Hydrogen production apparatus and hydrogen production method

Abstract

The purpose is to improve the safety of hydrogen production equipment. The hydrogen production equipment (1) includes: a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) (10) that produces hydrogen-containing gas; and an exhaust chimney (30) into which the hydrogen-containing gas produced by the SOEC (10) is introduced and released into the atmosphere. The exhaust chimney (30) has a spray section (32) that supplies cooling water to the hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the equipment to cool the hydrogen-containing gas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to hydrogen manufacturing equipment and methods. Background Technology

[0002] In the recent trend toward carbon neutrality, hydrogen is being utilized for various purposes. Therefore, devices for producing hydrogen are known (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a dehumidification device comprising: a mixed gas generating unit that generates a mixed gas of hydroxyl gas and liquefied petroleum gas; and a dehumidification unit that reduces the humidity of the mixed gas generated in the mixed gas generating unit. The mixed gas generating unit in Patent Document 1 includes an electrolytic cell for generating hydroxyl gas through electrolysis. Furthermore, the dehumidification unit includes: a gas-liquid contact tank that removes moisture contained in the mixed gas through gas-liquid contact; and a cooler that cools the liquid in contact with the mixed gas in the gas-liquid contact tank.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-223590 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In hydrogen production equipment, hydrogen is released into the atmosphere during startup and emergency shutdown. Therefore, it is considered to include a hydrogen release vent in the hydrogen production equipment. Since hydrogen can spontaneously combust at high temperatures, enhanced safety measures are required in this vent.

[0009] However, the dehumidification device described in Patent Document 1 does not have a discharge section that releases the generated hydrogen-containing gas into the atmosphere, and Patent Document 1 does not consider the safety of a device with a discharge section.

[0010] The present invention was made in view of this situation, and its object is to provide a hydrogen production apparatus and a hydrogen production method that can improve safety.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] To address the aforementioned issues, the hydrogen production equipment and method disclosed herein employ the following means.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention provides a hydrogen production apparatus comprising: a production section that produces hydrogen-containing gas; and a discharge section that is internally introduced with the hydrogen-containing gas produced by the production section and releases the introduced hydrogen-containing gas to the atmosphere, the discharge section having a cooling fluid supply section that supplies a cooling fluid to the hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the discharge section to cool the hydrogen-containing gas.

[0014] In addition, one aspect of the hydrogen production method disclosed herein includes: a manufacturing step of producing hydrogen-containing gas; an introduction step of introducing the hydrogen-containing gas produced in the manufacturing step into the interior of a discharge section; a supply step of supplying a cooling fluid to the hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the interior of the discharge section; and a discharge step of releasing the hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the interior of the discharge section into the atmosphere.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to this disclosure, the safety of hydrogen production equipment can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating a hydrogen production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the hydrogen production equipment and hydrogen production method of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] The hydrogen production equipment 1 of this embodiment is a device that produces hydrogen during normal operation. However, the hydrogen production equipment 1 may release hydrogen-containing gas into the atmosphere during startup or emergency shutdown.

[0021] like Figure 1As shown, the hydrogen production equipment 1 includes: an SOEC unit (hereinafter referred to as SOEC10) that uses a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) to produce hydrogen-containing gas; an instrument air supply unit 11 that supplies instrument air to SOEC10; a city gas supply unit 12 that supplies city gas to SOEC10; a hydrogen supply unit 13 that supplies hydrogen to SOEC10; a nitrogen supply unit 14 that supplies nitrogen to SOEC; a makeup water supply unit 15 that supplies makeup water to an electric boiler (steam generation unit) 17; an electrolysis air supply unit 16 that supplies electrolysis air (electrolysis gas) to SOEC10; an electric boiler 17 that heats the makeup water to generate steam supplied to SOEC10; and a heat exchanger 18 that performs heat exchange between the electrolysis air supplied to SOEC10 and the electrolysis air (exhaust air) discharged from SOEC10.

[0022] The SOEC (manufacturing unit) 10 is supplied with high-temperature, high-pressure electrolysis gas (air in this embodiment, for example) and high-temperature, high-pressure water vapor. The electrolysis gas and water vapor supplied to the SOEC 10 are guided to the electrolysis chamber containing the electrolytic cell. In the electrolysis chamber, the SOEC 10 uses a high-temperature solid electrolyte to electrolyze the water vapor, thereby generating hydrogen-containing gas (a mixture of hydrogen and water vapor) and oxygen. The generated hydrogen-containing gas is discharged to the outside via hydrogen-containing gas pipe L4. Additionally, the generated oxygen is discharged to the outside along with the exhaust air.

