A compact wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system and control method

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of electrolytic hydrogen production technology, and discloses a compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolytic hydrogen production system and its control method. The system includes: a water supply and circulation unit for supplying circulating water to each photovoltaic hydrogen production module; each photovoltaic hydrogen production module includes an electrolyzer, a separate photovoltaic unit, and a gas-liquid separation and recovery unit; the electrolyzer is used to electrolyze the circulating water provided by the water supply and circulation unit using the electricity generated by the separate photovoltaic unit; the gas-liquid separation and recovery unit includes an oxygen separator and a hydrogen separator; the oxygen separator and hydrogen separator are used to separate the oxygen-side gas-liquid mixture and the hydrogen-side gas-liquid mixture output from the electrolyzer, respectively, and to return the separated liquid to the water supply and circulation unit; a switching and merging unit for switching the photovoltaic hydrogen production module between a single-unit independent operation state and a multi-unit combined operation state. This invention enables modular matching of photovoltaic power generation and electrolytic hydrogen production, and allows for single-unit independent operation or multi-unit combined operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electrolytic hydrogen production technology, and specifically relates to a compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolytic hydrogen production system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] The global energy structure is rapidly transitioning towards cleaner and lower-carbon energy sources. Photovoltaic-coupled electrolysis hydrogen production technology, with its advantages of zero carbon emissions and renewability, has become a core pathway for the large-scale production of green hydrogen. Over the past decade, the cost of photovoltaic power generation has continued to decline significantly, with the global weighted average cost per kilowatt-hour dropping to $0.049 in 2023. This low-cost green electricity has completely solved the pain points of high energy consumption and high cost associated with traditional electrolysis hydrogen production, laying a solid foundation for the industry's large-scale development. my country possesses abundant wind and solar resources, and the photovoltaic hydrogen production industry is rapidly taking root. This effectively solves the problems of curtailment and grid connection of centralized photovoltaic power plants, and also opens up channels for the conversion and storage of electricity into hydrogen, significantly improving the overall efficiency of new energy utilization.

[0003] However, current photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production projects mostly adopt a centralized photovoltaic power plant coupled with hydrogen production mode. Photovoltaic power generation, electrolysis hydrogen production, and supporting auxiliary facilities are planned and designed independently in separate areas, with each functional area configured according to its rated operating capacity. Due to the strong fluctuation of photovoltaic output, it is difficult to achieve real-time and accurate matching with the rated load of the electrolyzer. This easily leads to insufficient power consumption during peak photovoltaic power generation periods and low-load idleness of electrolysis equipment, resulting in low overall equipment utilization efficiency and failing to effectively realize the advantages of large-scale, high-capacity installations. At the same time, the dispersed layout of equipment in each functional area and the excessively long distances of water, electricity, gas, and electrical interconnection pipelines between areas make daily inspections, fault diagnosis, and maintenance coverage extensive and scattered, significantly increasing the difficulty of system scheduling and coordinated management. Ultimately, this results in prominent problems such as excessive redundancy in the capacity design of photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production systems, high difficulty in operating condition control, and high subsequent maintenance costs.

[0004] Meanwhile, to adapt to the application scenarios of large-capacity hydrogen production systems, Siemens' 17.5MW-class PEM hydrogen production system is composed of 24 electrolyzer modules. Due to the intricate water, electricity, and gas branch pipelines between the modules, the system pipeline switching adopts a single-point independent control mode, which cannot achieve synchronous linkage control of multiple modules. This results in problems such as low switching accuracy and response lag, which can easily lead to imbalance in the flow and pressure control of water and gas lines, thereby causing a decrease in the operational stability of the entire hydrogen production system.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system and control method to specifically address the technical pain points of existing photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production systems, such as low capacity utilization, insufficient control accuracy of multiple electrolysis modules, large footprint, and inconvenient system operation and maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system and control method to solve at least one of the technical problems of existing photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production systems, such as low capacity utilization, insufficient control accuracy of multiple electrolysis modules, large footprint, and inconvenient system operation and maintenance.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system, comprising: a water supply circulation unit, several photovoltaic hydrogen production single modules, and a switching combiner unit; The water supply and circulation unit is used to supply circulating water to each photovoltaic hydrogen production module. Each photovoltaic hydrogen production module includes an electrolytic reactor, a separate photovoltaic unit, and a gas-liquid separation and recovery unit. The electrolytic reactor is used to electrolyze the circulating water provided by the water supply and circulation unit using the electricity generated by the separate photovoltaic unit. The gas-liquid separation and recovery unit includes an oxygen separator and a hydrogen separator. The oxygen separator and the hydrogen separator are used to separate the oxygen-side gas-liquid mixture and the hydrogen-side gas-liquid mixture output from the electrolytic reactor, respectively, and to return the separated liquid to the water supply and circulation unit. The switching combiner unit is used to switch the photovoltaic hydrogen production single module between a single independent operation state and a multi-group combined operation state.

[0008] A further improvement of the present invention is that: the water supply circulation unit includes a buffer water tank and a water replenishment pump; the outlet of the buffer water tank is connected to each of the photovoltaic hydrogen production modules through the water replenishment pump, for supplying circulating water to each photovoltaic hydrogen production module; the liquid separated from each of the photovoltaic hydrogen production modules is connected to the inlet of the buffer water tank through a circulating water pipeline.

