PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system gas-water separation device

Abstract

An upper end plate and a lower end plate are horizontally arranged in a shell of the gas-water separation device, a heat exchange cavity is defined by the upper end plate, the lower end plate and the side wall of the shell, a plurality of hydrogen pipes with upper end openings and lower end openings are further vertically arranged in the heat exchange cavity, the upper ends of the hydrogen pipes are connected to the upper end plate, and the lower ends of the hydrogen pipes are connected to the lower end plate. The lower end of the hydrogen pipe is connected to the lower end plate, the upper end opening is communicated with the upper surface of the upper end plate, and the lower end opening is communicated with the lower surface of the lower end plate; the shell is also provided with a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet, and the hydrogen inlet and the hydrogen outlet are both positioned in an upper area between the upper end plate and the top wall of the shell; a partition plate dividing the upper area into a hydrogen inlet area and a hydrogen outlet area is arranged in the shell, the hydrogen inlet and the upper end openings of part of the hydrogen pipes are communicated with the hydrogen inlet area, and the hydrogen outlet and the upper end openings of the other hydrogen pipes are communicated with the hydrogen outlet area. And the gas-water separation device can separate water in the prepared hydrogen, so that the purity of the hydrogen is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of gas-water separation, in particular to a gas-water separation device for a PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system. Background Art

[0002] Water electrolysis is one of the most widely used and mature hydrogen production methods. PEM water electrolysis, in particular, has attracted widespread attention for its high yield, high purity, and economic benefits. The process of producing hydrogen using water as a feedstock is essentially the reverse of the combustion of hydrogen and oxygen to form water. Therefore, as long as a certain form of energy is provided, water can be decomposed. The efficiency of producing hydrogen using electrical energy is generally between 75% and 85%. This method is relatively simple and pollution-free, making it widely used in the hydrogen production industry. However, during the hydrogen production process, the reaction water at the anode of the electrolyzer permeates to the cathode due to the permeation of the proton membrane, resulting in a significant amount of water in the hydrogen produced at the cathode. Without gas-water separation, the purity of the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production system is severely reduced. Furthermore, the produced hydrogen is uncooled and remains at a high temperature. If the hydrogen temperature entering the pressure swing adsorption unit at the back end of the system is too high, the service life of the packing within the unit will be affected. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects, the technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide a gas-water separation device for a PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system. The gas-water separation device for a PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system of the present invention can separate the water in the produced hydrogen and improve the purity of the hydrogen.

[0004] The utility model discloses a gas-water separation device for a PEM electrolysis water hydrogen production system, comprising a shell, wherein an upper end plate and a lower end plate are horizontally arranged inside the shell, wherein the upper end plate, the lower end plate and the side wall of the shell form a heat exchange chamber, wherein a plurality of hydrogen pipes are vertically arranged in the heat exchange chamber, wherein the upper ends of the hydrogen pipes are connected to the upper end plate, and the lower ends of the hydrogen pipes are connected to the lower end plate, and the hydrogen pipes have an upper end opening and a lower end opening, wherein the upper end opening is communicated with the upper surface of the upper end plate, The lower end opening is communicated with the lower surface of the lower end plate; a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet are also provided on the shell, and the hydrogen inlet and the hydrogen outlet are both located in the upper area between the upper end plate and the top wall of the shell; a partition is also provided inside the shell, and the partition separates the upper area into a hydrogen inlet area and a hydrogen outlet area, the hydrogen inlet and the upper end openings of part of the hydrogen pipes are communicated with the hydrogen inlet area, and the hydrogen outlet and the upper end openings of the remaining hydrogen pipes are communicated with the hydrogen outlet area.

[0005] Furthermore, a cooling water inlet and a cooling water outlet are provided on the shell, and both the cooling water inlet and the cooling water outlet are communicated with the heat exchange chamber.

[0006] Furthermore, a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe are vertically arranged inside the heat exchange chamber, the water inlet pipe is axially provided with a plurality of water inlet holes, and the water outlet pipe is axially provided with a plurality of water outlet holes; a water inlet joint is provided at the cooling water inlet, and the water inlet joint is connected to the water inlet pipe, and a water outlet joint is provided at the cooling water outlet, and the water outlet joint is connected to the water outlet pipe.

[0007] Furthermore, the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are both arranged close to the side wall of the shell.

