Test platform for hydrogen production by alkaline electrolysis of water

Abstract

The utility model discloses a test platform for hydrogen production by alkaline electrolysis of water, which belongs to the field of hydrogen production by electrolysis of water and comprises an electrolytic bath, a gas-liquid separation device, a rectification power supply, a water replenishing and alkali preparing device, a water chilling unit and a control system. Operation performance indexes of a large-scale electrolytic cell prototype and a hydrogen production system are obtained, operation data of the hydrogen production system are analyzed, the optimal operation condition is explored, and reference is provided for optimization design and large-scale application of the large-scale electrolytic cell and the hydrogen production system by simulating the industrial operation state of the large-scale electrolytic cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of hydrogen production by water electrolysis, and particularly relates to a test platform for hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis. Background Art

[0002] At present, the manufacturing cost of high-power alkaline electrolyzers is high and the cycle is long. There is still a lack of actual operating data on site for various performance indicators, which restricts the development of alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production technology. Prior art document 1 (CN216039841U) discloses an electrolytic hydrogen production system with heat storage, wherein the electrolytic hydrogen production system includes an electrolyzer, a gas-liquid separator, a gas cooler, an electrolyte heat exchanger, a circulating cooling system and a heat storage system. During the rated load operation stage, the heat generated during the electrolysis process is stored in the heat storage system. After the hydrogen production system is started again, the heat storage system releases heat to the electrolyte to accelerate the temperature rise of the electrolyte. However, the shortcoming of the prior art document 1 is that a waste heat recovery device is configured, which increases the cost of the hydrogen production system on the one hand, and the rated operating temperature of the hydrogen production system is generally 90°C on the other hand, and the waste heat recovery value is not high. In addition, the technology lacks the conditions for testing electrolyzers and hydrogen production systems with different hydrogen production amounts, and it is impossible to obtain the actual operation data of electrolyzers and hydrogen production systems of various models. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to solve the deficiencies in the prior art, the utility model provides a test platform for hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis, designs and develops a large-scale industrial alkaline electrolyzer, and builds a medium-sized alkaline electrolyzer with the same diameter as the large alkaline electrolyzer by reducing the number of small chambers, and is equipped with a gas-liquid separation device, a rectifier power supply, a water replenishment and alkali preparation device, a chiller and a control system to build an alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production test platform.

[0004] The utility model adopts the following technical solutions.

[0005] A test platform for producing hydrogen by alkaline water electrolysis comprises an electrolytic cell, a water replenishing and alkali preparing device, a rectifier power supply, a gas-liquid separation device, a chiller and a control system.

[0006] The electrolytic cell comprises a first alkaline electrolytic cell and a second alkaline electrolytic cell, wherein the first alkaline electrolytic cell has a larger volume than the second alkaline electrolytic cell;

[0007] The water replenishment and alkali preparation device is connected to the electrolytic cell through the water replenishment pump, alkali solution pipeline and alkali preparation pump, and is used to supply the demineralized water and alkali solution required for the operation of the system;

[0008] The rectifier power supply is connected to the electrolytic cell through a copper busbar and is used to provide the electrolytic cell with the direct current required for electrolyzing the alkali solution;

[0009] A gas-liquid separation device is connected to the electrolytic cell through a gas-liquid pipeline and is used for separating gas from alkali liquid;

[0010] The chiller is connected to the alkali solution cooler through a chilled water pipeline and is used for cooling the circulating alkali solution.

[0011] Preferably, the first alkaline electrolyzer is designed as a positive and negative bipolar filter press structure, and the end pressure plate, conductive plate, pole net, support net, diaphragm, main pole plate, and sealing gasket are clamped and assembled by fastener screws, nuts, and disc springs to form a hydrogen production capacity of 1000Nm 3 / h, oxygen production 500Nm 3 / h electrolytic cell.

[0012] Preferably, the second electrolyzer uses an end pressure plate, a conductive plate, an electrode net, a support net, a diaphragm, a main electrode plate, and a sealing gasket with the same diameter as the first electrolyzer, and is assembled to form a hydrogen production capacity of 30Nm by reducing the number of small chambers in the first electrolyzer. 3 / h, oxygen production 15Nm 3 / h electrolytic cell is located on the left side outside the container.

