Automatic electrolyte preparing and supplementing device suitable for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses an automatic electrolyte preparing and supplementing device suitable for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, and relates to the technical field of hydrogen production equipment.The automatic electrolyte preparing and supplementing device comprises the hydrogen production equipment, an automatic electrolyte supplementing device and a PLC control system; a concentration probe A is arranged on the hydrogen production alkali path loop between the electrolytic bath and the gas-liquid treater; the automatic electrolyte supplementing device comprises a potassium hydroxide raw material tank, a potassium dichromate raw material tank, an alkali preparation tank and a raw material water tank, the alkali preparation tank is provided with a concentration probe B and a self-circulation pipeline, the self-circulation pipeline is in loop connection with the hydrogen production alkali path, and the PLC control system comprises a hydrogen production equipment PLC control system and an automatic electrolyte supplementing device PLC control system. And the hydrogen production equipment PLC control system is in communication connection with the automatic electrolyte supplementing device PLC control system. The concentration of the electrolyte in the hydrogen production equipment can be detected in real time, and the electrolyte meeting the production requirements can be obtained through automatic alkali removing, alkali preparing, alkali supplementing and other operations of the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of hydrogen equipment, and in particular to an automatic electrolyte configuration and replenishment device suitable for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment. Background Art

[0002] When producing hydrogen at a certain company's hydrogen station using ZDQ-100 / 1.6 hydrogen production equipment, the electrolysis process requires the addition of potassium hydroxide and potassium dichromate to create an electrolyte with a specific gravity of 28%-30% due to the low degree of ionization and low conductivity of pure water, a typical weak electrolyte. This increases the solution's conductivity, reduces the overall voltage, and addresses high power consumption, allowing the water to be smoothly electrolyzed into hydrogen and oxygen. This is because the potassium hydroxide and potassium dichromate in the electrolyte are partially consumed during equipment operation and maintenance, resulting in a decrease in the electrolyte's specific gravity. The specific gravity of the electrolyte is related to a number of factors, including gas production, the total operating voltage of the electrolyzer, and equipment power consumption, directly increasing production costs.

[0003] The traditional method of increasing the specific gravity of the electrolyte is: when the equipment is found to have problems such as reduced gas purity, high total operating voltage of the electrolytic cell, and high power consumption of the equipment, after eliminating other causes, the electrolyte is manually filled into a graduated cylinder and the specific gravity is measured using a hydrometer. The specific gravity of the electrolyte is then reconfigured through a series of processes such as shutdown - replacement - alkali withdrawal - configuration - stirring - alkali replenishment - replacement - circulation - and restart. The traditional method has the following shortcomings:

[0004] 1. Unable to control the actual specific gravity of the electrolyte in real time;

[0005] 2. When replacing equipment, if the replacement is not in place, safety accidents are likely to occur;

[0006] 3. The alkali replenishment process requires equipment shutdown, and the entire electrolyte reconfiguration process generally takes about two days, which will affect the entire gas supply chain;

[0007] 4. The electrolyte reconfiguration process consumes more nitrogen and pure water, increasing operation and maintenance costs;

[0008] 5. During the reconfiguration of the electrolyte, high-concentration alkali solution may easily splash and cause corrosion and injury to personnel;

[0009] 6. During the electrolyte reconfiguration process, waste liquid is generated, and the electrolyte contains highly toxic potassium dichromate, which poses a great safety hazard;

[0010] 7. The electrolyte reconfiguration process requires many operators and the labor cost is high. Utility Model Content

[0011] The main purpose of this application is to provide an automatic electrolyte configuration and replenishment device suitable for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, aiming to enable the equipment to automatically withdraw alkali, prepare alkali, replenish alkali and other operations to obtain electrolyte that meets production requirements.

[0012] The technical solutions adopted in this application are as follows:

[0013] An automatic electrolyte configuration and replenishment device for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, comprising:

[0014] A hydrogen production device, comprising an electrolyzer and a gas-liquid processor, wherein a gas-liquid mixing alkaline circuit and a hydrogen production alkaline circuit are formed by a pipeline between the electrolyzer and the gas-liquid processor, and a concentration probe A is provided on the hydrogen production alkaline circuit;

[0015] An automatic electrolyte replenishing device, comprising a potassium hydroxide raw material tank, a potassium dichromate raw material tank, an alkali preparation tank, and a raw water tank, wherein the potassium hydroxide raw material tank, the potassium dichromate raw material tank, and the raw water tank are respectively connected to the alkali preparation tank pipeline, the alkali preparation tank is provided with a concentration probe B, the alkali preparation tank is provided with a self-circulating pipeline, the self-circulating pipeline is connected to the hydrogen production alkali circuit loop, and the raw water tank is connected to the gas-liquid processor pipeline;

[0016] A PLC control system includes a hydrogen production equipment PLC control system and an electrolyte automatic replenishing device PLC control system, and the hydrogen production equipment PLC control system and the electrolyte automatic replenishing device PLC control system are communicatively connected.