[0008] Furthermore, a plurality of water distribution plates are horizontally arranged inside the heat exchange chamber, the water inlet pipe holes close to the water distribution plates are located above the water distribution plates, and the water outlet pipe holes close to the water distribution plates are located below the water distribution plates.

[0009] Furthermore, a water seal is provided at the bottom of the shell, and the water seal is located below the lower end plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the hydrogen inlet is provided with a hydrogen inlet connector, and the hydrogen outlet is provided with a hydrogen outlet connector.

[0011] Furthermore, the partition includes a partition transverse portion, the partition transverse portion is bent downward to form a partition vertical portion, the partition transverse portion is connected to the side wall of the shell, and the bottom of the partition vertical portion is connected to the upper surface of the upper end plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the transverse portion of the partition is a semicircular structure.

[0013] Furthermore, the hydrogen outlet is located at the top of the shell.

[0014] After adopting the above technical scheme, the beneficial effect of the utility model is that the gas-water separation device of the PEM electrolysis hydrogen production system includes a shell, the interior of the shell is horizontally provided with an upper end plate and a lower end plate, the upper end plate, the lower end plate and the side wall of the shell form a heat exchange chamber, and a plurality of hydrogen pipes are vertically arranged in the heat exchange chamber, the upper end of the hydrogen pipe is connected to the upper end plate, and the lower end of the hydrogen pipe is connected to the lower end plate, the hydrogen pipe has an upper end opening and a lower end opening, the upper end opening is connected to the upper surface of the upper end plate, and the lower end opening is connected to the lower surface of the lower end plate; a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet are also provided on the shell, and the hydrogen inlet and the hydrogen outlet are both located in the upper area between the upper end plate and the top wall of the shell; a partition is also provided inside the shell, the partition separates the upper area into a hydrogen inlet area and a hydrogen outlet area, the hydrogen inlet and the upper end openings of some hydrogen pipes are connected to the hydrogen inlet area, and the hydrogen outlet and the upper end openings of the remaining hydrogen pipes are connected to the hydrogen outlet area. The gas-water separation device of the PEM electrolysis water hydrogen production system of the utility model can separate the water in the produced hydrogen and improve the purity of the hydrogen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the gas-water separation device of the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system of the present utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the gas-water separation device of the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system of the present utility model;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the gas-water separation device of the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system of the present utility model;

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along the AA axis;

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view along the BB direction;

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view in CC direction;

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along the DD direction;

[0022] In the figure: 1. Upper shell; 2. Water inlet pipe; 21. Water inlet pipe hole; 3. Water outlet pipe; 31. Water outlet pipe hole; 4. Partition; 41. Horizontal part of partition; 42. Vertical part of partition; 5. Upper end plate; 6. Lower end plate; 7. Water distribution plate; 8. Hydrogen pipe; 9. Hydrogen inlet connector; 10. Hydrogen outlet connector; 11. Water inlet connector; 12. Water outlet connector; 13. Lower shell; 14. Liquid level sensor installation connector; 15. Drain connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0024] Combine Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 ,as well as Figure 5 As shown together, a gas-water separation device of a PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system includes a shell. The shell is preferably a split structure. The shell includes an upper shell 1 and a lower shell 13 welded together. After the internal structure of the shell is arranged, the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 13 are welded together.

[0025] An upper end plate 5 and a lower end plate 6 are horizontally arranged within the shell, fixedly connected to the shell's sidewalls. The upper end plate 5, lower end plate 6, and the shell's sidewalls collectively form a heat exchange chamber. Multiple hydrogen pipes 8 are vertically arranged within the heat exchange chamber for the circulation of hydrogen. The upper ends of the hydrogen pipes 8 are fixedly connected to the upper end plate 5, while the lower ends are fixedly connected to the lower end plate 6. The hydrogen pipes 8 have an open upper end and an open lower end. The upper end is connected to the upper surface of the upper end plate 5, and the lower end is connected to the lower surface of the lower end plate 6.

[0026] The shell is also provided with a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet, both of which are located in the upper area between the upper end plate 5 and the top wall of the shell; a partition 4 is also provided inside the shell, which divides the upper area into a hydrogen inlet area and a hydrogen outlet area, the hydrogen inlet and the upper end openings of some hydrogen pipes 8 are connected to the hydrogen inlet area, and the hydrogen outlet and the upper end openings of the remaining hydrogen pipes 8 are connected to the hydrogen outlet area.

