Flash smelting system for hydrogen production based on photo-thermal power photo-dissociation

Abstract

This invention discloses a flash metallurgical system based on photothermal power generation and photolysis hydrogen production. The photolysis hydrogen production system collects solar energy and produces hydrogen through photolysis of water. The flash smelting system uses the hydrogen produced by the photolysis hydrogen production system to smelt metals. The integrated compressed air energy storage and generation system generates electricity through a turbine air generator to power the flash smelting system. The automatic control system uses a PLC programmable logic controller to coordinate and control the photolysis hydrogen production system, the flash smelting system, and the integrated compressed air energy storage and generation system. This system mainly uses a high-temperature molten salt reactor as the direct heat source for flash metallurgy. The photolysis hydrogen production system produces the hydrogen required for the metal reduction reaction, eliminating the dependence of metal smelting systems on traditional fossil fuels and enabling more efficient and high-quality completion of the metal smelting process. The use of compressed air energy storage and a turbine air generator system replaces the traditional steam power generation system, reducing dependence on water resources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of metal smelting technology, and in particular to a flash metallurgical system for hydrogen production based on photothermal power generation and photolysis. Background Technology

[0002] Existing metal smelting processes rely heavily on traditional fossil fuels, resulting in low thermal efficiency, poor stability, and environmental pollution and carbon emissions. Flash metallurgy, with its advantages of speed, efficiency, cleanliness, and environmental friendliness, is gradually becoming the preferred choice for the future steel industry. However, the production, transportation, and storage costs of green hydrogen are currently high, making it difficult to meet the needs of continuous production. Furthermore, flash metallurgy has high requirements for smelting temperatures and a huge energy demand, and its temperature stability still faces challenges.

[0003] Photothermal energy, as a clean energy source, is increasingly coming into people's view. As a renewable heat source, it has advantages such as stable heat, long-lasting supply, and cleanliness without pollution. However, its supporting power generation system has a huge demand for water resources, which is difficult to meet the water supply needs of arid areas with scarce water resources, and therefore it has not been widely used. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the above problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a flash metallurgical system based on photothermal power generation and photocatalytic hydrogen production. This system uses photothermal technology to replace traditional high-temperature heating technology, with a high-temperature molten salt pile as the direct heat source for flash metallurgy, supplemented by electric heating technology to increase the reaction temperature. At the same time, the photocatalytic hydrogen production system generates the hydrogen required for the reaction. It uses compressed air energy storage and a turbine air power generation system to replace the traditional photothermal steam power generation system, which does not rely on water resources and eliminates the dependence of metal smelting systems on traditional fossil fuels, thus completing the metal smelting process with higher efficiency and higher quality.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is:

[0006] A flash metallurgical system based on solar thermal power generation and photocatalytic hydrogen production includes a photocatalytic hydrogen production system, a flash smelting system, an integrated compressed air storage and generation system, and an automatic control system.

[0007] The photocatalytic hydrogen production system is used to collect solar energy and produce hydrogen gas through photocatalytic water splitting.

[0008] The flash smelting system uses hydrogen produced by a photocatalytic hydrogen production system to smelt metals.

[0009] The integrated compressed air storage and generation system generates electricity through a turbine air generator to power the flash smelting system.

[0010] The automatic control system uses a PLC programmable logic controller to coordinate and control the photocatalytic hydrogen production system, the flash smelting system, and the integrated compressed air storage and generation system.

[0011] As a further description of the present invention, the photocatalytic hydrogen production system comprises a concentrating device, a light receiver, a thermal storage chamber, a molten salt pipeline system, a photocatalytic hydrogen production chamber, a heat-insulated and sealed chamber, an electrically operated sealed chamber door, and a water supply and electric heating system.

[0012] The concentrating device employs a heliostat array and is positioned around the solar collector tower. The solar energy receiver is located at the top of the solar collector tower, receiving solar energy and converting it into thermal energy. The thermal storage chamber is located inside the solar energy receiver and is used to store high-temperature molten salt heated by the concentrating light. The molten salt piping system is located below the thermal storage chamber and connects to the flash smelting system. The photolysis hydrogen production chamber is located inside the cavity of the solar collector tower and stores distilled water required for the photolysis reaction and hydrogen produced by photolysis. The heat-insulated sealing chamber is located at the output position of the photolysis hydrogen production chamber in the solar collector tower. The electrically operated sealing chamber door is located below the heat-insulated sealing chamber and connects to the input end of the flash smelting system. The water supply and electric heating system is located outside the solar collector tower and connects to the photolysis hydrogen production chamber inside the solar collector tower from below.

[0013] As a further description of the present invention, the inner wall of the cavity of the photolysis hydrogen production chamber is coated with a titanium dioxide coating, and the tower body of the heat collection tower is made of high-strength silicon carbide ceramic material.

[0014] As a further description of the present invention, the flash smelting system includes a photothermal pre-reduction module, a ore powder transfer module, a high-temperature smelting module, a metal output module, and an air-cooled heat exchange module.

[0015] The photothermal pre-reduction module is connected to the output of the photolysis hydrogen production system. It relies on the photothermal energy of the heat collection tower to pre-reduce the iron ore with carbon powder, and then separates the solid-phase iron and silicon through mechanical grinding and sieving processes.

[0016] The mineral powder transfer module is used for the addition and transfer of mineral powder, and works in conjunction with the photothermal pre-reduction module.

[0017] The high-temperature smelting module is used to smelt the materials output from the ore powder conveying module.

[0018] The metal output module is used to output the smelted metal.

