Hydrogen generator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a hydrogen generator which comprises a hydrogen production barrel, a superheated steam inlet, a crude hydrogen outlet and a superheated reaction tube set, the superheated reaction tube set is composed of two or more reaction tubes, one end of each reaction tube is communicated with the superheated steam inlet, and the other end of each reaction tube is communicated with the crude hydrogen outlet. And the reaction tubes are independently arranged in the hydrogen production cylinder at intervals. According to the hydrogen generator disclosed by the utility model, the two or more overheating reaction tubes are arranged in the hydrogen production cylinder body, the overheating reaction tubes are independently arranged at intervals, and the catalyst is independently filled in each overheating reaction tube, so that the reaction load of each reaction tube can be reduced, the chemical reaction is more stable, and the hydrogen production efficiency is improved. The upper and lower temperatures in each reaction tube are more uniform, the temperature difference is small, the catalyst is reacted in the most appropriate temperature range, the catalyst utilization rate is improved, the reaction efficiency is improved, and the service life of the catalyst can be prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of methanol-to-hydrogen technology, specifically to a hydrogen generator for methanol reforming to produce hydrogen. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen, as an ideal clean energy source, is currently widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical, metallurgical, and food processing industries. There are many methods for producing hydrogen, among which methanol-to-hydrogen production has become the preferred choice in many fields due to its wide availability of raw materials, low operating costs, and distributed deployment.

[0003] In methanol-to-hydrogen equipment, the superheated reaction tube of the hydrogen generator is usually a single unit. To ensure complete reaction, the superheated reaction tube is often quite long, resulting in a heavy reaction load and a significant temperature difference between the upper and lower parts of the tube. This leads to unstable chemical reactions within the tube. Furthermore, when superheated steam first enters the reaction tube, a large amount of steam comes into contact with a small amount of catalyst at the front end, causing a vigorous reaction and excessive temperature differences, sometimes exceeding the operating temperature range of the hydrogen production catalyst and shortening its lifespan. Simultaneously, to achieve a certain gas pressure at the reaction tube outlet, several times the pressure needs to be applied to the superheated section at the inlet. However, increasing the front-end pressure necessitates changes in the wall thickness and materials required for equipment, pipes, and valves, significantly increasing equipment costs and operational flexibility. Excessive resistance can also obstruct airflow, leading to localized excessively high or low temperatures, incomplete hydrogen production, and reduced efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, this patent application is filed. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hydrogen generator to solve the aforementioned technical problems.

[0006] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a hydrogen generator, including a hydrogen production cylinder, a superheated steam inlet, a crude hydrogen outlet, and a superheated reaction tube assembly. The superheated reaction tube assembly consists of two or more reaction tubes. One end of each reaction tube is connected to the superheated steam inlet, and the other end is connected to the crude hydrogen outlet. Each reaction tube is independently and spaced apart within the hydrogen production cylinder.

[0008] As a preferred design, each of the reaction tubes is arranged to extend along the same extension direction.

[0009] As a preferred design, each of the reaction tubes is a coil structure that surrounds the central axis of the hydrogen production cylinder, and the coiled reaction tubes are arranged nested in sequence with each other.

[0010] As a preferred design, two reaction tubes are provided;

[0011] And / or, one end of each of the reaction tubes is connected to a superheated steam inlet and the other end is connected to a crude hydrogen outlet.

[0012] As a preferred design, a top gas chamber is provided at one end of the hydrogen production cylinder near the superheated steam inlet, and a bottom gas chamber is provided at one end of the hydrogen production cylinder near the crude hydrogen outlet. Both the top and bottom gas chambers are fitted with inner sleeves, and the inner sleeves have multiple vent holes. The inlet of the inner sleeve in the top gas chamber is connected to the superheated steam inlet, and the outlet of the inner sleeve in the bottom gas chamber is connected to the crude hydrogen outlet. The two ends of each reaction tube are respectively inserted into the top and bottom gas chambers, so that superheated steam enters each reaction tube through the vent holes on the inner sleeve at the top, and crude hydrogen after superheated reaction flows out of each reaction tube and enters the inner sleeve at the bottom through the vent holes.

[0013] As a preferred design, each of the reaction tubes is arranged in a direction parallel to the central axis of the hydrogen production cylinder, and each of the reaction tubes is arranged circumferentially inside the hydrogen production cylinder, with the same central axis as the hydrogen production cylinder.

