Hydrogen production device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a hydrogen production device. The hydrogen production device comprises an electrolytic bath, a liquid storage tank and a gas supply system, the liquid storage tank is selectively communicated with the electrolytic bath, the liquid storage tank is used for filling electrolyte into the electrolytic bath and recycling the electrolyte in the electrolytic bath, and the gas supply system is used for selectively introducing gas supply gas into the electrolytic bath. And the gas supply gas introduced into the electrolytic bath is used for discharging the electrolyte in the electrolytic bath to the liquid storage tank. According to the hydrogen production device, by arranging the liquid storage tank, the electrolyte can be injected into the electrolytic bath, by arranging the gas supply system, the electrolyte can be discharged from the electrolytic bath through supplied gas, and the hydrogen production device is simple in structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electrolytic hydrogen production, and in particular to a hydrogen production device. Background Art

[0002] Hydrogen, with its green, low-carbon, high-efficiency, and storable and transportable advantages, is considered an ideal energy carrier. Using renewable energy sources such as wind power and photovoltaics to produce hydrogen through water electrolysis is one of the most important methods for hydrogen production in the future. Currently, the main technologies for producing hydrogen through water electrolysis include alkaline water electrolysis and PEM water electrolysis. However, the functions of these hydrogen production devices are limited, leaving room for improvement. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present application aims to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems in the prior art to a certain extent. To this end, the present application proposes a hydrogen production device that can fill an electrolytic cell with electrolyte and discharge the electrolyte from the electrolytic cell with a simple structure.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present application, the hydrogen production device includes an electrolyzer, a liquid storage tank and a gas supply system. The liquid storage tank is selectively connected to the electrolyzer. The liquid storage tank is used to add electrolyte to the electrolyzer and recover the electrolyte in the electrolyzer. The gas supply system is used to selectively introduce gas supply into the electrolyzer. The gas supply gas introduced into the electrolyzer is used to discharge the electrolyte in the electrolyzer to the liquid storage tank.

[0005] According to the hydrogen production device of the embodiment of the present application, by providing a liquid storage tank, electrolyte can be added to the electrolytic cell, and by providing a gas supply system, electrolyte can be discharged from the electrolytic cell using gas supply gas, and the structure is simple.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present application, the liquid storage tank has a liquid storage tank outlet and a liquid storage tank inlet, and the hydrogen production device also includes: an electrolyte inlet pipeline and an electrolyte outlet pipeline, one end of the electrolyte inlet pipeline is connected to the liquid storage tank outlet, and the other end of the electrolyte inlet pipeline is connected to the electrolyzer, and the electrolyte inlet pipeline is provided with an electrolyte inlet valve for controlling the on-off of the electrolyte inlet pipeline; one end of the electrolyte outlet pipeline is connected to the electrolyzer, and the other end of the electrolyte outlet pipeline is connected to the liquid storage tank inlet, and the electrolyte outlet pipeline is provided with an electrolyte outlet valve for controlling the on-off of the electrolyte outlet pipeline.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present application, the gas supply system includes a gas supply pipeline, which is connected to the electrolytic cell. A gas supply valve is also provided on the gas supply pipeline, and the gas supply valve is used to control the on-off of the gas supply pipeline.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present application, the gas supply system further includes a gas supply tank, and the gas supply pipeline connects the gas supply tank and the electrolytic cell.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present application, a driving pump and a filter are provided on the electrolyte inlet pipeline, and the filter is located between the liquid storage tank outlet and the driving pump.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present application, the hydrogen production device also includes a first separator, the electrolyzer is provided with a first gas outlet pipeline and a second gas outlet pipeline, the first gas outlet pipeline is connected to the first separator, a first gas outlet valve is provided on the first gas outlet pipeline, the first gas outlet valve is used to control the on and off of the first gas outlet pipeline, and a second gas outlet valve is provided on the second gas outlet pipeline, the second gas outlet valve is used to control the on and off of the second gas outlet pipeline.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present application, the hydrogen production device further includes a heat exchanger, the outlet of the first separator is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger via a first heat exchange inlet pipeline, and the outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the electrolyte inlet pipeline.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present application, the hydrogen production device further includes a second separator, the second gas outlet pipeline is connected to the second separator, and the outlet of the second separator is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger via a second heat exchange inlet pipeline.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present application, the outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the electrolyte inlet pipeline via a heat exchange outlet pipeline, and a heat exchange valve is provided on the heat exchange outlet pipeline, which is used to control the on-off of the heat exchange outlet pipeline.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present application, a pipeline switching valve is further provided on the electrolyte inlet pipeline, and the pipeline switching valve is located between the connection between the heat exchange outlet pipeline and the electrolyte inlet pipeline and the liquid storage tank outlet, and the electrolyte inlet valve is located between the connection between the heat exchange outlet pipeline and the electrolyte inlet pipeline and the electrolytic cell.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present application, the number of the electrolytic cells is one or more.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become obvious from the description below, or will be learned through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen production device according to one embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen production device according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Reference numerals:

[0020] Hydrogen production device 100, first separator 1, second separator 2, heat exchanger 3, heat exchange inlet pipeline 31, first heat exchange inlet pipeline 311, second heat exchange inlet pipeline 312, heat exchange outlet pipeline 32, drive pump 4, electrolyzer 50, first electrolyzer 51, second electrolyzer 52, liquid storage tank 6, electrolyte inlet pipeline 61, first inlet branch 611, second inlet branch 612, electrolyte outlet pipeline 62, first outlet branch 621, second outlet branch 622, liquid storage tank outlet 63, liquid storage tank inlet 64, gas supply system 7, gas supply pipeline 71, first gas supply pipeline 711, second gas supply pipeline 712, gas supply tank 72, heat exchange valve 8, pipeline switching valve 9, filter 1 0, check valve 11, air supply valve 70, second air supply valve 12, first air supply valve 13, electrolyte inlet valve 140, first electrolyte inlet valve 141, second electrolyte inlet valve 142, electrolyte outlet valve 150, first electrolyte outlet valve 151, second electrolyte outlet valve 152, second gas outlet common pipeline 160, second gas outlet pipeline one 161, second gas outlet pipeline two 162, first gas outlet common pipeline 170, first gas outlet pipeline one 171, first gas outlet pipeline two 172, first liquid level gauge 18, second gas outlet valve one 191, second gas outlet valve two 192, first gas outlet valve one 201, first gas outlet valve two 202, second liquid level gauge 21. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following describes in detail embodiments of the present application, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present application, and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0022] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0023] The following combination Figure 1-Figure 2 The hydrogen production device 100 according to an embodiment of the present application is described in detail.

[0024] Reference Figure 1-Figure 2As shown, the hydrogen production device 100 according to an embodiment of the present application may include an electrolyzer 50 , a liquid storage tank 6 and a gas supply system 7 .

[0025] The electrolytic cell 50 is provided with an anode and a cathode for producing a first gas and a second gas. For ease of description, the structure of the hydrogen production device 100 is described using the electrolytic cell 50 as an example of hydrogen production by electrolysis of water. In this case, the first gas is oxygen and the second gas is hydrogen. It should be noted that in other embodiments, by changing the type of electrolyte, the electrolytic cell 50 can produce other types of first and second gases, not limited to oxygen and hydrogen.

[0026] The liquid storage tank 6 is selectively connected to the electrolytic cell 50. The liquid storage tank 6 is used to add electrolyte to the electrolytic cell 50 and recover the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 50. The gas supply system 7 is used to selectively introduce gas into the electrolytic cell 50. The gas introduced into the electrolytic cell 50 is used to discharge the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 50 to the liquid storage tank 6.

[0027] Specifically, when the liquid storage tank 6 is connected to the electrolytic cell 50, the liquid storage tank 6 can add electrolyte to the electrolytic cell 50 and can also recover the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 50. When the gas supply system 7 introduces supply gas into the electrolytic cell 50, the gas pressure in the electrolytic cell 50 increases, thereby squeezing the electrolyte out and discharging it into the liquid storage tank 6. Before the electrolytic cell 50 starts to produce hydrogen by water electrolysis, the liquid storage tank 6 is first connected to the electrolytic cell 50 to facilitate the addition of electrolyte to the electrolytic cell 50. When the electrolytic cell 50 system is shut down for a long time or needs to be repaired, after the electrolytic cell 50 system is shut down and the gas is vented, the gas supply system 7 introduces supply gas into the electrolytic cell 50 to facilitate the discharge of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 50 into the liquid storage tank 6.

[0028] In some embodiments, the supply gas is nitrogen or an inert gas to prevent the supply gas from reacting with hydrogen, oxygen, etc. in the electrolytic cell 50. Alternatively, the supply gas may be argon, helium, etc.

[0029] The main technologies for producing hydrogen by electrolysis of water include alkaline water electrolysis and PEM water electrolysis. Whether it is alkaline water electrolysis or PEM water electrolysis, the electrolyte needs to be added to the electrolyzer before the system is started; when the system is shut down for a long time or a certain electrolyzer is under maintenance, the electrolyte needs to be discharged from the electrolyzer. In the related art, the system structure that can realize the addition of electrolyte to the electrolyzer and the discharge of electrolyte from the electrolyzer is relatively complex. According to the hydrogen production device 100 of the embodiment of the present application, by providing a liquid storage tank 6, it is possible to add electrolyte to the electrolyzer 50, and by providing a gas supply system 7, the electrolyte can be discharged from the electrolyzer 50 using the gas supply gas, and the structure is simple.