[0019] The air-cooled heat exchange module is used to exchange the heat generated by the metal output module and the integrated compressed air storage and generation system.

[0020] As a further description of the present invention, the photothermal pre-reduction module includes a servo motor, a screw conveyor, a pre-reduction open-hearth furnace, a vacuum pump, a grinder, a magnetic separation desilication converter, and a converter electromagnetic heater.

[0021] The servo motor is connected to one end of the screw conveyor to control its movement. The pre-reduction open-hearth furnace is connected to the other end of the screw conveyor. A hydrogen transmission pipeline is installed inside the screw conveyor to transmit the hydrogen generated in the photolysis hydrogen production chamber to the pre-reduction open-hearth furnace. The pre-reduction open-hearth furnace is connected to the magnetic separation desilication converter by a vacuum pump. A grinder is installed inside the vacuum pump. The material ground by the grinder falls into the magnetic separation desilication converter. Electromagnetic heaters are installed on both sides of the magnetic separation desilication converter.

[0022] As a further description of the present invention, the mineral powder conveying module includes a crane hoist, a centrifugal screener, a magnetic separator, valves and piping components. The crane hoist is positioned above the screw conveyor, the centrifugal screener is positioned inside the magnetic separation desilication converter, and the magnetic separator is positioned below the magnetic separation desilication converter. The valves and piping components include a pre-reduction open-hearth furnace discharge solenoid valve, a grinder inlet solenoid valve, a grinder outlet solenoid valve, a magnetic separation desilication converter discharge solenoid valve, a flash reduction tower feed hopper ball valve, a flue gas pipe plunger valve, and a high-speed vortex spray gun.

[0023] As a further description of the present invention, the high-temperature smelting module includes a flash reduction tower, a coal-fired pre-reduction blast furnace, a smelting furnace, an electric arc furnace, a rising flue, a coal heating system, and a high-pressure gas supply system.

[0024] The upper end of the flash reduction tower is connected to the solid material output of the magnetic separation desiliconization converter, the coal heating pre-reduction blast furnace is connected to the flue gas output of the magnetic separation desiliconization converter, the smelting furnace is located below the flash reduction tower, an electric arc furnace is located on the right side of the smelting furnace, the rising flue connects the smelting furnace and the coal heating pre-reduction blast furnace, the coal heating system is located below the coal heating pre-reduction blast furnace, and the high-pressure gas supply system is located around the flash reduction tower.

[0025] As a further description of the present invention, the air-cooled heat exchange module includes an axial flow fan, an exhaust gas treatment system, and an exhaust pipe, used to exchange the heat generated by the metal output module and the integrated compressed air storage and generation system.

[0026] As a further description of the present invention, the integrated compressed air storage and generation system includes a turbine air generator, a turbine air compressor, a turbine expander, a molten salt reheat system, a grid connection unit, a control unit, a speed regulation unit, and a heat exchange unit.

[0027] The turbine air generator is connected to the turbine air compressor via a turbine expander. The molten salt reheat system is connected to the photocatalytic hydrogen production system. The turbine air compressor is equipped with a grid connection unit to integrate the electrical energy generated by the compressed air into the flash smelting system, providing electrical energy for the entire system. The turbine air compressor is equipped with a control unit, a speed regulation unit, and a heat exchange unit.

[0028] As a further description of the present invention, the molten salt reheating system includes a hot molten salt tank, a cold molten salt tank, a molten salt pump, a molten salt heat exchanger, a high-pressure gas storage tank, a high-pressure gas supply pipeline, and a valve system.

[0029] Molten salt pumps are installed above both the hot molten salt tank and the cold molten salt tank. The molten salt heat exchanger connects the hot molten salt tank and the cold molten salt tank. The molten salt heat exchanger is located in the middle of the high-pressure gas storage tank. The high-pressure gas storage tank is connected to the turbine air compressor through a high-pressure gas supply pipeline and valve system.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0031] This invention relates to a flash metallurgical system for hydrogen production via photothermal power generation and photolysis. The system includes a photolysis hydrogen production system, a flash smelting system, an integrated compressed air storage and generation system, and an automatic control system. The photolysis hydrogen production system replaces traditional high-temperature heating technology with a concentrator, a light receiver, and a thermal storage chamber. In this heating method, a high-temperature molten salt pile serves as the direct heat source for flash metallurgy, supplemented by electric heating technology to increase the reaction temperature. Simultaneously, the photolysis hydrogen production system employs a cavity-type photolysis hydrogen production reaction tower, relying on the high ultraviolet transmittance of the tower's material and the photocatalyst on its inner surface. The coating's catalytic effect photolyzes water molecules within the reaction chamber, generating hydrogen gas required for the reaction. This avoids the high cost of transporting hydrogen in practice. Furthermore, deep ultraviolet all-solid-state laser technology is combined to enhance the gas production rate. Finally, a compressed air energy storage and turbine air power generation system replaces the traditional solar thermal steam power generation system. This process does not rely on water resources, reducing freshwater consumption and making it suitable for arid regions with scarce freshwater. Its applicability is broader, and it eliminates the dependence of metal smelting processes on traditional fossil fuels, enabling more efficient and higher-quality completion of the metal smelting process. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the flash metallurgical system for hydrogen production based on photothermal power generation and photolysis proposed in this invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the photothermal pre-reduction module and the ore powder transport module of the flash metallurgical system based on photothermal power generation and photolysis hydrogen production proposed in this invention.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the high-temperature smelting module and metal output module of the flash metallurgical system based on photothermal power generation and photolysis hydrogen production proposed in this invention.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the molten salt reheating system of the flash metallurgical system based on photothermal power generation and photolysis hydrogen production proposed in this invention.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a process flow diagram of the flash metallurgical system for hydrogen production based on photothermal power generation and photolysis proposed in this invention.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the solenoid valve structure at the feed inlet of the grinding mill in the flash metallurgical system based on photothermal power generation and photolysis for hydrogen production proposed in this invention.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0039] 11-Concentrating device, 12-Photovoltaic receiver, 13-Heat storage chamber, 14-Molten salt pipeline system, 15-Photolysis hydrogen production chamber, 16-Insulated and sealed chamber, 17-Electric sealed chamber door, 18-Water supply and electric heating system;

