Separation device and water electrolysis hydrogen production system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a separation device and a water electrolysis hydrogen production system, and relates to the technical field of hydrogen production, the separation device comprises a shell, a washing structure and a gas-water separation structure, the shell is provided with an inner cavity, the separation device is provided with an electrolysis product inlet, a gas outlet and a water inlet which are communicated with the inner cavity, and the washing structure and the gas-water separation structure are arranged in the inner cavity; the electrolytic product inlet, the washing structure, the gas-water separation structure and the gas outlet are sequentially distributed from bottom to top, and the washing structure is communicated with the water inlet. According to the technical scheme, the washing structure and the gas-water separation structure are integrated in the same shell, washing, cooling and gas-water separation functions are coupled, integration of the gas-liquid separation process is achieved, meanwhile, multiple single devices are integrated into one device, the time of the hydrogen production process is shortened, and the hydrogen production efficiency is improved. And the cost of hydrogen production equipment is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of hydrogen production technology, and in particular to a separation device and a water electrolysis hydrogen production system. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, water electrolysis hydrogen production systems typically include alkaline electrolysis systems and PEM electrolysis systems. The hydrogen-alkali mixture and oxygen-alkali mixture materials from the alkaline electrolysis cell need to undergo separation, washing, cooling, and gas-liquid separation processes to obtain crude hydrogen and crude oxygen. These processes must be completed in gas-liquid separators, washing structures, coolers, and gas-liquid separation structures, resulting in numerous pieces of equipment and high costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main objective of this application is to propose a separation device and a water electrolysis hydrogen production system, which aims to reduce the cost of hydrogen production equipment.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the separation device proposed in this application includes a shell, a washing structure, and a gas-water separation structure. The shell has an inner cavity, and the separation device has an electrolysis product inlet, a gas outlet, and a water inlet communicating with the inner cavity. The washing structure and the gas-water separation structure are disposed in the inner cavity. The electrolysis product inlet, the washing structure, the gas-water separation structure, and the gas outlet are distributed sequentially from bottom to top. The washing structure is connected to the water inlet.

[0005] In one embodiment, the inner cavity includes a connected mounting cavity and a gas-liquid separation cavity. The washing structure and the gas-liquid separation structure are disposed in the mounting cavity. The gas-liquid separation cavity is located below the mounting cavity and is provided with a liquid outlet and an electrolysis product inlet.

[0006] In one embodiment, the diameter of the gas-liquid separation chamber is larger than the diameter of the mounting chamber.

[0007] In one embodiment, the gas-liquid separation chamber has the same diameter as the mounting chamber.

[0008] In one embodiment, the housing is integrally formed.

[0009] In one embodiment, the separation device further includes a gas-liquid separator located below the housing, the gas-liquid separator having a liquid outlet and an electrolysis product inlet.

[0010] In one embodiment, after the shell portion of the gas-liquid separator is formed separately from the housing, the housing is positioned above the shell portion of the gas-liquid separator.

[0011] In one embodiment, the separation device further includes a connecting pipe, one end of which is connected to the gas-liquid separator and the other end of which is connected to the housing.

[0012] In one embodiment, a first heat exchanger is provided on the connecting pipe.

[0013] In one embodiment, the separation device further includes an overflow pipe, one end of which is disposed near the lower end of the housing and communicates with the inner cavity, and the other end of which communicates with the gas-liquid separator.

[0014] In one embodiment, the separation device further includes a first booster pump, the inlet of which is connected to the lower end of the housing, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet via a first flow path.

[0015] In one embodiment, the outlet of the first booster pump is also connected to the lower end of the housing via a second flow path.

[0016] In one embodiment, a second heat exchanger is provided in the flow path between the inlet of the first booster pump and the lower end of the housing, and in the flow path between the pure water source and the inlet.

[0017] This application also proposes a water electrolysis hydrogen production system, including an electrolyzer and two of the aforementioned separation devices. The electrolyzer has a hydrogen-side electrolysis product outlet and an oxygen-side electrolysis product outlet. The electrolysis product inlet of one of the separation devices is connected to the hydrogen-side electrolysis product outlet, and the electrolysis product inlet of the other separation device is connected to the oxygen-side electrolysis product outlet.

