222), the liquid outlet end of which is connected to the electrolytic cell (3).

7. The device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system according to claim 6, characterized in that: A first opening regulating valve (24) is fixedly connected to the liquid inlet (221), and a second opening regulating valve (25) is fixedly connected to the liquid outlet (222).

8. The device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system according to claim 5, characterized in that: A third opening regulating valve (26) is fixedly connected to the second acceleration pipe (23).

9. The device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolytic cell (3) includes an electrolytic cell body, on which a hydrogen-liquid separation section (31) and an oxygen-liquid separation section (32) are provided. The outlet ends of the hydrogen-liquid separation section (31) and the oxygen-liquid separation section (32) are connected to the liquid inlet assembly (1).

10. The device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system according to claim 9, characterized in that: An alkaline pump (4) is fixedly connected to the outlet end of the electrolytic cell (3), and the alkaline pump (4) pumps the liquid from the outlet end of the electrolytic cell (3) into the liquid inlet assembly (1).

11. The device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The hydrogen liquid separation unit (31) is fixedly connected to a hydrogen collection unit and a first alkali liquid pipe (311), and the oxygen liquid separation unit (32) is fixedly connected to an oxygen collection unit and a second alkali liquid pipe (321). The first alkali liquid pipe (311) and the second alkali liquid pipe (321) are connected to each other, and both the first alkali liquid pipe (311) and the second alkali liquid pipe (321) are connected to the liquid inlet assembly (1).

12. The device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid inlet assembly (1) includes an alkali tank (11), with an inlet on one side of the alkali tank (11) and the side of the alkali tank (11) connected to the outlet of the electrolytic cell (3).

13. A method for improving cold start speed, characterized in that, The method, applied to the device for improving the cold start speed of an alkaline electro-hydrogen production system according to any one of claims 1-12, comprises: S01: Electrolyte in the centralized heating acceleration box (211): After starting the equipment, determine whether the liquid level in the acceleration box (211) has reached the set value; S02: The heater (212) operates at low power and the hydrogen production equipment is started: After the reaction begins, the temperature of the acceleration component (2) is maintained at low power, and the remaining power is allocated to the electrolyzer (3) to carry out the reaction. The first opening regulating valve (24) and the second opening regulating valve (25) are opened, and the opening of the first opening regulating valve (24), the second opening regulating valve (25) and the third opening regulating valve (26) are adjusted. S03: The power of the acceleration component (2) is reduced to zero, and it operates in a steady state: the temperature of the electrolyte increases, and the power of the heating device is reduced; S04: Shutdown and heat preservation: When the electro-hydrogen production equipment system is shut down, close the second opening adjustment valve (25). After the storage tank of the acceleration component (2) is filled with electrolyte, close the first opening adjustment valve (24).

14. The method for improving cold start speed according to claim 13, characterized in that: In S01, when the liquid level in the acceleration tank (211) does not reach the specified liquid level, the second opening adjustment valve (25) is closed and the first opening adjustment valve (24) is opened; until the liquid level in the acceleration tank (211) reaches the set value, the first opening adjustment valve (24) is closed.

15. The method for improving cold start speed according to claim 14, characterized in that: Turn on the heater (212) and provide all the power to the heater (212) until the electrolyte temperature in the acceleration chamber (211) reaches the set temperature T. set1 .

16. The method for improving cold start speed according to claim 15, characterized in that: The electrolyte temperature in the acceleration chamber (211) reaches the set temperature T. set1 Temperature T greater than the set temperature T of the electro-hydrogen production system set0 .

17. The method for improving cold start speed according to claim 13, characterized in that: In S02, the sum N0 of the electrolyte flow rate N2 from the acceleration tank (211) and the electrolyte flow rate N3 from the inlet assembly (1) is equal to the flow rate N set by the electro-hydrogen production equipment system. set .

18. The method for improving cold start speed according to claim 13, characterized in that: In S02, the electrolyte temperature T0 entering the electrolyzer (3) is equal to the set temperature T of the electro-hydrogen production system. set0 The internal electrolyte temperature of the acceleration component (2) is maintained at a set temperature T. set1 .

19. The method for improving cold start speed according to claim 13, characterized in that: In S03, when the opening of the third opening regulating valve (26) reaches 80%, the acceleration box (211) starts to supply energy.

20. The method for improving cold start speed according to claim 13, characterized in that: In S03, the sum N0 of the electrolyte flow rate N2 from the acceleration tank (211) and the electrolyte flow rate N3 from the inlet assembly (1) is equal to the flow rate N set by the electro-hydrogen production equipment system. set ; The electrolyte temperature T0 entering the electrolyzer (3) is equal to the set temperature T of the electro-hydrogen production system. set0 The internal electrolyte temperature of the acceleration component (2) is maintained at the set temperature T of the electro-hydrogen production equipment system. set0 .

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