[0040] 21-Photothermal pre-reduction module, 211-Servo motor, 212-Screw conveyor, 213-Pre-reduction open-hearth furnace, 214-Vacuum pump, 215-Grinding mill, 216-Magnetic separation desilication converter, 217-Converter electromagnetic heater.

[0041] 22-Mineral powder conveying module, 221-Tower hoist, 222-Centrifugal screening machine, 223-Magnetic separator, 224-Valve and piping assembly.

[0042] 23-High-temperature smelting module, 231-Flash reduction tower, 232-Coal-fired pre-reduction blast furnace, 233-Smelting furnace, 234-Electric arc furnace, 235-Rising flue, 236-Coal heating system, 237-High-pressure gas supply system.

[0043] 24-Metal Output Module

[0044] 25 - Air-cooled heat exchange module;

[0045] 31-Turbine air generator,

[0046] 32-Turbine air compressor,

[0047] 33-Turbine expander,

[0048] 34-Molten salt reheating system; 341-Hot molten salt tank; 342-Cold molten salt tank; 343-Molten salt pump; 344-Molten salt heat exchanger; 345-High-pressure gas storage tank; 346-High-pressure gas supply pipeline and valve system. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0050] 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 those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0051] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0052] This invention is described in detail with reference to the schematic diagrams. When detailing the embodiments of this invention, for ease of explanation, the cross-sectional views illustrating the device structure may be partially enlarged, not adhering to the usual scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention. In actual fabrication, the three-dimensional spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth should be included.

[0053] Furthermore, in the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are used solely for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," or "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0054] Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" in this invention should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; similarly, they can refer to mechanical connections, electrical connections, or direct connections, or indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0055] like Figures 1-6 As shown, it illustrates a specific embodiment of the present invention:

[0056] Example 1

[0057] A flash metallurgical system for hydrogen production based on photothermal power generation and photolysis is characterized by comprising a photolysis hydrogen production system, a flash smelting system, an integrated compressed air storage and generation system, and an automatic control system.

[0058] The photocatalytic hydrogen production system is used to collect solar energy and produce hydrogen gas through photocatalytic water splitting.

[0059] The flash smelting system uses hydrogen produced by a photocatalytic hydrogen production system to smelt metals.

[0060] The integrated compressed air storage and generation system generates electricity through a turbine air generator to power the flash smelting system.

[0061] The automatic control system uses a PLC programmable logic controller to coordinate and control the photocatalytic hydrogen production system, the flash smelting system, and the integrated compressed air storage and generation system.

[0062] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the photocatalytic hydrogen production system replaces traditional high-temperature heating technology with a concentrating device, a light receiver, and a thermal storage chamber. In this heating method, a high-temperature molten salt reactor serves as the direct heat source for flash metallurgy, supplemented by electric heating technology to increase the reaction temperature. Simultaneously, the system employs a cavity-type photocatalytic hydrogen production reaction tower. Relying on the high ultraviolet transmittance of the tower's material and the catalytic effect of the photocatalytic coating on its inner surface, water molecules within the reaction chamber are photocatalyzed to produce the hydrogen required for the reaction, avoiding the expensive hydrogen transportation costs in practice. Furthermore, deep ultraviolet all-solid-state laser technology is combined to enhance the gas production rate. Finally, a compressed air energy storage and turbine air power generation system replaces the traditional solar thermal steam power generation system. This process does not rely on water resources, reducing the consumption of freshwater resources and making it suitable for arid regions with scarce freshwater. Its applicability is wider, and it eliminates the dependence of metal smelting processes on traditional fossil fuels, enabling more efficient and high-quality completion of metal smelting processes.

[0063] Example 2

[0064] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the photocatalytic hydrogen production system consists of a concentrator 11, a light receiver 12, a thermal storage chamber 13, a molten salt pipeline system 14, a photocatalytic hydrogen production chamber 15, a heat-insulated and sealed chamber 16, an electrically operated sealed chamber door 17, and a water supply and electric heating system 18.

[0065] The concentrating device 11 employs a heliostat array and is positioned around the solar collector tower. The solar energy receiver 12 is located at the top of the solar collector tower, receiving solar energy and converting it into thermal energy. The thermal storage chamber 13 is located inside the solar energy receiver 12 and is used to store high-temperature molten salt heated by the concentrating light. The molten salt pipeline system 14 is located below the thermal storage chamber 13 and connects to the flash smelting system. The photolysis hydrogen production chamber 15 is located in the cavity inside the solar collector tower and stores distilled water required for the photolysis reaction and hydrogen produced by photolysis. The heat-insulated sealing chamber 16 is located at the output position of the photolysis hydrogen production chamber 15 in the solar collector tower. The electric sealing chamber door 17 is located below the heat-insulated sealing chamber 16 and connects to the input end of the flash smelting system. The water supply and electric heating system 18 is located outside the solar collector tower and connects to the photolysis hydrogen production chamber 15 inside the solar collector tower from below.