[0018] In one embodiment, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system further includes a pure water source. When the separation device is equipped with a first booster pump, and the first booster pump is connected to the water inlet through a first flow path, the pure water source is connected to the first flow path and is connected to the water inlet through the first flow path.

[0019] The technical solution of this application integrates the washing structure and the gas-liquid separation structure into the same housing, coupling the washing, cooling and gas-liquid separation functions. This achieves the integration of the gas-liquid separation process and also integrates multiple individual devices into one device. The washing structure and the gas-liquid separation structure share a housing, thereby reducing material costs. In addition, the connecting pipes between the washing structure and the gas-liquid separation structure are eliminated, which reduces costs and shortens the gas flow path, thereby shortening the hydrogen production process time and reducing the cost of hydrogen production equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the separation device provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 2 A water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system provided in this application;

[0025] Figure 5 This application provides another embodiment of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system;

[0026] Figure 6 This application provides another embodiment of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system;

[0027] Figure 7 A water electrolysis hydrogen production system according to another embodiment of this application.

[0028] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0029] 10. Water electrolysis hydrogen production system; 100. Electrolyzer; 200. Separation device; 300. Connecting pipe; 410. First heat exchanger; 420. Second heat exchanger; 430. Third heat exchanger; 500. Overflow pipe; 111. Hydrogen-side electrolysis product outlet; 112. Oxygen-side electrolysis product outlet; 120. Return liquid port; 210. Shell; 211. Electrolysis product inlet; 212. Gas outlet; 213. Water inlet; 214. Mounting cavity; 215. 1. Gas-liquid separation chamber; 220. Washing structure; 230. Gas-water separation structure; 240. Gas-liquid separator; 241. Liquid outlet; 610. First booster pump; 620. Second booster pump; 710. Water replenishment pump; 720. Flow meter; 810. Liquid level difference regulating valve; 820. Pressure regulating valve; 910. Liquid level difference sensor; 920. Pressure sensor; P1. First flow path; P2. Second flow path; Q. Pure water pipeline; S. Return liquid pipeline.

[0030] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0033] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0034] This application proposes a separation device 200.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment of this application, the separation device 200 includes a housing 210, a washing structure 220, and a gas-water separation structure 230. The housing 210 has an inner cavity. The separation device 200 has an electrolysis product inlet 211, a gas outlet 212, and a water inlet 213 connected to the inner cavity. The washing structure 220 and the gas-water separation structure 230 are disposed in the inner cavity. The electrolysis product inlet 211, the washing structure 220, the gas-water separation structure 230, and the gas outlet 212 are distributed sequentially from bottom to top. The washing structure 220 is connected to the water inlet 213.

[0036] Specifically, the separation device 200 is applied to the water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10, which includes an electrolyzer 100 and the separation device 200. The electrolyzer 100 is used to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolyzer 100 typically contains a pair of electrodes (cathode and anode) and an electrolyte solution. Taking an alkaline electrolyzer as an example, the electrolyte solution is typically KOH alkaline solution. When direct current is applied to the electrodes, the water in the electrolyzer 100 decomposes on the electrode surface and is reduced to hydrogen and hydroxide ions at the cathode and oxidized to oxygen and hydrogen ions at the anode. The gas generated on the corresponding electrode surface of the electrolyzer 100 carries a small amount of alkaline solution. The gas-liquid mixture exiting the electrolysis product outlet of the electrolyzer 100 is either a hydrogen-alkali gas-liquid mixture or an oxygen-alkali gas-liquid mixture.

[0037] The separation device 200 is used to separate alkaline solution from a gas-liquid mixture. The separation device 200 includes a shell 210, a washing structure 220, and a gas-liquid separation structure 230. An inner cavity is formed inside the shell 210 to house components such as the washing structure 220 and the gas-liquid separation structure 230. An electrolysis product inlet 211, a gas outlet 212, and a water inlet 213 communicate with the inner cavity, serving as interfaces connecting the inner cavity to the outside. The electrolysis product inlet 211 is used to introduce the gas-liquid mixture; the gas outlet 212 is used to discharge the separated and preliminarily purified gas (crude hydrogen or crude oxygen) from the separation device 200; and the water inlet 213 is connected to a pure water source for introducing pure water.

