Decoupling water electrolysis hydrogen production device

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of hydrogen production, and particularly discloses a decoupling water electrolysis hydrogen production device which comprises a hydrogen evolution tank, an oxidation tank, an oxygen evolution tank, a power source and a pumping piece. Electrodes in the hydrogen evolution tank and the oxidation tank are both used for being electrically connected with a power supply to carry out hydrogen evolution reaction, so that the reduction-state electrolyte is converted into oxidation-state electrolyte, and hydrogen is separated out; the oxygen evolution tank and the oxidation tank form medium circulation through a pumping piece, so that the oxidation-state electrolyte in the oxidation tank is pumped into the oxygen evolution tank for oxygen evolution reaction to be converted into reduction-state electrolyte and oxygen is separated out, and the reduction-state electrolyte in the oxygen evolution tank is pumped into the oxidation tank. According to the device, efficient and continuous decoupling operation of hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution reaction can be achieved in the space, the production efficiency of hydrogen and oxygen is high, and the generated oxygen and hydrogen are not prone to being mixed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application belongs to the technical field of hydrogen production, and more particularly relates to a decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Hydrogen energy is a kind of energy with rich sources and low carbon, which is widely used in the industries of petroleum and petrochemical, steel smelting, and power production; and hydrogen elements in the environment almost exist in the form of compounds (such as water), so how to clean and produce hydrogen gas in a large scale is the key to the development of hydrogen energy.

[0003] At present, in the traditional water electrolysis hydrogen production device, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are mostly based on the cooperation of two adjacent electrodes, and usually rely on an ion exchange membrane to separate the two electrodes. However, there is still a possibility of trace mixing of hydrogen and oxygen under the separation of the ion exchange membrane, which has the problems of safety risk and low purification degree; and the existence of the ion exchange membrane will produce interface impedance, resulting in low production efficiency of hydrogen and oxygen, which needs to be improved. CONTENT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In view of the defects or improvement needs of the prior art, the application provides a decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production device, in which the two reactions of hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution can realize efficient and continuous decoupled operation in space, and the generated oxygen and hydrogen are not easy to mix.

[0005] The decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production device provided by the application specifically comprises a hydrogen evolution tank, an oxidation tank, an oxygen evolution tank, a power supply, and a pumping member, wherein:

[0006] The hydrogen evolution tank and the oxidation tank are in communication, and the hydrogen evolution tank and the oxidation tank are both internally provided with electrodes and a reduced-state electrolyte; the electrodes in the hydrogen evolution tank and the oxidation tank are both used for electrically connecting with the power supply to perform a hydrogen evolution reaction, so as to convert the reduced-state electrolyte into an oxidized-state electrolyte and evolve hydrogen.

[0007] The oxidation tank and the oxygen evolution tank constitute a medium circulation through the pumping member, so that the oxidized-state electrolyte in the oxidation tank is pumped into the oxygen evolution tank to perform an oxygen evolution reaction to be converted into a reduced-state electrolyte and evolve oxygen, and the reduced-state electrolyte in the oxygen evolution tank is pumped into the oxidation tank to perform a hydrogen evolution reaction.

[0008] Compared with existing technologies, the technical solution conceived in this application electrolytically produces hydrogen and oxidized electrolyte through two electrodes in the hydrogen evolution tank and the oxidation tank. The oxidized electrolyte is then pumped into the oxygen evolution tank for reduction, producing oxygen and reduced electrolyte. The reduced electrolyte is then pumped back into the oxidation tank, enabling continuous decoupled water electrolysis for hydrogen production. This design achieves efficient and continuous decoupled operation of the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, while preventing cross-contamination between oxygen and hydrogen, significantly reducing the risk of gas explosions, and producing hydrogen and oxygen with high purity.

[0009] In addition, compared to traditional designs where the presence of an ion exchange membrane creates interfacial impedance, further increasing overpotential and reducing the reaction rate, this device does not require an ion exchange membrane, has a faster reaction rate, and can autonomously and efficiently carry out decoupled electrolysis reactions, meeting the needs of high current density hydrogen production.

[0010] As a further preferred embodiment, a liquid flow pipe for connecting the oxygen evolution tank and the oxidation tank is provided, and at least two sets of the liquid flow pipe are provided.

[0011] As a further preferred embodiment, the liquid flow pipe is detachably connected to the oxygen evolution tank, and / or the liquid flow pipe is detachably connected to the oxidation tank.

[0012] As a further preferred embodiment, the oxygen evolution tank is equipped with a catalytic support, which carries the oxygen evolution reaction catalyst.

[0013] As a further preferred embodiment, the top of the oxygen evolution tank is equipped with a detachable oxygen evolution top cover, and the top of the oxygen evolution top cover is provided with an oxygen venting pipe communicating with the inner cavity of the oxygen evolution tank.

