Automatic speed adjusting device of sodium borohydride hydrogen production machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to an automatic speed adjusting device of a sodium borohydride hydrogen production machine, and belongs to the technical field of hydrogen production devices. Comprising a sodium borohydride solution feeding unit, a catalyst solution feeding unit, a tubular reactor, a reaction tank, a pressure measuring unit, a controller and a hydrogen storage unit, wherein the tubular reactor is horizontally arranged, one end of the tubular reactor is respectively connected with the sodium borohydride solution feeding unit and the catalyst solution feeding unit, and the other end of the tubular reactor is connected with the top of the reaction tank through a liquid outlet pipe; the top of the reaction tank is connected with the hydrogen storage unit through a hydrogen output pipe; the pressure measuring unit is mounted at the top of the reaction tank; a waste liquid outlet is formed in the bottom of the reaction tank. Based on the relationship between the pressure in the reaction tank and the hydrogen production rate, the automatic adjustment of the hydrogen production rate of the sodium borohydride hydrogen production machine is realized by controlling the feeding rate of the sodium borohydride solution and the catalyst solution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an automatic rate regulating device for a sodium borohydride hydrogen generator, belonging to the technical field of hydrogen generators. Background Art

[0002] Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) is a hydrogen storage material with a high hydrogen storage capacity. Its specific hydrogen storage capacity, or mass hydrogen storage density, reaches 10.8 wt%, meaning that for every 100 parts by mass of sodium borohydride, 10.8 parts by mass are hydrogen. When this material releases hydrogen, it can use water as a hydrogen source, resulting in a theoretical hydrogen storage mass fraction of up to 21.2%.

[0003] As a novel hydrogen production / storage carrier, sodium borohydride offers significant advantages, including high storage capacity, high-purity hydrogen production, the absence of CO and other impurities, the need for purification, and the absence of catalyst poisoning. However, this material reacts violently with water, making effective control of its hydrogen production rate (reaction process) crucial for both process safety and hydrogen output stability.

[0004] Fully automatic sodium borohydride hydrogen generators require high-performance automatic rate regulation. Currently, this technology remains largely theoretical, and engineering applications still present significant technical challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a sodium borohydride hydrogen generator speed automatic regulating device.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solution of the present utility model is as follows.

[0007] A sodium borohydride hydrogen generator rate automatic regulating device comprises a sodium borohydride solution feeding unit, a catalyst solution feeding unit, a tubular reactor, a reaction tank, a pressure measuring unit, a controller and a hydrogen storage unit;

[0008] The tubular reactor is arranged horizontally, one end of the tubular reactor is connected to the sodium borohydride solution feeding unit and the catalyst solution feeding unit respectively, and the other end is connected to the top of the reaction tank through a liquid outlet pipe; the top of the reaction tank is connected to the hydrogen storage unit through a hydrogen output pipe; a pressure measuring unit is installed on the top of the reaction tank; and a waste liquid outlet is provided at the bottom of the reaction tank;

[0009] The tubular reactor is used to mix and defoam the sodium borohydride solution and the catalyst solution. The mixed solution enters the reaction tank while reacting. The reaction tank is used for further reaction of the mixed solution. The hydrogen generated by the reaction enters the hydrogen storage unit through the hydrogen output pipe, and the waste liquid after the reaction is discharged from the waste liquid outlet.

[0010] The pressure measuring unit is used to monitor the pressure in the reaction tank and output the pressure data to the controller. The controller is used to convert the pressure data into the current hydrogen production rate and compare the current hydrogen production rate with the set hydrogen production rate, thereby controlling the feed amount of sodium borohydride solution and catalyst solution.

[0011] Furthermore, porous plates are evenly distributed in the tubular reactor along the vertical axial direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the hole structures on adjacent porous plates are staggered along the axial direction of the tubular reactor.

[0013] Furthermore, the sodium borohydride solution feeding unit includes a sodium borohydride solution storage tank, a first peristaltic pump and a first stepper motor, the input end of the first peristaltic pump is connected to the sodium borohydride solution storage tank, and the output end is connected to the tubular reactor, and the first stepper motor is the driving element of the first peristaltic pump.