[0027] Preferably, a hydrogen inlet connector 9 is provided at the hydrogen inlet, and the hydrogen inlet connector 9 is connected to the hydrogen inlet area; a hydrogen outlet connector 10 is provided at the hydrogen outlet, and the hydrogen outlet connector 10 is connected to the hydrogen outlet area.

[0028] In order to facilitate smoother discharge of hydrogen, it is further preferred that the hydrogen outlet is located at the top of the shell.

[0029] Preferably, the partition 4 includes a partition transverse portion 41, which is bent downward to form a partition vertical portion 42. The angle between the partition transverse portion 41 and the partition vertical portion 42 is a right angle. The partition transverse portion 41 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the shell, and the bottom of the partition vertical portion 42 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the upper end plate 5.

[0030] Further preferably, the partition transverse portion 41 is a semicircular structure. The hydrogen pipes 8 are evenly arranged between the upper end plate 5 and the lower end plate 6, and the number of hydrogen pipes 8 connected to the hydrogen inlet area is equal to the number of hydrogen pipes 8 connected to the hydrogen outlet area.

[0031] Combine Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 ,as well as Figure 7 As shown in the figure, a cooling water inlet and a cooling water outlet are also provided on the shell, and both the cooling water inlet and the cooling water outlet are connected to the heat exchange chamber. The cooling water inlet is preferably provided near the lower end plate 6, and the cooling water outlet is preferably provided near the upper end plate 5.

[0032] Preferably, a water inlet pipe 2 and a water outlet pipe 3 are vertically arranged inside the heat exchange chamber. The water inlet pipe 2 is axially provided with multiple water inlet holes 21, and the water outlet pipe 3 is axially provided with multiple water outlet holes 31. A water inlet joint 11 is provided at the cooling water inlet and is connected to the water inlet pipe 2. A water outlet joint 12 is provided at the cooling water outlet and is connected to the water outlet pipe 3.

[0033] Further preferably, the water inlet pipe 2 and the water outlet pipe 3 are both arranged close to the side wall of the shell.

[0034] Preferably, multiple water distribution plates 7 are horizontally arranged inside the heat exchange chamber, the water inlet pipe holes 21 close to the water distribution plates 7 are located above the water distribution plates 7, and the water outlet pipe holes 31 close to the water distribution plates 7 are located below the water distribution plates 7.

[0035] The water inlet pipe hole 21 is preferably close to the upper surface of the water distribution plate 7 and the lower end plate 6; the water outlet pipe hole 31 is preferably close to the lower surface of the water distribution plate 7 and the upper end plate 5.

[0036] The water distribution plates 7 can allow the cooling water of the water inlet pipe 2 to flow laterally toward the water outlet pipe 3 along each water distribution plate 7 at the same time, forming a cross countercurrent with the hydrogen transmission path, thereby improving the cooling capacity.

[0037] The diameters of the water inlet pipe holes 21 increase from bottom to top, so that cooling water flows out from multiple water inlet pipe holes 21 at the same time after entering the water inlet pipe 2 from the water inlet joint 11 and flows to each water distribution plate 7.

[0038] The cooling water between the upper end plate 5 and the adjacent water distribution plate 7, between two adjacent water distribution plates 7, and between the lower end plate 6 and the adjacent water distribution plate 7 is defined as a fluid domain. Multiple outlet holes 31 are provided at the top of each fluid domain to prevent gas accumulation at the top of each fluid domain, preventing cooling water from being unable to be discharged and thus affecting the cooling effect of the hydrogen.

[0039] Further preferably, a drain port is provided at the bottom of the housing. A water seal is provided at the bottom of the housing, i.e., water is provided below the lower end plate 6 to prevent hydrogen from escaping from the drain port. A drain connector 15 is provided at the drain port, and a drain valve (not shown) is provided on the drain connector 15. A liquid level sensor mounting connector 14 is also provided on the housing, and a liquid level sensor (not shown) is mounted on the liquid level sensor mounting connector 14. The moisture in the hydrogen cools and condenses into condensed water, which then falls to the bottom of the housing. When the liquid level at the bottom of the housing rises to the position of the liquid level sensor, the liquid level sensor provides a feedback signal, and under the control of the controller, the drain valve opens to discharge some of the liquid.

[0040] The water seal can prevent hydrogen from being discharged from the drain port at the bottom of the shell, effectively extending the hydrogen transmission route.