[0066] In this embodiment, the concentrating device 11 employs a heliostat array and a maximum power tracking system surrounding the solar collector tower. It adjusts the concentrating angle in real time according to changes in sunlight, concentrating light energy into the solar energy receiver 12 at the top of the tower, where it is converted into the thermal energy of molten salt. The heat storage chamber 13 stores the high-temperature molten salt heated by the concentrated light and minimizes heat loss through an insulation layer, maintaining its molten state. The molten salt pipeline system 14 is used for hot salt circulation and heat transfer between the heat storage chamber 13 and the flash smelting system, fully utilizing the system's photothermal energy and maintaining the basic reaction conditions for mineral powder reduction. The insulated sealed chamber 16 uses the solar energy receiver as a direct heat source to preheat the flash smelting system and maintain the basic reaction temperature required for carbon powder to reduce iron oxide. Its outer layer is insulated to reduce heat loss. The electrically operated sealed chamber door 17 is normally closed to isolate air and reduce the risk of explosion. It also serves as an explosion-proof membrane for the sealed chamber, providing pressure relief and protection.

[0067] Specifically, the inner wall of the cavity of the photolysis hydrogen production chamber 15 is coated with a titanium dioxide coating, and the tower body of the heat collection tower is made of high-strength silicon carbide ceramic material.

[0068] In this embodiment, the inner wall of the photolysis hydrogen production chamber 15 is coated with a titanium dioxide coating, which can serve as a catalyst for the photolysis reaction. The heat collection tower body is made of high-strength silicon carbide ceramic material, which has high thermal conductivity, heat resistance, and corrosion resistance, and high transmittance in the ultraviolet band. It can be used as an optical resonator for a deep ultraviolet all-solid-state laser. The ultraviolet light source reflected by the focusing device serves as the pump source for the deep ultraviolet all-solid-state laser. The solid working substance undergoes stimulated emission under the action of the ultraviolet light source, and the generated laser can be used for efficient photolysis hydrogen production reaction.

[0069] In this embodiment, silicon carbide hard ceramic is used as the tower body material for both the solar thermal power generation collector tower and the photolysis hydrogen production tower. Silicon carbide ceramic possesses excellent thermal conductivity, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance, as well as good mechanical properties and a certain degree of impact resistance. It has extremely high transmittance for ultraviolet light, allowing ultraviolet rays from sunlight to pass through during the daytime when there is sufficient sunlight, enabling the photolysis of water molecules within the cavity. Simultaneously, it converts a portion of visible light energy into heat energy to improve the efficiency of photolysis hydrogen production. At night, when there is no sunlight, it can also serve as a condensation tower to recover water vapor generated during the metallurgical process. Silicon carbide ceramic also possesses certain electrical conductivity. When the ambient temperature is below 0°C, by applying a certain voltage to the two electrodes of the tower body, the electrothermal effect of the tower body material can be used to prevent water in the photolysis chamber from condensing into ice.

[0070] In this embodiment, titanium dioxide is used as the catalyst for the photolysis reaction. It possesses high thermal and chemical stability, exhibiting strong hydrophilicity while maintaining high reflectivity to ultraviolet light, thus maximizing the photolysis catalytic effect. The cavity-type photolysis hydrogen production tower design significantly increases the light-receiving area, improving the photolysis hydrogen production efficiency. Furthermore, the cavity structure of the tower can also participate in the formation of a circulating water cooling system and a fire-fighting water supply system, assisting in reducing the temperature of components such as the laser within the tower when necessary. The metallurgical equipment employs airtight isolation and anti-static grounding measures, and the tower contact parts utilize electroplated aluminum airtight isolation measures to reduce the risk of explosion.

[0071] Example 3

[0072] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the flash smelting system includes a photothermal pre-reduction module 21, a ore powder transfer module 22, a high-temperature smelting module 23, a metal output module 24, and an air-cooled heat exchange module 25.

[0073] The photothermal pre-reduction module 21 is connected to the output of the photolysis hydrogen production system. It relies on the photothermal energy of the heat collection tower to pre-reduce the iron ore with carbon powder, and then separates the solid phase iron and silicon through mechanical grinding and sieving processes.

[0074] The mineral powder transfer module 22 is used for adding and transferring mineral powder, and works together with the photothermal pre-reduction module 21.

[0075] The high-temperature smelting module 23 is used to smelt the materials output from the ore powder conveying module 22.

[0076] The metal output module 24 is used to output the smelted metal.

[0077] The air-cooled heat exchange module 25 is used to exchange the heat generated by the metal output module 24 and the integrated compressed air storage and generation system.

[0078] Specifically, the photothermal pre-reduction module 21 includes a servo motor 211, a screw conveyor 212, a pre-reduction open-hearth furnace 213, a vacuum pump 214, a grinder 215, a magnetic separation desilication converter 216, and a converter electromagnetic heater 217.

[0079] The servo motor 211 is connected to one end of the screw conveyor 212 to control the movement of the screw conveyor 212. The pre-reduction open-hearth furnace 213 is connected to the other end of the screw conveyor 212. The screw conveyor 212 is equipped with a hydrogen transmission pipeline to transport the hydrogen generated in the photolysis hydrogen production chamber 15 to the pre-reduction open-hearth furnace 213. The pre-reduction open-hearth furnace 213 is connected to the magnetic separation desilication converter 216 by a vacuum pump 214. The vacuum pump 214 is equipped with a grinder 215. The material ground by the grinder 215 falls into the magnetic separation desilication converter 216. The magnetic separation desilication converter 216 is equipped with converter electromagnetic heaters 217 on both sides.

