Water electrolysis hydrogen production system
By adding solar collectors and heat exchangers to the electrolytic water hydrogen production system, the electrolyte solution is controlled in temperature, which solves the problem of long cold start time of the electrolyte cell caused by the electrolyte cooling and improves the electrolytic efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421316725.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-06-11
AI Technical Summary
The electrolyte cools down during the electrolytic gun stops operation, resulting in a long cold start time of the electrolytic tank, affecting the electrolytic efficiency.
An electrolytic water hydrogen production system was designed, a solar heat collector was added, and the electrolyte in the electrolyte tank was controlled through a heat exchanger to ensure that the electrolyte remained within a certain temperature range during the interruption of the renewable energy power supply.
By maintaining the temperature of the electrolyte, the cold start time of the electrolyte cell is reduced and the electrolytic efficiency is improved.
Smart Images
Figure CN222594026U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of electrolytic hydrogen production, and in particular to a water electrolytic hydrogen production system. Background Art
[0002] As fossil fuels are gradually depleted, resource demands increase, and energy security and climate change become increasingly prominent, the development of low-cost, environmentally friendly, pollution-free, efficient, and sustainable clean energy has become a research hotspot. Among many energy systems, hydrogen energy has attracted much attention due to its advantages such as high thermal efficiency, high energy density, environmental friendliness (zero emissions at room temperature), and good sustainability.
[0003] The electrolyzer is the core component of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system and usually needs to operate at high temperatures. However, for the unstable power input of fluctuating renewable energy, such as new energy sources such as wind power and photovoltaic power, it is difficult to maintain stable and continuous power generation due to the influence of natural factors such as wind strength and changes in sunlight illumination, which makes the electrolyzer face continuous start-stop conditions in actual operation. For example, when the electrolyzer stops producing hydrogen at night, no heat is generated in the system, and the electrolyte cools naturally. After the electrolyte cools down, its conductivity decreases, resulting in the electrolyzer taking a long time to heat up to the rated operating temperature when it is started again, thereby affecting the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolyzer. Utility Model Content
[0004] The problem solved by the utility model is that the electrolyte temperature drops during the electrolytic cell stopping operation, resulting in a long cold start time of the electrolytic cell, which affects the electrolysis efficiency.
[0005] To solve the above problems, the utility model provides a water electrolysis hydrogen production system, comprising: a renewable energy power supply, an electrolyzer, a solar thermal collector, a heat exchanger and an electrolyte tank, wherein the renewable energy power supply is electrically connected to the electrolyzer, the solar thermal collector is connected to the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger is connected to the electrolyte tank, and the electrolyte tank is connected to the electrolyzer.
[0006] Optionally, the electrolyte tank comprises a shell and a tank body disposed in the shell, the tank body is used to contain the electrolyte, and a channel for heat exchange medium to flow is formed between the inner wall of the shell and the outer wall of the tank body.
[0007] Optionally, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system further includes an electric heating component, which is disposed in the tank body and is used to electrically heat the electrolyte in the tank body.
[0008] Optionally, the electric heating component includes a heating chamber and a heating tube, the heating chamber is arranged in the tank body, and the heating tube is arranged in the heating chamber.
[0009] Optionally, the heating chamber is annularly arranged in the tank body, and the heating tubes are evenly distributed in the heating chamber.
[0010] Optionally, the renewable energy power source is electrically connected to the electrolytic cell and the electric heating component respectively.
[0011] Optionally, the renewable energy power source includes a wind power generation system, the wind power generation system includes a wind power pile, and the solar thermal collector is arranged on the wind power pile.
[0012] Optionally, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system also includes a first circulation pipeline, a second circulation pipeline and a third circulation pipeline. The solar collector is connected to the heat exchanger through the first circulation pipeline, the heat exchanger is connected to the electrolyte tank through the second circulation pipeline, and the electrolyte tank is connected to the electrolytic cell through the third circulation pipeline.
[0013] Optionally, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system further includes a control valve, and the first circulation pipeline, the second circulation pipeline and the third circulation pipeline are all provided with the control valve.
[0014] Optionally, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system further includes a temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor is disposed in both the heat exchanger and the electrolytic cell.