[0014] As a preferred design, each of the reaction tubes is a coil structure that surrounds the central axis of the hydrogen production cylinder;

[0015] And / or, the coiled reaction tubes are nested in sequence with each other.

[0016] As a preferred design, each of the reaction tubes includes a first tube and a second tube. The first tube is arranged circumferentially inside the hydrogen production cylinder and is coaxial with the hydrogen production cylinder. The second tube is a coil structure that surrounds the hydrogen production cylinder along the central axis. The coiled second tubes are nested in sequence with each other.

[0017] The second tube is located inside the first tube.

[0018] As a preferred design, the inner sleeves at the top and bottom are each composed of two semi-ring sleeves, each of which has multiple vents. One end of each semi-ring sleeve at the top is connected to a superheated steam inlet, and one end of each semi-ring sleeve at the bottom is connected to a crude hydrogen outlet.

[0019] As a preferred design, the diameter of the air vents near the air inlet of each semi-ring sleeve is smaller than the diameter of the air vents far from the air inlet of the semi-ring sleeve.

[0020] The pore diameter on the bottom semi-ring sleeve is larger than the pore diameter on the top semi-ring sleeve.

[0021] And / or, the exterior of the hydrogen production cylinder is equipped with multiple temperature sensors.

[0022] The advantages and beneficial effects of this utility model compared to the prior art are:

[0023] This utility model provides a hydrogen generator that, by setting two or more superheated reaction tubes inside the hydrogen production cylinder, with each superheated reaction tube independently spaced apart and filled with a catalyst, can reduce the reaction load on each reaction tube, making the chemical reaction more stable, the temperature inside each reaction tube more uniform, and the temperature difference smaller. This allows the reaction to occur within the optimal temperature range of the catalyst, improving catalyst utilization, thereby increasing reaction efficiency, extending catalyst life, and enhancing hydrogen production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the exemplary embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be considered as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hydrogen generator provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal nested coiled reaction tube structure of the hydrogen generator provided in Example 1.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen generator provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of the local structure at point A in the middle.

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of the local structure at point B.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a top view of a hydrogen generator provided in Example 2.

[0031] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of the local structure at point C.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen generator provided in Example 4.

[0033] The attached diagram shows the markings and corresponding component names:

[0034] 1-Hydrogen production cylinder, 2-Superheated steam inlet, 3-Crude hydrogen outlet, 4-Reaction tube, 401-First tube, 402-Second tube, 5-Top gas reservoir, 6-Bottom gas reservoir, 7-Semi-annular sleeve, 8-Gas hole, 9-Temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this utility model are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0036] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary to implement the present invention. In other embodiments, well-known structures, circuits, materials, or methods are not specifically described in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0037] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment," "an example," or "an example" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the phrases "an embodiment," "an example," "an example," or "an example" appearing in various places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments or examples in any suitable combination and / or sub-combination. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the illustrations provided herein are for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "vertical", "horizontal", "high", "low", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0039] Example 1:

[0040] like Figure 1 , 2As shown, a hydrogen generator for methanol reforming to produce hydrogen includes a hydrogen production cylinder 1, a superheated steam inlet 2, a crude hydrogen outlet 3, and a superheated reaction tube assembly. The superheated reaction tube assembly consists of two or more reaction tubes 4. One end of each reaction tube 4 is connected to the superheated steam inlet 2, and the other end is connected to the crude hydrogen outlet 3. Each reaction tube 4 is independently and spaced apart within the hydrogen production cylinder 1.

[0041] In this embodiment, by setting two or more superheated reaction tubes 4 inside the hydrogen production cylinder 1, with each superheated reaction tube 4 independently spaced apart and filled with a catalyst separately for its own superheated reaction, the advantages of this arrangement are: First, the reaction load on each reaction tube 4 is reduced, resulting in a more stable chemical reaction and more uniform temperature within each tube 4; Second, with multiple reaction tubes 4, steam can be dispersed and react with the catalyst, resulting in a smaller temperature difference and allowing the reaction to occur within the catalyst's optimal temperature range, thus improving catalyst utilization and reaction efficiency; Third, with multiple reaction tubes 4, the uniform temperature throughout the tube facilitates stable reaction of the catalyst under small temperature differences, significantly extending catalyst lifespan; Fourth, multiple reaction tubes 4 reduce internal resistance, allowing gas to flow more smoothly into the tube, avoiding incomplete hydrogen production caused by excessively high or low local temperatures, and improving hydrogen production efficiency.