[0014] As a further preferred embodiment, the top of the hydrogen evolution tank is equipped with a detachable hydrogen evolution top cover, and the top of the hydrogen evolution top cover is provided with a hydrogen discharge pipe communicating with the inner cavity of the hydrogen evolution tank.

[0015] As a further preferred embodiment, the bottom of the hydrogen evolution tank has an opening, which is covered by a removable hydrogen evolution bottom cover.

[0016] As a further preferred embodiment, the electrodes in the hydrogen evolution vessel are located at the bottom of the hydrogen evolution vessel.

[0017] As a further preferred embodiment, the top of the oxidation tank has an opening, which is covered by a removable oxidation top cover.

[0018] As a further preferred embodiment, the electrode is detachably disposed inside the oxidation tank.

[0019] In summary, compared with the prior art, the technical solutions conceived in this application have the following main technical advantages:

[0020] 1. This device uses two electrodes inside the hydrogen evolution tank and the oxidation tank to electrolyze hydrogen and oxidized electrolyte. Then, the oxidized electrolyte is pumped into the oxygen evolution tank for electrolyte reduction to produce reduced electrolyte and oxygen. The reduced electrolyte is then pumped back into the oxidation tank, thus achieving efficient and continuous decoupling of the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions in space. This avoids crosstalk between oxygen and hydrogen evolution, greatly reducing the risk of gas explosion. In addition, the produced hydrogen and oxygen have high purity. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements or structures, wherein:

[0023] 1. Hydrogen evolution tank; 1-1. Hydrogen evolution top cover; 1-2. Hydrogen discharge pipe; 1-3. Hydrogen evolution bottom cover; 2. Oxidation tank; 2-1. Oxidation top cover; 3. Oxygen evolution tank; 3-1. Catalyst support; 3-2. Oxygen evolution top cover; 3-3. Oxygen discharge pipe; 4. Power supply; 5. Pump components; 6. Electrode; 7. Liquid flow pipe; 8. Connecting pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0025] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 This application will be described in further detail.

[0026] This application discloses a decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production device. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production device includes a hydrogen evolution tank 1, an oxidation tank 2, an oxygen evolution tank 3, a power supply 4, and a pumping unit 5. The hydrogen evolution tank 1 is connected to the oxidation tank 2. Both the hydrogen evolution tank 1 and the oxidation tank 2 contain electrodes 6 and a reduced electrolyte (preferably water containing a reduced electrolyte). The electrodes 6 in both the hydrogen evolution tank 1 and the oxidation tank 2 are electrically connected to the power supply 4 to carry out a hydrogen evolution reaction, converting the reduced electrolyte into an oxidized electrolyte and emitting hydrogen gas. The oxygen evolution tank 3 is connected to the oxidation tank 2, and the oxygen evolution tank 3 and the oxidation tank 2 form a medium circulation through the pumping unit 5. The pumping unit 5 is used to pump the oxidized electrolyte in the oxidation tank 2 into the oxygen evolution tank 3 to carry out an oxygen evolution reaction, converting the oxidized electrolyte into a reduced electrolyte and emitting oxygen. The pumping unit 5 is also used to pump the reduced electrolyte in the oxygen evolution tank 3 into the oxidation tank 2.

[0027] In this design, the device performs a hydrogen evolution reaction (electrolyte oxidation reaction) through two electrodes 6 in the hydrogen evolution tank 1 and the oxidation tank 2, electrolyzing out hydrogen and oxidized electrolyte (converting the reduced electrolyte in the electrolyte into an oxidized electrolyte). Then, the electrolyte rich in oxidized electrolyte is pumped into the oxygen evolution tank 3 by the pumping unit 5 to perform an oxygen evolution reaction (electrolyte reduction reaction), thus producing oxygen and reduced electrolyte (converting the oxidized electrolyte into a reduced electrolyte). In addition, the pumping unit 5 returns the electrolyte in the oxygen evolution tank 3 to the oxidation tank 2, allowing the electrolyte rich in reduced electrolyte to enter the hydrogen tank 1 and perform a hydrogen evolution reaction with the oxidation tank 2. This achieves continuous decoupled water electrolysis for hydrogen production, enabling the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions to be spatially decoupled efficiently and continuously. At the same time, it greatly avoids crosstalk between oxygen and hydrogen evolution, significantly reducing the risk of gas explosion, and producing hydrogen and oxygen with high purity.

[0028] In addition, compared to the traditional design where the presence of an ion exchange membrane creates interfacial impedance, further increasing overpotential and reducing the reaction rate, this device does not require an ion exchange membrane, has a faster reaction rate, and can autonomously and efficiently carry out decoupled electrolysis reactions, which is beneficial for meeting the needs of high current density hydrogen production.