[0080] In this embodiment, the photothermal pre-reduction module relies on the photothermal energy of the heat collection tower to pre-reduce iron ore with carbon powder, and performs solid-phase iron-silicon separation through mechanical grinding and sieving processes. To ensure uniform heating of the reactants, servo motors 211 are connected to both ends of the pre-reduction open-hearth furnace 213. At this time, hydrogen and materials are input into both sides of the pre-reduction open-hearth furnace 213. After the servo motors 211 rotate, they drive the screw conveyor 212 connected to them to rotate. In actual use, the rotation speed of the screw conveyor 212 is set to be slow, and the servo motors 211 can rely on... The titanium dioxide coating with fixed longitude on the surface and the ultraviolet sensor of the laser generating device are used for phase correction to ensure that it stops rotating at the initial phase, which facilitates the subsequent docking. In the pre-reduction open-hearth furnace 213, the mineral material is separated into solid phase iron and silicon under the action of hydrogen gas through the action of vacuum pump 214 and grinding machine 215. The finally separated material falls into the magnetic separation desiliconization converter 216. The magnetic separation desiliconization converter 216 is equipped with converter electromagnetic heaters 217 on the left and right sides to help increase the carbon powder pre-reduction reaction temperature when the system light and heat are insufficient.

[0081] Specifically, the mineral powder conveying module 22 includes a crane 221, a centrifugal screener 222, a magnetic separator 223, and valve and pipeline components 224. The crane 221 is positioned above the screw conveyor 212, the centrifugal screener 222 is positioned inside the magnetic separation desilication converter 216, and the magnetic separator 223 is positioned below the magnetic separation desilication converter 216. The valve and pipeline components 224 include a pre-reduction open-hearth furnace discharge solenoid valve, a grinder inlet solenoid valve, a grinder outlet solenoid valve, a magnetic separation desilication converter discharge solenoid valve, a flash reduction tower feed hopper ball valve, a flue gas pipeline plunger valve, and a high-speed vortex spray gun.

[0082] In this embodiment, the spiral conveyor 212 adopts a spring-type spiral structure. The ore powder is injected into the conveying chamber of the spiral conveyor 212 by the crane hoist 221 through the feed hopper. The stepper motor in the conveying chamber rotates forward and drives the spiral spring structure to push the ore powder forward. Since the system is in a depressurized state at this time, the spring is naturally released. The length of the spring in the naturally released state is slightly larger than the length of the conveying chamber of the spiral conveyor 212. Therefore, the end cover of the spring is in an open state, and the ore powder can enter the open furnace from the spiral conveyor 212 to participate in the pre-reduction reaction. After the feeding is completed, the stepper motor is rotated to the closed position, and the feed hole is closed by the arc-shaped sealing structure at the beginning of the spring. The width of the arc-shaped plate at the beginning of the spring must cover the stroke between the two states of spring energy storage and energy release to prevent gas from overflowing.

[0083] The spiral conveyor 212 is equipped with an infrared sensor. After detecting the completion of the conveying, it delays and connects the normally open contact of the servo motor, causing the electromagnet to attract and start the servo motor 211, driving the pre-reduction open-hearth furnace 213 to rotate slowly. As the reaction proceeds, the system gradually reaches a slightly positive pressure state. The spring end cover is closed under the slightly positive pressure environment, and the spring stores energy. When the pressure of the hydrogen and water vapor mixture in the photolysis hydrogen production chamber 15 reaches pressure equilibrium with the open-hearth furnace, the spring releases energy, and the mixture is input into the pre-reduction open-hearth furnace 213 through the conveying chamber of the spiral conveyor 212. When the gas pressure detected by the gas pressure sensor reaches the set threshold, the servo motor 211 stops rotating and returns to its initial phase. After the pre-reduction open-hearth furnace 213 returns to its initial phase, the solenoid valves of the grinding mill outlet and the pre-reduction open-hearth furnace outlet are opened in sequence to send the pre-reduction product to the next stage for fine grinding and magnetic separation desiliconization.

[0084] Specifically, the high-temperature smelting module 23 includes a flash reduction tower 231, a coal-fired pre-reduction blast furnace 232, a smelting furnace 233, an electric arc furnace 234, a rising flue 235, a coal heating system 236, and a high-pressure gas supply system 237.

[0085] The upper end of the flash reduction tower 231 is connected to the solid material output of the magnetic separation desiliconization converter 216. The coal-fired pre-reduction blast furnace 232 is connected to the flue gas output of the magnetic separation desiliconization converter 216. The smelting furnace 233 is located below the flash reduction tower 231. An electric arc furnace 234 is located on the right side of the smelting furnace 233. The rising flue 235 connects the smelting furnace 233 and the coal-fired pre-reduction blast furnace 232. The coal heating system 236 is located below the coal-fired pre-reduction blast furnace 232. The high-pressure gas supply system 237 is located around the flash reduction tower 231.

[0086] In this embodiment, as Figure 3As shown, the flash reduction tower 231 uses electric heating wire heaters and temperature controllers for step-by-step heating, reaching a maximum temperature of 1600°C. The smelting furnace 233 and electric arc furnace 234 are used to refine and remove impurities from the molten iron produced by the flash smelting system. The coal-heated pre-reduction blast furnace 232 uses a coal heating system 236 to pre-reduce the raw iron ore in the blast furnace. The coal heating system 236 includes an axial flow fan, an automatic coal conveyor, and a pipeline system. It uses the high-temperature hot air generated during smelting as a direct heat source and can serve as a pretreatment system for the raw ore and a recycling system for tailings, thereby improving resource utilization. The high-pressure gas supply system 237 includes a high-pressure gas supply pipeline, a gas supply chamber, gas supply valves, and a hydrogen spray gun, used to provide the hydrogen required for flash smelting when the system's hydrogen production efficiency does not meet the requirements.