[0023] SOEC, for example, uses yttrium oxide-stabilized zirconia and other ceramics as the electrolyte and high-temperature steam as the raw material, thus enabling high-efficiency hydrogen production compared to other water electrolysis devices. Alternatively, it can use carbon dioxide (CO2) as the raw material and electrolyze hydrogen as a reducing agent to produce carbon monoxide (CO) through co-electrolysis.

[0024] The instrument air supply unit 11 supplies air (instrument air) to the SOEC10 for driving control valves (not shown) installed in the SOEC10.

[0025] When SOEC10 is started, the city gas supply unit 12 supplies city gas to SOEC10 to heat up SOEC10.

[0026] When starting SOEC10, the hydrogen supply unit 13 supplies hydrogen to SOEC10 to make the electrolyzer a reducing atmosphere.

[0027] When starting SOEC10, the nitrogen supply unit 14 supplies nitrogen to SOEC10 to purge the oxygen and air remaining in SOEC10.

[0028] In addition, the hydrogen production equipment 1 includes: (first nitrogen piping) L1, which connects the nitrogen supply unit 14 to the SOEC 10; makeup water piping L2, which connects the makeup water supply unit 15 to the electric boiler 17; and steam piping (first steam piping) L3, which connects the electric boiler 17 to the SOEC 10.

[0029] Nitrogen piping L1 directs nitrogen supplied from nitrogen supply unit 14 to SOEC 10. Makeup water piping L2 directs makeup water supplied from makeup water supply unit 15 to electric boiler 17. Steam piping L3 directs steam generated by electric boiler 17 to SOEC 10. A first steam valve B1 is installed on steam piping L3. The first steam valve B1 is, for example, a solenoid valve.

[0030] In addition, the hydrogen production equipment 1 includes: a hydrogen generation unit 20, which generates product gas (hydrogen) from hydrogen-containing gas produced by SOEC 10; and a discharge chimney (discharge unit) 30, which introduces hydrogen-containing gas produced by SOEC 10 into the interior and releases the introduced hydrogen-containing gas into the atmosphere.

[0031] In addition, the hydrogen production equipment 1 includes: a hydrogen-containing gas piping L4 that connects SOEC10 to the vent chimney 30; a branch nitrogen piping (second nitrogen piping) L5 that branches off from nitrogen piping L1; a branch makeup water piping L6 that branches off from makeup water piping L2; a branch steam piping L7 that branches off from steam piping L3; and a branch hydrogen-containing gas piping L8 that branches off from hydrogen-containing gas piping L4.

[0032] Hydrogen gas piping L4 directs hydrogen gas generated by SOEC10 to the exhaust chimney 30. Branch nitrogen piping L5 connects nitrogen piping L1 to the exhaust chimney 30, directing a portion of the nitrogen gas flowing in nitrogen piping L1 to the exhaust chimney 30. Branch makeup water piping L6 connects makeup water piping L2 to the exhaust chimney 30, directing a portion of the makeup water flowing in makeup water piping L2 to the exhaust chimney 30. Branch steam piping (second steam piping) L7 connects steam piping L3 to the exhaust chimney 30, directing a portion or all of the steam flowing in steam piping L3 to the exhaust chimney 30. Branch hydrogen gas piping L8 directs a portion or all of the hydrogen gas flowing in hydrogen gas piping L4 to the hydrogen generation unit 20.

[0033] A first hydrogen-containing gas valve B2 is installed on the hydrogen-containing gas pipeline L4. Additionally, a nitrogen valve B3 is installed on the branch nitrogen pipeline L5. Furthermore, a second vapor valve B4 is installed on the branch vapor pipeline L7. Additionally, a second hydrogen-containing gas valve B5 is installed on the branch hydrogen-containing gas pipeline L8. The first hydrogen-containing gas valve B2, nitrogen valve B3, second vapor valve B4, and second hydrogen-containing gas valve B5 are, for example, solenoid valves.

[0034] Additionally, a cooling water valve (cooling fluid regulating unit) B6 is installed on the branch water supply pipe L6. The cooling water valve B6 is, for example, a flow regulating valve. The cooling water valve B6 regulates the amount of cooling water supplied from the spray unit (cooling fluid supply unit) 32, which will be described later.

[0035] The hydrogen generation unit 20 includes: a cooler 21, which is introduced with hydrogen-containing gas via a branch hydrogen-containing gas pipe L8; a dehumidifier 22, which is introduced with the hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the cooler 21; and a compressor 23, which is introduced with the hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the dehumidifier 22.

