Electrolytic hydrogen production device, method of controlling electrolytic hydrogen production device, and control device

Abstract

The application discloses an electrolytic hydrogen production device, a control method and a control device of the electrolytic hydrogen production device, and belongs to the technical field of hydrogen production. The electrolytic hydrogen production device comprises at least one electrolytic cell, a hydrogen separator, an oxygen separator, an electrolyte circulating device, a switch valve group and a controller, and the hydrogen separator and the oxygen separator are connected through a liquid phase loop; the outlet end of the electrolyte circulating device is connected with the inlet end of the electrolytic cell, and the inlet end of the electrolyte circulating device is connected with the liquid phase loop; the switch valve group comprises a first switch valve arranged at the first outlet end, the second outlet end and the inlet end of the electrolytic cell, and further comprises a second switch valve arranged at the liquid phase loop; the controller is connected with the switch valve group, and is used for controlling the first switch valve and the second switch valve to be closed in the case that the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops hydrogen production. The electrolytic hydrogen production device can not be depressurized after shutdown, the starting rate is ensured, and the energy utilization rate is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of hydrogen production technology, and in particular relates to an electrolytic hydrogen production device, a control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production device, and a control device. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy, as a highly promising clean energy source, is considered an important vehicle for achieving energy transition and addressing climate change due to its high energy density, zero carbon emissions, and strong renewability. Electrolysis for hydrogen production is one of the key solutions to meet hydrogen demand.

[0003] In existing electrolytic hydrogen production processes, the startup rate is slow and the energy utilization rate of hydrogen production is low when the hydrogen production unit is restarted after being shut down. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes an electrolytic hydrogen production device, a control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production device, and a control device that prevents pressure release after the electrolytic hydrogen production device is shut down, thereby ensuring the start-up rate of the electrolytic hydrogen production device and improving energy utilization.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides an electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus, comprising:

[0006] At least one electrolytic cell;

[0007] The electrolytic cell includes a hydrogen separator and an oxygen separator. The first outlet of the electrolytic cell is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen separator, and the second outlet of the electrolytic cell is connected to the inlet of the oxygen separator. The hydrogen separator and the oxygen separator are connected through a liquid phase circuit.

[0008] An electrolyte circulation device, wherein the outlet end of the electrolyte circulation device is connected to the inlet end of the electrolytic cell, and the inlet end of the electrolyte circulation device is connected to the liquid phase circuit;

[0009] A switching valve assembly, comprising a first switching valve disposed at a first outlet end, a second outlet end, and an inlet end of the electrolytic cell, and a second switching valve disposed in the liquid phase circuit;

[0010] A controller is connected to the switch valve group and is used to control the first switch valve and the second switch valve to close when the electrolytic hydrogen production unit stops producing hydrogen.

[0011] According to the electrolytic hydrogen production device of this application, by setting a first switching valve at the inlet and outlet of the electrolytic cell and a second switching valve in the liquid phase circuit between the hydrogen separator and the oxygen separator, when the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen, the first and second switching valves are controlled to close, so that there is no pressure release after shutdown, ensuring the start-up rate of the electrolytic hydrogen production device and improving energy utilization.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, it also includes:

[0013] A regulating valve assembly, comprising a first regulating valve located in the pipeline at the gas outlet end of the hydrogen separator, and a second regulating valve located in the pipeline at the gas outlet end of the oxygen separator, wherein the controller is connected to the regulating valve assembly.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, when the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen, the controller is used to control the electrolyzer to stop operating, control the first regulating valve and the second regulating valve to close, control the electrolyte circulation equipment to continue operating for a first target time and then stop operating, and control the first switching valve and the second switching valve to close when the electrolyte circulation equipment stops operating.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this application, when the electrolytic hydrogen production device starts producing hydrogen, the controller is used to obtain the current pressure difference between the hydrogen separator and the oxygen separator when the first switching valve and the second switching valve are in the closed state and the first regulating valve and the second regulating valve are in the closed state.

[0016] The controller is used to control the first switching valve and the second switching valve to open, adjust the opening degree of the first regulating valve and the second regulating valve, and control the electrolyzer to perform electrolytic hydrogen production when the current pressure difference is less than the first pressure difference threshold.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this application, when the electrolytic hydrogen production device is performing electrolytic hydrogen production, the controller is further configured to adjust the opening of the second regulating valve based on the current hydrogen production load of the electrolyzer.

[0018] According to one embodiment of this application, the controller is used to adjust the opening of the second regulating valve when the current hydrogen production load is greater than the hydrogen production load threshold, so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator is a first gas phase pressure;

[0019] The controller is used to adjust the opening of the second regulating valve when the current hydrogen production load is less than or equal to the hydrogen production load threshold, so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator is a second gas phase pressure, which is less than the first gas phase pressure.

[0020] According to one embodiment of this application, the second gas phase pressure is determined based on the current hydrogen production load, the hydrogen production load threshold, and the first gas phase pressure.

[0021] According to one embodiment of this application, the liquid phase circuit includes two liquid phase branches, each of which is provided with at least one second switching valve, and one of the two liquid phase branches is connected to the inlet end of the electrolyte circulation device.

[0022] Secondly, this application provides a control method for an electrolytic hydrogen production device. The electrolytic hydrogen production device includes at least one electrolytic cell, a hydrogen separator, an oxygen separator, an electrolyte circulation device, and a valve group. The first outlet end of the electrolytic cell is connected to the inlet end of the hydrogen separator, and the second outlet end of the electrolytic cell is connected to the inlet end of the oxygen separator. The hydrogen separator and the oxygen separator are connected via a liquid phase circuit. The outlet end of the electrolyte circulation device is connected to the inlet end of the electrolytic cell, and the inlet end of the electrolyte circulation device is connected to the liquid phase circuit. The valve group includes a first valve disposed at the first outlet end, the second outlet end, and the inlet end of the electrolytic cell. The valve group also includes a second valve disposed in the liquid phase circuit. The method includes:

[0023] When the electrolytic hydrogen production unit stops producing hydrogen, the first and second switching valves are controlled to close.

[0024] According to the control method of the electrolytic hydrogen production device of this application, by setting a first switching valve at the inlet and outlet of the electrolytic cell and a second switching valve in the liquid phase circuit between the hydrogen separator and the oxygen separator, when the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen, the first and second switching valves are controlled to close, so that there is no pressure relief after shutdown, ensuring the start-up rate of the electrolytic hydrogen production device and improving energy utilization.