[0017] Optionally, the automatic electrolyte replenishing device also includes a cleaning water tank and a waste alkali tank. The cleaning water tank is respectively connected to the potassium hydroxide raw material tank, potassium dichromate raw material tank, and alkali preparation tank pipelines, and the waste alkali tank is connected to the pipeline between the alkali preparation tank and the raw water tank.

[0018] Optionally, the alkali preparation tank is provided with a liquid level sensor.

[0019] Optionally, a flow meter is provided on the pipeline connecting the self-circulation pipeline and the hydrogen production alkali circuit.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0021] The embodiment of the present application proposes an automatic electrolyte configuration and replenishment device suitable for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, which can detect the electrolyte concentration in the hydrogen production equipment in real time, providing a basis for controlling hydrogen purity and power consumption; the device automatically completes the electrolyte replenishment configuration within a safe and controllable range, and the operator does not need to go to the site for operation, thus avoiding casualties. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the automatic electrolyte configuration and replenishment device for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0025] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connection" and "fixation" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "fixation" can mean fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0026] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present application, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, the meaning of "and / or" appearing throughout the text includes three parallel schemes. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes scheme A, or scheme B, or a scheme in which A and B are satisfied at the same time. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement it. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this application.

[0027] Refer to the attached Figure 1The present invention provides an automatic electrolyte configuration and replenishment device for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, including hydrogen production equipment, an automatic electrolyte replenishment device, and a PLC control system. The PLC control system serves as the control core and includes both a hydrogen production equipment PLC control system and an automatic electrolyte replenishment device PLC control system. The hydrogen production equipment PLC control system and the automatic electrolyte replenishment device PLC control system are communicatively connected to achieve interactive control. An industrial computer serves as the display and operation interface, primarily monitoring on-site operating data and controlling device operation. The hydrogen production equipment includes an electrolyzer and a gas-liquid processor. A gas-liquid mixed alkali circuit and a hydrogen production alkali circuit are formed by pipelines between the electrolyzer and the gas-liquid processor, and a concentration probe A is provided on the hydrogen production alkali circuit. The automatic electrolyte replenishing device includes a potassium hydroxide raw material tank, a potassium dichromate raw material tank, an alkali preparation tank and a raw water tank. The potassium hydroxide raw material tank, the potassium dichromate raw material tank and the raw water tank are respectively connected to the alkali preparation tank pipeline. The alkali preparation tank is equipped with a concentration probe B and a liquid level sensor. The alkali preparation tank is provided with a self-circulating pipeline, which is connected to the hydrogen production alkali circuit loop, and the raw water tank is connected to the gas-liquid processor pipeline.

[0028] Specifically:

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, a gas-liquid mixed alkali circuit and a hydrogen production alkali circuit are formed by pipelines between the electrolyzer and the gas-liquid processor, wherein an alkali circulation pump A is provided on the hydrogen production alkali circuit at one end of the gas-liquid processor for pumping the alkali in the gas-liquid processor out, and a concentration probe A is provided on the hydrogen production alkali circuit for real-time detection of the electrolyte concentration specific gravity. When the concentration is lower than the lower limit required for production, the automatic electrolyte replenishing device is started.

[0030] In the above, the pipeline between the potassium hydroxide raw material tank and the alkali preparation tank is provided with an automatic valve E and a metering screw conveying pump A. By opening the automatic valve E and the metering screw conveying pump A, the raw potassium hydroxide can be added to the alkali preparation tank, and the filling amount of the raw potassium hydroxide can be obtained by the metering screw conveying pump A. Similarly, the pipeline between the potassium dichromate raw material tank and the alkali preparation tank is provided with an automatic valve F and a metering screw pump B. By opening the automatic valve F and the metering screw conveying pump B, the raw potassium dichromate can be added to the alkali preparation tank, and the filling amount of the raw potassium dichromate can be obtained by the metering screw conveying pump B.