[0013] Preferably, the desalted water storage capacity of the water replenishment device is 0.4m 3 ~5m 3 .

[0014] Preferably, the alkali solution storage capacity of the alkali preparation device is 0.4m 3 ~5m 3 .

[0015] Preferably, the rectifier power supply uses any one of high-frequency IGBT or thyristor as a semiconductor element to provide 100-800KW direct current for the electrolytic cell.

[0016] Preferably, the gas-liquid separation device includes separation, cooling and droplet capture, and processes 10-200Nm 3 / h of hydrogen produced by the electrolyzer.

[0017] Preferably, the gas-liquid separation device, the rectifier power supply, the water replenishment and alkali preparation device, the chiller, and the control system are arranged in a 20-40 foot container, and the electrolytic cell is located on the left side of the container.

[0018] Preferably, the container is divided into three small chambers A, B and C. The box body is provided with a sandwich insulation material, with a lifting ring position at the top and a channel steel arrangement at the bottom.

[0019] Preferably, an electric control cabinet and a rectifier power supply are placed in chamber A, and a double door is configured; a gas-liquid separation device is placed in chamber B, a position for an electrolytic cell is reserved, and a large double door is configured; a water replenishment and alkali preparation device and a chiller are placed in chamber C, and a double door is configured.

[0020] The beneficial effect of the utility model is that, compared with the prior art, a 1000Nm 3 / h Industrial alkaline electrolyzer with the same diameter of 30Nm 3 / h electrolyzer, build an experimental platform for hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis, and pass the test of 1000Nm 3 / h electrolyzer prototype, obtain the actual operating parameters of the large electrolyzer prototype such as current, voltage, water consumption, load adjustment range, etc., simulate and analyze the industrial operation data of large alkaline electrolyzers, and provide reference for the optimization design and large-scale application of large electrolyzers and hydrogen production systems. In addition, the test platform has a reserved position for medium-sized electrolyzers. By replacing the core components of the electrolyzer, such as electrodes, diaphragms, main plates, and sealing gaskets, the performance of alkaline electrolyzers with different materials and structures is tested, providing data support for the selection of core materials and structural forms of large alkaline electrolyzers, shortening the R&D cycle for the development of alkaline electrolyzers with high power, low power consumption, high dynamic response, and wide load adjustment range, and helping my country's hydrogen energy industry to develop rapidly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a system layout diagram of the alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production test platform of the utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 is the cold start temperature variation curve over time;

[0023] Figure 3 is the curve of hot start temperature changing with time;

[0024] Figure 4 It is the relationship curve between variable load time and current;

[0025] Figure 5 It is the relationship curve between running time and current;

[0026] Figure 6 It is the relationship curve between running time and voltage;

[0027] In the figure, ① electrolytic cell; ② gas-liquid separation device; ③ chiller; ④ water supply pump; ⑤ alkali distribution pump; ⑥ water supply tank; ⑦ alkali tank; ⑧ control cabinet; ⑨ power distribution cabinet; ⑩ rectifier cabinet; Reserved position for electrolytic cell; Closed cycle cooling tower. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the utility model clearer, the technical solution of the utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the utility model. The embodiments described in this application are only part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of them. Based on the spirit of the utility model, other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are all within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the utility model proposes a test platform for alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production test, which takes a large alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer as a prototype and assembles a hydrogen production capacity of 30Nm 3 / h electrolyzer, and build an experimental platform for hydrogen production by alkaline electrolysis of water, including an electrolyzer, a water replenishment and alkali preparation device, a rectifier power supply, a gas-liquid separation device, a chiller and a control system.

[0030] The electrolytic cell includes a first alkaline electrolytic cell and a second electrolytic cell, and uses electrodes to electrolyze electrolyte to produce hydrogen and oxygen;

[0031] The water replenishment and alkali preparation device is connected to the electrolytic cell through the water replenishment pump, alkali solution pipeline and alkali preparation pump, and is used to supply the demineralized water and alkali solution required for the operation of the system;

[0032] The rectifier power supply is connected to the electrolytic cell through a copper busbar and is used to provide the electrolytic cell with the direct current required for electrolyzing the alkali solution;

[0033] A gas-liquid separation device is connected to the electrolytic cell through a gas-liquid pipeline and is used for separating gas from alkali liquid;

[0034] The chiller is connected to the alkali solution cooler through a chilled water pipeline and is used for cooling the circulating alkali solution.

