Hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen from methanol

Abstract

The hydrogen generator comprises an evaporation overheating layer flue gas channel and a reaction layer flue gas channel, the evaporation overheating layer flue gas channel and the reaction layer flue gas channel are both communicated with a hot flue gas source, a raw material liquid flowing channel is arranged in the evaporation overheating layer flue gas channel, a reforming reaction channel is arranged in the reaction layer flue gas channel, and the raw material liquid flowing channel is communicated with the reforming reaction channel. The raw material liquid flowing channel is communicated with the reforming reaction channel. According to the utility model, dispersed links are integrated, and the heat efficiency of the whole machine is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of methanol hydrogen production, in particular to a hydrogen generator for methanol hydrogen production. Background Art

[0002] As the limitations of conventional energy sources become increasingly apparent, the world faces the dual challenges of resource scarcity and environmental pollution. Energy conservation and environmental protection have become a focus of attention, and the active exploration of new energy sources is of great significance to our times. Hydrogen, which produces only water after complete combustion, is an ideal clean energy source and is currently widely used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, metallurgical, and food processing industries.

[0003] There are many ways to produce hydrogen, but methanol-based hydrogen production has become a top choice in many fields due to its wide raw material availability, low operating costs, and distributed deployment. The hydrogen production section is the core of a methanol-based hydrogen production system, and most currently use indirect heating via thermal oil. However, hydrogen generators using this indirect heating method lack high structural integration, occupy a large footprint, and have low thermal efficiency, making them unsuitable for applications requiring a compact size and high energy density, such as those used in conjunction with fuel cells.

[0004] In view of this, this patent application is filed. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen from methanol, so as to solve the above-mentioned technical problems that the hydrogen generator currently using indirect heating with thermal oil has low integration of its own structure, large floor space and low thermal efficiency.

[0006] The utility model is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] A hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen from methanol comprises an evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel and a reaction layer flue gas channel, both of which are connected to a hot flue gas source. A raw material liquid flow channel is provided in the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel, and a reforming reaction channel is provided in the reaction layer flue gas channel. The raw material liquid flow channel is connected to the reforming reaction channel.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the reaction layer flue gas channel is sleeved on the outside of the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel, and the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel and the reaction layer flue gas channel are connected.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, a flue gas circulation channel is provided between the flue gas channel of the evaporation and superheating layer and the flue gas channel of the reaction layer.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, a heat source cylinder is sleeved in the middle of the evaporation superheating layer smoke channel, the heat source cylinder is connected to the hot smoke source, and a smoke flow channel is provided between the heat source cylinder and the evaporation superheating layer smoke channel.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the raw liquid flow channel and the reforming reaction channel both adopt a coiled tube structure, and the coiled tube structure is coiled along the radial direction of the corresponding flue gas channel.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the raw liquid flow channel and the reforming reaction channel are connected through a superheated steam pipeline, one end of the superheated steam pipeline passes through the connecting flange at the outlet of the evaporation superheated layer flue gas channel, and the other end of the superheated steam pipeline passes through the first sealing plate at the outlet of the reaction layer flue gas channel.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, a sleeve layer is fixedly sleeved on the outside of the reaction layer flue gas channel, and the sleeve layer is a heat-insulating layer or a raw material liquid preheating layer.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, a liquid inlet pipeline is provided on the sleeve layer.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the flue gas flow channels on both sides provided between the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel and the reaction layer flue gas channel are arranged in a radial annular direction, and the reaction layer flue gas channel is connected to a flue gas exhaust pipe.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the open ends of the smoke channels of the sleeve layer and the reaction layer are sealed by a second sealing plate.

[0017] The advantages and beneficial effects of the present invention compared to the prior art are:

[0018] 1. The hydrogen generator provided by the present invention solves the current problems of large floor space, low thermal efficiency, and low reaction efficiency in hydrogen production. Flue gas channels for the evaporation and superheating layers and reaction layers are provided, through which flue gas is introduced, replacing the current indirect heating method using thermal oil and improving thermal efficiency. Furthermore, the structural design of the present invention integrates various discrete links, greatly simplifying the piping connections and overall structural dimensions, fully utilizing the heat and improving the thermal efficiency of the entire unit.