[0030] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1-Figure 2As shown, the liquid storage tank 6 has a liquid storage tank outlet 63 and a liquid storage tank inlet 64, and the hydrogen production device 100 also includes: an electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 and an electrolyte outlet pipeline 62, one end of the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 is connected to the liquid storage tank outlet 63, and the other end of the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 is connected to the electrolyzer 50, and an electrolyte inlet valve 140 is provided on the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61, and the electrolyte inlet valve 140 is used to control the on-off of the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61; one end of the electrolyte outlet pipeline 62 is connected to the electrolyzer 50, and the other end of the electrolyte outlet pipeline 62 is connected to the liquid storage tank inlet 64, and an electrolyte outlet valve 150 is provided on the electrolyte outlet pipeline 62, and the electrolyte outlet valve 150 is used to control the on-off of the electrolyte outlet pipeline 62.

[0031] Specifically, when the electrolyte inlet valve 140 is open, the electrolyte in the liquid storage tank 6 can be added to the electrolytic cell 50 via the electrolyte inlet pipe 61. When the electrolyte inlet valve 140 is closed, the electrolyte in the liquid storage tank 6 cannot be added to the electrolytic cell 50 via the electrolyte inlet pipe 61. When the electrolyte outlet valve 150 is open, the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 50 can be discharged into the liquid storage tank 6 via the electrolyte outlet pipe 62. When the electrolyte inlet valve 140 is closed, the electrolyte in the liquid storage tank 6 cannot be added to the electrolytic cell 50 via the electrolyte inlet pipe 61.

[0032] In some embodiments, by adjusting the valve opening of the electrolyte inlet valve 140 , the electrolyte flow rate in the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 can also be adjusted, thereby adjusting the electrolyte filling speed.

[0033] In some embodiments, by adjusting the valve opening of the electrolyte outlet valve 150 , the electrolyte flow rate in the electrolyte outlet pipeline 62 can also be adjusted, thereby adjusting the electrolyte discharge speed.

[0034] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, the electrolyte outlet valve 150 includes a first electrolyte outlet valve 151 and a second electrolyte outlet valve 152 .

[0035] It is understood that, in this application, "opening or disconnecting a pipeline" refers to the connection or disconnection of the pipeline. When a valve on the pipeline is open, the pipeline is open at least at the valve; when the valve on the pipeline is closed, the pipeline is disconnected at least at the valve. The valves mentioned in this application are not limited to any type.

[0036] exist Figure 1-Figure 2In the illustrated example, there are two electrolytic cells 50, namely a first electrolytic cell 51 and a second electrolytic cell 52. The electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 includes a first inlet branch 611 and a second inlet branch 612. The first inlet branch 611 connects the first electrolytic cell 51 with the liquid storage tank outlet 63, and the second inlet branch 612 connects the second electrolytic cell 52 with the liquid storage tank outlet 63. The electrolyte outlet pipeline 62 includes a first outlet branch 621 and a second outlet branch 622. The first outlet branch 621 connects the first electrolytic cell 51 with the liquid storage tank inlet 64, and the second outlet branch 622 connects the second electrolytic cell 52 with the liquid storage tank inlet 64.

[0037] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, the gas supply system 7 includes a gas supply pipeline 71, which is connected to the electrolytic cell 50. The gas supply pipeline 71 is also provided with a gas supply valve 70, which is used to control the on / off of the gas supply pipeline 71. When the gas supply valve 70 is open, the gas supply pipeline 71 is a passage, and the gas supply can enter the electrolytic cell 50 through the gas supply pipeline 71; when the gas supply valve 70 is closed, the gas supply pipeline 71 is an open circuit, and the gas supply cannot enter the electrolytic cell 50 through the gas supply pipeline 71. Figure 1-Figure 2 In the illustrated example, there are two electrolytic cells 50, namely a first electrolytic cell 51 and a second electrolytic cell 52. The gas supply valve 70 includes a first gas supply valve 13 and a second gas supply valve 12. The gas supply pipeline 71 includes a first gas supply pipeline 711 and a second gas supply pipeline 712. The gas supply system 7 is connected to the first electrolytic cell 51 via the first gas supply pipeline 711. The first gas supply valve 13 is provided on the first gas supply pipeline 711, and the first gas supply valve 13 is used to control the on-off of the first gas supply pipeline 711. The gas supply system 7 is connected to the second electrolytic cell 52 via the second gas supply pipeline 712. The second gas supply valve 12 is provided on the second gas supply pipeline 712, and the second gas supply valve 12 is used to control the on-off of the second gas supply pipeline 712.