[0035] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the platform also includes a control system, which controls key parameters such as system operating temperature, pressure, alkali solution flow rate, etc. through a PLC control strategy to ensure safe and stable operation of the system.

[0036] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the first alkaline electrolyzer is designed as a positive and negative bipolar filter press structure, and the end pressure plate, conductive plate, pole net, support net, diaphragm, main pole plate, and sealing gasket are clamped and assembled by using screws, nuts, disc springs and other fasteners to form a hydrogen production capacity of 1000Nm 3 / h, oxygen production 500Nm 3 / h electrolytic cell.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, the hydrogen production of the first alkaline electrolyzer is 300-3000 Nm 3 / h.

[0038] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the second electrolyzer uses an end plate, conductive plate, pole net, support net, diaphragm, main pole plate, and sealing gasket with the same diameter as the first electrolyzer, and is assembled to form a hydrogen production capacity of 30Nm by reducing the number of small chambers in the first electrolyzer. 3 / h, oxygen production 15Nm 3 / h electrolytic cell is located on the left side outside the container.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, the hydrogen production capacity of the second alkaline electrolyzer is 10 to 200 Nm 3 / h.

[0040] It is noteworthy that the second alkaline electrolytic cell is designed and developed by reducing the number of electrolytic chambers and assembling the second alkaline electrolytic cell using parts with the same diameter as the first electrolytic cell.

[0041] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the desalted water storage capacity of the water replenishment device is 0.4m 3 ~5m 3 .

[0042] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the alkali solution storage capacity of the alkali preparation device is 0.4m 3 ~5m 3 .

[0043] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the rectifier power supply uses any one of high-frequency IGBT or thyristor as a semiconductor element to provide 100-800KW direct current to the electrolytic cell.

[0044] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the gas-liquid separation device includes separation, cooling and droplet capture, processing 10-200Nm 3 / h of hydrogen produced by the electrolyzer.

[0045] In a further preferred embodiment, in the gas-liquid separation device, hydrogen and oxygen generated by electrolysis of water follow the circulating alkali solution into the gas-liquid separator, and under the action of gravity, the gas and liquid are separated. The separated gas passes through a gas cooler to cool the water vapor in the gas to form droplets, and then passes through a gas droplet collector to remove the droplets in the gas, thereby achieving separation of the gas and the alkali solution.

[0046] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the gas-liquid separation device, rectifier power supply, water replenishment and alkali preparation device, chiller, and control system are arranged in a 20-40 foot container, and the electrolytic cell is located on the left side of the container.

[0047] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the container is divided into three small rooms A, B, and C. The box body is provided with a sandwich insulation material, with a lifting ring position at the top and a channel steel arrangement at the bottom.

[0048] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, an electric control cabinet and a rectifier power supply are placed in chamber A, which is equipped with double doors; a gas-liquid separation device is placed in chamber B, a position for an electrolytic cell is reserved, and a large double door is provided; a water replenishment and alkali preparation device and a chiller are placed in chamber C, which is equipped with double doors.

[0049] It is worth noting that a reserved position for the electrolytic cell is set in chamber B for replacing the conventional 10-200Nm 3 / h alkaline electrolyzer, for which performance testing can be carried out.

[0050] In order to more clearly introduce the technical solution of the utility model and carry out the cold and hot start time, dynamic response time, and continuous operation stability test of the hydrogen production system, record and analyze the test data of the hydrogen production system, and provide data reference for the operation of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system for large-scale application. The following introduces an example of implementing the utility model.

[0051] 1. Cold start time test

[0052] Turn on the main power supply, turn on the switch of the power distribution cabinet ⑨, and complete the power supply of each instrument on the control cabinet ⑧; turn on the closed cooling tower Turn on the control box switch to cool down the rectifier power supply ⑩; turn on the rectifier power switch to complete the power supply of the rectifier power supply; check whether the hydrogen and oxygen liquid levels of the gas-liquid separation device ② are consistent. If not, adjust the hydrogen side or oxygen side vent valve to the same level; start the control cabinet and turn on the system.