[0009] A further improvement of the present invention is that each of the photovoltaic hydrogen production modules is provided with a switching manifold unit; the switching manifold unit includes a single circulating water four-way valve, a single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet manifold four-way valve, and a single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet manifold four-way valve; The water supply circulation unit is connected to the P port of a single-set circulating water four-way valve via a single-set circulating water pipeline. The T port of the single-set circulating water four-way valve is connected to the circulating water main drain pipe via a circulating water drain pipeline. The circulating water inlet of the electrolytic reactor is connected to the A port of the single-set circulating water four-way valve via a single-set circulating water single-operation pipeline. The circulating water inlet of the electrolytic reactor is also connected to the circulating water main pipe before the electrolytic reactor via a single-set circulating water combined operation pipeline. The circulating water main pipe before the electrolytic reactor is connected to the B port of each single-set circulating water four-way valve. The oxygen-side gas-liquid mixture outlet of the electrolytic reactor is connected to the P port of the four-way valve of the oxygen outlet manifold of the single electrolytic reactor through the single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet manifold; the hydrogen-side gas-liquid mixture outlet of the electrolytic reactor is connected to the P port of the four-way valve of the hydrogen outlet manifold of the single electrolytic reactor through the single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet manifold. The T-port of the four-way valve for the oxygen outlet main pipe of the single electrolytic reactor and the T-port of the four-way valve for the hydrogen outlet main pipe of the single electrolytic reactor are both connected to the sewage collection pipe of the hydrogen-oxygen four-way valve. Port A of the four-way valve of the oxygen outlet main pipe of the single electrolytic reactor is connected to the inlet of the oxygen separator tank through the single operating pipeline of the oxygen outlet of the single electrolytic reactor; Port B of the four-way valve of the oxygen outlet main pipe of the single electrolytic reactor is connected to the inlet of the oxygen separator tank through the combined operating pipeline of the oxygen outlet of the single electrolytic reactor. Port A of the four-way valve of the single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet main pipe is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen separator tank through the single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet single operation pipeline; Port B of the four-way valve of the single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet main pipe is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen separator tank through the single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet combined operation pipeline.

[0010] A further improvement of the present invention is that: the combined operation pipeline of the oxygen outlet of each single electrolytic reactor is connected to the oxygen collection pipeline of the electrolytic reactor; and the combined operation pipeline of the hydrogen outlet of each single electrolytic reactor is connected to the hydrogen collection pipeline of the electrolytic reactor.

[0011] A further improvement of the present invention is that: a valve for a single-group circulating water single-operation pipeline is provided on the single-group circulating water single-operation pipeline; The single-group circulating water combined operation pipeline is equipped with a valve for the single-group circulating water combined operation pipeline. The single-electrolysis reactor oxygen outlet single-operation pipeline is equipped with a single-electrolysis reactor oxygen outlet single-operation pipeline valve. The single-electrolysis reactor oxygen outlet combined operation pipeline is equipped with a single-electrolysis reactor oxygen outlet single operation pipeline valve. The single-electrolysis reactor hydrogen outlet single-operation pipeline is equipped with a single-electrolysis reactor hydrogen outlet single-operation pipeline valve. The single-electrolysis reactor hydrogen outlet combined operation pipeline is equipped with a single-electrolysis reactor hydrogen outlet single operation pipeline valve.

[0012] A further improvement of the present invention is that each of the photovoltaic hydrogen production modules further includes a circulating water pump; the inlet of the circulating water pump is connected to the outlet of the makeup water pump, and the outlet of the circulating water pump is connected to the P port of the single circulating water four-way valve through a single circulating water pipeline.

[0013] A further improvement of the present invention is that: the circulating water outlet at the bottom of each hydrogen separator is connected to the circulating water pipeline at the outlet of the hydrogen separator; the circulating water pipeline at the outlet of the hydrogen separator is connected to the inlet of the buffer water tank; The circulating water outlet at the bottom of each oxygen separator is connected to the circulating water pipeline at the outlet of the oxygen separator; the circulating water pipeline at the outlet of the oxygen separator is connected to the outlet of the water replenishment pump and the inlet of the circulating water pump of each photovoltaic hydrogen production module.

[0014] A further improvement of the present invention is that: the structure of the photovoltaic hydrogen production single module is arranged compactly from top to bottom; the top is a single photovoltaic unit; an electrolytic reactor is set below the single photovoltaic unit; and the single photovoltaic unit is equipped with a solar tracking system for tracking light.

[0015] A further improvement of the present invention is that it also includes a four-way valve synchronous driver; the four-way valve synchronous driver is connected to the single-set circulating water four-way valve, the single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet manifold four-way valve, and the single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet manifold four-way valve of each switching manifold unit, and is used to drive the single-set circulating water four-way valve, the single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet manifold four-way valve, and the single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet manifold four-way valve of each switching manifold unit to switch synchronously.

[0016] Secondly, the present invention provides a control method for a compact, wide-range, power-expandable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. The control method includes controlling the switching combiner unit to enable the photovoltaic hydrogen production single-unit modules to operate independently or in combination.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention provides a compact, wide-range, power-scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. By incorporating a water supply circulation unit, several photovoltaic hydrogen production modules, a switching and combining unit, a gas-liquid separation and recovery unit, and a gas collection and output unit, it integrates photovoltaic power supply, electrolysis hydrogen production, circulating water supply, gas-liquid separation, and gas output into a modular system structure. Each photovoltaic hydrogen production module is powered by a single photovoltaic unit supplying power to its corresponding electrolyzer. Oxygen and hydrogen separation tanks are used to separate the oxygen-side and hydrogen-side gas-liquid mixtures, and liquid is returned to the system. This modular matching of photovoltaic power generation and electrolysis hydrogen production reduces the problems of dispersed piping, redundant capacity configuration, and inconvenient operation and maintenance in centralized systems, and provides a structural basis for both independent operation of a single module and combined operation of multiple modules.