[0038] The washing structure 220 is connected to the water inlet 213. Pure water is primarily used to wash the gas-liquid mixture to remove alkali. Another function is to replenish the electrolyte solution. The temperature of the gas-liquid mixture exiting the electrolytic cell 100 is typically high, reaching over 60°C, while the pure water is usually room temperature or low-temperature pure water, with a temperature below 25°C. When the pure water enters the washing structure 220 to wash and dealkalize the gas-liquid mixture, it also cools the mixture. The washing structure 220 also functions as a cooler, integrating washing and cooling functions.

[0039] The washing structure 220 includes a high-efficiency liquid distributor and packing (or trays). The high-efficiency liquid distributor is located below the inlet 213 and above the packing or trays to ensure that the pure water entering from the inlet 213 is evenly distributed on the packing or trays, thereby improving washing efficiency. The high-efficiency liquid distributor can be a trough-type liquid distributor or a tray-type liquid distributor, or it can be a nozzle, spray pipe, spray tray, etc. Small geometric objects made of ceramic, metal, or plastic can be arranged below the high-efficiency liquid distributor as packing to provide surface area for gas-liquid contact. The packing can be random packing (such as Raschig rings, Pall rings, etc.) and structured packing (such as wire mesh corrugated packing). Alternatively, a series of horizontally placed trays with perforations or bubble caps can be arranged below the high-efficiency liquid distributor to promote contact between the gas and liquid phases. The trays can be sieve trays, valve trays, or bubble cap trays, etc. By setting up an efficient liquid distributor and high-performance packing or trays, the separation unit 200 can meet the wide load operation requirements of water electrolysis hydrogen production, which is conducive to the coupling of renewable energy with hydrogen production.

[0040] The gas-water separation structure 230 is located above the washing structure 220 and below the air outlet 212. The function of the gas-water separation structure 230 is to separate moisture from the washed gas, ensuring that the discharged gas is as dry as possible. This helps reduce the impact of the moisture content in the gas discharged from the separation device 200 on subsequent processing or storage equipment. The gas-water separation structure 230 can be a metal wire mesh, a woven wire mesh, fiber, or other similar structure.

[0041] Understandably, the gas-liquid mixture coming out of the electrolytic cell 100 enters the inner cavity through the electrolysis product inlet 211, and pure water enters the inner cavity through the water inlet 213, and comes into contact with the gas phase of the gas-liquid mixture for washing and heat exchange. After washing and cooling, the gas phase passes through the gas-liquid separation structure 230, and the free water in the gas phase is separated and then leaves through the gas outlet 212.

[0042] The technical solution of this application integrates the washing structure 220 and the gas-liquid separation structure 230 into the same housing 210, coupling the washing, cooling and gas-liquid separation functions. This achieves the integration of the gas-liquid separation process and also integrates multiple individual devices into one device. The washing structure 220 and the gas-liquid separation structure 230 share a housing 210 to reduce material costs. In addition, the connecting pipe between the washing structure 220 and the gas-liquid separation structure 230 is eliminated, which reduces costs and shortens the gas flow path, thereby shortening the hydrogen production process time and reducing the cost of the hydrogen production equipment.

[0043] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4The inner cavity includes a connected mounting cavity 214 and a gas-liquid separation cavity 215. A washing structure 220 and a gas-liquid separation structure 230 are located in the mounting cavity 214. The gas-liquid separation cavity 215 is located below the mounting cavity 214 and is provided with an electrolysis product inlet 211 and a liquid outlet 241.