[0025] According to one embodiment of this application, the electrolytic hydrogen production device further includes a regulating valve group, which includes a first regulating valve disposed in the pipeline where the gas outlet end of the hydrogen separator is located, and a second regulating valve disposed in the pipeline where the gas outlet end of the oxygen separator is located. The step of controlling the first and second regulating valves to close when the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen includes:

[0026] Control the electrolytic cell to stop operating;

[0027] Control the first regulating valve and the second regulating valve to close;

[0028] The electrolyte circulation equipment is controlled to continue operating for a first target duration before stopping operation;

[0029] When the electrolyte circulation equipment stops operating, the first and second switching valves are controlled to close.

[0030] According to one embodiment of this application, after controlling the first switching valve and the second switching valve to close, the method further includes:

[0031] When the first switching valve and the second switching valve are in the closed state, and the first regulating valve and the second regulating valve are in the closed state, the current pressure difference between the hydrogen separator and the oxygen separator is obtained;

[0032] When the current pressure difference is less than the first pressure difference threshold, the first switching valve and the second switching valve are opened, the opening degree of the first regulating valve and the second regulating valve is adjusted, and the electrolytic cell is controlled to perform electrolytic hydrogen production.

[0033] According to one embodiment of this application, after controlling the electrolyzer to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, the method further includes:

[0034] Obtain the current hydrogen production load of the electrolyzer;

[0035] Based on the current hydrogen production load, adjust the opening of the second regulating valve.

[0036] According to one embodiment of this application, adjusting the opening of the second regulating valve based on the current hydrogen production load includes:

[0037] When the current hydrogen production load is greater than the hydrogen production load threshold, the opening of the second regulating valve is adjusted so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator is the first gas phase pressure.

[0038] Alternatively, if the current hydrogen production load is less than or equal to the hydrogen production load threshold, the opening of the second regulating valve is adjusted so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator is the second gas phase pressure, which is less than the first gas phase pressure.

[0039] According to one embodiment of this application, the second gas phase pressure is determined based on the current hydrogen production load, the hydrogen production load threshold, and the first gas phase pressure.

[0040] Thirdly, this application provides a control device for an electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus. The electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus includes at least one electrolytic cell, a hydrogen separator, an oxygen separator, an electrolyte circulation device, and a valve assembly. The first outlet of the electrolytic cell is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen separator, and the second outlet of the electrolytic cell is connected to the inlet of the oxygen separator. The hydrogen separator and the oxygen separator are connected via a liquid phase circuit. The outlet of the electrolyte circulation device is connected to the inlet of the electrolytic cell, and the inlet of the electrolyte circulation device is connected to the liquid phase circuit. The valve assembly includes a first valve disposed at the first outlet, the second outlet, and the inlet of the electrolytic cell. The valve assembly also includes a second valve disposed in the liquid phase circuit. The control device includes:

[0041] The processing module is used to control the first switching valve and the second switching valve to close when the electrolytic hydrogen production unit stops producing hydrogen.

[0042] Fourthly, this application provides an electronic device including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the control method of the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus as described in the second aspect above.

[0043] Fifthly, this application provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus as described in the second aspect above.

[0044] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus as described in the second aspect above.

[0045] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the electrolytic hydrogen production device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 3This is one of the schematic flowcharts of the control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 4 This is a second schematic flowchart of the control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the control device of the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0053] Figure label:

[0054] Electrolyzer 110, hydrogen separator 121, oxygen separator 122, hydrogen scrubber 131, oxygen scrubber 132, hydrogen heat exchanger 141, oxygen heat exchanger 142, first gas-liquid separator 151, second gas-liquid separator 152, electrolyte circulation equipment 161, electrolyte heat exchanger 162, controller 170.

[0055] First switching valve 101, second switching valve 102, first regulating valve 103, second regulating valve 104, level transmitter 105, differential pressure transmitter 106, pressure transmitter 107. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0057] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0058] In related technologies, because there may be leaks in the hydrogen production unit, which can cause the liquid level in the hydrogen-oxygen separator to become unbalanced and damage the diaphragm of the electrolyzer, the system pressure needs to be released to around 0.2 MPa when the hydrogen production unit is shut down. This will result in a slower start-up rate when the hydrogen production unit is restarted next time, reducing the energy utilization rate of hydrogen production.

[0059] This application provides an electrolytic hydrogen production device that can maintain its startup speed without depressurization after shutdown, thereby improving energy utilization.

[0060] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, details the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus, control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus, control device for the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus, electronic equipment, and readable storage medium provided in the embodiments of this application through specific examples and application scenarios.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus of this application embodiment includes at least one electrolytic cell 110, a hydrogen separator 121, an oxygen separator 122, an electrolyte circulation device 161, a valve group, and a controller 170.

[0062] The electrolytic cell 110 can be a single cell structure or a multi-cell structure connected in parallel.

[0063] It is understood that the type of electrolyzer 110 can be an alkaline water electrolyzer, a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer, a high-temperature solid oxide water electrolyzer, or a solid polymer anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first outlet end of the electrolyzer 110 is connected to the inlet end of the hydrogen separator 121, the second outlet end of the electrolyzer 110 is connected to the inlet end of the oxygen separator 122, and the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 are connected through a liquid phase circuit.

[0065] Hydrogen and oxygen are generated inside the electrolytic cell 110 through an electrolytic reaction. The mixture of hydrogen and electrolyte enters the hydrogen separator 121 through the first outlet of the electrolytic cell 110, and the mixture of oxygen and electrolyte enters the oxygen separator 122 through the second outlet of the electrolytic cell 110.

[0066] Hydrogen separator 121 and oxygen separator 122 perform gas-liquid phase separation. The hydrogen separated by hydrogen separator 121 enters the pipeline at the gas outlet of hydrogen separator 121, and the oxygen separated by oxygen separator 122 enters the pipeline at the gas outlet of oxygen separator 122.

[0067] In some embodiments, the pipeline at the gas outlet of the hydrogen separator 121 may include a hydrogen scrubber 131, a hydrogen heat exchanger 141, and a first gas-water separator 151. The inlet of the hydrogen scrubber 131 is connected to the gas outlet of the hydrogen separator 121, the inlet of the hydrogen heat exchanger 141 is connected to the outlet of the hydrogen scrubber 131, and the inlet of the first gas-water separator 151 is connected to the outlet of the hydrogen heat exchanger 141.

[0068] In actual operation, hydrogen enters the hydrogen scrubber 131 for scrubbing, then passes through the subsequent hydrogen heat exchanger 141 for heat exchange, and then passes through the first gas-liquid separator 151 for gas-liquid separation. Hydrogen is then output from the gas outlet of the first gas-liquid separator 151 to enter the downstream process.

[0069] In some embodiments, the pipeline at the gas outlet of the oxygen separator 122 may include an oxygen scrubber 132, an oxygen heat exchanger 142, and a second gas-water separator 152. The inlet of the oxygen scrubber 132 is connected to the gas outlet of the oxygen separator 122, the inlet of the oxygen heat exchanger 142 is connected to the outlet of the oxygen scrubber 132, and the inlet of the second gas-water separator 152 is connected to the outlet of the oxygen heat exchanger 142.