[0036] Cooler 21 condenses water vapor by cooling hydrogen-containing gas. Thus, cooler 21 separates hydrogen from water vapor.

[0037] In addition, the dehumidifier 22 dehumidifies the hydrogen-containing gas cooled by the cooler 21.

[0038] In addition, compressor 23 pressurizes the hydrogen-containing gas dehumidified by dehumidifier 22.

[0039] In this way, the hydrogen generation section 20 separates water vapor from the hydrogen-containing gas to generate product gas (hydrogen).

[0040] The chimney 30 has: a shell 31 forming an outer shell; a spray section (cooling fluid supply section) 32 disposed inside the shell 31; a storage section 33 disposed in the lower part of the interior of the shell 31; a sealing section 34 disposed in the upper part of the interior of the shell 31; and a discharge section 35 that discharges the condensate stored in the storage section 33.

[0041] The housing 31 has an internal space. The housing 31 has a cylindrical large-diameter portion 31a and a cylindrical small-diameter portion 31b connected to the upper part of the large-diameter portion 31a. The diameter of the large-diameter portion 31a is larger than the diameter of the small-diameter portion 31b. The large-diameter portion 31a is connected to the downstream end of the hydrogen-containing gas pipe L4 and the branch nitrogen pipe L5.

[0042] An outlet opening 31c is formed at the upper end of the small diameter portion 31b, facing the atmosphere. Hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the interior of the housing 31 is released to the atmosphere through the outlet opening 31c.

[0043] The spray section 32 is disposed inside and above the large-diameter section 31a. The spray section 32 includes, for example, a spray pipe extending horizontally and multiple nozzles disposed on the lower surface of the spray pipe. The multiple nozzles are arranged at equal intervals along the extension direction of the spray pipe. A branch water supply pipe L6 is connected to the downstream end of the spray pipe. Water supply, serving as cooling water for cooling hydrogen-containing gas, is supplied to the spray pipe via the branch water supply pipe L6. The spray section 32 sprays the cooling water (cooling fluid) supplied to the spray pipe downwards from the multiple nozzles. Specifically, the spray section 32 sprays cooling water onto the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the interior of the housing 31. Thus, the hydrogen-containing gas is cooled. It should be noted that unevaporated cooling water in the sprayed cooling water drips down to the lower part of the housing 31.

[0044] The storage section 33 is located at the lower part of the housing 31. The storage section 33 stores the unevaporated cooling water from the sprayed cooling water.

[0045] The sealing part 34 uses the gas supplied to the exhaust chimney 30 to suppress the inflow (backflow) of atmospheric air from the exhaust opening 31c.

[0046] The sealing section 34 uses hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the vent chimney 30 via the hydrogen-containing gas pipe L4 as a sealing gas. That is, the hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the vent chimney 30 rises within the vent chimney 30. As a result, the hydrogen-containing gas pushes back the atmosphere (especially oxygen) that would flow into the vent chimney 30 from the vent opening 31c. In this way, the hydrogen-containing gas is used as a sealing gas.

[0047] Alternatively, the sealing portion 34 may be provided with a so-called velocity seal, for example. The sealing portion 34 has a reduced diameter portion 34a disposed inside the small diameter portion 31b. The reduced diameter portion 34a is a frustum-shaped member with openings at its upper and lower ends. The entire circumferential region of the lower end of the reduced diameter portion 34a abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the small diameter portion 31b. The sidewall of the reduced diameter portion 34a is inclined in such a way that its diameter decreases as it tends upward. The hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the exhaust chimney 30 rises within the exhaust chimney 30 and passes through the reduced diameter portion 34a from bottom to top.

[0048] In this way, by using the gas supplied from SOEC10 to the interior of the exhaust chimney 30, oxygen will not flow from the atmosphere into the interior of the exhaust chimney 30 through the exhaust opening 31c.

[0049] It should be noted that the electric boiler 17 also generates water vapor during startup, before electrolysis begins, and during electrolysis (normal operation). Therefore, before the electrolysis of SOEC10 begins, the water vapor can be used as a sealing gas for the chimney.

[0050] It should be noted that in cases where steam or hydrogen cannot be supplied to the exhaust chimney 30 during emergency shutdowns of SOEC10 and electric boiler 17, or where steam or hydrogen is insufficient, nitrogen supplied via branch nitrogen piping L5 can be used as a sealing gas.

[0051] In addition, if the amount of sealing gas discharged from SOEC10 is insufficient, a portion of the steam supplied from electric boiler 17 to SOEC10 can be supplied to the chimney via branch steam pipe L7.