[0044] The gas-liquid mixture from the electrolytic cell 100 enters the gas-liquid separation chamber 215 through the electrolysis product inlet 211. Under the action of gravity, larger alkaline particles are separated from the gas flow. The alkaline solution accumulates in the gas-liquid separation chamber 215 and is discharged through the liquid outlet 241. The gas continues to rise and comes into contact with pure water flowing in from the water inlet 213 for countercurrent washing and dealkalization, further removing the alkaline solution from the gas. At the same time, the gas exchanges heat with the pure water to cool the gas. After washing and cooling, the gas passes through the gas-water separation structure 230, where free water is separated from the gas and discharged through the gas outlet 212.

[0045] By setting a gas-liquid separation chamber 215 below the mounting cavity 214, the gas-liquid mixture can be preliminarily separated before washing and dealkali removal, thereby improving the effect of pure water washing and dealkali removal and ensuring the dealkali removal rate of the separation device 200. At the same time, the gas-liquid separation chamber 215 is located inside the shell 210, realizing the integration of the gas-liquid separation process and separation equipment, thus shortening the hydrogen production process and reducing the cost of hydrogen production equipment.

[0046] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 7 The diameter of the gas-liquid separation chamber 215 is larger than the diameter of the mounting chamber 214.

[0047] The gas-liquid separation chamber 215 has a larger diameter and volume. This larger space facilitates the separation of liquid and gas, thereby improving the efficiency of liquid-gas separation and allowing for a shorter overall height of the housing 210. The larger gas-liquid separation chamber 215 reduces the velocity of the gas flow, promoting smoother gas flow and reducing the entrainment of alkali solution. The larger gas-liquid separation chamber 215 can accommodate more accumulated liquid and impurities, allowing for adjustment of the alkali solution discharge rate according to actual operating conditions, extending maintenance cycles, and reducing the need for frequent cleaning.

[0048] In another implementation, please refer to Figure 3 The gas-liquid separation chamber 215 has the same diameter as the mounting chamber 214.

[0049] The housing 210 is generally cylindrical. The diameters of the gas-liquid separation chamber 215 and the mounting chamber 214 can be exactly the same or have slight variations. Having the same diameter for both chambers allows for a more compact arrangement of components within the housing 210, reducing complex partitioning designs. It also makes the housing 210 easier to manufacture, lowering production costs. The identical diameter design of the gas-liquid separation chamber 215 and mounting chamber 214 results in a smoother gas flow path, reducing flow field changes caused by diameter variations. When gas enters the mounting chamber 214 from the gas-liquid separation chamber 215, there is no significant change in cross-section, helping to maintain a uniform gas distribution and avoiding turbulence or eddies caused by abrupt changes in cross-section. The gas velocity within the entire cavity can be better controlled, contributing to improved washing and gas-liquid separation effects.

[0050] In one embodiment, please refer to the figure. Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The housing 210 is a one-piece molded structure.

[0051] The one-piece molded shell 210 has no welded seams or other connections, and the overall structure of the separation device 200 is stronger, less prone to leakage or cracks, and has better sealing performance, which can ensure the long-term stable operation of the hydrogen production system. During production and manufacturing, it can reduce assembly time and labor costs. In subsequent use, it can reduce problems caused by corrosion or wear at the joints, thereby reducing the need for and frequency of maintenance.

[0052] In another implementation, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 The separation device 200 also includes a gas-liquid separator 240, which is located below the housing 210. The gas-liquid separator 240 has a liquid outlet 241 and an electrolysis product inlet 211.

[0053] In this embodiment, a gas-liquid separator 240 for preliminary separation of the gas-liquid mixture is located below the housing 210, and an electrolysis product inlet 211 is located in the gas-liquid separator 240. The gas-liquid mixture from the electrolytic cell 100 first enters the gas-liquid separator 240 through the electrolysis product inlet 211. Under the action of gravity, larger alkaline particles are separated from the gas flow, and the alkaline solution accumulates in the gas-liquid separator 240 and is discharged through the liquid outlet 241. The gas then enters the housing 210 and comes into contact with pure water flowing in from the water inlet 213 for countercurrent washing and dealkalization, further removing the alkaline solution from the gas. At the same time, the gas exchanges heat with the pure water to cool the gas. The washed and cooled gas passes through the gas-liquid separation structure 230, where free water is separated from the gas, and then it is discharged through the gas outlet 212.