[0070] In actual operation, oxygen enters oxygen scrubber 132 for washing, then passes through oxygen heat exchanger 142 for heat exchange, and then passes through first gas-liquid separator 151 for gas-liquid separation. Oxygen is then output from the gas outlet of second gas-liquid separator 152 to enter downstream processes.

[0071] It is understandable that the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 are connected through a liquid phase circuit, which can ensure the liquid level balance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122.

[0072] Electrolyte circulation equipment 161 refers to equipment that realizes the circulation of electrolyte in an electrolytic hydrogen production device. Electrolyte circulation equipment 161 can be equipment such as a circulation pump.

[0073] In this embodiment, the outlet end of the electrolyte circulation device 161 is connected to the inlet end of the electrolytic cell 110, and the inlet end of the electrolyte circulation device 161 is connected to the liquid phase circuit.

[0074] Electrolyte circulation device 161 inputs electrolyte into electrolytic cell 110 to power electrolytic cell 110 for hydrogen production. The electrolyte separated by hydrogen separator 121 and oxygen separator 122 enters the liquid phase circuit between hydrogen separator 121 and oxygen separator 122. Electrolyte circulation device 161 recovers electrolyte from liquid phase circuit.

[0075] Taking the production of hydrogen by alkaline electrolysis in electrolytic cell 110 as an example.

[0076] The hydrogen and oxygen produced by the electrolysis reaction inside the electrolytic cell 110, the mixture of hydrogen and alkaline solution enters the hydrogen separator 121, and the mixture of oxygen and alkaline solution enters the oxygen separator 122. After gas-liquid phase separation, hydrogen and oxygen are obtained.

[0077] In this process, hydrogen enters the hydrogen scrubber 131 for washing and dealkalization, and then passes through the subsequent hydrogen heat exchanger 141 and the first gas-water separator 151 for cooling and separation. The hydrogen then leaves from the gas outlet of the first gas-water separator 151 and enters the downstream process (venting or entering the purification unit) to obtain crude hydrogen.

[0078] After oxygen enters oxygen scrubber 132 for washing and dealkalization, it passes through oxygen heat exchanger 142 and second gas-water separator 152 for cooling and separation. It then leaves from the gas outlet of the second gas-water separator 152 and enters the downstream process (venting or entering the purification unit) to obtain crude oxygen.

[0079] The alkaline solution separated by hydrogen separator 121 and oxygen separator 122 is recovered through a liquid phase loop and returned to electrolyte circulation equipment 161 via electrolyte heat exchanger 162.

[0080] It is understandable that water replenishment involves adding pure water to the hydrogen scrubber 131 and oxygen scrubber 132 through the water inlet, and then washing the hydrogen and oxygen.

[0081] The electrolytic hydrogen production device includes a switching valve assembly, which includes a first switching valve 101 disposed at the first outlet end, the second outlet end, and the inlet end of the electrolytic cell 110, and a second switching valve 102 disposed in the liquid phase circuit.

[0082] In this embodiment, the controller 170 is connected to the switching valve group, and the controller 170 is used to control the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 to close when the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen.

[0083] In this embodiment, the switching valve group has multiple switching valves, and the switching valves in the switching valve group are divided into a first switching valve 101 and a second switching valve 102.

[0084] The first switching valve 101 is a switching valve installed at the inlet and outlet of the electrolytic cell 110. When the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen, the controller 170 of the electrolytic hydrogen production device can control the first switching valve 101 to close, which can realize the independent and reliable pressure-maintaining operation of the electrolytic cell 110. Even if there is a leak in the process flow after the electrolytic cell 110, or if there is a liquid level imbalance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122, it will not cause damage to the electrolytic cell 110, and can effectively extend the service life of the electrolytic cell 110.

[0085] The second switching valve 102 is a switching valve installed in the liquid phase circuit between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122. When the electrolytic hydrogen production unit stops producing hydrogen, the controller 170 can control the second switching valve 102 to close, which can block the liquid phase connection between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122, and realize the individual pressure maintenance operation of the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122.

[0086] In some embodiments, the liquid phase circuit includes two liquid phase branches, each liquid phase branch being provided with at least one second switching valve 102, and one of the two liquid phase branches being connected to the inlet end of the electrolyte circulation device 161.

[0087] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the liquid phase circuit between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 includes two liquid phase branches. Each liquid phase branch is equipped with a second switching valve 102. When the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen, both second switching valves 102 are closed, blocking the liquid connection between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122, and simultaneously blocking the liquid connection between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 and the electrolyte circulation device 161.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first switching valve 101 located at the inlet and outlet of the electrolytic cell 110 is closed when the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen. The second switching valve 102 located in the liquid phase circuit between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 is also closed when the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen. The switching valve group can achieve individual pressure maintenance for the electrolytic cell 110, the hydrogen separator 121, and the oxygen separator 122. Leaks in the electrolytic hydrogen production device will not damage the electrolytic cell 110. There is no need to depressurize or vent when the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen, which can improve the start-up rate of the electrolytic hydrogen production device and improve the energy utilization rate of the electrolytic hydrogen production device.

[0089] According to the electrolytic hydrogen production device provided in the embodiments of this application, by setting a first switching valve 101 at the inlet and outlet of the electrolytic cell 110 and a second switching valve 102 in the liquid phase circuit between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122, when the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen, the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 are controlled to close, so that there is no pressure release after shutdown, ensuring the start-up rate of the electrolytic hydrogen production device when it starts up and improving energy utilization.

[0090] In some embodiments, the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus may also include a control valve assembly.

[0091] like Figure 1As shown, the regulating valve assembly includes a first regulating valve 103 located in the pipeline at the gas outlet end of the hydrogen separator 121, and a second regulating valve 104 located in the pipeline at the gas outlet end of the oxygen separator 122.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first regulating valve 103 may be disposed at the gas outlet end of the first gas-water separator 151, and the second regulating valve 104 may be disposed at the gas outlet end of the second gas-water separator 152. The gas flow rate at the gas outlet end of the first gas-water separator 151 and the gas outlet end of the second gas-water separator 152 may change accordingly when the opening degree of the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 is changed.

[0093] It should be noted that the liquid level balance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 can be controlled by adjusting the opening of the first regulating valve 103.

[0094] In actual operation, hydrogen separator 121 and oxygen separator 122 are equipped with level transmitters 105. Controller 170 can communicate with level transmitters 105. Controller 170 monitors the level balance between hydrogen separator 121 and oxygen separator 122 through level transmitters 105 and adjusts the opening of the first regulating valve 103 accordingly.