[0052] Alternatively, an oxygen concentration meter can be installed inside the chimney 30 to measure the oxygen concentration inside the chimney 30 and monitor whether oxygen flows from the atmosphere into the interior of the chimney 30.

[0053] The discharge section 35 discharges water stored in the storage section 33 into a drain trough 41 located outside the system. The discharge section 35 has a U-shaped pipe 35a. One end of the U-shaped pipe 35a is connected to the housing 31 (storage section 33) via a horizontal pipe. The other end of the U-shaped pipe 35a is connected to the drain trough 41 via a horizontal pipe.

[0054] In addition, the U-shaped pipe 35a is filled with liquid (raw water). Thus, it is sealed so that the atmosphere does not flow into the exhaust chimney 30 through the U-shaped pipe 35a, or the hydrogen in the exhaust chimney 30 does not flow out to the outside through the exhaust section 35.

[0055] Furthermore, since raw water may evaporate within the U-shaped pipe 35a, a certain amount of raw water is always supplied from the raw water supply unit 40 to the U-shaped pipe 35a. This suppresses the decrease in sealing performance caused by excessive reduction of the raw water filling the U-shaped pipe 35a. It should be noted that a level gauge for detecting the internal raw water level can also be installed in the U-shaped pipe 35a to monitor the level.

[0056] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the hydrogen production equipment 1 includes: a thermometer (temperature detection unit) 51, which measures the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas after being cooled by the spray unit 32; and a level gauge (level detection unit) 52, which detects the level of water stored in the storage unit 33.

[0057] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the hydrogen production equipment 1 includes a control unit 50. The control unit 50 controls the opening degree of each valve installed in the hydrogen production equipment 1. In addition, the control unit 50 obtains information from the thermometer 51 and the level gauge 52.

[0058] The controller 50 may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), main memory, and secondary storage. Furthermore, the controller 50 may also include a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information with other devices.

[0059] The main storage device consists of writable memory such as cache memory or RAM (Random Access Memory), and is used as a working area for reading the CPU's executable program and writing data based on the executable program.

[0060] Secondary storage devices are non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Examples of secondary storage devices include magnetic disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memories.

[0061] A series of processes used to implement various functions, as an example, involves storing a program in the form of a secondary storage device. The CPU reads this program into the main storage device and performs information processing and calculations to achieve various functions. It should be noted that programs can also be provided pre-installed on secondary storage devices, stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or distributed via wired or wireless communication units. Computer-readable storage media include hard disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, semiconductor memories, etc.

[0062] The control unit 50 controls the opening of the cooling water valve B6 based on the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas detected by the thermometer 51. That is, the control unit 50 adjusts the amount of cooling water supplied from the spray unit 32 based on the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas detected by the thermometer 51.

[0063] Specifically, the control unit 50 can increase the opening of the cooling water valve B6 to increase the amount of cooling water when the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas detected by the thermometer 51 is higher than a specified temperature (e.g., around 400°C), and decrease the opening of the cooling water valve B6 to reduce the amount of cooling water when the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas detected by the thermometer 51 is lower than the specified temperature.

[0064] In addition, the control unit 50 can also control the opening degree of the cooling water valve B6 based on the liquid level detected by the level gauge 52. That is, the control unit 50 can also adjust the amount of cooling water supplied from the spray unit 32 based on the liquid level detected by the level gauge 52.

[0065] Specifically, the control unit 50 can also control the cooling water valve B6 to increase the amount of cooling water when the liquid level detected by the level gauge 52 is lower than the specified level, and to decrease the amount of cooling water when the liquid level detected by the level gauge 52 is higher than the specified level.

[0066] It should be noted that the method for adjusting the amount of cooling water performed by the control unit 50 includes a method of adjusting the flow rate of cooling water supplied from the spray unit 32 using a control valve (not shown), and a method of switching the water supply to the spray unit 32 on (connected) and off (disconnected) by opening and closing the cooling water valve B6.

[0067] Next, the behavior of the hydrogen production equipment 1 during normal operation, startup, and emergency shutdown will be explained.

[0068] [During normal operation]

[0069] During normal operation, the hydrogen production equipment 1 generates hydrogen as a product gas using the hydrogen generation unit 20. Specifically, the hydrogen production equipment 1 supplies hydrogen-containing gas generated by SOEC 10 to the hydrogen generation unit 20 via a branch hydrogen-containing gas pipe L8. At this time, the control unit 50 sets the first hydrogen-containing gas valve B2 to the fully closed state and the second hydrogen-containing gas valve B5 to the fully open state. Additionally, the control unit 50 sets the first vapor valve B1 to the fully open state and the nitrogen valve B3 and the second vapor valve B4 to the fully closed state.