[0018] This invention provides a compact, wide-range, scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. By incorporating a buffer tank and a water replenishment pump, the system supplies circulating water from the buffer tank to each photovoltaic hydrogen production module via the replenishment pump. Simultaneously, the liquid separated from each photovoltaic hydrogen production module flows back to the buffer tank, forming a circulating water supply and liquid recovery path. This structure reduces ineffective discharge of circulating water during the electrolysis hydrogen production process, improves water resource recycling efficiency, and helps maintain a continuous and stable water supply to each photovoltaic hydrogen production module, thereby enhancing the system's continuous operation capability.

[0019] This invention provides a compact, wide-range, power-scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. By incorporating a single four-way valve for circulating water, a single four-way valve for the oxygen outlet main pipe of the single electrolysis reactor, and a single four-way valve for the hydrogen outlet main pipe of the single electrolysis reactor within each photovoltaic hydrogen production module, the circulating water supply path, the oxygen-side gas-liquid output path, and the hydrogen-side gas-liquid output path can be switched between single-path and combined-path operation. Simultaneously, the T-ports of each four-way valve are connected to a drain or venting pipeline, enabling draining or venting of non-working branches during switching. This reduces the control complexity and switching lag issues associated with multiple independent shut-off valves in traditional multi-branch pipelines, improving the integration, stability, and controllability of the switching between water, oxygen-side gas-liquid, and hydrogen-side gas-liquid pipelines.

[0020] This invention provides a compact, wide-range, power-scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. By connecting the combined operation pipelines of the oxygen outlets of each individual electrolysis reactor to the combined oxygen pipeline, and connecting the combined operation pipelines of the hydrogen outlets of each individual electrolysis reactor to the combined hydrogen pipeline, multiple electrolysis reactors can separately collect and transport the oxygen-side gas-liquid mixture and the hydrogen-side gas-liquid mixture when operating in combination. This structure supports the parallel combined operation of multiple photovoltaic hydrogen production modules, enhancing the system's power scalability under higher photovoltaic output or higher hydrogen production loads, and facilitating centralized management of the gas-liquid output from multiple modules.

[0021] This invention provides a compact, wide-range, power-scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. By installing corresponding valves on each of the following pipelines—single-unit circulating water operation, single-unit circulating water combined operation, single-unit oxygen operation, combined oxygen operation, single-unit hydrogen operation, and combined hydrogen operation—each medium branch can be independently controlled for on / off operation based on the needs of single-unit independent operation or multi-unit combined operation. This structure further improves the adjustment accuracy of circulating water, oxygen-side gas-liquid mixture, and hydrogen-side gas-liquid mixture under different operating modes, avoids erroneous flow in non-target branches, and enhances system operational safety and switching reliability.

[0022] This invention provides a compact, wide-range, power-scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. By installing a circulating water pump in each photovoltaic hydrogen production module, with the pump inlet connected to the makeup water pump outlet and the outlet connected to a four-way valve for each module's circulating water, each module can obtain relatively independent circulating water supply power. This structure helps ensure that the circulating water flow and pressure entering each electrolysis reactor meet the requirements of electrolysis operation and facilitates the distribution and adjustment of water supply to different modules based on single-module or multi-module combined operation.

[0023] This invention provides a compact, wide-range, power-scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. By allowing the circulating water outlets of each hydrogen separator tank to flow back to a buffer tank via hydrogen separator outlet circulating water pipelines, and by allowing the circulating water outlets of each oxygen separator tank to flow back to the makeup water pump outlet and each circulating water pump inlet via oxygen separator outlet circulating water pipelines, the system achieves separate recovery of the separated liquids from the hydrogen and oxygen sides. This structure enables the reintroduction of the liquid after gas-liquid separation into the water supply circulation system, reducing makeup water requirements and helping to maintain a stable circulating water volume in the hydrogen production system, thereby improving the system's continuous operation capability and resource utilization efficiency.

[0024] This invention provides a compact, wide-range, scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. By arranging individual photovoltaic hydrogen production modules compactly from top to bottom, with the individual photovoltaic cells located at the top and the electrolyzer stack below them, each module can fully utilize vertical space, reducing the floor area footprint and improving equipment integration. Simultaneously, each individual photovoltaic cell is equipped with a solar tracking system, which can adjust its light-receiving state according to changes in solar trajectory or irradiance, improving solar energy capture capacity and photoelectric conversion efficiency, thereby enhancing the adaptability between photovoltaic power supply and electrolysis hydrogen production.

[0025] This invention provides a compact, wide-range, power-scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. By implementing a four-way valve synchronous actuator connected to individual circulating water four-way valves, oxygen outlet manifold four-way valves, and hydrogen outlet manifold four-way valves in each switching manifold unit, synchronous switching of water, oxygen-side gas-liquid pipelines, and hydrogen-side gas-liquid pipelines within multiple photovoltaic hydrogen production modules is achieved. This structure avoids the problems of action delay, asynchronous switching, and operating condition fluctuations caused by independent valve actuation, improving control accuracy, response speed, and operational stability during multi-module collaborative operation.

[0026] This invention provides a control method for a compact, wide-range, power-scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. By controlling the switching combiner unit, the method enables single-unit photovoltaic hydrogen production modules to switch between independent operation and multi-unit combined operation. This method can flexibly adjust the number of modules in operation according to changes in photovoltaic output or hydrogen production load demand. It achieves single-unit operation under low load conditions and multi-unit combined operation under high load conditions, thereby improving the system's adaptability to photovoltaic power fluctuations, reducing the problem of low-load idleness or underutilization of electrolysis equipment, and achieving stable hydrogen production operation over a wide power range.