[0031] At the same time Figure 1As shown, the bottom of the alkali preparation tank is provided with a self-circulation pipeline, and automatic valve C, automatic valve D and alkali circulating pump B are arranged on the self-circulation pipeline. During the process of adding raw materials potassium hydroxide and raw material potassium dichromate into the alkali preparation tank, automatic valve C, automatic valve D and alkali circulating pump B are opened, so that the alkali in the alkali preparation tank can be self-circulated to complete stirring and reduce or avoid crystallization. The self-circulation pipeline leads to two pipelines, one of which is connected with the raw material water tank and is provided with automatic valve K, and the other of which is connected with the hydrogen production alkali circuit and is provided with automatic valve A, flow meter and automatic valve B.

[0032] For example Figure 1 As shown, the raw material water tank is connected with the gas-liquid processor through a pipeline, and automatic valve M and water pump A are arranged on the pipeline.

[0033] Based on the above, the embodiment of the present application provides an electrolyte automatic configuration and supplement device suitable for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, and the working process is as follows:

[0034] 1. Alkali withdrawal: when the equipment is running, the hydrogen production PLC and the electrolyte automatic supplement device PLC realize communication interaction, the concentration probe A located on the hydrogen production alkali circuit detects the electrolyte concentration in real time, and when the concentration is less than the lower limit required for production, the electrolyte automatic supplement device starts. The electrolyte automatic supplement device PLC control system calculates the amount of electrolyte stock solution that needs to be returned to the alkali preparation tank, and the amount of chemical potassium hydroxide and potassium dichromate that needs to be added. At this time, the electrolyte automatic supplement device PLC control system opens automatic valve A, automatic valve B and automatic valve C, and other automatic valves remain closed. The electrolyte is transported to the alkali preparation tank by alkali circulating pump A, and the amount of alkali withdrawn is counted by the flow meter and fed back to the electrolyte automatic supplement device PLC control system. When the amount of alkali withdrawn reaches the required value of the system, automatic valve A, automatic valve B and automatic valve C are closed; at the same time, the hydrogen production water supplement pipeline opens automatic valve M, and water pump A is started to supplement water to the hydrogen production equipment. The amount of water supplement is equal to the amount of electrolyte stock solution returned to the alkali preparation tank, so as to maintain the liquid level of the hydrogen production equipment at a safe height and maintain the liquid level balance. At this time, the alkali concentration of the hydrogen production equipment is low, which will reduce the gas production and increase the power consumption to a certain extent, but compared with shutdown alkali preparation, the cost is greatly saved, and the time consumption and safety hazards caused by a series of operations such as shutdown replacement can be avoided.

[0035] 2. Alkali Replenishment: Open automatic valves C and D, and start alkali circulation pump B to stir the electrolyte solution in the alkali preparation tank. Simultaneously, open automatic valves E and D, and start metering screw pumps A and B to deliver the chemical raw materials, potassium hydroxide and potassium dichromate, to the alkali preparation tank. The delivery rate is calculated by the PLC control system of the electrolyte automatic replenishment device and controlled by the metering screw pumps. Alkali circulation pump B is used to fully stir the electrolyte in the alkali preparation tank to prevent crystallization. Concentration probe B monitors the electrolyte concentration in real time. At this point, the electrolyte concentration is higher than the normal concentration required for hydrogen production. Once the alkali solution is added to the hydrogen production equipment and mixed, the electrolyte concentration reaches the required value for equipment operation. When the chemical raw materials are fully replenished, close automatic valves E and F, and shut down metering screw pumps A and B.

[0036] 3. Alkali replenishment: When the pure water supplied to the hydrogen production equipment during alkali withdrawal is consumed, alkali replenishment to the hydrogen production equipment begins. The PLC control system of the automatic electrolyte replenishment device opens automatic valves A, B, and D, and closes the remaining automatic valves. The alkali circulation pump B is started to transport the electrolyte from the alkali tank to the hydrogen production equipment. After the electrolyte delivery is completed, the alkali circulation pump B is shut down, and the automatic valves A, B, and D are closed. The high-concentration electrolyte supplied to the hydrogen production equipment is circulated internally through the alkali circulation pump A, and is fully stirred and blended with the original electrolyte in the equipment, ultimately obtaining the electrolyte concentration required for production.