[0070] [During startup or emergency stop]

[0071] During startup and emergency shutdown, the hydrogen production equipment 1 releases hydrogen-containing gas into the atmosphere. Specifically, the hydrogen production equipment 1 supplies hydrogen-containing gas generated by SOEC 10 to the vent chimney 30 via hydrogen-containing gas piping L4. At this time, the control unit 50 sets the first hydrogen-containing gas valve B2 to the fully open state and the second hydrogen-containing gas valve B5 to the fully closed state. Additionally, the control unit 50 sets the second vapor valve B4 to the open state.

[0072] It should be noted that in the event of certain accidents in the hydrogen production equipment 1, such as the lack of cooling water supply to the spray section 32 of the exhaust chimney 30, or the lack of sealing steam supply to the exhaust chimney 30, or insufficient sealing steam supply, the control unit 50 may also set the nitrogen valve B3 to the fully open state. Alternatively, the nitrogen valve B3 may be set to the fully open state to supply nitrogen to the exhaust chimney 30, using this nitrogen to replace cooling water and sealing steam.

[0073] As part of the startup process, water vapor is introduced after the temperature of the electrolysis chamber of SOEC10 reaches a certain value, and an electrolysis voltage is applied to start electrolysis and generate hydrogen. Once the operation of the device is stable, the process switches to guiding hydrogen-containing gas into the product gas system (hydrogen generation unit 20).

[0074] In addition, in case of emergency shutdown, such as a shutdown of the SOEC10 interlock or a malfunction in the equipment supplying the product gas, the system switches to directing the hydrogen-containing gas to the vent chimney 30.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0076] In this embodiment, the exhaust chimney 30 has a spray section 32 that supplies cooling water to the hydrogen-containing gas introduced into it, thereby cooling the hydrogen-containing gas. This allows the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the interior of the exhaust chimney 30 to be cooled. Therefore, the possibility of spontaneous combustion of the hydrogen-containing gas upon release into the atmosphere can be suppressed. Thus, the safety of the hydrogen production equipment 1 can be improved.

[0077] In this embodiment, the exhaust chimney 30 has a sealing portion 34 that prevents air from flowing in through the exhaust opening 31c. Therefore, the sealing portion 34 can be used to prevent air from flowing into the interior of the exhaust chimney 30 through the exhaust opening 31c. Thus, combustion of hydrogen-containing gas can be prevented inside the exhaust chimney 30. Therefore, the safety of the hydrogen production equipment 1 can be improved.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, steam generated by the electric boiler 17 is used to suppress the inflow of atmospheric air. Therefore, compared to the case where a separate device is provided to supply the gas suppressing atmospheric inflow to the exhaust chimney 30, the number of components can be reduced. Thus, costs can be reduced. Additionally, space-saving is achieved.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a control unit 50 is provided to control the cooling water valve B6 based on the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas detected by the thermometer 51. Therefore, the amount of cooling water can be adjusted based on the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas after being cooled by the spray unit 32. Thus, when the control unit 50 controls the cooling water valve B6 to keep the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas within a predetermined temperature range, the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas can be kept within that predetermined temperature range. Therefore, the spontaneous combustion of hydrogen-containing gas upon release into the atmosphere can be more appropriately suppressed. Therefore, the safety of the hydrogen production equipment 1 can be improved.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a control unit 50 is provided to control the cooling water valve B6 based on the liquid level detected by the level gauge 52. Therefore, the amount of cooling water can be adjusted based on the liquid level of the water stored in the storage unit 33. Since the liquid level changes according to the amount of stored water, the amount of stored water can be estimated by detecting the liquid level.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a branch nitrogen pipe L5 is provided to guide nitrogen from the nitrogen supply unit 14 to the exhaust chimney 30. This allows nitrogen to be supplied to the exhaust chimney 30. Therefore, for example, in the event of an emergency stop of the spray unit 32 and inability to supply cooling water to the hydrogen-containing gas, nitrogen can be supplied to the exhaust chimney 30 to cool the hydrogen-containing gas. Thus, even in the event of an emergency stop of the spray unit 32, the hydrogen-containing gas can be cooled, thereby suppressing the possibility of spontaneous combustion when the hydrogen-containing gas is released into the atmosphere. Therefore, the safety of the hydrogen production equipment 1 can be improved.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, nitrogen is supplied to the exhaust chimney 30 via the nitrogen supply unit 14 that supplies nitrogen to the SOEC 10. That is, nitrogen is supplied to both the SOEC 10 and the exhaust chimney 30 from the same device (nitrogen supply unit 14). This reduces the number of components compared to a separate device for supplying nitrogen to the exhaust chimney 30, thus reducing costs. Additionally, it saves space.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the discharge section 35 has a U-shaped pipe 35a, which is U-shaped and filled with liquid. This seals the interior and exterior of the exhaust chimney 30 with the liquid filling the discharge section 35. Therefore, it is possible to prevent atmospheric flow into the exhaust chimney 30 via the discharge section 35. Thus, combustion of hydrogen-containing gas inside the exhaust chimney 30 can be avoided. Additionally, it is possible to prevent hydrogen-containing gas inside the exhaust chimney 30 from leaking into the atmosphere and igniting. Therefore, the safety of the hydrogen production equipment 1 can be improved.