[0027] Furthermore, this invention innovatively proposes a standard module matching method for photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production with wide-range power expansion: photovoltaic power generation and electrolysis hydrogen production are decomposed into independent modules of equal power. Photovoltaic power generation and electrolysis hydrogen production are matched with equal power to form an integrated module, or each module operates independently, or multiple modules operate in series and parallel. The overall photovoltaic hydrogen production system is decomposed into standardized, independent customized modules of equal power, and a modular hydrogen production system framework that can be freely combined and flexibly expanded is built, realizing flexible expansion from watt-level to megawatt-level power range to adapt to hydrogen production needs in multiple scenarios.

[0028] Furthermore, this invention innovatively adapts to the fluctuation characteristics of photovoltaic irradiance in hydrogen production through an adaptive control method: each module of the photovoltaic power generation system consists of multiple photovoltaic modules of equal power. Each module is matched with the electrolysis hydrogen production module, and each photovoltaic module of equal power can rotate automatically according to the sun's trajectory and the irradiance adaptation angle. Different photovoltaic modules of equal power can also achieve step-wise adaptive amplitude adjustment according to the illumination conditions, always aligning with the optimal area of ​​light source irradiance for angle adjustment, maximizing the capture of solar radiation energy and improving photoelectric conversion efficiency. At the same time, the electrolysis hydrogen production module combines real-time changes in photovoltaic irradiance to predict the photovoltaic output characteristics in advance, predicting the real-time dynamic coupling relationship between photovoltaic power generation output and electrolysis hydrogen production power demand. Relying on the collaborative logic of light tracking adaptive adjustment and power prediction, the entire process of photovoltaic power generation and electrolysis hydrogen production is dynamically linked and the system is optimally controlled.

[0029] Furthermore, this invention innovatively proposes a method for uniformly controlling the water and gas circuit conditions of multiple modules in the electrolysis hydrogen production process: adopting a four-way valve control combination structure, abandoning the traditional cumbersome multi-branch pipeline design, integrating the four valves for switching the original water / gas circuit into one, realizing one valve for four-way switching of a single medium, achieving one inlet and two outlets or two inlets and one outlet switching, and the other one is a vent or drain outlet for the pipeline after switching, solving the problem of multiple medium shut-off valves and switching lag caused by multiple electrolysis hydrogen production modules connected in series and parallel, and ensuring a smooth transition when switching water / gas circuits between multiple modules.

[0030] Furthermore, this invention innovatively proposes a multi-module water and gas path balancing and linkage switching method for water electrolysis hydrogen production: the four-way valve control combination structure drive bracket between different modules is consolidated into a main drive bracket, realizing the simultaneous drive of multiple modules with the same medium, accurately coordinating the operating conditions of multiple water and gas paths within the hydrogen production system, achieving synchronous linkage, orderly switching and precise control of each control point, simplifying the parallel switching process of the medium pipeline within the electrolysis hydrogen production system, ensuring stable medium delivery and no lag deviation in operating condition switching throughout the process, and effectively improving the control accuracy, operating condition response speed and long-term operational stability of the entire photoelectric hydrogen production system.

[0031] Furthermore, this invention innovatively proposes a three-dimensional layered and multi-module spatial configuration method for photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production: individual photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production modules are arranged in a top-down layered layout according to their internal functions, arranged sequentially according to the functional units of electricity, gas, and water. The functional zoning is clear and orderly, the structure is compact and orderly, and the vertical three-dimensional space is efficiently utilized. The standardized interfaces of electricity, gas, and water for each photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production module are unified. The modules are combined and installed using a frame-type left-right assembly structure, which effectively simplifies on-site docking and construction processes, supports modular batch assembly, convenient operation and maintenance in the later stage, and flexible system expansion. The equipment functional zoning is clear and orderly, which facilitates daily inspection and monitoring, parameter calibration and debugging, rapid fault location and routine maintenance operations, shortens equipment downtime for maintenance, and significantly improves the engineering adaptability and application capabilities under multiple scenarios and working conditions. This lays a solid structural and operation and maintenance foundation for the industrialization and large-scale promotion of photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production technology. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This invention provides a structural schematic diagram of a compact photovoltaic hydrogen production single module for a compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.

[0034] The following detailed description is exemplary and intended to provide further detailed explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used in this invention is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a compact wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system, including: a water supply circulation unit, several compact photovoltaic hydrogen production single modules, and a switching combiner unit; The water supply circulation unit includes a buffer water tank 1 and a makeup water pump 2; the compact photovoltaic hydrogen production single module includes: a circulating water pump 3, a single circulating water four-way valve 5, an electrolytic reactor 11, a single photovoltaic unit 12, a single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet main pipe four-way valve 15, a single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet main pipe four-way valve 16, an oxygen separator 27, and a hydrogen separator 28. The circulating water outlet at the bottom of the hydrogen separator 28 of several compact photovoltaic hydrogen production single modules is connected to the condensate collection pipe 35 of the hydrogen separator and the inlet of the buffer water tank 1 in sequence through the circulating water condensate pipe 30 of the hydrogen separator; the outlet of the buffer water tank 1 is connected to the inlet of the makeup water pump 2; the circulating water outlet at the bottom of the oxygen separator 27 of several compact photovoltaic hydrogen production single modules is connected to the outlet circulating water pipe 36 of the oxygen separator and the outlet of the makeup water pump 2 in sequence through the circulating water outlet pipe 29 of the oxygen separator. The outlet of the water replenishment pump 2 is connected to the inlet of the circulating water pump 3 of each compact photovoltaic hydrogen production module through the circulating water collection pipe 41 in front of the circulating water pump.