[0087] In this embodiment, the coal-fired pre-reduction blast furnace 232 is mainly divided into three layers. The bottom coal layer is used to heat the ore powder and generate reducing gas. The middle layer is a reduction layer of raw ore and carbon powder mixture. The upper layer is a tailings slag and impurity layer, which can be used to filter solid impurity particles in the flue gas. Hot air from the tapping and smelting area is introduced into the bottom through a ventilation pipe to heat the coal. A flue gas mixture containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen is slowly introduced into the top to pre-reduce the raw ore and remove impurities such as sulfides from the tailings. The raw ore after pre-reduction treatment is transported to the top open-hearth furnace through the ore powder conveying system to participate in further pre-reduction, grinding, sieving, and magnetic separation processes. It is then stored in the converter to await the next round of flash smelting. The tail gas after the reaction is desulfurized, recovered, and then pressurized and sealed.

[0088] Specifically, the air-cooled heat exchange module 25 includes an axial flow fan, an exhaust gas treatment system, and an exhaust pipe, used to exchange the heat generated by the metal output module and the integrated compressed air storage and generation system.

[0089] In this embodiment, the air-cooled heat exchange module ensures smooth airflow circulation within the photothermal pre-reduction module, and transfers the exchanged heat to the flash smelting system via high-pressure hot air.

[0090] Example 4

[0091] Specifically, the integrated compressed air storage and generation system includes a turbine air generator 31, a turbine air compressor 32, a turbine expander 33, a molten salt reheat system 34, a grid connection unit, a control unit, a speed regulation unit, and a heat exchange unit.

[0092] The turbine air generator 31 is connected to the turbine air compressor 32 via the turbine expander 33. The molten salt reheat system 34 is connected to the photocatalytic hydrogen production system. The turbine air compressor 32 is equipped with a grid connection unit to integrate the electrical energy generated by the compressed air into the flash smelting system to provide electrical energy for the entire system. The turbine air compressor 32 is equipped with a control unit, a speed regulation unit, and a heat exchange unit.

[0093] Specifically, the molten salt reheating system 34 includes a hot molten salt tank 341, a cold molten salt tank 342, a molten salt pump 343, a molten salt heat exchanger 344, a high-pressure gas storage tank 345, and a high-pressure gas supply pipeline and valve system 346.

[0094] Molten salt pumps 343 are respectively installed above the hot molten salt tank 341 and the cold molten salt tank 342. The molten salt heat exchanger 344 is connected to the hot molten salt tank 341 and the cold molten salt tank 342. The molten salt heat exchanger 344 is located in the middle of the high-pressure gas storage tank 345. The high-pressure gas storage tank 345 is connected to the turbo air compressor 32 through the high-pressure gas supply pipeline and valve system 346.

[0095] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the compressed air storage and power generation integrated system adopts an integrated design of energy storage and power generation. The turbine air generator 31 is connected to the turbine air compressor 32 through the turbine expander 33. After one power operation, the low-pressure hot air is reheated once through the molten salt reheat system 34 and then enters the turbine expander 33 through the high-pressure air supply pipeline 346 to continue to do power. The heat exchange unit adopts an air-cooled heat exchanger. The heat from the metal output module and the turbine expander is transferred to the pre-reduction blast furnace through pipelines by two sets of axial flow fans to participate in the coal heating reduction of iron ore process. The turbine air generator 31 adjusts the air intake in real time by the speed regulation system, and then outputs stable and controllable electrical energy.

[0096] In this embodiment, to ensure the continuous and stable operation of the reaction, the photothermal pre-reduction module 21 and the turbine air compressor 32 can be powered by a UPS uninterruptible power supply. One power source is the grid-connected AC power distribution line, and the other power source is the relatively stable 380V AC power output from the turbine air generator 31 through the grid-connected unit. The two power sources serve as backups for each other. Relying on the temperature stability of the molten salt itself, the fluctuation of the photothermal energy can be effectively mitigated. Since the energy-intensive flash smelting process mainly takes place during the day when there is sufficient photothermal power generation, while at night a basic power generation capacity can be maintained by the thermal storage tank, the energy required by the system is mainly derived from the photothermal power generation system. This reduces the dependence on the existing grid resources, effectively reduces energy loss, and improves power supply flexibility.

[0097] Example 5

[0098] In summary, further improvements can be made to the above embodiments, such as using a nickel-based alloy inner liner for the high-temperature smelting module 23. Nickel-based alloys possess excellent properties such as high thermal conductivity, high magnetic permeability, heat resistance, high strength, and corrosion resistance, making them suitable as explosion-proof inner liners for flash smelting systems. Compared to traditional stainless steel, they exhibit higher heat resistance, with a Curie point reaching 980°C. In magnetic separation mode, the nickel-based alloy converter, with its excellent magnetic permeability, can act as a solid-phase separator to separate iron and silicon in the reduced ore powder, thereby initially reducing the amount of converter slag. In electromagnetic heating mode, the reduced iron powder slag can be heated to a high-temperature molten state for further desiliconization and impurity removal. However, in hydrogen-based flash reduction mode, to prevent the molten iron from solidifying and clogging valves and pipes, and to reduce the risk of explosion, it is generally only used for solid-phase separation as a magnetic separator 223 and hydrogen storage tank, or to assist in raising the pre-reduction reaction temperature when the heat output of the photothermal system is insufficient, and does not participate in high-temperature molten smelting.