[0084] It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from its spirit.

[0085] For example, in the above embodiment, an example of providing a velocity-type seal as a sealing part 34 in the exhaust chimney 30 was described, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a molecular seal may also be provided in the exhaust chimney 30 as a sealing part 34. In addition, if sufficient sealing can be ensured by utilizing the gas supplied into the exhaust chimney 30, a sealing mechanism such as a reduced diameter part 34a (velocity-type seal) may not be provided.

[0086] Furthermore, while the above embodiments described an example of using SOEC10 as an apparatus for producing hydrogen-containing gas, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any apparatus for producing hydrogen-containing gas can be an apparatus that electrolyzes water at high temperatures.

[0087] The hydrogen production equipment and hydrogen production method described in the above-described embodiments are as follows.

[0088] The hydrogen production apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention comprises: a manufacturing section (10) that manufactures hydrogen-containing gas; and a discharge section (30) in which the hydrogen-containing gas manufactured by the manufacturing section (10) is introduced into the interior and the introduced hydrogen-containing gas is discharged into the atmosphere. The discharge section (30) has a cooling fluid supply section (32) that supplies a cooling fluid to the hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the interior of the discharge section (30) to cool the hydrogen-containing gas.

[0089] In the above structure, the discharge section includes a cooling fluid supply section, which supplies a cooling fluid to the hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the section to cool the hydrogen-containing gas. This allows the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the discharge section to be cooled. Therefore, the possibility of spontaneous combustion of hydrogen-containing gas upon release into the atmosphere can be suppressed. Thus, the safety of the hydrogen production equipment can be improved.

[0090] Furthermore, the hydrogen production apparatus of the second aspect of this disclosure, in the first aspect described above, includes: a steam generation unit (17) that generates steam to be supplied to the manufacturing unit (10); a first steam pipe (L3) that guides the steam generated by the steam generation unit (17) to the manufacturing unit (10); and a second steam pipe (L7) that guides the steam generated by the steam generation unit (17) to the discharge unit (30), the discharge unit (30) having: a discharge opening (31c) that opens toward the atmosphere; and a sealing part that uses the steam supplied via the second steam pipe (L7) to suppress the inflow of atmosphere from the discharge opening (31c).

[0091] In the above structure, the discharge section has a sealing section that prevents atmospheric air, especially oxygen, from flowing into the discharge opening. Therefore, the sealing section prevents atmospheric air, especially oxygen, from flowing into the interior of the discharge section through the discharge opening. Consequently, combustion of hydrogen-containing gas can be prevented inside the discharge section. Thus, the safety of the hydrogen production equipment can be improved.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above structure, the inflow of atmosphere, especially oxygen, is suppressed by the steam generated by the steam generation unit. Therefore, compared to the case where a separate device is provided to supply the gas suppressing the inflow of atmosphere, especially oxygen, to the discharge unit, the number of components can be reduced. Thus, costs can be reduced. Additionally, space-saving is achieved.

[0093] In addition, in the first or second embodiment of the hydrogen production equipment disclosed herein, the discharge unit (30) includes: a cooling fluid regulating unit (B6) that regulates the amount of cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (32); and a temperature detection unit (51) that detects the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas after being cooled by the cooling fluid. The hydrogen production equipment includes a control unit (50) that controls the cooling fluid regulating unit (B6) based on the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas detected by the temperature detection unit (51).