[0036] In each compact photovoltaic hydrogen production module, the top oxygen outlet of oxygen separator 27 is connected to oxygen tank 44 via hydrogen pipeline 31 from the oxygen separator outlet; the top hydrogen outlet of hydrogen separator 28 is connected to hydrogen tank 43 via hydrogen pipeline 32 from the hydrogen separator outlet. In each compact photovoltaic hydrogen production module, the outlet of circulating water pump 3 is connected to the P port of single-unit circulating water four-way valve 5 via single-unit circulating water pipeline 4; the T port of single-unit circulating water four-way valve 5 is connected to circulating water main drain pipe 42 via circulating water drain pipe 8; and the outlet of circulating water main drain pipe 42 is connected to circulating wastewater tank 45.

[0037] In each compact photovoltaic hydrogen production module, the electrolyzer 11 is electrically connected to a corresponding individual photovoltaic cell 12; the individual photovoltaic cell 12 is used to provide the electrical energy required for electrolysis to the corresponding electrolyzer 11. The circulating water inlet of each electrolyzer 11 is connected to the circulating water collection pipe 40 before the electrolyzer through a single-group circulating water combined operation pipeline 7 with a single-group circulating water combined operation pipeline valve 10; the circulating water collection pipe 40 before the electrolyzer is connected to port B of the single-group circulating water four-way valve 5; the circulating water inlet of each electrolyzer 11 is also connected to port A of the single-group circulating water four-way valve 5 through a single-group circulating water single operation pipeline 6 with a single-group circulating water single operation pipeline valve 9; this allows multiple electrolyzers 11 to switch water supply under single-group operation conditions or combined operation conditions.

[0038] The oxygen-side gas-liquid mixture outlet of electrolytic reactor 11 is connected to the oxygen outlet manifold 13 of the single electrolytic reactor, and the outlet of the oxygen outlet manifold 13 of the single electrolytic reactor is connected to the P port of the four-way valve 15 of the oxygen outlet manifold of the single electrolytic reactor; the hydrogen-side gas-liquid mixture outlet of electrolytic reactor 11 is connected to the hydrogen outlet manifold 14 of the single electrolytic reactor, and the outlet of the hydrogen outlet manifold 14 of the single electrolytic reactor is connected to the P port of the four-way valve 16 of the hydrogen outlet manifold of the single electrolytic reactor.

[0039] The T port of the four-way valve 15 of the oxygen outlet main pipe of the single electrolytic reactor is connected to the sewage collection pipe 39 of the hydrogen-oxygen four-way valve through the oxygen outlet sewage pipe 17 of the single electrolytic reactor; the T port of the four-way valve 16 of the hydrogen outlet main pipe of the single electrolytic reactor is connected to the sewage collection pipe 39 of the hydrogen-oxygen four-way valve through the hydrogen outlet sewage pipe 18 of the single electrolytic reactor.

[0040] Port A of the four-way valve 15 of the single-reactor oxygen outlet main pipe is connected to the inlet of the oxygen separator 27 via the single-reactor oxygen outlet single-operation pipeline 20, which has a single-reactor oxygen outlet single-operation pipeline valve 24. Port B of the four-way valve 15 of the single-reactor oxygen outlet main pipe is connected to the inlet of the oxygen separator 27 via the single-reactor oxygen outlet combined operation pipeline 19, which has a single-reactor oxygen outlet single-operation pipeline valve 23. The single-reactor oxygen outlet combined operation pipeline 19 is connected to the reactor oxygen collection pipeline 37. By controlling the opening and closing of the single-reactor oxygen outlet single-operation pipeline valves 23 and 24, the oxygen and circulating water mixture output from the oxygen side of reactor 11 can selectively enter the corresponding oxygen separator 27, or enter the reactor oxygen collection pipeline 37 and participate in combined operation.

[0041] Port A of the four-way valve 16 of the single-electrolyte hydrogen outlet main pipe is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen separator tank 28 via the single-electrolyte hydrogen outlet single-operation pipeline 21 with valve 25 of the single-electrolyte hydrogen outlet single operation pipeline; Port B of the four-way valve 16 of the single-electrolyte hydrogen outlet main pipe is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen separator tank 28 via the single-electrolyte hydrogen outlet combined operation pipeline 22 with valve 26 of the single-electrolyte hydrogen outlet single operation pipeline; the single-electrolyte hydrogen outlet combined operation pipeline 22 is connected to the hydrogen collection pipeline 38 of the electrolytic reactor; by controlling the opening and closing of the single-electrolyte hydrogen outlet single operation pipeline valve 25 and the single-electrolyte hydrogen outlet single operation pipeline valve 26, the hydrogen and condensate mixture output from the hydrogen side of the electrolytic reactor 11 can selectively enter the corresponding hydrogen separator tank 28, or enter the corresponding electrolytic reactor hydrogen collection pipeline 37 to participate in combined operation.

[0042] This invention provides a compact, wide-range, scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system, comprising several compact photovoltaic hydrogen production modules. Each module is arranged in a top-to-bottom configuration, allowing for flexible assembly and disassembly of multiple modules, expanding from watt-level to megawatt-level. The photovoltaic modules are also divided into multiple groups, each equipped with an adaptive irradiance system that rotates automatically according to the irradiance of the light source. Multiple modules can achieve stepped irradiance adaptive adjustment, maximizing solar energy absorption by adjusting to the irradiance fluctuations.