[0095] A differential pressure transmitter 106 can also be installed between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122. The controller 170 can be connected to the differential pressure transmitter 106 to collect the pressure difference data between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122.

[0096] It should be noted that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 can be controlled by adjusting the opening of the second regulating valve 104, thereby adjusting the operating pressure of the electrolytic hydrogen production unit for electrolytic hydrogen production.

[0097] In actual operation, the oxygen separator 122 can be equipped with a pressure transmitter 107, and the controller 170 can be connected to the pressure transmitter 107. The controller 170 monitors the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 through the pressure transmitter 107 and adjusts the opening of the second regulating valve 104 so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 reaches a certain value, thereby controlling the operating pressure of the electrolytic hydrogen production unit.

[0098] In this embodiment, when the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen, the controller 170 can also control the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 to close. When the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 are in the closed state, the pressure of the entire electrolytic hydrogen production device is maintained from the hydrogen output end and the oxygen output end of the electrolytic hydrogen production device. The device does not release pressure after shutdown, ensuring the start-up rate of the electrolytic hydrogen production device when it starts up and improving energy utilization.

[0099] In actual implementation, the controller 170 can be electrically or communicatively connected to the switching valve assembly, regulating valve assembly, pressure transmitter 107, differential pressure transmitter 106, and level transmitter 105, etc. Figure 1 (As shown by the dashed line in the middle), the system acquires data collected by the pressure transmitter 107, differential pressure transmitter 106, and level transmitter 105 to control the operation of the switching valve group and the regulating valve group.

[0100] The following is a detailed description of the process of stopping hydrogen production, starting hydrogen production, and restarting hydrogen production in an electrolytic hydrogen production unit.

[0101] I. The process of stopping hydrogen production in an electrolytic hydrogen production unit.

[0102] In some embodiments, when the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen, the controller 170 is used to control the electrolyzer 110 to stop operating, control the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 to close, control the electrolyte circulation device 161 to continue operating for a first target time and then stop operating, and control the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 to close when the electrolyte circulation device 161 stops operating.

[0103] In this embodiment, when the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen, the liquid level can be in a balanced state. The controller 170 first controls the electrolytic cell 110 to be de-energized, and then controls the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 to be closed, so as to maintain the system pressure of the electrolytic hydrogen production device and the liquid level balance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122.

[0104] The electrolyte circulation device 161 continues to operate until the first target duration, after which it stops operating. This allows the electrolyte to completely replace the gas-liquid mixture containing most of the gas in the electrolytic cell 110 with the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122. The first target duration can be determined based on the volume of the electrolytic cell 110 and the electrolyte flow rate at the inlet of the electrolyte circulation device 161.

[0105] When the electrolyte circulation equipment 161 stops operating, the controller 170 controls the first switch valve 101 and the second switch valve 102 to close, so that the electrolysis cell 110, hydrogen separator 121 and oxygen separator 122 can be individually pressure maintained. The electrolysis hydrogen production unit does not need to be depressurized and emptied when it is shut down, which can ensure the start-up rate of the electrolysis hydrogen production unit and improve the energy utilization rate of the electrolysis hydrogen production unit.

[0106] II. The process of producing hydrogen through electrolysis in an electrolysis hydrogen production unit.

[0107] In some embodiments, when the electrolytic hydrogen production unit is producing hydrogen through electrolysis, the controller 170 adjusts the opening of the second regulating valve 104 based on the current hydrogen production load of the electrolyzer 110.

[0108] In this embodiment, the controller 170 determines the set value that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 needs to reach based on the current hydrogen production load of the electrolyzer 110, and adjusts the opening of the second regulating valve 104 so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 reaches the set value. The operating pressure of the electrolytic hydrogen production device matches the current hydrogen production load, and the electrolytic hydrogen production device can operate smoothly.

[0109] In related technologies, hydrogen production devices operate at the same operating pressure under different hydrogen production power (load), which results in poor regulation performance of the regulating valve of the hydrogen production device at low power, and also affects the purity of the gas, limiting the wide power operation of the electrolyzer 110, which is not conducive to flexible hydrogen production.

[0110] In this embodiment, the opening of the second regulating valve 104 is adjusted based on the current hydrogen production load of the electrolyzer 110, and the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 is adjusted in real time to match the operating pressure with the current hydrogen production load. This allows the electrolytic hydrogen production device to operate smoothly, ensuring the regulating performance of the regulating valve group and the gas purity. It also enables the electrolyzer 110 to operate at a wide power range, which is beneficial for the flexible hydrogen production of the electrolytic hydrogen production device.

[0111] It should be noted that while the controller 170 adjusts the opening of the second regulating valve 104 based on the current hydrogen production load, it also adjusts the opening of the first regulating valve 103 to maintain the liquid level balance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122.

[0112] In some embodiments, the controller 170 is configured to adjust the opening of the second regulating valve 104 when the current hydrogen production load is greater than the hydrogen production load threshold, so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 is the first gas phase pressure.

[0113] In other embodiments, the controller 170 is configured to adjust the opening of the second regulating valve 104 when the current hydrogen production load is less than or equal to the hydrogen production load threshold, so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 is a second gas phase pressure, which is less than the first gas phase pressure.

[0114] During the pressure control process, the controller 170 adopts a segmented control method. When the current hydrogen production load is greater than the preset hydrogen production load threshold, the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 needs to reach the first gas phase pressure. When the current hydrogen production load is less than or equal to the preset hydrogen production load threshold, the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 needs to reach the second gas phase pressure, which is less than the first gas phase pressure.

[0115] In this embodiment, under low load, the operating pressure of the electrolytic hydrogen production device is reduced. The reduced pressure is beneficial to improving the purity of the gas. By reducing the operating pressure under low load, the opening of the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 can be increased, improving the valve regulation accuracy and making the electrolytic hydrogen production device operate more stably.

[0116] In some embodiments, the second gas phase pressure is determined based on the current hydrogen production load, the hydrogen production load threshold, and the first gas phase pressure.

[0117] In this embodiment, the specific state of the electrolytic hydrogen production device under low-power operation can be obtained by comparing the current hydrogen production load and the hydrogen production load threshold. The second gas phase pressure can be calculated by combining the first gas phase pressure when the electrolytic hydrogen production device is operating at high power.

[0118] In practice, the second gas phase pressure can be equal to the product of the first ratio and the first gas phase pressure, where the first ratio is the ratio of the current hydrogen production load to the hydrogen production load threshold.

[0119] For example, the operating load range of electrolyzer 110 is Wmin-Wmax, and the preset hydrogen production load threshold is 1.25Wmin, where 1.25Wmin < Wmax.

