Pressure control device for high-pressure hydrogen production

Abstract

The utility model discloses a pressure control device for high-pressure hydrogen production, which relates to the technical field of water electrolysis hydrogen production, and particularly comprises an electrolytic bath, a hydrogen side pressure control component, an oxygen side pressure control component and a PLC (programmable logic controller) control system, and the hydrogen side pressure control component and the oxygen side pressure control component are both arranged outside the electrolytic bath. The hydrogen side pressure control assembly comprises a hydrogen side high-pressure water pump, the liquid inlet end of the hydrogen side high-pressure water pump is connected with a hydrogen side liquid outlet of the electrolytic cell, the liquid outlet end of the hydrogen side high-pressure water pump is connected with a hydrogen separation tank, the liquid outlet end of the hydrogen separation tank is connected with a hydrogen side liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell, and a hydrogen side pressure sensor is arranged on the hydrogen separation tank. The hydrogen-oxygen side pressure difference of the electrolytic film is kept by controlling the water inlet pressure, so that the hydrogen-oxygen side pressure difference of the electrolytic film is kept constant while high-pressure water inlet is performed, the influence on the electrolytic film during high-pressure water inlet is avoided, and high-pressure hydrogen is obtained on the premise of not damaging the electrolytic film of the electrolytic cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water electrolysis for hydrogen production technology, specifically a pressure control device for high-pressure hydrogen production. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy is an ideal clean energy source with enormous development potential. The utilization of hydrogen energy begins with hydrogen production, which is categorized by carbon emission intensity into gray hydrogen, blue hydrogen, and green hydrogen (hydrogen produced by water electrolysis, renewable energy). With technological advancements, the demand for producing hydrogen at higher pressures is continuously increasing.

[0003] Currently, the main method for obtaining high-pressure hydrogen is to produce hydrogen using hydrogen production equipment and then compress the produced hydrogen using a compressor. This method is inefficient and costly in practical applications. Although high-pressure water electrolysis can produce high-pressure hydrogen in existing technologies, the pressure difference across the electrolytic membrane during electrolysis, coupled with the fact that most electrolytic cells in existing technologies use a single-sided liquid inlet method, leads to an excessively large pressure difference between the hydrogen and oxygen sides of the electrolytic membrane when high-pressure water is introduced into the single-sided liquid inlet electrolytic cell, which can easily damage the membrane. Based on this, this application proposes a pressure control device for high-pressure hydrogen production. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a pressure control device for high-pressure hydrogen production, which solves the problem mentioned in the background art that the electrolytic membrane is prone to damage due to an excessive pressure difference between the hydrogen and oxygen sides when high-pressure water is introduced.

[0005] This utility model provides the following technical solution: a pressure control device for high-pressure hydrogen production, including an electrolyzer, a hydrogen-side pressure control component, an oxygen-side pressure control component, and a PLC control system. The hydrogen-side pressure control component and the oxygen-side pressure control component are both located outside the electrolyzer. The oxygen-side pressure control component includes an oxygen-side high-pressure water pump. The inlet end of the oxygen-side high-pressure water pump is connected to the oxygen-side outlet of the electrolyzer. The outlet end of the oxygen-side high-pressure water pump is connected to an oxygen separation tank. The outlet end of the oxygen separation tank is connected to the oxygen-side inlet of the electrolyzer. An oxygen-side pressure sensor is provided on the oxygen separation tank.

[0006] The hydrogen-side pressure control assembly includes a hydrogen-side high-pressure water pump. The inlet of the hydrogen-side high-pressure water pump is connected to the hydrogen-side outlet of the electrolyzer. The outlet of the hydrogen-side high-pressure water pump is connected to a hydrogen separation tank. The outlet of the hydrogen separation tank is connected to the hydrogen-side inlet of the electrolyzer. A hydrogen-side pressure sensor is provided on the hydrogen separation tank.

[0007] The oxygen-side pressure sensor, hydrogen-side pressure sensor, controller of the oxygen-side high-pressure water pump, and controller of the hydrogen-side high-pressure water pump are all connected to the PLC control system.

[0008] Preferably, an electrolytic membrane is provided in the middle of the inner cavity of the electrolytic cell, and the pressure difference between the hydrogen side pressure and the oxygen side pressure of the electrolytic membrane remains constant.

[0009] Preferably, the oxygen-side inlet, oxygen-side outlet, hydrogen-side inlet, and hydrogen-side outlet of the electrolytic cell are all equipped with buffer tanks, and the inner diameter of the buffer tanks is the same as the inner diameter of the pipes connected to them.