[0043] This invention provides a control method for a compact, wide-range, power-expandable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system: by controlling a single set of circulating water four-way valve 5 / a single electrolysis reactor oxygen outlet manifold four-way valve 15 / a single electrolysis reactor hydrogen outlet manifold four-way valve 16, multiple sets of compact photovoltaic hydrogen production modules can be controlled to operate individually or in parallel, achieving both low-load single-set adjustment and multi-set synchronous wide-range adjustment.

[0044] This invention provides a control method for a compact, wide-range, power-scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. During single-unit operation, the specific control method includes: pure water in the buffer tank 1 is pumped by the makeup water pump 2 to the circulating water main pipe 41 before the circulating water pump, and then divided into multiple single-unit circulating water pipelines 4. The pure water is then pumped by the circulating water pump 3 to the P port of the single-unit circulating water four-way valve 5. By controlling the single-unit circulating water four-way valve 5, the pure water can be controlled to be transmitted through the A port to the single-unit circulating water single-operation pipeline 6, or through the B port to the circulating water main pipe 40 before the electrolysis reactor, or circulated through the T port during drainage. The wastewater discharge pipe 8 discharges into the circulating water collection and discharge pipe 42, which then branches into multiple single-group circulating water combined operation pipes 7 via the circulating water collection pipe 40 before the electrolytic reactor. Pure water from the electrolytic reactor is either transported to the electrolytic reactor 11 via a single-group circulating water single operation pipe 6 or via multiple single-group circulating water combined operation pipes 7. The generated oxygen is transported from the single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet main pipe 13 to port P of the single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet main pipe four-way valve 15. Through the single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet main pipe four-way valve 15, hydrogen can be controlled to be output separately through port A of the single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet single operation pipe 20 into the oxygen separator 27, or... The oxygen collection pipeline 37 of the B-port electrolytic reactor branches into the average multi-channel single-electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet combined operation pipeline 19, which delivers oxygen to the oxygen separator tank 27. The separated oxygen passes through the oxygen separator outlet hydrogen pipeline 31 and is collected at the oxygen outlet collection pipeline 34, where hydrogen is output. The circulating water separated by the oxygen separator tank 27 passes through the oxygen separator circulating water outlet pipeline 29 and is collected at the oxygen separator outlet circulating water pipeline 36, returning to the circulating water collection pipeline 41 before the circulating water pump. The generated hydrogen is delivered from the single-electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet main pipeline 14 to the P port of the single-electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet main pipeline four-way valve 16, and passes through the single-electrolytic reactor The four-way valve 16 of the hydrogen outlet main pipe can control the output of hydrogen to the hydrogen separator tank 28 through the single-operation pipeline 21 of the single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet at port A, or through the hydrogen collection pipeline 38 of the electrolytic reactor at port B, which branches into the average multi-channel single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet combined operation pipeline 22, and delivers it to the hydrogen separator tank 28. The separated hydrogen passes through the hydrogen separator outlet hydrogen pipeline 32 and is collected to the hydrogen outlet collection pipeline 33 for output. The circulating water separated by the hydrogen separator tank 28 passes through the hydrogen separator tank circulating water condensation pipeline 30 and is collected to the hydrogen separator tank outlet circulating water pipeline 35, returning to the buffer water tank 1.

[0045] In one specific embodiment, the switching manifold unit is a four-way valve synchronous actuator; the working process of the four-way valve control combination structure is as follows: multiple single-group circulating water four-way valves 5 / single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet manifold four-way valve 15 / single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet manifold four-way valve 16 are combined into a four-way valve group, which is synchronously driven by the same four-way valve synchronous actuator to switch the positions of the single-group circulating water four-way valve 5 / single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet manifold four-way valve 15 / single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet manifold four-way valve 16, connecting the pipes. When the four-way valve is in position 1, port P is connected to port A and port B is connected to port T. When the four-way valve is in position 2, port P is connected to port B and port A is connected to port T. The same four-way valve synchronous driver synchronously switches the positions of a single set of circulating water four-way valve 5 / a single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet main pipe four-way valve 15 / a single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet main pipe four-way valve 16, realizing the parallel switching of multiple four-way valves, avoiding the asynchronous phenomenon caused by the delay of switching multiple pipelines, and reducing the driving source and simplifying the driving system.

[0046] This invention proposes a standard module matching method for photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production with wide-range power expansion. It decomposes the photovoltaic power generation and electrolysis hydrogen production system into standardized independent modules, supporting independent operation of a single module and collaborative work of multiple modules in series and parallel. Simultaneously, by combining a four-way valve control combination structure and a synchronous linkage technology for the main drive, it integrates the four-way switching valves for water and gas paths, achieving precise switching of multiple media through a single valve. These valves are then centrally connected to the main drive mechanism via a multi-module four-way valve drive bracket, achieving synchronous drive control of the same media. This method coordinates the operating status of multiple water and gas paths, enabling synchronous linkage and smooth, lag-free switching of each module's operating conditions. Furthermore, the photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production standard module adopts… By employing a vertically functional hierarchical layout and standardized framework splicing and integration technology, single modules are arranged hierarchically from top to bottom according to the functional units of electricity, gas, and water, fully exploring the value of three-dimensional space and effectively improving the integration of equipment. The standardized framework between multiple modules is assembled left and right, and the unified universal interface for electricity, gas, and water simplifies the on-site assembly process, supports batch assembly and flexible expansion, and the functional zoning is neat and intuitive. This significantly reduces the difficulty of inspection and monitoring, parameter debugging, fault diagnosis and maintenance, and reduces downtime for maintenance. It also improves the adaptability and compatibility of photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production systems in multiple scenarios, providing reliable technical support for the large-scale promotion and application of new energy power coupled hydrogen production technology in multiple fields.