[0054] By installing a gas-liquid separator 240 below the housing 210, the gas-liquid mixture can be preliminarily separated before washing and dealkali removal, thereby improving the effect of pure water washing and dealkali removal and ensuring the dealkali removal rate of the separation device 200. The gas-liquid separator 240 and the housing 210 are two independent devices. When one of the devices needs to be repaired or replaced, only the corresponding device needs to be upgraded or replaced without modifying the entire separation device 200. The position and specifications of the gas-liquid separator 240 can be adjusted according to actual needs without changing the design of the entire housing 210, allowing the hydrogen production system to be optimized for different application environments.

[0055] In one embodiment, after the shell portion of the gas-liquid separator 240 and the housing 210 are separately formed, the housing is attached to the upper part of the shell portion of the gas-liquid separator.

[0056] The gas-liquid separator 240 and the housing 210 can be connected by welding. The connection between the gas-liquid separator 240 and the housing 210 has high sealing performance, which can reduce the risk of leakage. The welded connection has high strength and can withstand high pressure and temperature.

[0057] The shell of the gas-liquid separator 240 can also be connected to the housing 210 via a flange connection. The flange connection, secured with bolts, allows for easy disassembly and reinstallation, providing significant convenience when maintenance or replacement of internal components is required. By selecting appropriate gasket material and tightening torque, good sealing performance can be ensured.

[0058] In another implementation, please refer to Figures 5 to 7 The separation device 200 also includes a connecting pipe 300, one end of which is connected to the gas-liquid separator 240, and the other end is connected to the housing 210.

[0059] The gas-liquid separator 240 is connected to the housing 210 via a connecting pipe 300, allowing for flexible adjustment of their positions to suit different site requirements. The connecting pipe 300 provides excellent sealing to prevent gas or liquid leakage. The diameter and length of the connecting pipe 300 are calculated based on the actual flow rate to ensure sufficient flow capacity and minimize pressure loss, ensuring smooth flow of gas and liquid during transmission and avoiding blockages or turbulence. The connection between the connecting pipe 300 and the gas-liquid separator 240 is typically located at the top of the separator, allowing the pre-separated gas to directly enter the housing 210 for washing, cooling, and gas-liquid separation via the connecting pipe 300.

[0060] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 7 A first heat exchanger 410 is provided on the connecting pipe 300.

[0061] The first heat exchanger 410 can cool the gas entering the inner cavity, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange between the gas and pure water. This allows for the use of room-temperature pure water to wash and cool the gas. In cold environments, the first heat exchanger 410 can also be used to heat the gas to prevent water inside the pipes from freezing. The first heat exchanger 410 can also be used to recover heat. For example, heat can be recovered from high-temperature gas to preheat water or other media requiring heating entering the electrolyzer 100, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the entire hydrogen production system.

[0062] In one implementation, please refer to Figures 5 to 7 The separation device 200 also includes an overflow pipe 500, one end of which is located near the lower end of the housing 210 and communicates with the inner cavity, and the other end is connected to the gas-liquid separator 240.

[0063] After the gas is washed with pure water, it becomes a liquid with a certain degree of alkalinity. The liquid phase remaining after the initial gas-liquid separation in the gas-liquid separator 240 is also alkaline. The alkaline solution in the inner cavity returns to the gas-liquid separator 240 through the overflow pipe 500, mixes with the alkaline solution in the gas-liquid separator 240, and is discharged from the liquid outlet 241. It can then flow back to the electrolytic cell 100 through other pipes as an electrolyte solution. A connecting pipe 300 is provided between the gas-liquid separator 240 and the shell 210 as a gas phase flow path, and an overflow pipe 500 is provided as a liquid phase return flow path, reducing the impact of liquid phase return on gas flow.

[0064] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The separation device 200 also includes a first booster pump 610, the inlet of which is connected to the lower end of the housing 210, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet 213 through the first flow path P1.