[0015] The beneficial effects of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system of the utility model are:
[0016] The water electrolysis hydrogen production system of the utility model is equipped with a solar collector, and the temperature of the electrolyte in the electrolyte tank is controlled by a heat exchanger, so as to avoid the temperature drop of the electrolyte in the electrolyte tank and the long-term heating operation when the electrolytic cell is restarted, thereby reducing the cold start time of the electrolytic cell and improving the electrolysis efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system in the embodiment of the utility model;
[0018] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system in the embodiment of the utility model.
[0019] Description of reference numerals:
[0020] 10. Renewable energy power source; 20. Electrolyzer; 30. Solar collector; 40. Heat exchanger; 50. Electrolyte tank; 60. Electric heating assembly; 70. Purification device; 80. Hydrogen storage device; 90. Temperature monitoring and control system; 101. Wind power pile; 501. Shell; 502. Tank body; 1. First valve; 2. Second valve; 3. Third valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the utility model more obvious and easy to understand, the specific embodiments of the utility model are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Although some embodiments of the utility model are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the utility model can be implemented in various forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described here. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to more thoroughly and completely understand the utility model. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of the utility model are only for exemplary purposes and are not used to limit the scope of protection of the utility model.
[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific implementation methods and are not intended to limit this application;
[0023] The term "including" and its variations used in this article are open inclusions, that is, "including but not limited to"; the term "based on" is "based at least in part on"; the term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one other embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments"; the term "optionally" means "optional embodiments". The relevant definitions of other terms will be given in the following description. It should be noted that the concepts of "first" and "second" mentioned in the utility model are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order or a primary and secondary relationship. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more.
[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, a water electrolysis hydrogen production system provided by an embodiment of the utility model includes: a renewable energy power supply 10, an electrolyzer 20, a solar thermal collector 30, a heat exchanger 40 and an electrolyte tank 50, wherein the renewable energy power supply 10 is electrically connected to the electrolyzer 20, the solar thermal collector 30 is connected to the heat exchanger 40, the heat exchanger 40 is connected to the electrolyte tank 50, and the electrolyte tank 50 is connected to the electrolyzer 20.
[0025] The water electrolysis hydrogen production system of this embodiment is powered by a renewable energy power supply 10, and electrolyzes water to produce hydrogen and oxygen. At the same time, the system also adds a solar collector 30. The solar collector 30 is a device that uses the heat of solar energy to heat the working fluid. It is usually composed of a collecting plate. The absorber on the collecting plate absorbs sunlight and converts it into thermal energy. In this process, the working fluid is heated. The working fluid is generally water or air. The heated working fluid enters the heat exchanger 40 and exchanges heat with the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger 40. The working fluid, which originally had a relatively high temperature, has its temperature lowered after the heat exchange and returns to the solar collector 30 to continue to be heated by the heat energy converted from the absorbed solar energy. The heat exchange medium, which originally had a relatively low temperature in the heat exchanger 40, has its temperature increased after the heat exchange and enters the electrolyte tank 50 to exchange heat with the electrolyte in the electrolyte tank 50. The electrolyte absorbs the heat of the heat exchange medium after the temperature has increased and its temperature increases. This can prevent the electrolyte temperature from dropping during the interruption of the renewable energy power source 10, keep the electrolyte within a certain temperature range, ensure that the electrolytic cell 20 is always at the rated operating temperature, and when the power supply of the renewable energy power source 10 is restored, the cold start time of the electrolytic cell 20 can be reduced, thereby improving the electrolysis efficiency.
[0026] The water electrolysis hydrogen production system of the present embodiment is additionally provided with a solar collector 30, and the temperature of the electrolyte in the electrolyte tank 50 is controlled by a heat exchanger 40, so as to avoid a drop in the temperature of the electrolyte in the electrolyte tank 50 and the resulting long-term heating operation when the electrolytic cell 20 is restarted, thereby reducing the cold start time of the electrolytic cell 20 and improving the electrolysis efficiency.
[0027] Among them, renewable energy includes various forms such as wind energy, hydropower, solar energy, bioenergy, tidal energy, geothermal energy and wave energy. Accordingly, the renewable energy power supply 10 includes one or more of a wind power generation system, a hydropower generation system, a solar power generation system, a biofuel power generation system, a tidal power generation system, a geothermal power generation system and a wave power generation system.
[0028] Alternatively, if Figure 2 As shown, the renewable energy power source 10 includes a wind power generation system, the wind power generation system includes a wind power pile 101 , and the solar thermal collector 30 is arranged on the wind power pile 101 .