[0038] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, the gas supply system 7 further includes a gas supply tank 72, and a gas supply line 71 connects the gas supply tank 72 and the electrolytic cell 50. The gas supply tank 72 stores supply gas. When the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 50 needs to be discharged, the gas in the gas supply tank 72 enters the electrolytic cell 50 through the gas supply line 71, increasing the gas pressure in the electrolytic cell 50, thereby squeezing out the electrolyte and discharging it into the liquid storage tank 6.

[0039] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, a driving pump 4 is provided on the electrolyte inlet pipe 61. When the driving pump 4 is working, it can accelerate the flow of electrolyte in the electrolyte inlet pipe 61, so that the electrolyte can be smoothly added to the electrolytic cell 50.

[0040] In some embodiments, a filter 10 is provided on the electrolyte inlet pipe 61, and the filter 10 is located between the liquid storage tank outlet 63 and the drive pump 4. The electrolyte flowing out of the liquid storage tank outlet 63 first passes through the filter 10 to filter out impurities before passing through the drive pump 4. This can reduce the damage of impurities to the drive pump 4 and help extend the service life of the drive pump 4.

[0041] In some embodiments, a check valve 11 is provided on the electrolyte inlet pipe 61 . The check valve 11 has a check function and can prevent the electrolyte in the electrolyte inlet pipe 61 from flowing back into the liquid storage tank 6 .

[0042] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, the hydrogen production device 100 also includes a first separator 1. The electrolyzer 50 is provided with a first gas outlet pipeline and a second gas outlet pipeline. The first gas outlet pipeline is connected to the first separator 1. The first gas outlet pipeline is provided with a first gas outlet valve, which is used to control the on / off of the first gas outlet pipeline. The second gas outlet pipeline is provided with a second gas outlet valve, which is used to control the on / off of the second gas outlet pipeline. When the first gas outlet valve is open, the first gas outlet pipeline is open, and the first gas-liquid mixture can be discharged into the first separator 1 through the first gas outlet pipeline. When the first gas outlet valve is closed, the first gas outlet pipeline is closed, and the first gas-liquid mixture cannot be discharged into the first separator 1 through the first gas outlet pipeline. When the second gas outlet valve is open, the second gas outlet pipeline is open, and the second gas-liquid mixture can be discharged from the electrolyzer 50 through the second gas outlet pipeline. When the second gas outlet valve is closed, the second gas outlet pipeline is closed, and the second gas-liquid mixture cannot be discharged from the electrolyzer 50 through the second gas outlet pipeline.

[0043] For ease of description, the first separator 1 is an oxygen gas-liquid separator, and the first gas-liquid mixture is an oxygen gas-liquid mixture.

[0044] exist Figure 1-Figure 2 In the illustrated example, there are two electrolytic cells 50, namely a first electrolytic cell 51 and a second electrolytic cell 52. The first electrolytic cell 51 is connected to a first gas outlet line 171 and a second gas outlet line 161. The first gas outlet line 171 is provided with a first gas outlet valve 201, which is used to control the on / off of the first gas outlet line 171. The second gas outlet line 161 is provided with a second gas outlet valve 191, which is used to control the on / off of the second gas outlet line 161.

[0045] The second electrolytic cell 52 is connected to the first second gas outlet pipeline 172 and the second second gas outlet pipeline 162. The first second gas outlet pipeline 172 is provided with a first second gas outlet valve 202, which is used to control the on / off of the first second gas outlet pipeline 172. The second second gas outlet pipeline 162 is provided with a second second gas outlet valve 192, which is used to control the on / off of the second second gas outlet pipeline 162.

[0046] The first gas outlet pipeline 1 171 and the first gas outlet pipeline 2 172 are both connected to the first gas outlet common pipeline 170 , and the first gas outlet common pipeline 170 is connected to the first separator 1 .

[0047] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, the hydrogen production device 100 further includes a heat exchanger 3, which connects the first separator 1 and the electrolyte inlet pipe 61. The first separator 1 separates the first gas from the electrolyte in the first gas-liquid mixture, and the separated electrolyte can selectively enter the heat exchanger 3 for heat exchange, such as cooling. Figure 1-Figure 2 In the example, the outlet of the first separator 1 and the inlet of the heat exchanger 3 are connected via a heat exchange inlet pipeline 31 .

[0048] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen production device 100 also includes a second separator 2, a second gas outlet pipeline is connected to the second separator 2, and the heat exchanger 3 is also connected to the second separator 2 and the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61. When the second gas outlet valve is opened, the second gas outlet pipeline is a passage, and the second gas-liquid mixture can be discharged into the second separator 2 through the second gas outlet pipeline; when the second gas outlet valve is closed, the second gas outlet pipeline is a disconnected circuit, and the second gas-liquid mixture cannot be discharged into the second separator 2 through the second gas outlet pipeline. The second separator 2 separates the second gas in the second gas-liquid mixture from the electrolyte, and the separated electrolyte can selectively enter the heat exchanger 3 for heat exchange, such as cooling. Figure 1 In the example, the outlet of the second separator 2 and the inlet of the heat exchanger 3 are connected via a heat exchange inlet pipeline 31 .