[0099] In this embodiment, alumina material possesses certain thermal conductivity at lower temperatures, making it suitable as a heat-conducting material in the initial preheating and carbon powder reduction stages. As the temperature increases, its thermal conductivity gradually decreases, allowing it to be used as an insulation material in the subsequent flash smelting stage. Using nano-sized alumina material as the insulation coating for the smelting furnace 233 and the thermal storage system effectively improves the thermal storage performance of the thermal storage device and the photothermal pre-reduction module 21, reduces heat loss, and extends the power generation time of the molten salt reactor.

[0100] In the initial preheating and carbon powder pre-reduction stages, virtually no electrical energy is consumed. The heat required to heat the carbon powder and iron ore mixture inside the pre-reduction open-hearth furnace 213 is mainly provided by the molten salt pile. Using sunlight to heat the molten salt for pre-reduction of the ore powder can reduce dependence on fossil fuels while improving the thermal efficiency of the molten salt.

[0101] To fully utilize the thermal energy of the photothermal system, high-temperature flash metallurgy is mainly carried out during periods of low load when sunlight is abundant, often around noon. When sunlight is sufficient, the molten salt heated by concentrated light, supplemented by laser heating technology, can meet the initial reaction conditions for the reduction of iron oxide by carbon powder. Therefore, the heat required for initial preheating and the reduction of metal oxides by carbon powder is mainly provided by the molten salt heat exchange system. This process does not consume electrical energy, effectively reducing heat loss during energy conversion and improving energy utilization efficiency. If the system's photothermal energy is insufficient, the converter electric heater is turned on to provide auxiliary heating for the screened ore powder, allowing the carbon powder and iron oxide to continue reacting. The electrical energy consumed by the electric heating during the molten metal and flash smelting processes is mainly provided by the turbine air generator 31. The electrical energy generated by the turbine air generator 31 is directly used to power the metal photothermal pre-reduction module 21 without grid connection, which can effectively alleviate the pressure on the power grid and improve the stability of the power system. The low-temperature, high-pressure air pressurized by the turbine air compressor 32 can not only drive the turbine air generator 31 to output electrical energy, but also play a certain role in ventilation and cooling.

[0102] During periods of low load due to insufficient sunlight, such as at night, the smelting process can be gradually shut down and the power output of the turbine air generator can be reduced. The residual heat in the heat storage chamber 13, supplemented by high-temperature electric heat tracing technology, can be used to maintain the molten salt at a relatively high temperature. At this time, the hot molten salt in the heat storage chamber 13 does not participate in the reheat cycle of the compressed air in the high-pressure gas collecting tank. When the load demand increases, the molten salt reheat system 34 is started, and the residual heat in the heat storage chamber 13 is used to drive the turbine air generator 31 to generate electricity. This can maximize the heat storage time of the solar thermal power generation module 21 and play a certain role in peak shaving and valley filling for the power grid.

[0103] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0104] Many other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the concept and scope of this invention. It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flash metallurgical system for hydrogen production via photothermal power generation and photolysis, characterized in that, The system mainly includes a photocatalytic hydrogen production system, a flash smelting system, a compressed air storage and generation integrated system, and an automatic control system. The photocatalytic hydrogen production system is used to collect solar energy and produce hydrogen gas through photocatalytic water splitting. The flash smelting system uses hydrogen produced by a photocatalytic hydrogen production system to smelt metals. The integrated compressed air storage and generation system generates electricity through a turbine air generator to power the flash smelting system. The automatic control system uses a PLC programmable logic controller to coordinate and control the photocatalytic hydrogen production system, the flash smelting system, and the integrated compressed air storage and generation system.

2. The flash metallurgical system for hydrogen production based on photothermal power generation and photolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photolysis hydrogen production system consists of a concentrator (11), a light receiver (12), a thermal storage chamber (13), a molten salt pipeline system (14), a photolysis hydrogen production chamber (15), a heat-insulated and sealed chamber (16), an electrically operated sealed chamber door (17), and a water supply and electric heating system (18). The concentrating device (11) adopts a heliostat array and is set around the heat collection tower. The light energy receiver (12) is located at the top of the heat collection tower, receiving light energy and converting it into heat energy. The heat storage chamber (13) is set inside the light energy receiver (12) and is used to store high-temperature molten salt heated by concentrating light. The molten salt pipeline system (14) is set below the heat storage chamber (13) and is connected to the flash smelting system. The photolysis hydrogen production chamber (15) is located in the cavity inside the heat collection tower and stores distilled water required for the photolysis reaction and hydrogen produced by photolysis. The heat-insulated sealing chamber (16) is set at the output position of the photolysis hydrogen production chamber (15) in the heat collection tower. The electric sealing chamber door (17) is set below the heat-insulated sealing chamber (16) and is connected to the input end of the flash smelting system. The water supply and electric heating system (18) is set outside the heat collection tower and is connected to the photolysis hydrogen production chamber (15) inside the heat collection tower from below.

3. The flash metallurgical system for hydrogen production based on photothermal power generation and photolysis according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner wall of the photolysis hydrogen production chamber (15) is coated with titanium dioxide, and the tower body of the heat collection tower is made of high-strength silicon carbide ceramic material.