[0014] Furthermore, the catalyst solution feeding unit includes a catalyst solution storage tank, a second peristaltic pump and a second stepper motor, the input end of the second peristaltic pump is connected to the catalyst solution storage tank, and the output end is connected to the tubular reactor; the second stepper motor is the driving element of the second peristaltic pump.

[0015] Furthermore, the first stepper motor and the second stepper motor are installed in a pump box, and the first peristaltic pump and the second peristaltic pump are installed on the pump box.

[0016] Furthermore, the first stepper motor and the second stepper motor are respectively connected to a controller.

[0017] Furthermore, the maximum flow rate of the first peristaltic pump and the second peristaltic pump is greater than or equal to 680 ml / min.

[0018] Furthermore, the pressure measuring unit is a pressure sensor or a pressure gauge.

[0019] Furthermore, the controller is installed in an explosion-proof control box.

[0020] Beneficial effects

[0021] The utility model provides a sodium borohydride hydrogen generator rate automatic adjustment device, which realizes automatic adjustment of the hydrogen production rate of the sodium borohydride hydrogen generator by controlling the feed rates of the sodium borohydride solution and the catalyst solution based on the relationship between the pressure in the reaction tank and the hydrogen production rate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1-2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the device described in the utility model.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the tubular reactor of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flow diversion of the porous plate described in the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the feeding unit of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the controller of the present invention.

[0027] In the figure, 1-tubular reactor, 2-reaction tank, 3-controller, 4-porous plate, 5-first peristaltic pump, 6-second peristaltic pump, 7-pressure gauge, 8-feed pipe, 9-discharge pipe, 10-first stepper motor, 11-pump box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0029] like Figure 1-2 As shown, a sodium borohydride hydrogen generator rate automatic adjustment device includes a sodium borohydride solution feeding unit, a catalyst solution feeding unit, a tubular reactor 1, a reaction tank 2, a pressure measuring unit, a controller 3 and a hydrogen storage unit;

[0030] Among them, the tubular reactor 1 is arranged horizontally, one end of the tubular reactor 1 is connected to the sodium borohydride solution feeding unit and the catalyst solution feeding unit respectively through the feeding pipe 8, and the other end is connected to the top of the reaction tank 2 through the liquid outlet pipe 9; the top of the reaction tank 2 is connected to the hydrogen storage unit through the hydrogen output pipe; the pressure measuring unit is installed on the top of the reaction tank 2; and the bottom of the reaction tank 2 is provided with a waste liquid outlet;

[0031] The tubular reactor 1 is used to mix and defoam the sodium borohydride solution and the catalyst solution. The mixed solution enters the reaction tank 2 while reacting. The reaction tank 2 is used for further reaction of the mixed solution. The hydrogen generated by the reaction enters the hydrogen storage unit through the hydrogen output pipe, and the waste liquid after the reaction is discharged from the waste liquid outlet.

[0032] The pressure measuring unit is used to monitor the pressure in the reaction tank 2 and output the pressure data to the controller 3. The controller 3 is used to convert the pressure data into the current hydrogen production rate and compare the current hydrogen production rate with the set hydrogen production rate, thereby controlling the feed amount of the sodium borohydride solution and the catalyst solution.

[0033] In some embodiments, the tubular reactor 1 is evenly distributed with porous plates 4 along the vertical axial direction. Furthermore, the pore structures on adjacent porous plates 4 are staggered along the axial direction of the tubular reactor 1. Figure 3-4As shown in the figure, the tubular reactor features a porous plate structure with adjacent plates offset at a specific angle, allowing for thorough mixing of the sodium borohydride solution and catalyst solution entering the reactor. The porous plates also provide a defoaming function by creating shear forces that break up bubbles as they pass through the reactor. The sodium borohydride solution and catalyst solution enter the reactor simultaneously to react. By separating the reactor and reaction tank, the reactor is responsible for mixing and defoaming the solutions, while the waste liquid tank is responsible for completing the chemical reaction, outputting hydrogen, and discharging the waste liquid. The tubular reactor utilizes a specially designed porous plate structure within the reactor to achieve thorough mixing and defoaming. The porous plates within the tubular reactor create circumferential flow between the sodium borohydride solution and catalyst solution as they pass through the plates. Furthermore, adjacent plates are offset at specific angles, increasing the circumferential flow and ensuring thorough mixing of the two solutions. Furthermore, the hydrolysis of the sodium borohydride solution to generate hydrogen is an exothermic reaction, which is prone to generating bubbles. As bubbles migrate within the tubular reactor, they are obstructed by the porous plates. When the bubbles pass through the porous plate, they are subjected to shear force, which can cause the bubble film to rupture, thereby achieving the purpose of defoaming.