[0065] The first booster pump 610 can pressurize the liquid at the bottom of the housing 210 and return it to the inlet 213 through the first flow path P1, thus recycling part of the liquid inside the housing 210 and ensuring that liquid always flows into the inlet 213, thereby ensuring the stability of the internal components of the housing 210.

[0066] In one embodiment, the outlet of the first booster pump 610 is also connected to the lower end of the housing 210 via a second flow path P2.

[0067] Furthermore, the outlet of the first booster pump 610 is also connected to the lower end of the housing 210. That is, the liquid coming out of the outlet of the first booster pump 610 is divided into a first flow path P1 and a second flow path P2. The liquid in the first flow path P1 flows back to the inlet 213 to ensure that there is always liquid flowing into the inlet 213; the liquid in the second flow path P2 flows back to the lower end of the housing 210 to regulate the flow rate of the first flow path P1.

[0068] Understandably, when the first booster pump 610 is configured as a variable frequency pump, the outlet of the first booster pump 610 can be connected to the inlet 213 only through the first flow path P1. That is, the liquid coming out of the outlet of the first booster pump 610 only enters the inlet 213 through the first flow path P1. At this time, the first booster pump 610 can automatically adjust the flow rate of the first flow path P1 according to the actual situation, thereby ensuring that the amount of water entering the inner cavity from the inlet 213 remains stable. When the first booster pump 610 is configured as a fixed frequency pump, the outlet of the first booster pump 610 can be connected to the inlet 213 through the first flow path P1, and also connected to the lower space of the housing 210 through the second flow path P2. In this way, by allowing part of the liquid coming out of the outlet of the first booster pump 610 to flow directly back to the inner cavity through the second flow path P2, the flow rate of the first flow path P1 can be adjusted to ensure that the amount of water entering the inner cavity from the inlet 213 remains stable. Of course, when the first booster pump 610 is configured as a variable frequency pump, the flow rate can also be adjusted by adding a second flow path P2; or, when the first booster pump 610 is configured as a fixed frequency pump, if the fixed frequency pump can meet the requirements of supplying water to the inlet 213, the second flow path P2 may not be provided.

[0069] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 6 The flow path between the inlet of the first booster pump 610 and the lower end of the casing 210, and the flow path between the pure water source and the inlet 213 are both equipped with a second heat exchanger 420.

[0070] By installing a second heat exchanger 420 in the flow path between the inlet of the first booster pump 610 and the lower end of the housing 210, the liquid returning from the first booster pump 610 to the inlet 213 is a low-temperature liquid. By installing a second heat exchanger 420 in the flow path between the pure water source and the inlet 213, the water flowing into the inlet 213 from the pure water source is low-temperature pure water. This ensures that the liquid entering the inner cavity from the inlet 213 is a low-temperature liquid, which can cool the gas in the inner cavity and prevent high-temperature gas from carrying a large amount of water vapor from leaving through the outlet 212, thereby ensuring that the collected gas has a low water content.

[0071] It is worth mentioning that you should refer to Figure 7In the embodiment where a first heat exchanger 410 is installed on the connecting pipe 300, since the first heat exchanger 410 cools the gas entering the inner cavity, the temperature requirement for the liquid entering from the inlet 213 is relatively low. Therefore, there is no need to install a second heat exchanger 420 in the flow path between the inlet of the first booster pump 610 and the lower end of the shell 210, and in the flow path between the pure water source and the inlet 213, thereby reducing the number of heat exchangers and further reducing the equipment cost of the hydrogen production system.

[0072] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 2 The electrolyzer 100 also has a return port 120. The water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10 also includes a water replenishment pump 710, a flow meter 720, a pure water pipeline Q, and a return pipeline S. The pure water pipeline Q is used to connect pure water and the inlet 213. The return pipeline S connects the outlet and the return port 120. The water replenishment pump 710 and the flow meter 720 are located on the pure water pipeline Q and are electrically connected to each other.