[0037] In this embodiment, in order to prevent crystallization and contamination inside the device, the equipment should be cleaned after each electrolyte preparation. Figure 1 As shown, the automatic electrolyte replenishing device also includes a cleaning water tank and a waste alkali tank. The cleaning water tank is connected to the alkali preparation tank by a pipeline, and a water pump B and an automatic valve I are provided on the pipeline. At the same time, the cleaning water tank is connected to the potassium hydroxide raw material tank by a pipeline, and an automatic valve G is provided on the pipeline. The cleaning water tank is also connected to the potassium dichromate raw material tank by a pipeline, and an automatic valve H is provided on the pipeline. The waste alkali tank is connected to the pipeline between the alkali preparation tank and the raw water tank through a pipeline, and an automatic valve L is provided on this pipeline.

[0038] When cleaning is performed after alkali replenishment, a specific pipeline component can be cleaned separately, such as opening automatic valves G and E, closing the remaining automatic valves, and starting water pump B to clean the potassium hydroxide pipeline. Alternatively, the entire device can be cleaned simultaneously by opening automatic valves B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J, and starting water pump B. Depending on the actual situation, if the water after cleaning is just a mixture of potassium hydroxide and potassium dichromate, it can be replenished to the raw material water tank through automatic valve M to save production costs. If there are other impurities, they can be stored in the waste alkali tank through automatic valve L for unified treatment.

[0039] In summary, the embodiment of the present application provides an automatic electrolyte configuration and replenishment device for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0040] 1. It can detect the electrolyte concentration in the hydrogen production equipment in real time, providing a basis for controlling hydrogen purity and power consumption. The device automatically completes electrolyte replenishment within a safe and controllable range, eliminating the need for operators to be on-site, thus avoiding casualties.

[0041] 2. When the device is running, the amount of electrolyte returned to the alkali preparation tank is equal to the amount of pure water added for hydrogen production during this period. Although the concentration of the alkali solution decreases, it will not cause large liquid level fluctuations or shut down the hydrogen production equipment, but will save production costs.

[0042] 3. The device uses a precision metering screw conveying pump as a feeder to convey potassium hydroxide and potassium dichromate respectively. The conveying pipeline is fully sealed to prevent leakage from causing safety accidents and excessive humidity;

[0043] 4. The alkali preparation tank in the device is equipped with a concentration detection probe to detect the alkali concentration in real time during alkali preparation, and a centrifugal pump is used as the stirring power;

[0044] 5. The device has an internal flushing function, which can flush the components after the chemical raw material tank outlet, and the flushing liquid discharge position can be selected.

[0045] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An automatic electrolyte configuration and replenishment device for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, characterized in that: include: A hydrogen production device, comprising an electrolyzer and a gas-liquid processor, wherein a gas-liquid mixing alkaline circuit and a hydrogen production alkaline circuit are formed by a pipeline between the electrolyzer and the gas-liquid processor, and a concentration probe A is provided on the hydrogen production alkaline circuit; An automatic electrolyte replenishing device, comprising a potassium hydroxide raw material tank, a potassium dichromate raw material tank, an alkali preparation tank, and a raw water tank, wherein the potassium hydroxide raw material tank, the potassium dichromate raw material tank, and the raw water tank are respectively connected to the alkali preparation tank pipeline, the alkali preparation tank is provided with a concentration probe B, the alkali preparation tank is provided with a self-circulating pipeline, the self-circulating pipeline is connected to the hydrogen production alkali circuit loop, and the raw water tank is connected to the gas-liquid processor pipeline; A PLC control system includes a hydrogen production equipment PLC control system and an electrolyte automatic replenishing device PLC control system, and the hydrogen production equipment PLC control system and the electrolyte automatic replenishing device PLC control system are communicatively connected.

2. The automatic electrolyte configuration and replenishment device for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The automatic electrolyte replenishing device also includes a cleaning water tank and a waste alkali tank. The cleaning water tank is respectively connected to the potassium hydroxide raw material tank, the potassium dichromate raw material tank, and the alkali preparation tank pipelines. The waste alkali tank is connected to the pipeline between the alkali preparation tank and the raw water tank.

3. The automatic electrolyte configuration and replenishment device for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The alkali preparation tank is provided with a liquid level sensor.

4. The automatic electrolyte configuration and replenishment device for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: A flow meter is provided on the pipeline connecting the self-circulation pipeline and the hydrogen production alkali circuit.

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