[0029] Specifically, the wind power generation system includes a wind power pile 101. It can be understood that the wind power pile 101 includes a foundation structure, a tower, a cabin, an impeller, etc. The foundation structure is a part buried in the ground for supporting the entire wind turbine set. The impeller is also called a wind turbine blade. The rotation of the blade drives the wind turbine impeller to rotate and generate electricity. The cabin is installed on the top of the tower, and contains a generator, a gearbox, a control system and other equipment. The tower is a supporting structure connecting the wind turbine blades and the cabin, and the solar collector 30 can be installed on the tower.
[0030] In this optional embodiment, the solar collector 30 is installed on the wind power pile 101 to achieve dual utilization of solar energy and wind energy, while saving space, making full use of land resources, and maximizing energy utilization.
[0031] Optionally, the electrolyte tank 50 includes a shell 501 and a tank body 502 disposed in the shell 501 , the tank body 502 is used to contain electrolyte, and a channel for heat exchange medium to flow is formed between the inner wall of the shell 501 and the outer wall of the tank body 502 .
[0032] Specifically, Figure 2 As shown, the electrolyte is stored in the tank body 502, and the channel is used for circulating the heat exchange medium. It can be understood that the connection between the heat exchanger 40 and the electrolyte tank 50 should refer to the connection with the channel of the electrolyte tank 50, so that the heat exchange medium can circulate in the heat exchanger 40 and the channel, thereby utilizing the heat exchange between the heat exchange medium in the channel and the electrolyte in the tank body 502 to achieve temperature control of the electrolyte.
[0033] In this optional embodiment, by configuring the electrolyte tank 50 to have a double-layer structure consisting of a tank body 502 and a shell 501 , a channel between the tank body 502 and the shell 501 forms a heat-insulating layer, thereby achieving heat preservation of the electrolyte.
[0034] Optionally, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system further includes an electric heating component 60 , which is disposed in the tank body 502 and is used to electrically heat the electrolyte in the tank body 502 .
[0035] like Figure 2As shown, in this optional embodiment, an electric heating component 60 is provided in the tank body 502, and the electrolyte can be directly heated. It can be understood that the temperature of the electrolyte can be adjusted by heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the electrolyte. However, since the heat of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger 40 comes from the solar collector 30, and the solar collector 30 may be affected by natural factors such as weather, and there is an unstable heat collection situation, therefore, in order to ensure that the temperature of the electrolyte can always be adjusted, an electric heating component 60 can be added to the tank body 502, and the temperature of the electrolyte can be controlled in conjunction with the solar collector 30, so as to avoid the cooling of the electrolyte caused by the unstable heating of the solar collector 30, thereby increasing the cold start time of the electrolytic cell 20.
[0036] Optionally, the electric heating component 60 includes a heating chamber and a heating tube, the heating chamber is arranged in the tank body 502, and the heating tube is arranged in the heating chamber.
[0037] In this optional embodiment, the heating tube is arranged in the heating chamber to isolate the electrolyte and prevent the electrolyte from corroding the heating tube.
[0038] Optionally, the heating chamber is annularly arranged in the tank body 502, and the heating tubes are evenly distributed in the heating chamber.
[0039] In this optional embodiment, the heating chamber is arranged in a ring shape along the tank body 502, and the heating tubes are evenly distributed to achieve uniform heating of the electrolyte.
[0040] Optionally, the heating tube comprises a resistance wire.
[0041] Resistance wire heating is a method of heating the electrolyte solution by transferring electrical energy to the resistance wire to make the resistance wire heat up. In some embodiments, the resistance wire can be directly extended into the alkali solution and directly contacted with the alkali solution, thereby quickly heating the alkali solution. However, in order to avoid the adverse effects of the resistance wire affecting the movement of conductive ions and the alkali solution corroding the resistance wire caused by the direct contact between the resistance wire and the alkali solution, it is preferred to set a heating chamber in the tank body 502, and place the resistance wire in the heating chamber so that the resistance wire does not contact the electrolyte. It should be understood that the heating chamber should be made of a material with good thermal conductivity.
[0042] Optionally, the renewable energy power source 10 is electrically connected to the electrolytic cell 20 and the electric heating component 60 respectively.
[0043] In this optional embodiment, the electric energy generated by the renewable energy power source 10 is mainly used to power the electrolytic cell 20, and another part is electrically connected to the electric heating component 60 to power the electric heating component 60 and convert the electric energy into heat energy to compensate for the heat loss of the tank 502 containing the electrolytic cell.