[0049] For ease of explanation, the second separator 2 is a hydrogen gas-liquid separator, and the second gas-liquid mixture is a hydrogen gas-liquid mixture.

[0050] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 As shown, the second gas outlet pipeline 1 161 and the second gas outlet pipeline 2 162 are both connected to the second gas outlet common pipeline 160 , and the second gas outlet common pipeline 160 is connected to the second separator 2 .

[0051] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1As shown, the hydrogen production device 100 includes a first separator 1 and a second separator 2, and the heat exchange inlet pipeline 31 includes a first heat exchange inlet pipeline 311 and a second heat exchange inlet pipeline 312. The outlet of the first separator 1 can be connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger 3 through the first heat exchange inlet pipeline 311, and the outlet of the second separator 2 can be connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger 3 through the second heat exchange inlet pipeline 312.

[0052] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, the outlet of the heat exchanger 3 is connected to the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 via a heat exchange outlet pipeline 32. A heat exchange valve 8 is provided on the heat exchange outlet pipeline 32 to control the opening and closing of the heat exchange outlet pipeline 32. The electrolyte after heat exchange in the heat exchanger 3 can be selectively added to the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 via the heat exchange outlet pipeline 32. Specifically, when the heat exchange valve 8 is open, the heat exchange outlet pipeline 32 is open, and the electrolyte after heat exchange in the heat exchanger 3 can be added to the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 via the heat exchange outlet pipeline 32. When the heat exchange valve 8 is closed, the heat exchange outlet pipeline 32 is open, and the electrolyte after heat exchange in the heat exchanger 3 cannot be added to the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 via the heat exchange outlet pipeline 32.

[0053] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 is also provided with a pipeline switching valve 9. The pipeline switching valve 9 is located between the connection between the heat exchange outlet pipeline 32 and the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 and the liquid storage tank outlet 63. The electrolyte inlet valve 140 is located between the connection between the heat exchange outlet pipeline 32 and the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 and the electrolytic cell 50. The connection between the heat exchange outlet pipeline 32 and the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 is point A. The pipeline switching valve 9 is located between point A and the liquid storage tank outlet 63. The electrolyte inlet valve 140 is located between point A and the electrolytic cell 50. When the pipeline switching valve 9 is open, the electrolyte in the liquid storage tank 6 can flow out of the liquid storage tank outlet 63 and flow to point A. The electrolyte at point A can then flow into the electrolytic cell 50. When the pipeline switching valve 9 is closed, the electrolyte in the liquid storage tank 6 can flow out of the liquid storage tank outlet 63 but is blocked by the pipeline switching valve 9 and cannot flow to point A.

[0054] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 As shown, the second separator 2 and the first separator 1 are provided with a first liquid level gauge 18. When the first liquid level gauge 18 detects that the electrolyte level reaches a set value, the electrolyte filling procedure is stopped.

[0055] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 As shown, a first liquid level gauge 18 is provided on the first separator 1. When the first liquid level gauge 18 detects that the electrolyte level reaches a set value, the electrolyte filling procedure is stopped.

[0056] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, a second liquid level gauge 21 is provided on the liquid storage tank 6, which can be used to calculate the electrolyte discharge amount according to the liquid level height. The gas supply system 7 is closed after the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 50 is completely emptied.

[0057] In some embodiments, there are multiple electrolytic cells 50. Figure 1-Figure 2 In the example shown in FIG, the number of electrolytic cells 50 is two. In some embodiments not shown in the figure, the number of electrolytic cells 50 can also be three, four or more.

[0058] In other embodiments, the number of electrolytic cell 50 is one.

[0059] According to the hydrogen production device 100 of the embodiment of the present application, in a single or multiple electrolyzer 50 system, electrolyte filling before startup and electrolyte discharge and collection during shutdown or electrolyzer 50 maintenance are achieved.

[0060] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen production device 100 according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the cathode and anode of the electrolytic cell 50 both participate in the electrolyte circulation of a water electrolysis system, such as an alkaline hydrogen production system.