[0041] The PEM electrolysis system's gas-water separator housing, hydrogen pipe 8, water inlet pipe 2, water outlet pipe 3, baffle 4, and water distribution plate 7 are constructed from 316L stainless steel to prevent the release of metal ions and contamination of the hydrogen. The system's water outlet is oriented vertically downward, while the hydrogen outlet is oriented vertically upward, ensuring the timely discharge of separated liquid water.

[0042] The following is a detailed description of the process of separating water from hydrogen produced by a PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system using the gas-water separator of the utility model:

[0043] The hydrogen produced by the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system (temperature of about 60±5°C) enters the hydrogen inlet area through the hydrogen inlet connector 9 and enters part of the hydrogen pipe 8. Cooling water (temperature of about 10°C) enters the heat exchange chamber through the water inlet connector 11. After the high-temperature hydrogen in the hydrogen pipe 8 undergoes heat exchange with the cooling water, it enters the lower area below the lower end plate 6 and above the water seal through the lower end opening of the hydrogen pipe 8, then enters the remaining hydrogen pipes 8 through the lower end opening of the remaining hydrogen pipes 8, and enters the hydrogen outlet area through the upper end opening of the remaining hydrogen pipes 8. Finally, it is discharged outside the shell of the gas-water separator through the hydrogen outlet connector.

[0044] The moisture in the hydrogen is condensed into liquid water after cooling, and the liquid water falls into the lower area. When the liquid volume at the bottom of the shell exceeds the set liquid level height, the liquid level sensor feedback signal, under the control of the controller, open the drain valve to discharge part of the water.

[0045] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships described in terms such as “upper end plate”, “lower end plate”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “transverse part of the partition”, “vertical part of the partition”, “from bottom to top”, “upper area”, “lower area”, “upper surface”, “lower surface”, “top”, and “bottom” are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0046] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. Various changes made by ordinary technicians in this field based on the above-mentioned conception without creative work are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas-water separation device for a PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system, characterized in that: The heat exchange chamber comprises a plurality of gas pipes, the upper ends of the gas pipes being connected to the upper end plate, and the lower ends of the gas pipes being connected to the lower end plate. The gas pipes have an upper opening and a lower opening, the upper opening being communicated with the upper surface of the upper end plate, and the lower opening being communicated with the lower surface of the lower end plate. A hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet are also provided on the shell, and the hydrogen inlet and the hydrogen outlet are both located in the upper area between the upper end plate and the top wall of the shell. A partition is also provided inside the shell, and the partition separates the upper area into a hydrogen inlet area and a hydrogen outlet area. The hydrogen inlet and the upper end openings of some of the hydrogen pipes are communicated with the hydrogen inlet area, and the hydrogen outlet and the upper end openings of the remaining hydrogen pipes are communicated with the hydrogen outlet area.

2. The gas-water separation device of the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell is further provided with a cooling water inlet and a cooling water outlet, and both the cooling water inlet and the cooling water outlet are communicated with the heat exchange chamber.

3. The gas-water separation device of the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 2, characterized in that: A water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe are also vertically arranged inside the heat exchange chamber. The water inlet pipe is axially provided with multiple water inlet holes, and the water outlet pipe is axially provided with multiple water outlet holes; a water inlet joint is provided at the cooling water inlet, and the water inlet joint is connected to the water inlet pipe; a water outlet joint is provided at the cooling water outlet, and the water outlet joint is connected to the water outlet pipe.

4. The gas-water separation device of the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are both arranged close to the side wall of the shell.

5. The gas-water separation device of the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 3, characterized in that: A plurality of water distribution plates are also horizontally arranged inside the heat exchange chamber. The water inlet pipe holes close to the water distribution plates are located above the water distribution plates, and the water outlet pipe holes close to the water distribution plates are located below the water distribution plates.

6. The gas-water separation device of the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A water seal is provided at the bottom of the shell, and the water seal is located below the lower end plate.

7. The gas-water separation device of the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogen inlet is provided with a hydrogen inlet connector, and the hydrogen outlet is provided with a hydrogen outlet connector.

8. The gas-water separation device of the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The partition includes a partition transverse portion, which is bent downward to form a partition vertical portion. The partition transverse portion is connected to the side wall of the shell, and the bottom of the partition vertical portion is connected to the upper surface of the upper end plate.

9. The gas-water separation device of the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The transverse portion of the partition is a semicircular structure.

10. The gas-water separation device of the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogen outlet is located at the top of the shell.

Images