[0044] Optionally, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system also includes a first circulation pipeline, a second circulation pipeline and a third circulation pipeline. The solar collector 30 is connected to the heat exchanger 40 through the first circulation pipeline, the heat exchanger 40 is connected to the electrolyte tank 50 through the second circulation pipeline, and the electrolyte tank 50 is connected to the electrolytic cell 20 through the third circulation pipeline.
[0045] In this optional embodiment, by connecting the first circulation pipeline between the solar collector 30 and the heat exchanger 40, the working fluid after absorbing heat in the solar collector 30 can exchange heat with the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger 40, so that the electrolyte in the heat preservation electrolyte tank 50 is heated by the heat exchange medium, and the working fluid after cooling returns to the solar collector 30 again, and the cycle is carried out, so as to use solar energy to heat and keep the electrolyte. Similarly, the heat exchanger 40 and the electrolyte tank 50 are connected through the second circulation pipeline, and the circulation of the heat exchange medium is used to heat and keep the electrolyte. The electrolyte tank 50 and the electrolytic cell 20 are connected through the third circulation pipeline, so as to provide the electrolytic cell 20 with an electrolyte that meets the temperature requirements, so that the electrolytic cell 20 is always at the rated operating temperature, shortening its cold start time, thereby improving the electrolysis efficiency.
[0046] In at least one optional embodiment, the first circulation pipeline includes a first pipeline and a second pipeline, the first pipeline is used to introduce the working fluid after absorbing heat in the solar collector 30 into the heat exchanger 40, and the second pipeline is used to return the working fluid after heat exchange with the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger 40 to the solar collector 30.
[0047] In at least one optional embodiment, the second circulation pipeline includes a third pipeline and a fourth pipeline, the third pipeline is used to introduce the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger 40 into the electrolyte tank 50, and the fourth pipeline is used to return the heat exchange medium after heat exchange with the electrolyte in the electrolyte tank 50 to the heat exchanger 40.
[0048] In at least one optional embodiment, an inlet and an outlet are provided on a side wall of the shell 501 of the electrolyte tank 50, the inlet is used to communicate with the third tube, and the outlet is used to communicate with the fourth tube.
[0049] In at least one optional embodiment, the third circulation pipeline includes a fifth tube and a sixth tube, the fifth tube is used to transport electrolyte from the electrolyte tank 50 to the electrolytic cell 20, and the sixth tube is used to recover the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 20 to the electrolyte tank 50.
[0050] Optionally, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system further includes a control valve, and the first circulation pipeline, the second circulation pipeline and the third circulation pipeline are all provided with the control valve.
[0051] In this optional embodiment, the opening of the first circulation pipeline, the second circulation pipeline and the third circulation pipeline is controlled by control valves, and the flow rate of the fluid in the pipeline is adjusted.
[0052] In at least one optional embodiment, the control valve includes a first valve 1, which is arranged on the first pipeline, and the first valve 1 is used to control whether the working fluid flows into the heat exchanger 40 and the flow rate of the working fluid flowing into the heat exchanger 40.
[0053] In at least one optional embodiment, the control valve includes a second valve 2, which is arranged on the third pipeline, and the second valve 2 is used to control whether the heat exchange medium flows into the electrolyte and the flow rate of the heat exchange medium flowing into the electrolyte tank 50.
[0054] In at least one optional embodiment, the control valve includes a third valve 3 , which is disposed on the fifth tube, and is used to control the liquid supply and flow regulation of the electrolyte tank 50 .
[0055] Optionally, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system further includes a temperature sensor, and the heat exchanger 40 or the electrolyte tank 50 is provided with the temperature sensor.
[0056] In this optional embodiment, the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger 40 is detected by a temperature sensor, and the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchange medium and the electrolyte can be used to determine whether the electrolyte temperature in the electrolyte tank 50 meets the set requirements. If so, the first valve 1 can be adjusted, for example, by reducing the opening of the first valve 1. If not, the opening of the first valve 1 can be increased to increase heat exchange.
[0057] In this optional embodiment, a temperature sensor may be directly disposed in the electrolyte tank 50 to directly detect the temperature of the electrolyte, and the opening of the second valve 2 may be adjusted accordingly so that the temperature of the electrolyte can be maintained within a suitable range.