[0019] 2. Furthermore, the present invention arranges the reaction layer flue gas channel outside the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel, and the two are connected. The hot flue gas in these two flue gas channels can gradually flow from the inner evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel to the outer reaction layer flue gas channel, ensuring that heat is supplied to the evaporation, superheating (reheating), and reaction of the raw material liquid throughout the reaction process. This structure further simplifies the piping connections and overall dimensions, further improving the thermal efficiency of the entire machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the examples. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope. A person of ordinary skill in the art can also derive other relevant drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the hydrogen generator provided in Example 1 of the present utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the flue gas channel in the evaporation superheated layer.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the coil-type raw liquid flow channel and reforming reaction channel.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the hydrogen generator provided in Example 2 of the present utility model.

[0025] Markings and corresponding parts names in the accompanying drawings:

[0026] 1-heat source cylinder, 2-evaporation superheating layer flue gas channel, 3-reaction layer flue gas channel, 4-flue gas circulation channel, 5-raw liquid inlet, 6-raw liquid flow channel, 7-hydrogen outlet, 8-reforming reaction channel, 9-connecting flange, 10-first sealing plate, 11-sleeve layer, 12-liquid inlet pipeline, 13-exhaust pipe, 14-second sealing plate, 15-catalyst, 16-superheated steam pipeline. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with embodiments and drawings. The schematic implementation methods of the present invention and their descriptions are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0028] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessarily required to practice the present invention. In other embodiments, well-known structures, circuits, materials, or methods are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0029] Throughout this specification, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example," or "an example" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the phrases "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example," or "an example" appearing in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. In addition, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments or examples in any suitable combination and / or subcombination. Furthermore, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the figures provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "vertical", "horizontal", "high", "low", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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 direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they should not be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] Example 1:

[0032] like Figure 1 、 2 As shown in the figure, a hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen from methanol includes an evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel 2 and a reaction layer flue gas channel 3. Both the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel 2 and the reaction layer flue gas channel 3 have openings and are cylindrical structures, providing channels for the flow of flue gas. The reaction layer flue gas channel 3 is sleeved outside the steam superheating layer flue gas channel 2, and the two channels are connected. Preferably, the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel 2 is a sleeve structure with one end open and the other end closed. It is composed of two inner and outer layers of cylinders with different inner diameters. The inner and outer layers of the cylinders are connected, and each cylinder is a cylindrical cylinder with one end open and the other end closed.

[0033] Preferably, in this embodiment, the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel 2 is located internally, and hot flue gas enters the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel 2. The source of the hot flue gas is open flame combustion. The hot flue gas source can also be alternative heat sources such as high-temperature flue gas, high-temperature steam, and electric heating. The reaction layer flue gas channel 3 is located at the outermost layer of the flue gas channel, thus forming two layers of channels for flue gas flow from the inside out.

[0034] A flue gas flow channel 4 can be provided between the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel 2 and the reaction layer flue gas channel 3 to provide communication. The flue gas flow channel 4 can be a flow hole. The flow holes provided between the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel 2 and the reaction layer flue gas channel 3 are arranged circumferentially along the radial direction of the channel. During operation, flue gas enters the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel 2, then flows outward through the flow holes and enters the outer reaction layer flue gas channel 3, thereby providing heat for subsequent processes.

[0035] A feedstock liquid inlet 5 is provided in the evaporation and superheating flue gas channel 2. A feedstock liquid flow channel 6 (which can also be a feedstock liquid vapor flow channel) is provided within this channel. Feedstock liquid or feedstock liquid vapor, formed from a methanol-water mixture, enters the feedstock liquid flow channel 6 through the feedstock liquid inlet 5. Flue gas outside the feedstock liquid flow channel 6 provides heat for the evaporation and superheating of the feedstock liquid. A hydrogen outlet 7 is provided in the reaction layer flue gas channel 3. A reforming reaction channel 8 is also provided within this channel. The outlet of the feedstock liquid flow channel 6 is connected to the inlet of the reforming reaction channel 8. The feedstock liquid entering the feedstock liquid flow channel is heated and converted into vapor, which then enters the reforming reaction channel 8. A hydrogen production catalyst 15 is placed within the reforming reaction channel 8 to initiate the hydrogen production reaction. The vapor, under the action of the catalyst 15, is converted into a hydrogen-rich mixed gas. Flue gas outside the reforming reaction channel 8 provides heat for the hydrogen production reaction. The resulting hydrogen flows out through the hydrogen outlet 7.

[0036] In this embodiment, the raw liquid (methanol-water mixture) is heated to form methanol vapor. The methanol vapor is then further heated to a specified temperature and then passed through a reactor. Under the action of catalyst 15, a chemical reaction occurs in the reactor to produce a mixed gas with a theoretical hydrogen content of 75%. Throughout the entire reaction process, the evaporation, superheating (reheating), and reaction of the raw liquid require heat. In this embodiment, the heat source is open flame combustion. Hot flue gas is transported outward through the flue gas flow holes in the innermost evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel 2, providing heat for subsequent processes. The flue gas in the outermost reaction layer flue gas channel 3 provides heat for the catalyst 15 and the chemical reaction for hydrogen production. After the above process, the hot flue gas is discharged.