4. The flash metallurgical system for hydrogen production based on photothermal power generation and photolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flash smelting system includes a photothermal pre-reduction module (21), a mineral powder transfer module (22), a high-temperature smelting module (23), a metal output module (24), and an air-cooled heat exchange module (25). The photothermal pre-reduction module (21) is connected to the output end of the photolysis hydrogen production system. It relies on the photothermal energy of the heat collection tower to pre-reduce the iron ore with carbon powder, and then separates the solid phase iron and silicon through mechanical grinding and sieving processes. The mineral powder transfer module (22) is used for the addition and transfer of mineral powder, and works together with the photothermal pre-reduction module (21). The high-temperature smelting module (23) is used to smelt the material output from the ore powder conveying module (22). The metal output module (24) is used to output the smelted metal. The air-cooled heat exchange module (25) is used to exchange the heat generated by the metal output module (24) and the integrated compressed air storage and generation system.

5. The flash metallurgical system for hydrogen production based on photothermal power generation and photolysis according to claim 4, characterized in that, The photothermal pre-reduction module (21) includes a servo motor (211), a spiral conveyor (212), a pre-reduction open-hearth furnace (213), a vacuum pump (214), a grinder (215), a magnetic separation desiliconization converter (216), and a converter electromagnetic heater (217). The servo motor (211) is connected to one end of the screw conveyor (212) to control the movement of the screw conveyor (212). The pre-reduction open-hearth furnace (213) is connected to the other end of the screw conveyor (212). The screw conveyor (212) is equipped with a hydrogen transmission pipeline to transmit the hydrogen generated in the photolysis hydrogen production chamber (15) to the pre-reduction open-hearth furnace (213) through the hydrogen transmission pipeline. The pre-reduction open-hearth furnace (213) is connected to the magnetic separation desilication converter (216) by a vacuum pump (214). The vacuum pump (214) is equipped with a grinder (215). The material ground by the grinder (215) falls into the magnetic separation desilication converter (216). The magnetic separation desilication converter (216) is equipped with converter electromagnetic heaters (217) on the left and right sides.

6. The flash metallurgical system for hydrogen production based on photothermal power generation and photolysis according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mineral powder transfer module (22) includes a tower hoist (221), a centrifugal screener (222), a magnetic separator (223), and valve and pipe assembly (224). The tower hoist (221) is located above the spiral conveyor (212). The centrifugal screener (222) is located inside the magnetic separation desiliconization converter (216). The magnetic separator (223) is located below the magnetic separation desiliconization converter (216). The valve and pipe assembly (224) includes a pre-reduction open-hearth furnace discharge solenoid valve, a grinder inlet solenoid valve, a grinder outlet solenoid valve, a magnetic separation desiliconization converter outlet solenoid valve, a flash reduction tower feed hopper ball valve, a flue gas pipe plunger valve, and a high-speed vortex spray gun.

7. The flash metallurgical system for hydrogen production based on photothermal power generation and photolysis according to claim 4, characterized in that, The high-temperature smelting module (23) includes a flash reduction tower (231), a coal heating pre-reduction blast furnace (232), a smelting furnace (233), an electric arc furnace (234), a rising flue (235), a coal heating system (236), and a high-pressure gas supply system (237). The upper end of the flash reduction tower (231) is connected to the solid material output of the magnetic separation desiliconization converter (216). The coal heating pre-reduction blast furnace (232) is connected to the flue gas output of the magnetic separation desiliconization converter (216). The smelting furnace (233) is located below the flash reduction tower (231). An electric arc furnace (234) is located on the right side of the smelting furnace (233). The rising flue (235) connects the smelting furnace (233) and the coal heating pre-reduction blast furnace (232). The coal heating system (236) is located below the coal heating pre-reduction blast furnace (232). The high-pressure gas supply system (237) is located around the flash reduction tower (231).

8. The flash metallurgical system for hydrogen production based on photothermal power generation and photolysis according to claim 4, characterized in that, The air-cooled heat exchange module (25) includes an axial flow fan, an exhaust gas treatment system, and an exhaust pipe, used to exchange the heat generated by the metal output module and the integrated compressed air storage and generation system.

9. The flash metallurgical system for hydrogen production based on photothermal power generation and photolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated compressed air storage and generation system includes a turbine air generator (31), a turbine air compressor (32), a turbine expander (33), a molten salt reheat system (34), a grid connection unit, a control unit, a speed regulation unit, and a heat exchange unit. The turbine air generator (31) is connected to the turbine air compressor (32) via the turbine expander (33). The molten salt reheat system (34) is connected to the photocatalytic hydrogen production system. The turbine air compressor (32) is equipped with a grid connection unit to integrate the electrical energy generated by the compressed air into the flash smelting system to provide electrical energy for the entire system. The turbine air compressor (32) is equipped with a control unit, a speed regulation unit, and a heat exchange unit.

10. The flash metallurgical system for hydrogen production based on photothermal power generation and photolysis according to claim 9, characterized in that, The molten salt reheating system (34) includes a hot molten salt tank (341), a cold molten salt tank (342), a molten salt pump (343), a molten salt heat exchanger (344), a high-pressure gas storage tank (345), and a high-pressure gas supply pipeline and valve system (346). Molten salt pumps (343) are respectively installed above the hot molten salt tank (341) and the cold molten salt tank (342). The molten salt heat exchanger (344) connects the hot molten salt tank (341) and the cold molten salt tank (342). The molten salt heat exchanger (344) is located in the middle of the high-pressure gas storage tank (345). The high-pressure gas storage tank (345) is connected to the turbo air compressor (32) through the high-pressure gas supply pipeline and valve system (346).

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