[0120] In this embodiment, when 1.25Wmin < current hydrogen production load W ≤ Wmax, the gas phase pressure of oxygen separator 122 needs to reach a first gas phase pressure of P0. When Wmin ≤ current hydrogen production load W ≤ 1.25Wmin, the gas phase pressure of oxygen separator 122 needs to reach a second gas phase pressure of (W / 1.25Wmin) × P0.

[0121] In this embodiment, by adjusting the opening of the second regulating valve 104, the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 changes with the change of the current hydrogen production load. At the same time, by adjusting the opening of the first regulating valve 103, the liquid level balance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 is maintained.

[0122] Understandably, when the electrolytic hydrogen production unit stops producing hydrogen, both the switching valve group and the regulating valve group are closed. When the electrolytic hydrogen production unit starts up, both the switching valve group and the regulating valve group are open, and the electrolytic hydrogen production unit is in operation. The first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 of the regulating valve group are adjusted to ensure that the electrolytic hydrogen production unit can operate smoothly.

[0123] III. The process of starting up the electrolytic hydrogen production unit.

[0124] In some embodiments, when the electrolytic hydrogen production unit starts producing hydrogen, the controller 170 can be used to obtain the current pressure difference between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 when the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 are closed, and the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 are closed.

[0125] When the current pressure difference is less than the first pressure difference threshold, the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 are opened, the opening degree of the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 is adjusted, and the electrolytic cell 110 is controlled to perform electrolytic hydrogen production.

[0126] Understandably, before the electrolysis hydrogen production unit is turned on, the valves in both the switching valve group and the regulating valve group are in the closed state.

[0127] In this embodiment, when the electrolytic hydrogen production device is ready to start, the controller 170 can obtain the current pressure difference between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 through the differential pressure transmitter 106. If the current pressure difference is less than the preset first differential pressure threshold, it indicates that the airtightness of the electrolytic hydrogen production device is qualified. The controller controls the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 to open, starts the power supply to the electrolytic cell 110 to perform electrolytic hydrogen production, adjusts the opening of the first regulating valve 103 to achieve liquid level balance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122, and adjusts the opening of the second regulating valve 104 to control the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122.

[0128] The first differential pressure threshold is a preset differential pressure critical value. If the current differential pressure value is less than the first differential pressure threshold, it indicates that the airtightness of the electrolytic hydrogen production device is qualified. If the current differential pressure value is greater than or equal to the first differential pressure threshold, the airtightness of the electrolytic hydrogen production device needs to be checked.

[0129] In actual operation, the first differential pressure threshold can be a differential pressure value greater than 120 Pa. For example, the first differential pressure threshold is 750 Pa. If the current differential pressure value is less than 750 Pa, the controller 170 can control the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 to open, start the power supply to the electrolyzer 110 to electrolyze hydrogen, and adjust the opening degree of the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104.

[0130] The following are some specific implementation examples.

[0131] Before the electrolytic hydrogen production unit starts producing hydrogen, the first switching valve 101, the second switching valve 102, the first regulating valve 103, and the second regulating valve 104 are all in the closed state. When the electrolytic hydrogen production unit is ready to start producing hydrogen, the controller 170 first obtains the current pressure difference ΔP between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 and determines whether ΔP is less than 750Pa.

[0132] If ΔP is greater than or equal to 750 Pa, the airtightness of the electrolytic hydrogen production device needs to be checked; if ΔP is less than 750 Pa, the controller 170 controls the first switch valve 101 and the second switch valve 102 to open, starts the power supply to power the electrolytic cell 110 for electrolytic hydrogen production, adjusts the opening of the first regulating valve 103 to control the liquid level balance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122, and adjusts the opening of the first regulating valve 103 to control the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122.

[0133] The controller 170 adopts a segmented control method. The operating load range of the electrolyzer 110 is Wmin-Wmax. The preset hydrogen production load threshold is 1.25Wmin, where 1.25Wmin < Wmax.

[0134] In this embodiment, when 1.25Wmin < current hydrogen production load W ≤ Wmax, the gas phase pressure of oxygen separator 122 needs to reach a first gas phase pressure of P0. When Wmin ≤ current hydrogen production load W ≤ 1.25Wmin, the gas phase pressure of oxygen separator 122 needs to reach a second gas phase pressure of (W / 1.25Wmin) × P0.

[0135] In this embodiment, by adjusting the opening of the second regulating valve 104, the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 changes with the change of the current hydrogen production load. At the same time, by adjusting the opening of the first regulating valve 103, the liquid level balance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 is maintained.

[0136] When the electrolytic hydrogen production unit stops producing hydrogen, the liquid level is in a balanced state. The controller 170 controls the electrolytic cell 110 to cut off the power and controls the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 to close, so as to maintain the system pressure and the liquid level balance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122.

[0137] The electrolyte circulation device 161 continues to operate. Based on the volume of the electrolytic cell 110 and the inlet alkaline solution flow rate, it operates for the first target duration to ensure that the electrolyte completely replaces the gas-liquid mixture containing most of the gas in the electrolytic cell 110 into the hydrogen separator 121 and oxygen separator 122. Then, the electrolyte circulation device 161 is shut down, and the controller 170 closes the first switch valve 101 and the second switch valve 102. The entire process achieves shutdown without depressurization, ensuring the start-up rate of the electrolytic hydrogen production unit, improving energy utilization, and enhancing the flexibility of the electrolytic hydrogen production unit by controlling it in stages according to the load.

[0138] like Figure 2 As shown, when two electrolytic cells 110 are connected in parallel, the process is basically the same as that of a single electrolytic cell 110.

[0139] Before the two parallel electrolyzers 110 start producing hydrogen, the first switching valve 101, the second switching valve 102, the first regulating valve 103, and the second regulating valve 104 are all in the closed state. When the electrolytic hydrogen production unit is ready to start producing hydrogen, the controller 170 first obtains the current pressure difference ΔP between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 and determines whether ΔP is less than 750Pa.

[0140] If ΔP is greater than or equal to 750 Pa, the airtightness of the electrolytic hydrogen production device needs to be checked; if ΔP is less than 750 Pa, the controller 170 controls the first switch valve 101 and the second switch valve 102 to open, starts the power supply to power the two electrolytic cells 110 for electrolytic hydrogen production, adjusts the opening of the first regulating valve 103 to control the liquid level balance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122, and adjusts the opening of the first regulating valve 103 to control the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122.

[0141] The controller 170 adopts a segmented control method. The operating load range of each electrolyzer 110 is Wmin-Wmax, and the preset hydrogen production load threshold is 1.25Wmin, where 1.25Wmin < Wmax.

[0142] In this embodiment, when 1.25Wmin < current hydrogen production load W ≤ Wmax, the gas phase pressure of oxygen separator 122 needs to reach a first gas phase pressure of P0. When Wmin ≤ current hydrogen production load W ≤ 1.25Wmin, the gas phase pressure of oxygen separator 122 needs to reach a second gas phase pressure of (W / 1.25Wmin) × P0.