[0037] Compared with the current hydrogen generator with indirect heating by thermal oil, the hydrogen generator of this embodiment integrates various scattered links, greatly simplifies the pipeline connection and the overall structural size, and utilizes the heat lost by the insulation of the scattered structure of the existing hydrogen generator, thereby improving the thermal efficiency of the whole machine.

[0038] In the present invention, the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel 2 can also be arranged in the outer layer and the reaction layer flue gas channel 3, and the flue gas flow channel 4 is similarly used to connect the two to form a channel for flue gas to flow from the inside to the outside. The specific workflow is similar to the above process and will not be repeated here.

[0039] As a more preferred design, in order to further improve the thermal efficiency of the whole machine, a heat source cylinder 1 is also provided. The heat source cylinder 1 is sleeved inside the evaporation superheating layer flue gas channel 2. The outer wall of the heat source cylinder is in contact with the side wall of the evaporation superheating layer flue gas channel 2. The heat source cylinder 1 is connected to the hot flue gas source. A flue gas circulation channel, such as a flue gas circulation hole, is also provided between the heat source cylinder 1 and the evaporation superheating layer flue gas channel 2. The flue gas circulation holes are distributed circumferentially in the radial direction between the heat source cylinder 1 and the evaporation superheating layer flue gas channel 2. Figure 1 The direction of flue gas entering the heat source cylinder 1 is shown as from top to bottom, but this is only an example. Flue gas can also enter from the bottom of the heat cylinder 1. In this case, the flue gas inlet of the heat source cylinder 1 can be opened below it. The specific adjustment can be made according to conventional means in the field, which will not be elaborated here.

[0040] In this way, three layers of hot flue gas flow channels are formed in the hydrogen generator. The hot flue gas is transported outward through the flue gas flow space on the first layer (innermost layer) - the heat source cylinder 1, and the hot flue gas provides heat for subsequent processes; the hot flue gas in the second layer - the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel 2 provides heat for the evaporation and superheating of the raw material liquid; the flue gas in the third layer - the reaction layer flue gas channel 3 provides heat for the catalyst 15 and the chemical reaction of hydrogen production; after the above process, the hot flue gas is discharged. The hot flue gas flows gradually from the innermost layer to the outside, ensuring that heat can be supplied for the evaporation, superheating (reheating), and reaction of the raw material liquid during the entire reaction process. At the same time, this design further simplifies the pipeline connection and the overall structural size, so that the heat lost by the insulation of the existing hydrogen generator's dispersed structure is fully utilized, thereby improving the thermal efficiency of the entire machine.

[0041] Furthermore, if Figure 1 、 3 As shown in Figure 1, both the feed liquid flow channel 6 and the reforming reaction channel 8 employ a coiled tube structure, arranged radially along the flue gas channel. This coiled tube structure increases the medium's transit time and heat exchange area, improving heat exchange efficiency and extending the medium's flow path.

[0042] Furthermore, the feed liquid flow channel is connected to the reforming reaction channel 8 via a superheated steam pipe 16. One end of the superheated steam pipe 16 passes through a connecting flange 9 at the outlet of the evaporation superheated layer flue gas channel 2, and the other end of the superheated steam pipe 16 passes through a first sealing plate 10 at the outlet of the reaction layer flue gas channel 3. Both the connecting flange 9 and the first sealing plate 10 serve as seals to seal the corresponding pipelines.

[0043] A sleeve layer 11 is fixedly mounted on the exterior of the reaction layer flue gas channel 3. This sleeve layer 11 serves as either an insulation layer or a preheating layer for the raw liquid. In the case of an insulation layer, it is filled with insulation material; in the case of a preheating layer, it is filled with raw liquid for preheating. During preheating, the raw liquid first enters the sleeve layer 11 from the outside, then exits the sleeve layer 11 and is connected to the raw liquid inlet 5 to complete preheating, thereby fully utilizing the heat of the hot flue gas. A liquid inlet line 12 is also provided on the sleeve layer 11 for the introduction of liquid. This liquid inlet line 12 is optional.