[0053] The alkali liquid circulation pump of the gas-liquid separation device is turned on, and the alkali liquid begins to circulate; the rectifier power supply is running, and electrolysis begins. As the temperature rises, the current is continuously adjusted to the rated current. When the system reaches the rated operating condition, the data is recorded. The cold start time data is shown in the figure below: Figure 2 shown.

[0054] Figure 2The relationship between the oxygen side outlet temperature of the electrolyzer and the start-up time under room temperature is given. It can be seen from the figure that it takes about 138 minutes for the electrolyzer to reach the rated operating condition from room temperature, and the average heating rate is 0.475℃ / min. Among them, from 0 to 30 minutes, the current increases from 2000A to 4000A, the temperature increases from 25.9℃ to 33.1℃, and the heating rate is 0.24℃ / min; from 30 to 60 minutes, the temperature increases from 33.1℃ to 48.8℃, the current increases from 4000A to 6800A, and the heating rate is 0.523℃ / min, indicating that the heating rate increases significantly with the increase of current; from 60 to 138 minutes, the current is 6800A, and the temperature rises from 48.8℃ to 90℃. However, when the temperature is about 85℃, the circulating cooling water is turned on, and the heating rate is 0.528℃ / min. The data results show that as the temperature of the electrolyzer increases and the current continues to increase to the rated operating conditions, the heating rate of the hydrogen production system accelerates.

[0055] 2. Hot start time test

[0056] The hydrogen production system is in hot standby mode, the system temperature is 65℃, and the alkali liquid circulation pump is operating normally. The rectifier power supply is turned on to input DC power to the electrolyzer, the current is 6800A, the electrolysis starts, the system reaches the rated working condition, and the data is recorded. The hot start time data is as follows Figure 3 shown.

[0057] Figure 3 Given is a graph of the relationship between the oxygen side outlet temperature of the electrolytic cell and the operating time in the hot standby state. It can be seen from the figure that it takes about 35 minutes for the electrolytic cell to reach the rated operating condition from the hot standby state. As the system operating time increases, the oxygen tank temperature gradually increases, and the average heating rate is 0.714℃ / min.

[0058] 3. Dynamic response test

[0059] The hydrogen production system was operated for 15 minutes under rated conditions. By changing the input current of the electrolyzer, the response time of the variable load under hot state was recorded and analyzed. The variable load data under hot state is as follows: Figure 4 shown.

[0060] from Figure 4 It can be seen that under rated temperature and rated pressure, the system response time is in seconds when the load changes from 6800A to 5000A and from 5000A to 4000A. The test results show that under rated working conditions, the dynamic response speed of the hydrogen production system is in seconds.

[0061] 4. Continuous operation for 72 hours under rated conditions

[0062] The hydrogen production system runs continuously for 72 hours under rated conditions. By recording the relationship between time, current and voltage, the continuous operation status of the system is analyzed. Figure 5 , 6 shown.

[0063] from Figure 5 , 6 It can be seen that under rated operating conditions, the electrolyzer current fluctuates between 5835 and 6889 A, with a fluctuation range of 0.79%; the electrolyzer voltage fluctuates between 18 and 18.7 V, with a fluctuation range of 0.39. The test results show that the electrolyzer and hydrogen production system can operate stably for a long time under rated operating conditions.

[0064] The beneficial effect of the utility model is that, compared with the prior art,

[0065] Designed with 1000Nm 3 / h Industrial alkaline electrolyzer with the same diameter of 30Nm 3 / h electrolyzer, build an experimental platform for hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis, and pass the test of 1000Nm 3 / h electrolyzer prototype, obtain the actual operating parameters of the large electrolyzer prototype such as current, voltage, water consumption, load adjustment range, etc., simulate and analyze the industrial operation data of large alkaline electrolyzers, and provide reference for the optimization design and large-scale application of large electrolyzers and hydrogen production systems. In addition, the test platform sets a reserved position for medium-sized electrolyzers. By replacing the core components such as electrodes, diaphragms, main plates, and sealing gaskets of the electrolyzers, the performance of alkaline electrolyzers with different materials and structures is tested, and data support is provided for the selection of core materials and structural forms of large alkaline electrolyzers. The development of alkaline electrolyzers with high power, low power consumption, high dynamic response, and wide load adjustment range shortens the research and development cycle, and helps my country's hydrogen energy industry to develop rapidly. The present disclosure may be a system, method, and / or computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium on which computer-readable program instructions for enabling a processor to implement various aspects of the present disclosure are loaded.