[0029] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a liquid flow pipe 7 is provided between the oxygen evolution tank 3 and the oxidation tank 2 to connect the two, and at least two sets of liquid flow pipes 7 are provided. Under this design, one set of liquid flow pipes 7 can be used to allow the electrolyte to flow from the oxygen evolution tank 3 into the oxidation tank 2, and the other set of liquid flow pipes 7 can be used to allow the electrolyte to flow from the oxidation tank 2 into the oxygen evolution tank 3, so that the medium can circulate between the oxygen evolution tank 3 and the oxidation tank 2.

[0030] In some preferred embodiments, the liquid flow pipe 7 is detachably connected to the oxygen evolution tank 3, and / or the liquid flow pipe 7 is detachably connected to the oxidation tank 2; the detachable liquid flow pipe 7 facilitates the modular assembly of the device and makes it convenient for users to replace or repair some components.

[0031] Furthermore, the pumping component 5 may include, but is not limited to, a peristaltic pump, and one, two or other quantities of the pumping component 5 may be provided; while the fluid flow pipe 7 may be a flexible hose.

[0032] Specifically, in some embodiments, the oxygen evolution tank 3 has a medium inlet at its upper part and a medium outlet at its lower part. Correspondingly, the oxidation tank 2 has a medium outlet at its upper part and a medium inlet at its lower part.

[0033] The upper medium inlet of the oxygen evolution tank 3 is connected to the lower medium inlet of the oxidation tank 2 via a liquid flow pipe 7. A pumping component 5 is installed in the liquid flow pipe 7, which is used to pump the medium in the oxidation tank 2 into the oxygen evolution tank 3 through the liquid flow pipe 7. The lower medium outlet of the oxygen evolution tank 3 is connected to the lower medium inlet of the oxidation tank 2 via another liquid flow pipe 7, and another pumping component 5 is installed in this other liquid flow pipe 7, which is used to pump the medium in the oxygen evolution tank 3 into the oxidation tank 2 through the liquid flow pipe 7.

[0034] Furthermore, in some embodiments, to promote the oxygen evolution reaction in the oxygen evolution tank 3, the oxygen evolution tank 3 is equipped with a catalyst support 3-1, which carries the oxygen evolution reaction catalyst. Preferably, the catalyst support 3-1 is placed in the lower part of the oxygen evolution tank 3 to ensure sufficient contact with the electrolyte inside the tank.

[0035] Furthermore, in some embodiments, an oxygen evolution tank 3 is fitted with an oxygen evolution cover 3-2 on top, and the top of the oxygen evolution cover 3-2 is provided with an oxygen vent that communicates with the inner cavity of the oxygen evolution tank 3. More preferably, an oxygen vent pipe 3-3 is inserted into and fixed at the oxygen vent, and the oxygen vent pipe 3-3 is used to guide oxygen outward.

[0036] Generally, the oxygen evolution tank 3 has an opening at the top, and the oxygen evolution top cover 3-2 is detachably closed and fixed to the opening to form a seal. In actual use, the catalyst carrier 3-1 in the oxygen evolution tank 3 can be removed or replaced through the opening by removing the oxygen evolution top cover 3-2. In addition, the electrolyte can also be injected by removing the oxygen evolution top cover 3-2.

[0037] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the top of the hydrogen evolution tank 1 is also provided with an opening, and a detachable hydrogen evolution top cover 1-1 is installed over the opening of the hydrogen evolution tank 1. The top of the hydrogen evolution top cover 1-1 is provided with a hydrogen discharge port that communicates with the inner cavity of the hydrogen evolution tank 1, and a hydrogen discharge pipe 1-2 is preferably installed at the hydrogen discharge port of the hydrogen evolution top cover 1-1.

[0038] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bottom of the hydrogen evolution tank 1 is also provided with an opening, and a removable hydrogen evolution bottom cover 1-3 is installed over the opening.

[0039] Furthermore, the electrode 6 in the hydrogen evolution tank 1 is preferably located in the lower part of the hydrogen evolution tank 1, and the electrode 6 is preferably electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power supply 4 via a wire passing through the bottom cover 1-3 of the hydrogen evolution tank. Generally, the point where the wire passes through the bottom cover 1-3 of the hydrogen evolution tank needs to be sealed. The electrode 6 in the hydrogen evolution tank 1 is preferably an integrated platinum wire electrode 6. By placing the electrode 6 in the lower part of the hydrogen evolution tank 1, it is beneficial for the electrode 6 to contact the electrolyte, which is beneficial for the evolution and collection of hydrogen.