[0061] Reference Figure 1As shown, before the first electrolyzer 51 and the second electrolyzer 52 start water electrolysis to produce hydrogen, the system controls the heat exchange valve 8, the second gas supply valve 12, the first gas supply valve 13, the first electrolyte outlet valve 151, and the second electrolyte outlet valve 152 to be closed, and controls the pipeline switching valve 9, the first electrolyte inlet valve 141, the second electrolyte inlet valve 142, the second gas outlet valve 191, the second gas outlet valve 2 192, the first gas outlet valve 1 201, and the first gas outlet valve 2 202 to be opened, and simultaneously starts the driving pump 4. Driven by the driving pump 4, the electrolyte in the liquid storage tank 6 passes through the filter 10 and the check valve 11 and enters the first electrolyzer 51 and the second electrolyzer 52. After the electrolyte fills the first electrolyzer 51 and the second electrolyzer 52, the second gas-liquid mixture will be discharged from the second gas outlet pipeline 1. 161, the second gas outlet pipeline 2 162, and the second gas outlet common pipeline 160 enter the second separator 2, and the first gas-liquid mixture will enter the first separator 1 from the first gas outlet pipeline 1 171, the first gas outlet pipeline 2 172, and the first gas outlet common pipeline 170. When the first liquid level gauge 18 on the second separator 2 and the first separator 1 detects that the electrolyte level reaches the set value, the electrolyte filling program is stopped, the heat exchange valve 8 is controlled to open, and the pipeline switching valve 9 is closed, and then the normal electrolyte circulation program is entered. At this time, the liquid storage tank 6 is cut out of the system, and the electrolyte separated in the second separator 2 and the first separator 1 enters the heat exchanger 3 through the heat exchange inlet pipeline 31. After heat exchange in the heat exchanger 3, it returns to the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 through the heat exchange outlet pipeline 32, thereby participating in the electrolyte circulation.

[0062] When the electrolytic cell 50 system is shut down for a long time, after the electrolytic cell 50 system is shut down and the gas is vented, the electrolyte in the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52 needs to be discharged. The system controls the first electrolyte inlet valve 141, the second electrolyte inlet valve 142, the second air outlet valve 191, the second air outlet valve 192, the first air outlet valve 201, and the first air outlet valve 2 202 to be closed, and controls the first electrolyte outlet valve 151, the second electrolyte outlet valve 152, the second air supply valve 12, and the first air supply valve 13 to be opened. The system's original air supply system 7 is started, and nitrogen (or argon, helium, or other inert gases) is filled into the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52 to discharge the electrolyte in the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52 into the liquid storage tank 6. The liquid storage tank 6 is provided with a second liquid level gauge 21, which can convert the electrolyte discharge amount according to the liquid level height. The air supply system 7 is closed after the electrolyte in the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52 is completely emptied.

[0063] When the electrolyte in the second separator 2 and the first separator 1 also needs to be discharged (generally not discharged), after the electrolyte in the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52 is discharged, by closing the second gas supply valve 12, the first gas supply valve 13, the first electrolyte outlet valve 151, the second electrolyte outlet valve 152, the second gas outlet valve 191, the second gas outlet valve 2 192, the first gas outlet valve 1 201, the first gas outlet valve 2 202, and opening the first electrolyte inlet valve 141 and the second electrolyte inlet valve 142, the electrolyte in the second separator 2 and the first separator 1 enters the heat exchanger 3 through the heat exchange inlet pipeline 31 under the action of gravity. , then enters the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 through the heat exchange outlet pipeline 32, and then enters the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52. After the first liquid level gauge 18 on the second separator 2 and the first separator 1 shows that the liquid level no longer changes, close the first electrolyte inlet valve 141 and the second electrolyte inlet valve 142, open the second gas supply valve 12 and the first gas supply valve 13, start the gas supply system 7 again, and discharge the electrolyte in the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52 into the liquid storage tank 6. Repeat the above steps in sequence, observe the liquid level height displayed by the first liquid level gauge 18, and all the electrolyte in the second separator 2 and the first separator 1 can be discharged into the liquid storage tank 6.

[0064] When a certain electrolytic cell 50 (such as the first electrolytic cell 51) needs to be shut down for maintenance, the first electrolyte inlet valve 141, the second air outlet valve 191, and the first air outlet valve 201 can be controlled to be closed, and the first electrolytic cell 51 can be cut out. Then, the first electrolyte outlet valve 151 and the first air supply valve 13 are controlled to be opened, and the original air supply system 7 of the system is started. By filling nitrogen (or argon, helium or other inert gases) into the first electrolytic cell 51, the electrolyte in the first electrolytic cell 51 is discharged into the liquid storage tank 6. The liquid storage tank 6 is provided with a second liquid level gauge 21, which can convert the electrolyte discharge amount according to the liquid level height. After the electrolyte in the first electrolytic cell 51 is completely emptied, the air supply system 7 is closed.

[0065] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen production device 100 according to another embodiment of the present application, in which only the anode of the electrolyzer 50 participates in the electrolyte circulation of a water electrolysis system, such as a PEM hydrogen production system.