[0010] Preferably, buffer plates are uniformly fixedly connected inside the inner cavity of the buffer tank, and the buffer plates are uniformly provided with flow holes, and the flow holes on two adjacent buffer plates are staggered.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0012] 1. This pressure control device for high-pressure hydrogen production simplifies the structure and reduces the complexity of the control device by integrating the hydrogen-side pressure control component and the oxygen-side pressure control component on the anode and cathode sides of the electrolyzer. By controlling the inlet water pressure, the pressure difference between the hydrogen and oxygen sides of the electrolyzer membrane is maintained, ensuring that the pressure difference remains constant while high-pressure water is introduced. This avoids the impact of high-pressure water introduction on the electrolyzer membrane, allowing high-pressure hydrogen to be obtained without damaging the electrolyzer membrane.

[0013] 2. The pressure control device for high-pressure hydrogen production, through the setting of a buffer tank, can buffer the fluctuations in the inlet and outlet of the electrolyzer multiple times, reduce the fluctuations in the electrolyte, and improve the stability of the electrolyzer. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the present utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the buffer tank structure of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a front view schematic diagram of the buffer tank structure of this utility model.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Electrolyzer; 2. Oxygen-side high-pressure water pump; 3. Hydrogen-side high-pressure water pump; 4. Oxygen separator; 5. Hydrogen separator; 6. Hydrogen-side pressure sensor; 7. Oxygen-side pressure sensor; 8. Buffer tank; 9. Buffer plate. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0019] This invention provides a pressure control device for high-pressure hydrogen production, including an electrolyzer 1, a hydrogen-side pressure control component, an oxygen-side pressure control component, and a PLC control system. Both the hydrogen-side and oxygen-side pressure control components are located outside the electrolyzer 1, simplifying the device structure and reducing its complexity.

[0020] The oxygen-side pressure control assembly includes an oxygen-side high-pressure water pump 2. The inlet of the oxygen-side high-pressure water pump 2 is connected to the oxygen-side outlet of the electrolytic cell 1, and the outlet of the oxygen-side high-pressure water pump 2 is connected to an oxygen separation tank 4. The outlet of the oxygen separation tank 4 is connected to the oxygen-side inlet of the electrolytic cell 1. The operation of the oxygen-side high-pressure water pump 2 pumps oxygen-side water from the electrolytic membrane into the oxygen separation tank 4, where oxygen is separated. After separation, the electrolyte flows back into the electrolytic cell 1 through the oxygen-side inlet. During this process, the oxygen-side high-pressure water pump 2 can change the pressure of the electrolyte, thereby changing the oxygen-side pressure of the electrolytic membrane. An oxygen-side pressure sensor 7 is installed on the oxygen separation tank 4, allowing for real-time detection of the oxygen-side pressure of the electrolytic cell 1.

[0021] The hydrogen-side pressure control assembly includes a hydrogen-side high-pressure water pump 3. The inlet of the hydrogen-side high-pressure water pump 3 is connected to the hydrogen-side outlet of the electrolyzer 1, and the outlet of the hydrogen-side high-pressure water pump 3 is connected to a hydrogen separation tank 5. The outlet of the hydrogen separation tank 5 is connected to the hydrogen-side inlet of the electrolyzer 1. The hydrogen-side high-pressure water pump 3 pumps hydrogen-side water from the electrolytic membrane of the electrolyzer 1 into the hydrogen separation tank 5. The hydrogen separation tank 5 separates the hydrogen gas, and the electrolyte separated from the hydrogen gas flows back into the electrolyzer 1 through the hydrogen-side outlet. The pressure of the returning electrolyte can be changed by controlling the hydrogen-side high-pressure water pump 3. A hydrogen-side pressure sensor 6 is installed inside the hydrogen separation tank 5 to detect the hydrogen-side pressure in real time.

[0022] The oxygen-side pressure sensor 7, hydrogen-side pressure sensor 6, controllers for oxygen-side high-pressure water pump 2 and hydrogen-side high-pressure water pump 3 are all connected to the PLC control system. Oxygen-side pressure sensor 7 and hydrogen-side pressure sensor 6 can transmit the detected data to the PLC control system in real time. The PLC control system can control the operation of the servo motors of oxygen-side high-pressure water pump 2 and hydrogen-side high-pressure water pump 3, changing the electrolyte pressure by controlling the rotation speed of the servo motors.

[0023] As described above, when the device is in use, the electrolyte pressure of the electrolyzer 1 can be changed, thereby dynamically adjusting the pressure difference between the hydrogen and oxygen sides of the electrolytic membrane in the electrolyzer. This ensures that the pressure difference between the hydrogen and oxygen sides of the electrolytic membrane remains constant during actual use, guaranteeing the safety of the electrolytic membrane during high-pressure water intake. Furthermore, high-pressure hydrogen can be obtained by controlling the water intake pressure without damaging the electrolytic membrane in the electrolyzer.

[0024] An electrolytic membrane is located in the middle of the inner cavity of electrolyzer 1. The pressure difference between the hydrogen side and the oxygen side of the electrolytic membrane remains constant. This avoids the impact of high-pressure water intake on the electrolytic membrane, allowing high-pressure hydrogen to be obtained without damaging the electrolytic membrane.