[0058] Optionally, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system further includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the control valve and the temperature sensor, and is used to control the opening and opening degree of the control valve according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. Thus, the regulation efficiency of the system is improved. It is understood that the opening degree of the control valve can also be manually adjusted according to the value of the temperature sensor read.
[0059] Optionally, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system further includes a temperature monitoring and control system 90 ( Figure 2The electrolytic water hydrogen production system further includes a purification device 70 and a hydrogen storage device 80. The purification device 70 is used to purify the hydrogen produced by electrolytic water, and the hydrogen storage device 80 is used to store hydrogen. This part of the content belongs to the prior art and will not be repeated here.
[0060] The working principle of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system of the utility model is as follows:
[0061] The solar collector 30 absorbs solar energy and converts it into heat, which is brought into the heat exchanger 40 through the working fluid. The working fluid with increased temperature exchanges heat with the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger 40. The heat exchange medium with increased temperature exchanges heat with the electrolyte in the electrolyte tank 50. The electrolyte absorbs heat and its temperature increases, thereby achieving heating and insulation of the electrolyte.
[0062] Exemplarily, after the electrolyzer 20 stops producing hydrogen at night, the heat collected by the solar collector 30 during the day is used to heat the electrolyte through the heat exchanger 40. If it is detected that the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger 40 is too high, or the temperature of the electrolyte in the electrolyte tank 50 is too high, in short, when it is judged that the electrolyte temperature after heat exchange exceeds the required range, the opening of the first valve 1 or the second valve 2 is adjusted, such as closing the first valve 1 or the second valve 2, or reducing the opening of the first valve 1 or the second valve 2. Otherwise (that is, when the electrolyte temperature after heat exchange does not reach the required range), the opening of the first valve 1 or the second valve 2 is increased. If necessary (for example, it is cloudy during the day, the heat of the working fluid in the solar collector 30 is insufficient, and heat exchange alone is not enough to keep the electrolyte within a suitable temperature range), the electric heating component 60 can also be turned on to heat the electrolyte by combining circulating heat exchange and electric heating. Thus, the electrolyte is maintained within a suitable temperature range, so that when the electrolytic cell 20 is restarted, the electrolyte having a certain temperature is supplied from the electrolyte tank 50, thereby reducing the cold start time of the electrolytic cell 20.
[0063] Although the utility model is disclosed as above, the protection scope of the utility model is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the utility model, and these changes and modifications will fall within the protection scope of the utility model.
Claims
1. A water electrolysis hydrogen production system, characterized in that: include: A renewable energy power source (10), an electrolytic cell (20), a solar thermal collector (30), a heat exchanger (40) and an electrolyte tank (50), wherein the renewable energy power source (10) is electrically connected to the electrolytic cell (20), the solar thermal collector (30) is in communication with the heat exchanger (40), the heat exchanger (40) is in communication with the electrolyte tank (50), and the electrolyte tank (50) is in communication with the electrolytic cell (20).
2. The water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolyte tank (50) comprises a shell (501) and a tank body (502) arranged in the shell (501); the tank body (502) is used to contain electrolyte; and a channel for heat exchange medium to flow is formed between the inner wall of the shell (501) and the outer wall of the tank body (502).
3. The water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes an electric heating component (60), which is arranged in the tank body (502) and is used to electrically heat the electrolyte in the tank body (502).
4. The water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The electric heating component (60) comprises a heating chamber and a heating tube, the heating chamber is arranged in the tank body (502), and the heating tube is arranged in the heating chamber.
5. The water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heating chamber is arranged in an annular shape inside the tank body (502), and the heating tubes are evenly distributed inside the heating chamber.
6. The water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The renewable energy power source (10) is electrically connected to the electrolytic cell (20) and the electric heating component (60) respectively.
7. The water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The renewable energy power source (10) comprises a wind power generation system, the wind power generation system comprises a wind power pile (101), and the solar thermal collector (30) is arranged on the wind power pile (101).
8. The water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The solar collector (30) is connected to the heat exchanger (40) via the first circulation pipeline, the heat exchanger (40) is connected to the electrolyte tank (50) via the second circulation pipeline, and the electrolyte tank (50) is connected to the electrolytic cell (20) via the third circulation pipeline.
9. The water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a control valve, and the first circulation pipeline, the second circulation pipeline and the third circulation pipeline are all provided with the control valve.
10. The water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a temperature sensor, which is disposed in both the heat exchanger (40) and the electrolytic cell (20).