[0034] A waste liquid tank is located below the reactor. The mixed solution in the reactor flows into the waste liquid tank as it reacts, where it continues to react. A hydrogen outlet is located at the top of the waste liquid tank, where the hydrogen generated by the reaction rises and is discharged. A waste outlet is located at the bottom of the waste liquid tank, where the waste liquid is discharged after the reaction.

[0035] In some embodiments, the sodium borohydride solution feeding unit includes a sodium borohydride solution storage tank, a first peristaltic pump and a first stepper motor 10, the input end of the first peristaltic pump is connected to the sodium borohydride solution storage tank, and the output end is connected to the tubular reactor 1, and the first stepper motor 10 is the driving element of the first peristaltic pump.

[0036] In some embodiments, the catalyst solution feeding unit includes a catalyst solution storage tank, a second peristaltic pump and a second stepper motor, the input end of the second peristaltic pump is connected to the catalyst solution storage tank, and the output end is connected to the tubular reactor 1; the second stepper motor is the driving element of the second peristaltic pump.

[0037] In some embodiments, as Figure 5 As shown, the first stepper motor 10 and the second stepper motor are installed in a pump box, and the first peristaltic pump and the second peristaltic pump are installed on the pump box 11 to achieve the purpose of isolating the hydrogen environment.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first stepper motor 10 and the second stepper motor are respectively connected to the controller 3 .

[0039] In some embodiments, the maximum flow rate of the first peristaltic pump and the second peristaltic pump is greater than or equal to 680 ml / min.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pressure measuring unit is a pressure sensor or pressure gauge 7. The pressure measuring unit is mounted on top of the reaction tank and can measure the pressure inside the reaction tank in real time. This pressure value is positively correlated with the sodium borohydride reaction rate, i.e., the hydrogen production rate. When the hydrogen production rate is high, the pressure inside the waste liquid tank is also high; when the hydrogen production rate is low, the pressure inside the waste liquid tank is also low. By calibrating the relationship between the pressure sensor's measurement value and the hydrogen production rate, the pressure value inside the waste liquid tank can be determined at different hydrogen production rates.

[0041] In some embodiments, as Figure 6 As shown, the controller 3 is installed in an explosion-proof control box to meet hydrogen-related safety requirements.

[0042] In some embodiments, the device is mounted on a bracket.

[0043] This device uses two peristaltic pumps to control the feed rates of the sodium borohydride solution and catalyst solution, respectively. By adjusting the speed of the peristaltic pumps, the feed rates of the sodium borohydride solution and catalyst solution can be controlled, thereby adjusting the rate of the hydrogen production reaction. The feed rates of the sodium borohydride solution (alkaline) and catalyst solution (acidic) have a fixed ratio, which is related to the concentrations of the two solutions. Therefore, the speed ratio of the two peristaltic pumps is the same as the feed rate ratio of the two solutions. That is, as the speed of the peristaltic pump feeding the sodium borohydride solution increases, the speed of the peristaltic pump feeding the catalyst solution also increases, maintaining the speed ratio of the two peristaltic pumps constant.

[0044] This device features a controller that collects real-time pressure data from the reaction tank. Based on a pre-calibrated curve showing the relationship between hydrogen production rate and waste tank pressure, this pressure data is converted into the current hydrogen production rate. By comparing the current hydrogen production rate with the user-set hydrogen production rate parameter, the feed rates of the sodium borohydride solution and catalyst solution are controlled based on the difference between the two, ensuring that the actual hydrogen production rate closely matches the user-set hydrogen production rate parameter.

[0045] This device controls the hydrogen production rate by controlling the feed rate. During the engineering process, the pressure in the waste tank was used to characterize the hydrogen production rate of the sodium borohydride hydrogen generator. The pressure within the waste tank is positively correlated with the sodium borohydride reaction rate, and therefore the hydrogen production rate. The pressure within the waste tank is composed of the saturated vapor pressure of water vapor and the hydrogen partial pressure.