[0094] In the above structure, a control unit is included to control the cooling fluid regulating unit based on the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas detected by the temperature detection unit. Therefore, the amount of cooling fluid can be adjusted based on the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas after being cooled by the cooling fluid supply unit. Thus, when the control unit controls the cooling fluid regulating unit to keep the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas within a predetermined temperature range, the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas can be kept within that predetermined temperature range. Therefore, the spontaneous combustion of hydrogen-containing gas upon release into the atmosphere can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, the safety of the hydrogen production equipment can be improved.

[0095] It should be noted that the control unit can also control the cooling fluid regulating unit to increase the amount of cooling fluid when the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas detected by the temperature detection unit is higher than the specified temperature range, and to decrease the amount of cooling fluid when the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas detected by the temperature detection unit is lower than the specified temperature range.

[0096] It should be noted that the method for adjusting the amount of cooling fluid performed by the control unit includes a method for adjusting the amount of cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit, and a method for switching the cooling fluid supply unit on and off.

[0097] Furthermore, in the first or second embodiment of the hydrogen production equipment disclosed herein, the discharge unit (30) includes: a cooling fluid regulating unit (B6) that regulates the amount of cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (32); a storage unit (33) that stores condensate generated by the condensation of the hydrogen-containing gas; and a liquid level detection unit (52) that detects the liquid level of the condensate stored in the storage unit (33). The hydrogen production equipment also includes a control unit (50) that controls the cooling fluid regulating unit (B6) based on the liquid level detected by the liquid level detection unit (52).

[0098] In the above structure, a control unit is included to control the cooling fluid regulating unit based on the liquid level detected by the liquid level detection unit. Therefore, the amount of cooling fluid can be adjusted based on the liquid level of the water stored in the storage unit. Since the liquid level changes according to the amount of stored water, the amount of stored water can be estimated by detecting the liquid level.

[0099] It should be noted that the control unit can also control the cooling fluid regulating unit to increase the amount of cooling fluid when the liquid level detected by the liquid level detection unit is lower than the specified level, and to decrease the amount of cooling fluid when the liquid level detected by the liquid level detection unit is higher than the specified level.

[0100] In addition, the hydrogen production apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to fourth aspects described above, includes: a first nitrogen pipe (L1) that guides nitrogen gas from the nitrogen supply unit (14) to the production unit (10); and a second nitrogen pipe (L5) that guides nitrogen gas from the nitrogen supply unit (14) to the discharge unit (30).

[0101] In the above structure, a second nitrogen pipe is provided to guide nitrogen gas from the nitrogen supply section to the release section. This allows nitrogen gas to be supplied to the release section. Therefore, for example, in the event of an emergency stoppage of the cooling fluid supply section, preventing the supply of cooling fluid to the hydrogen-containing gas, nitrogen gas can be supplied to the release section to cool the hydrogen-containing gas. Thus, even in the event of an emergency stoppage of the cooling fluid supply section, the hydrogen-containing gas can still be cooled, thereby suppressing the possibility of spontaneous combustion when the hydrogen-containing gas is released into the atmosphere. Therefore, the safety of the hydrogen production equipment can be improved.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above structure, nitrogen is supplied to the emission section from the same nitrogen supply section that supplies nitrogen to the manufacturing section. That is, nitrogen is supplied to both the manufacturing section and the emission section from the same device (nitrogen supply section). Therefore, compared to the case where a separate device is provided to supply nitrogen to the emission section, the number of components can be reduced. Thus, costs can be reduced. Additionally, space saving is achieved.

[0103] In addition, in any of the first to fifth embodiments of the hydrogen production equipment disclosed herein, the discharge section (30) has: a storage section (33) for storing condensate generated by condensation of a portion of the hydrogen-containing gas; and a discharge section (35) for discharging the condensate stored in the storage section (33) to the outside of the system, the discharge section (35) having a U-shaped pipe (35a) having a U-shape and being filled with liquid inside.

[0104] In the above structure, the discharge section has a U-shaped pipe, which is U-shaped and filled with liquid. This seals the interior and exterior of the discharge section with the liquid inside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent atmospheric air, especially oxygen, from flowing into the discharge section. Thus, combustion of hydrogen-containing gas inside the discharge section can be avoided. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the hydrogen-containing gas inside the discharge section from leaking into the atmosphere and igniting. Therefore, the safety of the hydrogen production equipment can be improved.

[0105] In addition, the hydrogen production method of the first aspect of this disclosure includes: a manufacturing step of producing hydrogen-containing gas; an introduction step of introducing the hydrogen-containing gas produced in the manufacturing step into the interior of a discharge section (30); a supply step of supplying a cooling fluid to the hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the interior of the discharge section (30); and a discharge step of releasing the hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the interior of the discharge section (30) into the atmosphere.