[0073] The pure water from the pure water source is cooled by the second heat exchanger 420 on the pure water pipeline Q, becoming low-temperature pure water. This pure water is then pumped into the inner cavity through the inlet 213 via the makeup water pump 710 and the makeup water regulating valve on the pure water pipeline Q to perform countercurrent washing, dealkalization, and cooling of the gas within the inner cavity. The washed liquid in the inner cavity returns to the gas-liquid separator 240 through the overflow pipe 500, where it mixes with the alkali solution. The mixed liquid then flows back from the outlet 241 through the return pipe S to the electrolytic cell 100, serving as the electrolyte solution for further hydrogen production.

[0074] The return liquid pipeline S is equipped with a second booster pump 620 and a third heat exchanger 430. The second booster pump 620 pumps the alkaline solution from the gas-liquid separator 240 into the electrolytic cell 100, and the third heat exchanger 430 cools the liquid in the gas-liquid separator 240. After heat exchange between the pure water and the gas, the liquid temperature in the gas-liquid separator 240 is relatively high. If it is directly returned to the electrolytic cell 100, it will cause the temperature of the electrolytic cell 100 to be unstable, thus affecting the electrolysis efficiency and equipment life. By setting the third heat exchanger 430 in the return liquid pipeline S, the temperature of the returned alkaline solution can be effectively controlled, keeping it within a suitable range when it returns to the electrolytic cell 100.

[0075] The pure water in the pure water pipeline Q is used for both gas washing and cooling, and for replenishing the electrolyzer 100. The total replenishment flow rate is determined based on the operating current of the electrolyzer 100. The replenishment flow rates on the hydrogen and oxygen sides are measured by the flow meter 720 on the pure water pipeline Q, which is connected to it. The replenishment flow rates on the hydrogen and oxygen sides are added in a certain proportion. The replenishment flow rate can be controlled by the replenishment pump 710 on the pure water pipeline Q, which is connected to it, or by the replenishment regulating valve.

[0076] This application also proposes a water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10, which includes a separation device 200. The specific structure of the separation device 200 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0077] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10 includes an electrolyzer 100 and two separation devices 200. The electrolyzer 100 has a hydrogen-side electrolysis product outlet 111 and an oxygen-side electrolysis product outlet 112. The electrolysis product inlet 211 of one separation device 200 is connected to the hydrogen-side electrolysis product outlet 111, and the electrolysis product inlet 211 of the other separation device 200 is connected to the oxygen-side electrolysis product outlet 112.

[0078] The electrolysis product outlets include a hydrogen-side electrolysis product outlet 111 and an oxygen-side electrolysis product outlet 112. The separation unit 200 includes a hydrogen-side separation unit connected to the hydrogen-side electrolysis product outlet 111 and an oxygen-side separation unit connected to the oxygen-side electrolysis product outlet 112. The hydrogen-alkali gas-liquid mixture exiting from the hydrogen-side electrolysis product outlet 111 enters the hydrogen-side separation unit through the electrolysis product inlet 211. Within the hydrogen-side separation unit, the mixture undergoes gas-liquid separation, washing, cooling, and gas-water separation before exiting the water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10 through the outlet 212. Similarly, the oxygen-alkali gas-liquid mixture exiting from the oxygen-side electrolysis product outlet 112 enters the oxygen-side separation unit through the electrolysis product inlet 211. Within the oxygen-side separation unit, the mixture undergoes gas-liquid separation, washing, cooling, and gas-water separation before exiting the water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10 through the outlet 212.

[0079] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 6 The water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10 also includes a pure water source. When the separation device 200 is equipped with a first booster pump 610 and the first booster pump 610 is connected to the inlet 213 through the first flow path P1, the pure water source is connected to the first flow path P1 and is connected to the inlet 213 through the first flow path P1.

[0080] Pure water from the pure water source enters the inlet 213 directly through the first flow path P1. This not only ensures that water always enters the separator 200 through the inlet 213, but also allows for precise control of the water volume and pressure entering the separator 200, ensuring a stable water flow into the inlet 213. Furthermore, it reduces the number of pipes connected to the inlet 213 and the number of valves and other components used to control the pipes, simplifying the structure of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10 and lowering manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0081] In other embodiments, pure water from a pure water source can also enter the inlet 213 through other flow paths.