[0046] After the hydrogen generator starts producing hydrogen, the controller collects the pressure data in the waste liquid tank and calculates the difference between the current hydrogen production rate and the hydrogen production rate set by the user. Based on the difference, the speed of the peristaltic pump can be controlled accordingly to make the current hydrogen production rate consistent with the hydrogen production rate parameter set by the user.

[0047] In summary, the utility model includes but is not limited to the above embodiments. Any equivalent replacement or partial improvement made under the spirit and principle of the utility model will be deemed to be within the scope of protection of the utility model.

Claims

1. A sodium borohydride hydrogen generator rate automatic regulating device, characterized in that: It comprises a sodium borohydride solution feeding unit, a catalyst solution feeding unit, a tubular reactor (1), a reaction tank (2), a pressure measuring unit, a controller (3) and a hydrogen storage unit; The tubular reactor (1) is horizontally arranged, one end of the tubular reactor (1) is connected to a sodium borohydride solution feeding unit and a catalyst solution feeding unit respectively, and the other end is connected to the top of a reaction tank (2) through a liquid outlet pipe; the top of the reaction tank (2) is connected to a hydrogen storage unit through a hydrogen output pipe; a pressure measuring unit is installed on the top of the reaction tank (2); and a waste liquid outlet is provided at the bottom of the reaction tank (2); The tubular reactor (1) is used to mix and defoam the sodium borohydride solution and the catalyst solution, and the mixed solution enters the reaction tank (2) while reacting; the reaction tank (2) is used for further reaction of the mixed solution, and the hydrogen generated by the reaction enters the hydrogen storage unit through the hydrogen output pipe, and the waste liquid after the reaction is discharged from the waste liquid outlet; The pressure measuring unit is used to monitor the pressure in the reaction tank (2) and output the pressure data to the controller (3). The controller (3) is used to convert the pressure data into a current hydrogen production rate and compare the current hydrogen production rate with a set hydrogen production rate, thereby controlling the feed amount of the sodium borohydride solution and the catalyst solution.

2. The automatic rate regulating device for a sodium borohydride hydrogen generator according to claim 1, wherein: The tubular reactor (1) is provided with porous plates (4) evenly distributed along the vertical axial direction.

3. The automatic rate regulating device for a sodium borohydride hydrogen generator according to claim 2, wherein: The pore structures on adjacent porous plates (4) are arranged in a staggered manner along the axial direction of the tubular reactor (1).

4. The automatic rate regulating device for a sodium borohydride hydrogen generator according to claim 1, wherein: The sodium borohydride solution feeding unit comprises a sodium borohydride solution storage tank, a first peristaltic pump (5) and a first stepper motor, wherein the input end of the first peristaltic pump is connected to the sodium borohydride solution storage tank, and the output end is connected to the tubular reactor (1), and the first stepper motor is a driving element of the first peristaltic pump (5).

5. The automatic rate regulating device for a sodium borohydride hydrogen generator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The catalyst solution feeding unit comprises a catalyst solution storage tank, a second peristaltic pump (6) and a second stepper motor, wherein the input end of the second peristaltic pump is connected to the catalyst solution storage tank, and the output end is connected to the tubular reactor (1); the second stepper motor is a driving element of the second peristaltic pump (6).

6. The automatic rate regulating device for a sodium borohydride hydrogen generator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first stepper motor and the second stepper motor are installed in a pump box, and the first peristaltic pump (5) and the second peristaltic pump (6) are installed on the pump box.

7. The automatic rate regulating device for a sodium borohydride hydrogen generator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first stepper motor and the second stepper motor are respectively connected to the controller (3).

8. The automatic rate regulating device for a sodium borohydride hydrogen generator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The maximum flow rate of the first peristaltic pump (5) and the second peristaltic pump (6) is greater than or equal to 680 ml / min.

9. The automatic rate regulating device for a sodium borohydride hydrogen generator according to claim 1, wherein: The pressure measuring unit is a pressure sensor or a pressure gauge (7).

10. The automatic rate regulating device for a sodium borohydride hydrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller (3) is installed in an explosion-proof control box.

Images