[0066] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of the utility model rather than to limit it. Although the utility model is described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, ordinary technicians in the relevant field should understand that the specific implementation methods of the utility model can still be modified or replaced by equivalents, and any modifications or equivalent replacements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the utility model should be included in the scope of protection of the claims of the utility model.

Claims

1. A test platform for producing hydrogen by alkaline water electrolysis, comprising an electrolytic cell, a water replenishment and alkali preparation device, a rectifier power supply, a gas-liquid separation device, and a chiller, characterized in that: The electrolytic cell comprises a first alkaline electrolytic cell and a second alkaline electrolytic cell, wherein the first alkaline electrolytic cell has a larger volume than the second alkaline electrolytic cell; The water replenishment and alkali preparation device is connected to the electrolytic cell through the water replenishment pump, alkali solution pipeline and alkali preparation pump, and is used to supply the demineralized water and alkali solution required for the operation of the system; The rectifier power supply is connected to the electrolytic cell through a copper busbar and is used to provide the electrolytic cell with the direct current required for electrolyzing the alkali solution; A gas-liquid separation device is connected to the electrolytic cell through a gas-liquid pipeline and is used for separating gas from alkali liquid; The chiller is connected to the alkali solution cooler through a chilled water pipeline and is used for cooling the circulating alkali solution.

2. A test platform for producing hydrogen by alkaline water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first alkaline electrolyzer is designed as a positive and negative bipolar filter press structure, and the end pressure plate, conductive plate, pole net, support net, diaphragm, main pole plate, and sealing gasket are clamped and assembled by fastener screws, nuts, and disc springs to form a hydrogen production capacity of 1000Nm 3 / h, oxygen production 500Nm 3 / h electrolytic cell.

3. A test platform for producing hydrogen by alkaline water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second alkaline electrolytic cell uses an end pressure plate, a conductive plate, an electrode net, a support net, a diaphragm, a main electrode plate, and a sealing gasket with the same diameter as the first electrolytic cell, and is assembled to form a hydrogen production capacity of 30Nm by reducing the number of small chambers in the first electrolytic cell. 3 / h, oxygen production 15Nm 3 / h electrolytic cell is located on the left side outside the container.

4. A test platform for producing hydrogen by alkaline water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The desalted water storage capacity of the water replenishment and alkali preparation device is 0.4m 3 ~5m 3 .

5. A test platform for producing hydrogen by alkaline water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The alkali solution storage capacity of the water replenishment and alkali preparation device is 0.4m 3 ~5m 3 .

6. A test platform for producing hydrogen by alkaline water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rectifier power supply uses any one of high-frequency IGBT or thyristor as a semiconductor element to provide 100-800KW direct current for the electrolytic cell.

7. A test platform for producing hydrogen by alkaline water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separation device includes separation, cooling and droplet capture, and can process 10-200Nm 3 / h of hydrogen produced by the electrolyzer.

8. The test platform for producing hydrogen by alkaline water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separation device, rectifier power supply, water replenishment and alkali preparation device, chiller and control system are arranged in a 20-40 foot container, and the electrolytic cell is located on the left side of the container.

9. A test platform for producing hydrogen by alkaline water electrolysis according to claim 8, characterized in that: The container is divided into three small rooms, A, B and C. The box body is equipped with sandwich insulation material, with a lifting ring position on the upper part and a channel steel arrangement on the lower part.

10. A test platform for producing hydrogen by alkaline water electrolysis according to claim 9, characterized in that: Small room A houses the electric control cabinet and rectifier power supply, and is equipped with double doors; small room B houses the gas-liquid separation device, with a reserved position for the electrolytic cell, and is equipped with large double doors; small room C houses the water replenishment and alkali preparation device and chiller, and is equipped with double doors.

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