[0025] Each of the oxygen-side inlet, oxygen-side outlet, hydrogen-side inlet, and hydrogen-side outlet of electrolytic cell 1 is equipped with a buffer tank 8. Buffer plates 9 are uniformly fixedly connected to the inner cavity of each buffer tank 8. Flow holes are uniformly distributed on each buffer plate 9, and the flow holes on adjacent buffer plates 9 are staggered. The buffer plates 9, through their resilience, reduce electrolyte fluctuations during inlet and outlet. The buffer tanks 8 ensure smooth liquid flow within electrolytic cell 1, reducing electrolyte fluctuations and improving the stability of the electrolytic cell. The buffer plates 9 can be made of high-pressure resistant rubber. The inner diameter of the buffer tank 8 is the same as the inner diameter of the connected pipe to prevent changes in liquid pressure.

[0026] Furthermore, when the device proposed in this application is operating in a high-temperature and high-pressure environment, it can be manufactured using high-temperature resistant and corrosion-resistant materials. There are no restrictions on the material type; it can be selected according to requirements.

[0027] All electrical components involved in this application are prior art. Those skilled in the art understand their connection methods. With the help of those skilled in the art, all electrical components in this application and their compatible power supplies can be connected by wires. According to the actual situation, a suitable controller can be selected to meet the control requirements. For specific connections and control sequences, please refer to the description below. The electrical connection between each electrical component is completed in the order of operation. The detailed connection methods are well known in the art. The following mainly introduces the working principle and process, and will not describe the electrical control.

[0028] In summary, this high-pressure hydrogen production pressure control device, through the coordinated action of the hydrogen-side pressure control component, the oxygen-side pressure control component, and the PLC control system, maintains a constant pressure difference between the hydrogen-side and oxygen-side pressures of the electrolytic membrane. This solves the problem in existing technologies where the electrolytic membrane cannot withstand excessively high pressure differences between the hydrogen-producing and oxygen-producing sides. Furthermore, it achieves high hydrogen outlet pressure by controlling the inlet water pressure without damaging the electrolytic membrane. Moreover, integrating the hydrogen-side and oxygen-side pressure control components on the anode and cathode sides of the electrolytic cell simplifies the structure and reduces the complexity of the device.

[0029] All standard parts used in this utility model can be purchased from the market, and irregular parts can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the prior art. The machinery, parts and equipment adopt conventional models in the prior art, which will not be described in detail here. The contents not described in detail in this specification belong to the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Although the embodiments of this utility model have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this utility model. The scope of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A pressure control device for high-pressure hydrogen production, comprising an electrolyzer (1), a hydrogen-side pressure control component, an oxygen-side pressure control component, and a PLC control system, characterized in that: Both the hydrogen-side pressure control component and the oxygen-side pressure control component are located outside the electrolyzer (1). The oxygen-side pressure control component includes an oxygen-side high-pressure water pump (2). The inlet of the oxygen-side high-pressure water pump (2) is connected to the oxygen-side outlet of the electrolyzer (1). The outlet of the oxygen-side high-pressure water pump (2) is connected to an oxygen separation tank (4). The outlet of the oxygen separation tank (4) is connected to the oxygen-side inlet of the electrolyzer (1). An oxygen-side pressure sensor (7) is provided on the oxygen separation tank (4). The hydrogen-side pressure control assembly includes a hydrogen-side high-pressure water pump (3), the inlet of which is connected to the hydrogen-side outlet of the electrolyzer (1), the outlet of which is connected to a hydrogen separator (5), the outlet of which is connected to the hydrogen-side inlet of the electrolyzer (1), and a hydrogen-side pressure sensor (6) is provided on the hydrogen separator (5). The oxygen-side pressure sensor (7), hydrogen-side pressure sensor (6), controller of oxygen-side high-pressure water pump (2), and controller of hydrogen-side high-pressure water pump (3) are all connected to the PLC control system.

2. The pressure control device for high-pressure hydrogen production according to claim 1, characterized in that: An electrolytic membrane is provided in the middle of the inner cavity of the electrolytic cell (1), and the pressure difference between the hydrogen side pressure and the oxygen side pressure of the electrolytic membrane remains constant.

3. The pressure control device for high-pressure hydrogen production according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electrolytic cell (1) is equipped with a buffer tank (8) at its oxygen side inlet, oxygen side outlet, hydrogen side inlet, and hydrogen side outlet. The inner diameter of the buffer tank (8) is the same as the inner diameter of the pipe connected to it.

4. The pressure control device for high-pressure hydrogen production according to claim 3, characterized in that: The buffer tank (8) has buffer plates (9) uniformly fixedly connected inside its inner cavity. The buffer plates (9) are uniformly provided with flow holes, and the flow holes on two adjacent buffer plates (9) are staggered.

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