[0066] Reference Figure 2As shown, before the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52 start water electrolysis to produce hydrogen, the system controls the heat exchange valve 8, the second gas supply valve 12, the first gas supply valve 13, the first electrolyte outlet valve 151, and the second electrolyte outlet valve 152 to be closed, and controls the pipeline switching valve 9, the first electrolyte inlet valve 141, the second electrolyte inlet valve 142, the second gas outlet valve 191, the second gas outlet valve 192, the first gas outlet valve 1 201, and the first gas outlet valve 2 202 to be opened, and simultaneously starts the driving pump 4. Driven by the driving pump 4, the electrolyte in the liquid storage tank 6 passes through the filter 10 and the check valve 11 and enters the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52, and the electrolyte is filled After the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52, the first gas-liquid mixture will enter the first separator 1 from the first gas outlet pipeline 1 171, the first gas outlet pipeline 2 172, and the first gas outlet common pipeline 170. When the first liquid level gauge 18 on the first separator 1 detects that the electrolyte level reaches the set value, the electrolyte filling program is stopped, the heat exchange valve 8 is controlled to open, and the pipeline switching valve 9 is closed, and then the normal electrolyte circulation program is entered. At this time, the liquid storage tank 6 is cut out of the system, and the electrolyte separated in the first separator 1 enters the heat exchanger 3 through the heat exchange inlet pipeline 31. After heat exchange in the heat exchanger 3, it returns to the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 through the heat exchange outlet pipeline 32, thereby participating in the electrolyte circulation.

[0067] When the electrolytic cell 50 system is shut down for a long time, after the electrolytic cell 50 system is shut down and the gas is vented, the electrolyte in the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52 needs to be discharged. The system controls the first electrolyte inlet valve 141, the second electrolyte inlet valve 142, the second air outlet valve 191, the second air outlet valve 192, the first air outlet valve 201, and the first air outlet valve 202 to be closed, and controls the second air supply valve 12, the first air supply valve 13, the first electrolyte outlet valve 151, and the second electrolyte outlet valve 152 to be opened. The system's original air supply system 7 is started, and nitrogen (argon, helium, or other inert gases) is filled into the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52 to discharge the electrolyte in the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52 into the liquid storage tank 6. The liquid storage tank 6 is provided with a second liquid level gauge 21, which can convert the electrolyte discharge amount according to the liquid level height. The air supply system 7 is closed after the electrolyte in the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52 is completely emptied.

[0068] When the electrolyte in the first separator 1 also needs to be discharged (generally not discharged), after the electrolyte in the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52 is discharged, by closing the second air supply valve 12, the first air supply valve 13, the first electrolyte outlet valve 151, the second electrolyte outlet valve 152, the second air outlet valve 191, the second air outlet valve 2 192, the first air outlet valve 1 201, the first air outlet valve 2 202, and opening the first electrolyte inlet valve 141 and the second electrolyte inlet valve 142, the electrolyte in the first separator 1 enters the heat exchanger 3 through the heat exchange inlet pipeline 31 under the action of gravity. , then enters the electrolyte inlet pipeline 61 through the heat exchange outlet pipeline 32, and then enters the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52. After the first liquid level gauge 18 on the first separator 1 shows that the liquid level no longer changes, close the first electrolyte inlet valve 141 and the second electrolyte inlet valve 142, open the second gas supply valve 12 and the first gas supply valve 13, start the gas supply system 7 again, and discharge the electrolyte in the first electrolytic cell 51 and the second electrolytic cell 52 into the liquid storage tank 6. Repeat the above steps in sequence, observe the liquid level height displayed by the first liquid level gauge 18, and all the electrolyte in the first separator 1 can be discharged into the liquid storage tank 6.

[0069] When a certain electrolytic cell 50 (such as the first electrolytic cell 51) needs to be shut down for maintenance, the first electrolyte inlet valve 141, the second air outlet valve 191, and the first air outlet valve 201 can be controlled to be closed, and the first electrolytic cell 51 can be cut out. Then, the first electrolyte outlet valve 151 and the first air supply valve 13 are controlled to be opened, and the original air supply system 7 of the system is started. By filling nitrogen (or argon, helium or other inert gases) into the first electrolytic cell 51, the electrolyte in the first electrolytic cell 51 is discharged into the liquid storage tank 6. The liquid storage tank 6 is provided with a second liquid level gauge 21, which can convert the electrolyte discharge amount according to the liquid level height. After the electrolyte in the first electrolytic cell 51 is completely emptied, the air supply system 7 is closed.