[0044] In this embodiment, the reaction layer flue gas channel 3 is also connected to a flue gas exhaust pipe 13.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the reaction layer flue gas channel 3 passes through the sleeve layer 11 and is connected to the exhaust pipe 13. In this embodiment, the sleeve layer 11 and the open ends of the reaction layer flue gas channel 3 are sealed by a second sealing plate 14.

[0046] Example 2:

[0047] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that:

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG, in this embodiment, the smoke exhaust pipe 13 is arranged at the top of the reaction layer smoke channel 3, and two smoke exhaust pipes 13 are provided. The smoke exhaust pipe 13 can of course also be arranged on the side or bottom, and the specific number can also be set according to needs.

[0049] The structures of the rest of this embodiment are the same as those of embodiment 1.

[0050] In addition, those skilled in the art should be aware that the positions of the flow holes in the drawings of Example 1 and Example 2 are only examples, and those skilled in the art can also set the flow holes at any position in the smoke channel of the evaporation superheating layer. Figure 4 The smoke exhaust pipe 13 can also be arranged on the side, bottom or any position of the reaction layer smoke channel 3.

[0051] The hydrogen generator provided by the embodiment of the present utility model solves the current problems of large floor space, low thermal efficiency and low reaction efficiency in the hydrogen production process. Three layers of hot flue gas circulation channels are provided, and the hot flue gas gradually flows from the innermost layer to the outside. The arrows in the attached figure are the flow directions of the hot flue gas. In this way, heat can be supplied to the evaporation, overheating (reheating) and reaction of the raw liquid during the entire reaction process. This structural design integrates various dispersed links, greatly simplifies the pipeline connection and the overall structural size, and the heat lost by the insulation of the previous dispersed structure is utilized, thereby improving the thermal efficiency of the whole machine. In addition, two different flue gas exhaust forms as in Examples 1 and 2 are provided in the present utility model, providing more choices.

[0052] The above specific implementation methods further illustrate the purpose, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the utility model in detail. It should be understood that the above are only specific implementation methods of the utility model and are not used to limit the scope of protection of the utility model. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the utility model should be included in the scope of protection of the utility model.

Claims

1. A hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen from methanol, characterized in that: The invention comprises an evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel (2) and a reaction layer flue gas channel (3), wherein the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel (2) and the reaction layer flue gas channel (3) are both connected to a hot flue gas source, a raw liquid flow channel (6) is provided in the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel (2), and a reforming reaction channel (8) is provided in the reaction layer flue gas channel (3), and the raw liquid flow channel (6) is connected to the reforming reaction channel (8).

2. A hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen from methanol according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reaction layer flue gas channel (3) is sleeved on the outside of the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel (2), and the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel (2) and the reaction layer flue gas channel (3) are connected.

3. The hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen from methanol according to claim 1, characterized in that: A flue gas circulation channel is provided between the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel (2) and the reaction layer flue gas channel (3).

4. A hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen from methanol according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A heat source cylinder (1) is sleeved in the middle of the evaporation superheating layer smoke channel (2); the heat source cylinder (1) is connected to a hot smoke source; and a smoke flow channel is provided between the heat source cylinder (1) and the evaporation superheating layer smoke channel (2).

5. The hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen from methanol according to claim 4, characterized in that: The raw liquid flow channel (6) and the reforming reaction channel (8) both adopt a coiled tube structure, and the coiled tube structure is coiled along the radial direction of the corresponding flue gas channel.

6. The hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen from methanol according to claim 5, characterized in that: The raw liquid flow channel (6) and the reforming reaction channel (8) are connected via a superheated steam pipeline (16), one end of the superheated steam pipeline (16) passes through a connecting flange (9) at the outlet of the evaporation superheated layer flue gas channel (2), and the other end of the superheated steam pipeline (16) passes through a first sealing plate (10) at the outlet of the reaction layer flue gas channel (3).

7. A hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen from methanol according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The outside of the reaction layer flue gas channel (3) is fixedly sleeved with a sleeve layer (11), and the sleeve layer (11) is a heat-insulating layer or a raw material liquid preheating layer.

8. The hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen from methanol according to claim 7, characterized in that: A liquid inlet pipeline (12) is provided on the sleeve layer (11).

9. The hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen from methanol according to claim 8, characterized in that: The flue gas circulation channel (4) provided between the evaporation and superheating layer flue gas channel (2) and the reaction layer flue gas channel (3) is arranged in a radial and annular direction, and the reaction layer flue gas channel (3) is connected to a flue gas exhaust pipe (13).

10. A hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen from methanol according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that: The opening ends of the sleeve layer (11) and the reaction layer flue gas channel (3) are both sealed by a second sealing plate (14).

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