[0082] In one embodiment, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10 further includes a level difference regulating valve 810, a level difference sensor 910, and a hydrogen-side exhaust pipe, which is connected to the outlet 212 of the hydrogen-side separation device. The level difference regulating valve 810 is located on the hydrogen-side exhaust pipe, and the level difference sensor 910 is electrically connected to the level difference regulating valve 810, the hydrogen-side separation device, and the oxygen-side separation device, respectively. The level difference regulating valve 810 can control the level difference regulating valves 810 of the hydrogen-side separation device and the oxygen-side separation device, so that the liquid levels of the hydrogen-side gas-liquid separator and the oxygen-side gas-liquid separator of the electrolyzer 100 are balanced.

[0083] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 2 The water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10 also includes a pressure regulating valve 820, a pressure sensor 920, and an oxygen-side exhaust pipe. The oxygen-side exhaust pipe is connected to the outlet 212 of the oxygen-side separation device. The pressure regulating valve 820 is located on the oxygen-side exhaust pipe, and the pressure sensor 920 is electrically connected to both the pressure regulating valve 820 and the oxygen-side separation device. A system pressure setpoint can be preset. The pressure sensor 920 can detect the system pressure, compare it with the setpoint, and adjust the system pressure by changing the opening of the pressure regulating valve 820 to reach the set pressure.

[0084] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A separating device, characterized in that The separation device comprises a shell, a washing structure and a gas-water separation structure, the shell has an inner cavity, the separation device has an electrolysis product inlet, a gas outlet and a water inlet which are communicated with the inner cavity, the washing structure and the gas-water separation structure are arranged in the inner cavity, the electrolysis product inlet, the washing structure, the gas-water separation structure and the gas outlet are sequentially arranged in a top-down direction, and the washing structure is communicated with the water inlet. The inner cavity comprises a mounting cavity and a gas-liquid separation cavity which are communicated with each other, the washing structure and the gas-water separation structure are arranged in the mounting cavity, the gas-liquid separation cavity is arranged below the mounting cavity and is provided with a liquid outlet and the electrolysis product inlet, and the shell is integrally formed; or the separation device further comprises a gas-liquid separator, the gas-liquid separator is arranged below the shell, and the gas-liquid separator is provided with a liquid outlet and the electrolysis product inlet.

2. The separation device of claim 1, wherein, The diameter of the gas-liquid separation cavity is greater than the diameter of the mounting cavity. Alternatively, the diameter of the gas-liquid separation cavity is consistent with the diameter of the mounting cavity.

3. The separation device of claim 1, wherein, After the shell part of the gas-liquid separator is formed separately from the shell, the shell is butted against the upper part of the shell part of the gas-liquid separator.

4. The separation device of claim 1, wherein, The separation device further comprises a communication pipe, one end of the communication pipe is communicated with the gas-liquid separator, and the other end of the communication pipe is connected with the shell.

5. The separation device of claim 4, wherein, The communication pipe is provided with a first heat exchanger.

6. The separation device of claim 4, wherein, The separation device further comprises an overflow pipe, one end of the overflow pipe is arranged close to the lower end of the shell and is communicated with the inner cavity, and the other end of the overflow pipe is communicated with the gas-liquid separator.

7. The separation device of claim 4, wherein, The separation device further comprises a first booster pump, the water inlet of the first booster pump is communicated with the lower end of the shell, and the water outlet of the first booster pump is communicated with the water inlet through a first flow path.

8. The separation device of claim 7, wherein, The water outlet of the first booster pump is also communicated with the lower end of the shell through a second flow path.

9. The separation device of claim 7, wherein, The flow path between the water inlet of the first booster pump and the lower end of the shell and the flow path between a pure water source and the water inlet are both provided with a second heat exchanger.

10. A hydrogen production system by water electrolysis, characterized by, The water electrolysis hydrogen production system further comprises a pure water source, when the separation device is provided with a first booster pump and the first booster pump is communicated with the water inlet through a first flow path, the pure water source is communicated with the first flow path and is communicated with the water inlet through the first flow path.

11. The water electrolysis hydrogen generation system of claim 10, wherein, ​

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