[0070] The hydrogen production device 100 of the present application realizes the reuse of the driving pump 4 and completes the filling of the electrolyte in the electrolyzer 50 by setting valves and adjusting pipelines; in a single electrolyzer 50 or multi-electrolyzer 50 system, when a long-term shutdown occurs or a certain electrolyzer 50 is under maintenance, the control valve can cut out the corresponding electrolyzer 50, and use the gas supply system 7 and the liquid level monitoring system in the system to realize the discharge and collection of the electrolyte in the electrolyzer 50 (or separator), thereby reducing the equipment investment of the hydrogen production system, and having fewer pipelines and valves, which is conducive to reducing system failure points and improving the equipment utilization rate of valves, pumps, filters 10, and gas supply systems 7. In the PEM hydrogen production system, it can also avoid the waste of water resources caused by the ground discharge of pure water.

[0071] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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 this application.

[0072] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "mounted," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections, electrical connections, or communication; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0073] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example" or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0074] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A hydrogen production device, characterized in that: include: electrolytic cell (50); a liquid storage tank (6), the liquid storage tank (6) being selectively connected to the electrolytic tank (50), the liquid storage tank (6) being used to add electrolyte to the electrolytic tank (50) and to recover the electrolyte in the electrolytic tank (50); A gas supply system (7) is used to selectively introduce gas supply into the electrolytic cell (50), and the gas supply introduced into the electrolytic cell (50) is used to discharge the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell (50) into the liquid storage tank (6).

2. The hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that The liquid storage tank (6) has a liquid storage tank outlet (63) and a liquid storage tank inlet (64), and the hydrogen production device further includes: an electrolyte inlet pipeline (61), one end of the electrolyte inlet pipeline (61) being connected to the liquid storage tank outlet (63), the other end of the electrolyte inlet pipeline (61) being connected to the electrolytic cell (50), and an electrolyte inlet valve (140) being provided on the electrolyte inlet pipeline (61) for controlling the on / off of the electrolyte inlet pipeline (61); An electrolyte outlet pipeline (62), one end of the electrolyte outlet pipeline (62) is connected to the electrolytic cell (50), and the other end of the electrolyte outlet pipeline (62) is connected to the liquid storage tank inlet (64), and an electrolyte outlet valve (150) for controlling the opening and closing of the electrolyte outlet pipeline (62) is provided on the electrolyte outlet pipeline (62).

3. The hydrogen production device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The gas supply system (7) comprises a gas supply pipeline (71), the gas supply pipeline (71) is connected to the electrolytic cell (50), and a gas supply valve (70) is also provided on the gas supply pipeline (71), and the gas supply valve (70) is used to control the on and off of the gas supply pipeline (71).

4. The hydrogen production device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The gas supply system (7) further includes a gas supply tank (72), and the gas supply pipeline (71) connects the gas supply tank (72) and the electrolytic cell (50).

5. The hydrogen production device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A driving pump (4) is provided on the electrolyte inlet pipeline (61).

6. The hydrogen production device according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that: The hydrogen production device further includes a first separator (1), and the electrolyzer (50) is provided with a first gas outlet pipeline and a second gas outlet pipeline, wherein the first gas outlet pipeline is connected to the first separator (1), a first gas outlet valve is provided on the first gas outlet pipeline, and the first gas outlet valve is used to control the on-off of the first gas outlet pipeline, and a second gas outlet valve is provided on the second gas outlet pipeline, and the second gas outlet valve is used to control the on-off of the second gas outlet pipeline.

7. The hydrogen production device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The hydrogen production device further comprises a heat exchanger (3), the outlet of the first separator (1) and the inlet of the heat exchanger (3) are connected via a first heat exchange inlet pipeline (311), and the outlet of the heat exchanger (3) is connected to the electrolyte inlet pipeline (61).

8. The hydrogen production device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The hydrogen production device further comprises a second separator (2), the second gas outlet pipeline is connected to the second separator (2), and the outlet of the second separator (2) is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger (3) via a second heat exchange inlet pipeline (312).

9. The hydrogen production device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outlet of the heat exchanger (3) and the electrolyte inlet pipeline (61) are connected via a heat exchange outlet pipeline (32). A heat exchange valve (8) is provided on the heat exchange outlet pipeline (32). The heat exchange valve (8) is used to control the on / off of the heat exchange outlet pipeline (32).

10. The hydrogen production device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The electrolyte inlet pipeline (61) is further provided with a pipeline switching valve (9), the pipeline switching valve (9) being located between the connection point between the heat exchange outlet pipeline (32) and the electrolyte inlet pipeline (61) and the liquid storage tank outlet (63), and the electrolyte inlet valve (140) being located between the connection point between the heat exchange outlet pipeline (32) and the electrolyte inlet pipeline (61) and the electrolytic cell (50).

11. The hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the electrolytic cells (50) is one or more.

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