[0143] In this embodiment, by adjusting the opening of the second regulating valve 104, the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 changes with the change of the current hydrogen production load. At the same time, by adjusting the opening of the first regulating valve 103, the liquid level balance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 is maintained.

[0144] When the electrolytic hydrogen production unit stops producing hydrogen, the liquid level is in a balanced state. The controller 170 controls the two electrolytic cells 110 to be de-energized and controls the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 to be closed, so as to maintain the system pressure and the liquid level balance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122.

[0145] The electrolyte circulation device 161 continues to operate, running for the first target duration according to the corresponding electrolytic cell 110 volume and inlet alkaline solution flow rate. This ensures that the electrolyte completely replaces the gas-liquid mixture containing most of the gas in the electrolytic cell 110 into the hydrogen separator 121 and oxygen separator 122. Then, the electrolyte circulation device 161 is shut down, and the controller 170 closes the first switch valve 101 and the second switch valve 102. The entire process achieves shutdown without depressurization, ensuring the start-up rate of the electrolytic hydrogen production unit, improving energy utilization, and enhancing the flexibility of the electrolytic hydrogen production unit by controlling it in stages according to the load.

[0146] This application embodiment also provides a control method for an electrolytic hydrogen production device. The control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production device can be applied to the aforementioned electrolytic hydrogen production device. The executing entity of the control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production device can be the controller 170 of the aforementioned electrolytic hydrogen production device, an electronic device, or a functional module or functional entity in an electronic device that can implement the control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production device.

[0147] The electrolytic hydrogen production device includes at least one electrolytic cell 110, a hydrogen separator 121, an oxygen separator 122, an electrolyte circulation device 161, and a valve assembly. The first outlet end of the electrolytic cell 110 is connected to the inlet end of the hydrogen separator 121, and the second outlet end of the electrolytic cell 110 is connected to the inlet end of the oxygen separator 122. The hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 are connected through a liquid phase circuit. The outlet end of the electrolyte circulation device 161 is connected to the inlet end of the electrolytic cell 110, and the inlet end of the electrolyte circulation device 161 is connected to the liquid phase circuit. The valve assembly includes a first valve 101 disposed at the first outlet end, the second outlet end, and the inlet end of the electrolytic cell 110, and a second valve 102 disposed in the liquid phase circuit.

[0148] like Figure 3 As shown, the control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production unit includes:

[0149] Step 310: When the electrolytic hydrogen production unit stops producing hydrogen, control the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 to close.

[0150] The first switching valve 101 is a switching valve installed at the inlet and outlet of the electrolytic cell 110. When the electrolytic hydrogen production unit stops producing hydrogen, the first switching valve 101 is closed, which can realize the independent and reliable pressure-maintaining operation of the electrolytic cell 110. Even if there is a leak in the process flow after the electrolytic cell 110, or if there is a liquid level imbalance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122, it will not cause damage to the electrolytic cell 110, and can effectively extend the service life of the electrolytic cell 110.

[0151] The second switching valve 102 is a switching valve for the liquid phase circuit between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122. Controlling the second switching valve 102 to close can prevent the liquid phase circuit between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 from communicating, thereby enabling separate pressure holding operations for the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122.

[0152] According to the control method of the electrolytic hydrogen production device provided in the embodiments of this application, by setting a first switching valve 101 at the inlet and outlet of the electrolytic cell 110 and a second switching valve 102 in the liquid phase circuit between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122, when the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen, the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 are controlled to close, so that there is no pressure release after shutdown, ensuring the start-up rate of the electrolytic hydrogen production device when it starts up and improving energy utilization.

[0153] In some embodiments, the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus further includes a regulating valve group, which includes a first regulating valve 103 located in the pipeline where the gas outlet end of the hydrogen separator 121 is located, and a second regulating valve 104 located in the pipeline where the gas outlet end of the oxygen separator 122 is located.

[0154] When the electrolytic hydrogen production unit stops producing hydrogen, the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 can be controlled to close. When the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 are in the closed state, the pressure of the entire electrolytic hydrogen production unit is maintained from the hydrogen output end and the oxygen output end of the electrolytic hydrogen production unit. The pressure is not released after the unit is shut down, which ensures the start-up rate of the electrolytic hydrogen production unit when it is started and improves the energy utilization rate.

[0155] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, step 310, controlling the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 to close when the electrolysis hydrogen production unit stops producing hydrogen, may include:

[0156] Step 311: Control the electrolytic cell 110 to stop operating;

[0157] Step 312: Close the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104;

[0158] Step 313: Control the electrolyte circulation equipment 161 to continue running for the first target time and then stop running;

[0159] Step 314: When the electrolyte circulation equipment 161 stops operating, control the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 to close.

[0160] In this embodiment, when the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen, the liquid level can be in a balanced state. First, the electrolytic cell 110 is de-energized, and then the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 are closed to maintain the system pressure of the electrolytic hydrogen production device and the liquid level balance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122.

[0161] The electrolyte circulation device 161 continues to operate until the first target duration, after which it stops operating. This allows the electrolyte to completely replace the gas-liquid mixture containing most of the gas in the electrolytic cell 110 with the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122. The first target duration can be determined based on the volume of the electrolytic cell 110 and the electrolyte flow rate at the inlet of the electrolyte circulation device 161.

[0162] When the electrolyte circulation device 161 stops operating, the first switch valve 101 and the second switch valve 102 are closed to achieve individual pressure maintenance of the electrolytic cell 110, hydrogen separator 121 and oxygen separator 122. The electrolytic hydrogen production device does not need to be depressurized and emptied when it is shut down, which can ensure the start-up rate of the electrolytic hydrogen production device and improve the energy utilization rate of the electrolytic hydrogen production device.

[0163] In some embodiments, after controlling the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 to close, the control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus further includes:

[0164] When the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 are closed, and the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 are closed, the current pressure difference between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 is obtained.

[0165] When the current pressure difference is less than the first pressure difference threshold, the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 are opened, the opening degree of the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 is adjusted, and the electrolytic cell 110 is controlled to perform electrolytic hydrogen production.

[0166] Understandably, before the electrolysis hydrogen production unit is turned on, the valves in both the switching valve group and the regulating valve group are in the closed state.

[0167] In this embodiment, when the electrolytic hydrogen production device is ready to start, the current pressure difference between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 can be obtained through the differential pressure transmitter 106. If the current pressure difference is less than the preset first differential pressure threshold, it indicates that the airtightness of the electrolytic hydrogen production device is qualified. The first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 are opened, the power supply is turned on to energize the electrolytic cell 110 for electrolytic hydrogen production, the opening degree of the first regulating valve 103 is adjusted to achieve liquid level balance between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122, and the opening degree of the second regulating valve 104 is adjusted to control the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122.