[0040] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the top of the oxidation tank 2 is also provided with an opening, and a removable oxidation top cover 2-1 is installed over the opening of the oxidation tank 2. The electrode 6 in the oxidation tank 2 is preferably electrically connected to the positive terminal of the power supply 4 via a wire passing through the oxidation top cover 2-1. The electrode 6 in the oxidation tank 2 is preferably located in the upper part of the oxidation tank 2.

[0041] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the electrode 6 in the oxidation tank 2 is detachably disposed inside the oxidation tank 2. For example, the oxidation tank 2 is provided with an electrode clamp that is electrically connected to a wire, and the electrode 6 is held by the electrode clamp.

[0042] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a connecting pipe 8 is provided between the hydrogen evolution tank 1 and the oxidation tank 2, and the hydrogen evolution tank 1 and the oxidation tank 2 are connected by the connecting pipe 8. The connecting pipe 8 is preferably located at the lower part of the hydrogen evolution tank 1 and the oxidation tank 2.

[0043] The implementation principle of the decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production device in this application embodiment is as follows: Before use, a reduced electrolyte is injected into the device in advance. Then, the electrodes 6 in the hydrogen evolution tank 1 and the oxidation tank 2 are electrically connected to the power supply 4 to electrolyze hydrogen and oxidized electrolyte (that is, to convert the reduced electrolyte in the electrolyte into an oxidized electrolyte). Then, the electrolyte rich in oxidized electrolyte in the oxidation tank 2 is pumped into the oxygen evolution tank 3 by the connected peristaltic pump to contact the catalyst carrier 3-1, so that the oxidized electrolyte is reduced to a reduced electrolyte and oxygen is generated. Then, the electrolyte rich in reduced electrolyte is pumped back into the oxidation tank 2 by another connected peristaltic pump to achieve continuous decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production.

[0044] It should be understood that expressions such as "comprising" and "may include" as used in this application indicate the existence of the disclosed functions, operations, or constituent elements, and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, and constituent elements. In this application, terms such as "comprising" and / or "having" may be interpreted as indicating a specific characteristic, number, operation, constituent element, component, or combination thereof, but should not be interpreted as excluding the existence or possibility of adding one or more other characteristics, numbers, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0045] It should be understood that the terms “center,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application 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 limitations on this application.

[0046] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0047] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production device, characterized in that, It includes a hydrogen evolution tank (1), an oxidation tank (2), an oxygen evolution tank (3), a power supply (4), and a pumping unit (5), wherein: The hydrogen evolution tank (1) is connected to the oxidation tank (2). Both the hydrogen evolution tank (1) and the oxidation tank (2) are equipped with electrodes (6) and reduced electrolyte. The electrodes (6) in the hydrogen evolution tank (1) and the oxidation tank (2) are used to connect to the power supply (4) to carry out the hydrogen evolution reaction, convert the reduced electrolyte into an oxidized electrolyte and precipitate hydrogen. The oxygen evolution tank (3) and the oxidation tank (2) are connected by a pump (5) to form a medium circulation, so that the oxidized electrolyte in the oxidation tank (2) is pumped into the oxygen evolution tank (3) to carry out the oxygen evolution reaction, so as to convert into the reduced electrolyte and release oxygen, and so that the reduced electrolyte in the oxygen evolution tank (3) is pumped into the oxidation tank (2) to carry out the hydrogen evolution reaction.

2. The decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A liquid flow pipe (7) is provided between the oxygen evolution tank (3) and the oxidation tank (2) to connect the two, and at least two sets of the liquid flow pipe (7) are provided.

3. The decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid flow pipe (7) is detachably connected to the oxygen evolution tank (3), and / or the liquid flow pipe (7) is detachably connected to the oxidation tank (2).

4. The decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The oxygen evolution vessel (3) contains a catalyst support (3-1), which carries the oxygen evolution reaction catalyst.

5. The decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the oxygen evolution tank (3) is equipped with a detachable oxygen evolution top cover (3-2), and the top of the oxygen evolution top cover (3-2) is provided with an oxygen discharge pipe (3-3) that connects to the inner cavity of the oxygen evolution tank (3).

6. The decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The hydrogen evolution tank (1) is equipped with a detachable hydrogen evolution top cover (1-1), and the top of the hydrogen evolution top cover (1-1) is provided with a hydrogen discharge pipe (1-2) that connects to the inner cavity of the hydrogen evolution tank (1).

7. The decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The bottom of the hydrogen evolution tank (1) has an opening, and a removable hydrogen evolution bottom cover (1-3) is installed over the opening.

8. The decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode (6) in the hydrogen evolution vessel (1) is located at the lower part of the hydrogen evolution vessel (1).

9. The decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The top of the oxidation tank (2) has an opening, which is covered by a removable oxidation top cover (2-1).

10. The decoupled water electrolysis hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The electrode (6) is detachably disposed inside the oxidation tank (2).

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