[0042] Furthermore, considering the volume of the hydrogen production cylinder 1 and the overall layout of the device, each reaction tube 4 is arranged to extend in the same direction to reduce space occupation and facilitate the installation and arrangement of each reaction tube 4. The extension of the reaction tube 4 can be set as needed, such as a straight tube type with multiple reaction tubes 4 arranged in parallel, or an arc-shaped tube with each arc extending in the same direction. Of course, other extension shapes are also possible, which will not be elaborated here.

[0043] Better still, each reaction tube 4 is arranged as a coiled structure surrounding the central axis of the hydrogen production cylinder 1. The coiled reaction tubes 4 are arranged nested sequentially, allowing each reaction tube 4 to be independent while still accommodating a relatively large number of reaction tubes 4 within the limited space of the hydrogen production cylinder 1. In this embodiment, two reaction tubes 4 are provided, with one end of each reaction tube 4 connected to a superheated steam inlet 2 and the other end connected to a crude hydrogen outlet 3. Of course, a larger number of nested reaction tubes 4 can also be provided.

[0044] Meanwhile, multiple temperature sensors 9 are evenly distributed on the outside of the hydrogen production cylinder 1 to monitor the overheating reaction in real time.

[0045] Example 2:

[0046] like Figures 3-7As shown, a hydrogen generator for methanol reforming to produce hydrogen includes a hydrogen production cylinder 1, a superheated steam inlet 2, a crude hydrogen outlet 3, and a superheated reaction tube assembly. The superheated reaction tube assembly consists of two or more reaction tubes 4. One end of each reaction tube 4 is connected to the superheated steam inlet 2, and the other end is connected to the crude hydrogen outlet 3. Each reaction tube 4 is independently and spaced apart within the hydrogen production cylinder 1.

[0047] In this embodiment, by setting two or more superheated reaction tubes 4 inside the hydrogen production cylinder 1, and each superheated reaction tube 4 is set independently with intervals between them, and each superheated reaction tube 4 is filled with a catalyst separately and undergoes a superheated reaction separately, the main advantages of this setting are enhanced catalyst utilization, extended lifespan, significantly reduced equipment resistance, and easier catalyst loading.

[0048] Furthermore, considering the volume of the hydrogen production cylinder 1 and the overall layout of the device, each reaction tube 4 is arranged to extend in the same direction to reduce space occupation and facilitate the installation and arrangement of each reaction tube 4. The extension of the reaction tube 4 can be set as needed.

[0049] Better still, a top gas chamber 5 is provided at one end of the hydrogen production cylinder 1 near the superheated steam inlet 2, and a bottom gas chamber 6 is provided at one end of the hydrogen production cylinder 1 near the crude hydrogen outlet 3. Both the top gas chamber 5 and the bottom gas chamber 6 are fixedly installed on the top cover and bottom cover of the hydrogen production cylinder 1. Both the top gas chamber 5 and the bottom gas chamber 6 are fitted with inner sleeves, and multiple air holes 8 are opened on the inner sleeves. The air inlet of the inner sleeve in the top gas chamber 5 is connected to the superheated steam inlet 2. For example, the air can enter through the top cover of the hydrogen production cylinder 1 through the air inlet pipe, and then pass through the top gas chamber 5 to connect with the inner sleeve inside. The air outlet of the inner sleeve of the bottom gas chamber 6 is connected to the crude hydrogen outlet 3. Similarly, the air outlet pipe can pass through the bottom cover of the hydrogen production cylinder 1, and then through the bottom gas chamber to connect with the bottom inner sleeve. Each reaction tube 4 is inserted into the top gas chamber 5 and the bottom gas chamber 6 at both ends, respectively, so that the vent 8 on the inner sleeve of the top gas chamber 5 is connected to the reaction tube 4, and the vent 8 on the inner sleeve of the bottom gas chamber 6 is also connected to the reaction tube 4. Superheated steam enters each reaction tube 4 located below through the vent 8 on the inner sleeve located at the top. The crude hydrogen gas produced after the superheated reaction flows out from the bottom end of each reaction tube 4, then enters the bottom inner sleeve through the vent 8 on the bottom inner sleeve, and finally exits from the hydrogen production cylinder 1.