[0168] In some embodiments, after controlling the electrolyzer 110 to perform electrolytic hydrogen production, the control method of the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus further includes:

[0169] Obtain the current hydrogen production load of electrolyzer 110;

[0170] Adjust the opening of the second regulating valve 104 based on the current hydrogen production load.

[0171] In this embodiment, based on the current hydrogen production load of the electrolyzer 110, the set value that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 needs to reach is determined, and the opening of the second regulating valve 104 is adjusted so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 reaches the set value. The operating pressure of the electrolytic hydrogen production device matches the current hydrogen production load, and the electrolytic hydrogen production device can operate smoothly.

[0172] In some embodiments, adjusting the opening degree of the second regulating valve 104 based on the current hydrogen production load may include:

[0173] When the current hydrogen production load is greater than the hydrogen production load threshold, adjust the opening of the second regulating valve 104 so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 is the first gas phase pressure.

[0174] Alternatively, if the current hydrogen production load is less than or equal to the hydrogen production load threshold, the opening of the second regulating valve 104 is adjusted so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 is the second gas phase pressure, which is less than the first gas phase pressure.

[0175] In this embodiment, a segmented control method is adopted. When the current hydrogen production load is greater than the preset hydrogen production load threshold, the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 needs to reach a first gas phase pressure. When the current hydrogen production load is less than or equal to the preset hydrogen production load threshold, the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 needs to reach a second gas phase pressure that is less than the first gas phase pressure.

[0176] Under low load, the operating pressure of the electrolytic hydrogen production unit decreases, which helps to improve the purity of the gas. By reducing the operating pressure under low load, the opening of the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 can be increased, improving the valve regulation accuracy and making the electrolytic hydrogen production unit operate more stably.

[0177] In some embodiments, the second gas phase pressure is determined based on the current hydrogen production load, the hydrogen production load threshold, and the first gas phase pressure.

[0178] In this embodiment, the specific state of the electrolytic hydrogen production device under low-power operation can be obtained by comparing the current hydrogen production load and the hydrogen production load threshold. The second gas phase pressure can be calculated by combining the first gas phase pressure when the electrolytic hydrogen production device is operating at high power.

[0179] In practice, the second gas phase pressure can be equal to the product of the first ratio and the first gas phase pressure, where the first ratio is the ratio of the current hydrogen production load to the hydrogen production load threshold.

[0180] The control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production device provided in this application embodiment can be executed by the control device 500 of the electrolytic hydrogen production device. This application embodiment uses the control device 500 of the electrolytic hydrogen production device executing the control method as an example to illustrate the control device 500 of the electrolytic hydrogen production device provided in this application embodiment.

[0181] This application also provides a control device 500 for an electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus.

[0182] The electrolytic hydrogen production device includes at least one electrolytic cell 110, a hydrogen separator 121, an oxygen separator 122, an electrolyte circulation device 161, and a valve assembly. The first outlet end of the electrolytic cell 110 is connected to the inlet end of the hydrogen separator 121, and the second outlet end of the electrolytic cell 110 is connected to the inlet end of the oxygen separator 122. The hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 are connected through a liquid phase circuit. The outlet end of the electrolyte circulation device 161 is connected to the inlet end of the electrolytic cell 110, and the inlet end of the electrolyte circulation device 161 is connected to the liquid phase circuit. The valve assembly includes a first valve 101 disposed at the first outlet end, the second outlet end, and the inlet end of the electrolytic cell 110, and a second valve 102 disposed in the liquid phase circuit.

[0183] like Figure 5 As shown, the control device 500 of the electrolytic hydrogen production unit includes:

[0184] The processing module 510 is used to control the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 to close when the electrolytic hydrogen production unit stops producing hydrogen.

[0185] According to the control device 500 of the electrolytic hydrogen production device provided in the embodiments of this application, by setting a first switching valve 101 at the inlet and outlet of the electrolytic cell 110 and setting a second switching valve 102 in the liquid phase circuit between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122, when the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen, the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 are controlled to close, so that there is no pressure release after shutdown, ensuring the start-up rate of the electrolytic hydrogen production device when it starts up and improving energy utilization.

[0186] In some embodiments, the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus further includes a regulating valve group, which includes a first regulating valve 103 disposed in the pipeline where the gas outlet end of the hydrogen separator 121 is located, and a second regulating valve 104 disposed in the pipeline where the gas outlet end of the oxygen separator 122 is located.

[0187] In this embodiment, the processing module 510 is used to control the electrolytic cell 110 to stop operating;

[0188] Control the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 to close;

[0189] The electrolyte circulation device 161 continues to run for the first target duration and then stops.

[0190] When the electrolyte circulation device 161 stops operating, the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 are closed.

[0191] In some embodiments, the processing module 510 is further configured to acquire the current pressure difference between the hydrogen separator 121 and the oxygen separator 122 when the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 are in a closed state and the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 are in a closed state.

[0192] When the current pressure difference is less than the first pressure difference threshold, the first switching valve 101 and the second switching valve 102 are opened, the opening degree of the first regulating valve 103 and the second regulating valve 104 is adjusted, and the electrolytic cell 110 is controlled to perform electrolytic hydrogen production.

[0193] In some embodiments, the processing module 510 is further configured to obtain the current hydrogen production load of the electrolyzer 110;

[0194] Adjust the opening of the second regulating valve 104 based on the current hydrogen production load.

[0195] In some embodiments, the processing module 510 is configured to adjust the opening of the second regulating valve 104 when the current hydrogen production load is greater than the hydrogen production load threshold, so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 is the first gas phase pressure.

[0196] In some embodiments, the processing module 510 is configured to adjust the opening of the second regulating valve 104 when the current hydrogen production load is less than or equal to the hydrogen production load threshold, so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator 122 is the second gas phase pressure, which is less than the first gas phase pressure.

[0197] In some embodiments, the second gas phase pressure is determined based on the current hydrogen production load, the hydrogen production load threshold, and the first gas phase pressure.

[0198] The control device for the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus provided in this application embodiment can realize the various processes implemented in the above-described control method embodiment for the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus. To avoid repetition, these processes will not be described again here.

[0199] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6As shown, this application embodiment also provides an electronic device 600, including a processor 601, a memory 602, and a computer program stored in the memory 602 and executable on the processor 601. When the program is executed by the processor 601, it implements the various processes of the control method embodiment of the electrolytic hydrogen production device described above and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0200] It should be noted that the electronic devices in the embodiments of this application include the mobile electronic devices and non-mobile electronic devices described above.

[0201] This application also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the various processes of the control method embodiment of the electrolytic hydrogen production device described above and achieves the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0202] The processor is the processor in the electronic device described in the above embodiments. The readable storage medium includes computer-readable storage media, such as computer read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0203] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the control method of the electrolytic hydrogen production device described above.