[0106] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0107] 1: Hydrogen production equipment

[0108] 10: SOEC (Manufacturing Department)

[0109] 11: Instrument Air Supply Department

[0110] 12: City Gas Supply Department

[0111] 13: Hydrogen Supply Department

[0112] 14: Nitrogen Supply Department (Nitrogen Supply Department)

[0113] 15: Water Supply Department

[0114] 16: Electrolysis Air Supply Unit

[0115] 17: Electric boiler (steam generation section)

[0116] 18: Heat exchanger

[0117] 20: Hydrogen generation section

[0118] 21: Cooler

[0119] 22: Dehumidifier

[0120] 23: Compressor

[0121] 30: Exit through the chimney (exit section)

[0122] 31: Shell

[0123] 31a: Large diameter part

[0124] 31b: Small diameter portion

[0125] 31c: Opening the opening

[0126] 32: Spraying section (cooling fluid supply section)

[0127] 33: Storage Department

[0128] 34: Sealing part

[0129] 34a: Reduction section

[0130] 35: Discharge section

[0131] 35a: U-shaped piping

[0132] 40: Raw Water Supply Department

[0133] 41: Drainage channel

[0134] 50: Control Department

[0135] 51: Thermometer

[0136] 52: Level gauge

[0137] B1: First steam valve

[0138] B2: First hydrogen-containing gas valve

[0139] B3: Nitrogen Valve

[0140] B4: Second Steam Valve

[0141] B5: Second hydrogen-containing gas valve

[0142] B6: Cooling water valve

[0143] L1: Nitrogen piping (first nitrogen piping)

[0144] L2: Water supply piping

[0145] L3: Steam piping (first steam piping)

[0146] L4: Hydrogen gas piping

[0147] L5: Branch nitrogen piping (second nitrogen piping)

[0148] L6: Branch water supply piping

[0149] L7: Branch steam piping (second steam piping)

[0150] L8: Branch pipe containing hydrogen gas.

Claims

1. A hydrogen production apparatus, wherein, The hydrogen production equipment includes: The manufacturing department, which produces hydrogen-containing gas; and The discharge section is internally introduced with hydrogen-containing gas produced by the manufacturing section, and then releases the introduced hydrogen-containing gas into the atmosphere. The discharge section has a cooling fluid supply section that supplies cooling fluid to the hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the interior of the discharge section to cool the hydrogen-containing gas.

2. The hydrogen production equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The hydrogen production equipment includes: A steam generation unit that generates steam to be supplied to the manufacturing unit; The first steam pipe guides the steam generated by the steam generation unit to the manufacturing unit; as well as The second steam piping guides the steam generated by the steam generation unit to the discharge unit. The vent has: a vent opening facing the atmosphere; and a sealing part that uses steam supplied via the second steam pipe to suppress the inflow of atmosphere from the vent opening.

3. The hydrogen production equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The discharge section includes: a cooling fluid regulating section that regulates the amount of cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply section; and a temperature detection section that detects the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas after it has been cooled by the cooling fluid. The hydrogen production equipment includes a control unit that controls the cooling fluid regulating unit based on the temperature of the hydrogen-containing gas detected by the temperature detection unit.

4. The hydrogen production equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The discharge section includes: a cooling fluid regulating section that regulates the amount of cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply section; a storage section that stores condensate generated by the condensation of the hydrogen-containing gas; and a liquid level detection section that detects the liquid level of the condensate stored in the storage section. The hydrogen production equipment includes a control unit that controls the cooling fluid regulating unit based on the liquid level detected by the liquid level detection unit.

5. The hydrogen production equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The hydrogen production equipment includes: A first nitrogen pipe, which directs nitrogen gas from the nitrogen supply unit to the manufacturing unit; and The second nitrogen pipe guides nitrogen gas from the nitrogen supply unit to the discharge unit.

6. The hydrogen production equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The discharge section includes: a storage section for storing condensate generated by condensing a portion of the hydrogen-containing gas; and a discharge section for discharging the condensate stored in the storage section to the outside of the system. The discharge section has a U-shaped pipe, which is U-shaped and filled with liquid inside.

7. A method for producing hydrogen, wherein, The hydrogen production method includes: Manufacturing process, producing hydrogen-containing gas; In the introduction process, hydrogen-containing gas produced in the manufacturing process is introduced into the interior of the discharge section; The supply process includes supplying a cooling fluid to the hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the interior of the discharge section; and In the release process, the hydrogen-containing gas introduced into the release section is released into the atmosphere.

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