[0047] This invention provides a compact, wide-range, power-scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. A single photovoltaic module (PV12) and a compact photovoltaic hydrogen production module achieve equal power matching to form an independent module. Alternatively, each module can operate independently, or multiple modules can be connected in series and parallel, enabling free combination and flexible expansion of modules. This overcomes the challenges of traditional photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production systems' rated power design and poor adaptability, achieving a tiered and flexible expansion from watt-level to megawatt-level power to meet hydrogen production needs in various scenarios.

[0048] This invention provides a compact, wide-range, power-scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. Each module of the photovoltaic power generation system consists of multiple individual photovoltaic cells (PV cells 12) of equal power. Each module is matched with a compact photovoltaic hydrogen production unit module, and each individual PV cell 12 of equal power can rotate automatically according to the solar trajectory and irradiance through a photovoltaic shaft with an adaptive angle. Simultaneously, different photovoltaic modules of equal power achieve step-wise adaptive adjustment according to the solar trajectory and irradiance, raising and lowering the individual PV cells 12 via a photovoltaic lifting rod to maximize solar energy absorption and improve photoelectric conversion efficiency. At the same time, the compact photovoltaic hydrogen production unit module combines real-time dynamic changes in photovoltaic irradiance to predict the actual characteristics of photovoltaic output in advance, accurately predict the real-time dynamic coupling and matching relationship between photovoltaic power generation output and the power demand of the compact photovoltaic hydrogen production unit module itself. Based on the light tracking adaptive adjustment strategy and power prediction collaborative control logic, a linkage control mechanism between the photovoltaic power generation system and the electrolysis hydrogen production subsystem is constructed to achieve dynamic collaborative operation of photovoltaic power generation and electrolysis hydrogen production under all operating conditions, achieving optimal adaptive control of system operating conditions.

[0049] This invention provides a compact, wide-range, power-expandable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. It employs a four-way valve control combination structure, integrating the four shut-off valves for the original water / gas path switching into a single set of circulating water four-way valve 5, a single electrolysis reactor oxygen outlet main pipe four-way valve 15, and a single electrolysis reactor hydrogen outlet main pipe four-way valve 16. This achieves one valve for four-way switching of the water / gas pipeline, enabling one inlet and two outlets or two inlets and one outlet switching. The other outlet serves as a vent or drain port for the switched pipeline. This solves the problem of numerous shut-off valves and delayed switching in multiple water / gas pipelines caused by the series and parallel connection of multiple compact photovoltaic hydrogen production modules, ensuring a smooth transition between water / gas paths between multiple modules.

[0050] This invention provides a compact, wide-range, power-scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. It synchronously drives four-way valves between different compact photovoltaic hydrogen production modules using a single actuator, enabling simultaneous water / gas operation of multiple modules. This precisely coordinates the operating conditions of multiple water and gas paths within the hydrogen production system, achieving synchronous linkage, orderly switching, and precise control at each control point. This ensures stable water / gas pipeline delivery and seamless switching between operating conditions, effectively improving the control accuracy, response speed, and long-term operational stability of the entire photovoltaic hydrogen production system.

[0051] Please see Figure 2As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a compact, wide-range, power-expandable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system. Each photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production module is arranged hierarchically from top to bottom according to its internal functions, consisting of a separate photovoltaic unit 12, a hydrogen / oxygen collection skid 50, an electrolysis reactor 11, a circulating water collection skid 49, and auxiliary components. This fully utilizes vertical space, standardizes the electrical, gas, and water interfaces of each photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production module, and adopts a frame-type left-right assembly structure to achieve module integration and installation, simplifying on-site connection and construction processes. It supports batch assembly, convenient operation and maintenance, and flexible system expansion, not only improving the overall integration of the equipment but also enhancing its adaptability to various scenarios and operating conditions. In one specific embodiment, the hydrogen / oxygen collection skid 50 mainly consists of an oxygen separator 27, a hydrogen separator 28, a single electrolysis reactor oxygen outlet main pipe four-way valve 15, a single electrolysis reactor hydrogen outlet main pipe four-way valve 16, and corresponding pipelines and manual valves; the circulating water collection skid 49 mainly consists of a circulating water pump 3, a single set of circulating water four-way valves 5, and corresponding pipelines and manual valves.

[0052] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system, characterized in that, include: Water supply circulation unit, several photovoltaic hydrogen production modules and switching combiner unit; The water supply and circulation unit is used to supply circulating water to each photovoltaic hydrogen production module. Each photovoltaic hydrogen production module includes an electrolytic reactor (11), a separate photovoltaic unit (12), and a gas-liquid separation and recovery unit. The electrolytic reactor (11) is used to electrolyze the circulating water provided by the water supply circulation unit using the electrical energy generated by the separate photovoltaic unit (12). The gas-liquid separation and recovery unit includes an oxygen separator (27) and a hydrogen separator (28). The oxygen separator (27) and the hydrogen separator (28) are used to separate the oxygen-side gas-liquid mixture and the hydrogen-side gas-liquid mixture output by the electrolytic reactor (11) and return the separated liquid to the water supply circulation unit. The switching combiner unit is used to switch the photovoltaic hydrogen production single module between a single independent operation state and a multi-group combined operation state.