[0204] The processor is the processor in the electronic device described in the above embodiments. The readable storage medium includes computer-readable storage media, such as computer read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0205] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the control method embodiment of the electrolytic hydrogen production device described above, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0206] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0207] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0208] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a computer software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a terminal (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0209] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

[0210] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. 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.

[0211] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus, characterized in that, include: At least one electrolytic cell; The electrolytic cell includes a hydrogen separator and an oxygen separator. The first outlet of the electrolytic cell is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen separator, and the second outlet of the electrolytic cell is connected to the inlet of the oxygen separator. The hydrogen separator and the oxygen separator are connected through a liquid phase circuit. An electrolyte circulation device, wherein the outlet end of the electrolyte circulation device is connected to the inlet end of the electrolytic cell, and the inlet end of the electrolyte circulation device is connected to the liquid phase circuit; A switching valve assembly, comprising a first switching valve disposed at a first outlet end, a second outlet end, and an inlet end of the electrolytic cell, and a second switching valve disposed in the liquid phase circuit; A controller is connected to the switch valve group and is used to control the first switch valve and the second switch valve to close when the electrolysis hydrogen production unit stops producing hydrogen.

2. The electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A regulating valve assembly, comprising a first regulating valve located in the pipeline at the gas outlet end of the hydrogen separator, and a second regulating valve located in the pipeline at the gas outlet end of the oxygen separator, wherein the controller is connected to the regulating valve assembly.

3. The electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen, the controller is used to control the electrolyzer to stop operating, control the first regulating valve and the second regulating valve to close, control the electrolyte circulation equipment to continue operating for a first target time and then stop operating, and control the first switching valve and the second switching valve to close when the electrolyte circulation equipment stops operating.

4. The electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the electrolytic hydrogen production unit starts producing hydrogen, the controller is used to obtain the current pressure difference between the hydrogen separator and the oxygen separator when the first switching valve and the second switching valve are in the closed state and the first regulating valve and the second regulating valve are in the closed state. The controller is used to control the first switching valve and the second switching valve to open, adjust the opening degree of the first regulating valve and the second regulating valve, and control the electrolyzer to perform electrolytic hydrogen production when the current pressure difference is less than the first pressure difference threshold.

5. The electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the electrolytic hydrogen production device is performing electrolytic hydrogen production, the controller is also used to adjust the opening of the second regulating valve based on the current hydrogen production load of the electrolyzer.

6. The electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The controller is used to adjust the opening of the second regulating valve when the current hydrogen production load is greater than the hydrogen production load threshold, so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator is the first gas phase pressure. The controller is used to adjust the opening of the second regulating valve when the current hydrogen production load is less than or equal to the hydrogen production load threshold, so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator is a second gas phase pressure, which is less than the first gas phase pressure.

7. The electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second gas phase pressure is determined based on the current hydrogen production load, the hydrogen production load threshold, and the first gas phase pressure.

8. The electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The liquid phase circuit includes two liquid phase branches, each of which is equipped with at least one second switching valve, and one of the two liquid phase branches is connected to the inlet end of the electrolyte circulation device.

9. A control method for an electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus, characterized in that, The electrolytic hydrogen production device includes at least one electrolytic cell, a hydrogen separator, an oxygen separator, an electrolyte circulation device, and a valve assembly. The first outlet of the electrolytic cell is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen separator, and the second outlet of the electrolytic cell is connected to the inlet of the oxygen separator. The hydrogen separator and the oxygen separator are connected via a liquid phase circuit. The outlet of the electrolyte circulation device is connected to the inlet of the electrolytic cell, and the inlet of the electrolyte circulation device is connected to the liquid phase circuit. The valve assembly includes a first valve disposed at the first outlet, the second outlet, and the inlet of the electrolytic cell. The valve assembly also includes a second valve disposed in the liquid phase circuit. The method includes: When the electrolytic hydrogen production unit stops producing hydrogen, the first and second switching valves are controlled to close.

10. The control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The electrolytic hydrogen production device further includes a regulating valve group, which includes a first regulating valve located in the pipeline at the gas outlet of the hydrogen separator and a second regulating valve located in the pipeline at the gas outlet of the oxygen separator. When the electrolytic hydrogen production device stops producing hydrogen, controlling the first and second regulating valves to close includes: Control the electrolytic cell to stop operating; Control the first regulating valve and the second regulating valve to close; The electrolyte circulation equipment is controlled to continue operating for a first target time and then stop operating. When the electrolyte circulation equipment stops operating, the first and second switching valves are controlled to close.

11. The control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, After the first and second switching valves are closed, the method further includes: When the first switching valve and the second switching valve are in the closed state, and the first regulating valve and the second regulating valve are in the closed state, the current pressure difference between the hydrogen separator and the oxygen separator is obtained; When the current pressure difference is less than the first pressure difference threshold, the first switching valve and the second switching valve are opened, the opening degree of the first regulating valve and the second regulating valve is adjusted, and the electrolytic cell is controlled to perform electrolytic hydrogen production.

12. The control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, After controlling the electrolyzer to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, the method further includes: Obtain the current hydrogen production load of the electrolyzer; Based on the current hydrogen production load, adjust the opening of the second regulating valve.

13. The control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, Adjusting the opening of the second regulating valve based on the current hydrogen production load includes: When the current hydrogen production load is greater than the hydrogen production load threshold, the opening of the second regulating valve is adjusted so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator is the first gas phase pressure. Alternatively, if the current hydrogen production load is less than or equal to the hydrogen production load threshold, the opening of the second regulating valve is adjusted so that the gas phase pressure of the oxygen separator is the second gas phase pressure, which is less than the first gas phase pressure.

14. The control method for the electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second gas phase pressure is determined based on the current hydrogen production load, the hydrogen production load threshold, and the first gas phase pressure.

15. A control device for an electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus, characterized in that, The electrolytic hydrogen production device includes at least one electrolytic cell, a hydrogen separator, an oxygen separator, an electrolyte circulation device, and a valve assembly. The first outlet of the electrolytic cell is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen separator, and the second outlet of the electrolytic cell is connected to the inlet of the oxygen separator. The hydrogen separator and the oxygen separator are connected via a liquid phase circuit. The outlet of the electrolyte circulation device is connected to the inlet of the electrolytic cell, and the inlet of the electrolyte circulation device is connected to the liquid phase circuit. The valve assembly includes a first valve disposed at the first outlet, the second outlet, and the inlet of the electrolytic cell, and a second valve disposed in the liquid phase circuit. The control device includes: The processing module is used to control the first switching valve and the second switching valve to close when the electrolytic hydrogen production unit stops producing hydrogen.

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