[0050] In this embodiment, a gas bag and an inner sleeve are respectively provided at the top and bottom, and multiple air holes 8 are provided on the inner sleeve. The air holes 8 are connected to the hollow tube body of the reaction tube 4. The advantage of this design is that the superheated steam can be evenly dispersed into multiple reaction tubes 4, making the airflow distribution more uniform, which is more conducive to the uniformity of the superheated reaction in each reaction tube 4, avoiding local excessively high or low temperatures, improving hydrogen production efficiency, and extending the service life of the catalyst.

[0051] Better still, each reaction tube 4 is set as a straight tube, and each reaction tube 4 is arranged in a direction parallel to the central axis of the hydrogen production cylinder 1. Each reaction tube 4 is arranged circumferentially inside the hydrogen production cylinder 1, with the same central axis as the hydrogen production cylinder 1. Multiple reaction tubes 4 together form a vertically arranged tube.

[0052] This design helps to further reduce the load on each riser, resulting in a more stable chemical reaction within the riser and a more uniform temperature throughout the pipe. This leads to a more homogeneous chemical reaction, unlike a single reaction pipe (4), where a large amount of steam initially contacts a small amount of catalyst, causing a violent reaction and excessive temperature difference. By using multiple risers, the steam can be dispersed to react with the catalyst, resulting in a smaller temperature difference and allowing the reaction to occur within the catalyst's optimal temperature range, thus improving catalyst utilization and reaction efficiency. Furthermore, a single reaction pipe (4) would have excessively long coils, leading to excessive resistance. To achieve a certain gas pressure at the outlet, the pressure from the superheated evaporator at the inlet would need to be significantly increased. This increased pressure necessitates changes in the wall thickness and materials of the equipment, pipes, and valves, significantly increasing equipment costs and operational flexibility. Excessive resistance can also obstruct airflow, causing localized overheating or underheating, resulting in incomplete hydrogen production and affecting efficiency. By changing to the riser in this embodiment, catalyst can be loaded into each tube individually, making it easier for the catalyst to fall into the tube. Compared to the original single reaction tube process, which was time-consuming and labor-intensive to load catalyst, and prone to voids and bridging, the riser in this embodiment is easier to load and has a better loading effect. Furthermore, with the riser, the catalyst has smoother airflow and lower resistance, making it less prone to overheating during activation, thus better protecting the fresh catalyst and ensuring its performance after use.

[0053] Furthermore, both the top and bottom inner sleeves consist of two semi-ringed sleeves 7, each with multiple vents 8. One end of each top semi-ringed sleeve 7 is connected to a superheated steam inlet 2, and one end of each bottom semi-ringed sleeve 7 is connected to a crude hydrogen outlet 3. The two inner sleeves are arranged end-to-end inside the gas chamber, with a certain distance between them. During the reaction, superheated steam is simultaneously introduced into both inner sleeves, allowing the steam to enter each reaction tube 4 more evenly and rapidly.

[0054] Even better, the diameter of the air hole 8 near the air inlet of each semi-ring sleeve 7 is smaller than the diameter of the air hole 8 far from the air inlet of the semi-ring sleeve 7. The purpose of this setting is to avoid the deviation of the raw material gas flow and to make the airflow entering the inner sleeve flow out more evenly.

[0055] Considering that the methanol-to-hydrogen reaction is a volume-increasing reaction, it is better to design the pore diameter of the vent 8 on the bottom semi-ring sleeve 7 to be larger than the pore diameter of the vent 8 on the top semi-ring sleeve 7, so that the flow of the mixed gas after the reaction can be more normal.

[0056] Multiple temperature sensors 9 are also installed on the outside of the hydrogen production cylinder 1 to monitor the reaction in real time.

[0057] Example 3:

[0058] A hydrogen generator for methanol reforming to produce hydrogen differs from Embodiment 2 in that the reaction tube 4 in this embodiment is a coil, i.e., as in Embodiment 1, the reaction tube 4 is a coil structure that winds around the central axis of the hydrogen production cylinder 1. The coiled reaction tubes 4 are also arranged in a nested manner, and at least two coiled reaction tubes 4 can be provided. This embodiment also includes a top gas reservoir 5 and a bottom gas reservoir 6, each with an inner sleeve and gas holes 8. Both ends of each reaction tube 4 are inserted into the corresponding gas reservoir, the specific configuration being the same as in Embodiment 2. In other words, this embodiment differs from Embodiment 2 only in the formation of the reaction tube 4; all other structures are identical to those of Embodiment 2.