2. The compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water supply circulation unit includes a buffer tank (1) and a water replenishment pump (2); the outlet of the buffer tank (1) is connected to each of the photovoltaic hydrogen production modules through the water replenishment pump (2) to supply circulating water to each photovoltaic hydrogen production module; the liquid separated from each of the photovoltaic hydrogen production modules is connected to the inlet of the buffer tank (1) through a circulating water pipeline.

3. The compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the photovoltaic hydrogen production modules is provided with a switching manifold unit; the switching manifold unit includes a single circulating water four-way valve (5), a single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet manifold four-way valve (15), and a single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet manifold four-way valve (16). The water supply circulation unit is connected to the P port of the single-group circulating water four-way valve (5) through a single-group circulating water pipeline (4). The T port of the single-group circulating water four-way valve (5) is connected to the circulating water collection and drainage pipe (42) through the circulating water drainage pipeline (8). The circulating water inlet of the electrolytic reactor (11) is connected to the A port of the single-group circulating water four-way valve (5) through a single-group circulating water single-operation pipeline (6). The circulating water inlet of the electrolytic reactor (11) is also connected to the circulating water collection pipe (40) in front of the electrolytic reactor through a single-group circulating water combined operation pipeline (7). The circulating water collection pipe (40) in front of the electrolytic reactor is connected to the B port of each single-group circulating water four-way valve (5). The oxygen-side gas-liquid mixture outlet of the electrolytic reactor (11) is connected to the P port of the single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet manifold four-way valve (15) through the single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet manifold (13); the hydrogen-side gas-liquid mixture outlet of the electrolytic reactor (11) is connected to the P port of the single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet manifold four-way valve (16) through the single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet manifold (14). The T port of the four-way valve (15) of the oxygen outlet main pipe of the single electrolytic reactor and the T port of the four-way valve (16) of the hydrogen outlet main pipe of the single electrolytic reactor are both connected to the sewage collection pipe (39) of the hydrogen-oxygen four-way valve. Port A of the single-electrolysis reactor oxygen outlet main pipe four-way valve (15) is connected to the inlet of the oxygen separator (27) through the single-electrolysis reactor oxygen outlet single operation pipeline (20); Port B of the single-electrolysis reactor oxygen outlet main pipe four-way valve (15) is connected to the inlet of the oxygen separator (27) through the single-electrolysis reactor oxygen outlet combined operation pipeline (19). Port A of the single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet manifold four-way valve (16) is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen separator (28) through the single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet single operation pipeline (21); Port B of the single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet manifold four-way valve (16) is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen separator (28) through the single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet combined operation pipeline (22).

4. A compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet combined operation pipeline (19) is connected to the electrolytic reactor oxygen collection pipeline (37); each single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet combined operation pipeline (22) is connected to the electrolytic reactor hydrogen collection pipeline (38).

5. A compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The single-group circulating water single-operation pipeline (6) is equipped with a single-group circulating water single-operation pipeline valve (9); The single-group circulating water combined operation pipeline (7) is equipped with a single-group circulating water combined operation pipeline valve (10); The single-reactor oxygen outlet single-operation pipeline (20) is equipped with a single-reactor oxygen outlet single-operation pipeline valve (24). The single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet combined operation pipeline (19) is equipped with a single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet single operation pipeline valve (23). The single-electrolysis reactor hydrogen outlet single-operation pipeline (21) is equipped with a single-electrolysis reactor hydrogen outlet single-operation pipeline valve (25). The single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet combined operation pipeline (22) is equipped with a single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet single operation pipeline valve (26).

6. A compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the photovoltaic hydrogen production modules also includes a circulating water pump (3); the inlet of the circulating water pump (3) is connected to the outlet of the water replenishment pump (2), and the outlet of the circulating water pump (3) is connected to the P port of the single circulating water four-way valve (5) through the single circulating water pipeline (4).

7. A compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The circulating water outlet at the bottom of each hydrogen separator (28) is connected to the circulating water pipeline (35) at the outlet of the hydrogen separator; the circulating water pipeline (35) at the outlet of the hydrogen separator is connected to the inlet of the buffer water tank (1); The circulating water outlet at the bottom of each oxygen separator (27) is connected to the oxygen separator outlet circulating water pipeline (36); the oxygen separator outlet circulating water pipeline (36) is connected to the outlet of the water replenishment pump (2) and the inlet of the circulating water pump (3) of each photovoltaic hydrogen production module.

8. A compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The structure of the photovoltaic hydrogen production single module is arranged compactly from top to bottom; the top is a single photovoltaic (12); an electrolytic reactor (11) is set below the single photovoltaic (12); the single photovoltaic (12) is equipped with a solar tracking system for tracking light.

9. A compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a four-way valve synchronous driver; the four-way valve synchronous driver is connected to the single-set circulating water four-way valve (5), the single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet manifold four-way valve (15) and the single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet manifold four-way valve (16) of each switching manifold unit, and is used to drive the single-set circulating water four-way valve (5), the single electrolytic reactor oxygen outlet manifold four-way valve (15) and the single electrolytic reactor hydrogen outlet manifold four-way valve (16) of each switching manifold unit to switch synchronously.

10. A control method for a compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system, characterized in that, A compact, wide-range power scalable photovoltaic electrolysis hydrogen production system based on any one of claims 1 to 9; the control method includes: controlling the switching combiner unit to enable the photovoltaic hydrogen production single module to operate independently or in combination.

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