[0059] Example 4:

[0060] A hydrogen generator for methanol reforming to produce hydrogen differs from Example 2 in that: the reaction tubes in Example 4 have two forms. One is a first tube 401, which is a straight tube as in Example 2, forming an arranged vertical tube. The other is a second tube 402, which is two nested coiled reaction tubes as in Example 3, and as... Figure 8 As shown, the second tube 402 is located inside the first tube 401, and the inlet and outlet of the second tube 402 are also inserted into the corresponding air bag.

[0061] The above specific embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A hydrogen generator, characterized in that, It includes a hydrogen production cylinder (1), a superheated steam inlet (2), a crude hydrogen outlet (3), and a superheated reaction tube assembly. The superheated reaction tube assembly consists of two or more reaction tubes (4). One end of each reaction tube (4) is connected to the superheated steam inlet (2), and the other end is connected to the crude hydrogen outlet (3). Each reaction tube (4) is independently and spaced apart within the hydrogen production cylinder (1).

2. A hydrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the reaction tubes (4) is arranged to extend in the same direction.

3. A hydrogen generator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the reaction tubes (4) is a coil structure that surrounds the central axis of the hydrogen production cylinder (1), and the coiled reaction tubes (4) are arranged nested in sequence with each other.

4. A hydrogen generator according to claim 3, characterized in that, Two reaction tubes (4) are provided; And / or, one end of each of the reaction tubes (4) is connected to a superheated steam inlet (2) and the other end is connected to a crude hydrogen outlet (3).

5. A hydrogen generator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A top gas chamber (5) is provided at one end of the hydrogen production cylinder (1) near the superheated steam inlet (2), and a bottom gas chamber (6) is provided at one end of the hydrogen production cylinder (1) near the crude hydrogen outlet (3). Both the top gas chamber (5) and the bottom gas chamber (6) are fitted with inner sleeves, and multiple air holes (8) are opened on the inner sleeves. The air inlet of the inner sleeve in the top gas chamber (5) is connected to the superheated steam inlet (2), and the air outlet of the inner sleeve in the bottom gas chamber (6) is connected to the crude hydrogen outlet (3). The two ends of each reaction tube (4) are respectively inserted into the top gas chamber (5) and the bottom gas chamber (6), so that the superheated steam enters each reaction tube (4) through the air holes (8) on the inner sleeve located at the top, and the crude hydrogen after the superheated reaction flows out from each reaction tube (4) and enters the inner sleeve located at the bottom through the air holes (8).

6. A hydrogen generator according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the reaction tubes (4) is arranged in a direction parallel to the central axis of the hydrogen production cylinder (1). Each of the reaction tubes (4) is arranged circumferentially inside the hydrogen production cylinder (1) and has the same central axis as the hydrogen production cylinder (1).

7. A hydrogen generator according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the reaction tubes (4) is a coil structure that surrounds the central axis of the hydrogen production cylinder (1); And / or, the coiled reaction tubes (4) are nested in sequence with each other.

8. A hydrogen generator according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the reaction tubes (4) includes a first tube (401) and a second tube (402). The first tube (401) is arranged circumferentially inside the hydrogen production cylinder (1) and is coaxial with the hydrogen production cylinder (1). The second tube (402) is a coil structure that surrounds the hydrogen production cylinder (1). The coiled second tubes (402) are nested in sequence with each other. The second tube (402) is located inside the first tube (401).

9. A hydrogen generator according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The inner sleeves at the top and bottom are each composed of two semi-ring sleeves (7). Each semi-ring sleeve (7) is provided with multiple vents (8). One end of each semi-ring sleeve (7) at the top is connected to a superheated steam inlet (2), and one end of each semi-ring sleeve (7) at the bottom is connected to a crude hydrogen outlet (3).

10. A hydrogen generator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The diameter of the air hole (8) near the air inlet of each semi-ring sleeve (7) is smaller than the diameter of the air hole (8) far from the air inlet of the semi-ring sleeve (7); the diameter of the air hole (8) on the bottom semi-ring sleeve (7) is larger than the diameter of the air hole (8) on the top semi-ring sleeve (7). And / or, the exterior of the hydrogen production cylinder (1) is provided with a plurality of temperature sensors (9).

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