Novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device
By integrating the separation and cooling structures in the hydrogen/oxygen processor, the problems of numerous devices, large footprint, and high maintenance costs in alkaline water electrolysis units have been solved, achieving process simplification and cost reduction.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520463399.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-17
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment has disadvantages such as a large number of devices, complex processes, large footprint, and high maintenance costs.
A novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production process is adopted, in which hydrogen and oxygen from the alkaline water electrolysis cell are fed into the hydrogen processor and oxygen processor respectively. Separation and cooling are achieved through the mutual contact between pure water and gas. The process integrates the first separation chamber, the second separation chamber, and the cooling chamber on the hydrogen/oxygen side, realizing the separation of gas and alkaline solution, removal of free water, and cooling, reducing the need for independent equipment.
It simplifies the process, reduces the footprint of the equipment, lowers costs, improves the integration and safety of the equipment, and reduces maintenance difficulty.
Smart Images
Figure CN223921574U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The utility model relates to electrolytic water hydrogen production technical field, especially a kind of novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device. BACKGROUND
[0002] There are three technical routes for electrolytic water hydrogen production: alkaline water electrolysis technology, proton exchange membrane water electrolysis technology and solid oxide water electrolysis technology. Currently, the main technologies that have been applied on a large scale are alkaline water electrolysis technology and proton exchange membrane water electrolysis technology.
[0003] Currently, the main core component of the alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device commonly used in alkaline water electrolysis technology is an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell electrolyzes water into hydrogen and oxygen under the action of direct current, with the reaction formula: 2H2O = 2H2↑ + O2↑. The electrolytic cell is filled with alkaline aqueous solution (alkali liquor), and includes a plurality of anode chambers and cathode chambers. The anode chambers and cathode chambers are separated by a diaphragm to isolate the gases. Hydrogen is generated in the cathode chamber, with the reaction formula: 4H2O + 4e = 2H2↑ + 4OH - . Oxygen is generated in the anode chamber, with the reaction formula: 4OH - = O2↑ + 2H2O + 4e.
[0004] Although the current alkaline water electrolysis technology has the advantages of relatively mature technology and good product durability, the corresponding process and device have the disadvantages of more equipment, complex process, large overall land occupation of the device, and high maintenance cost. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL
[0005] In view of the above problems, the present application provides a novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device, which aims to solve the technical problems of the existing process and device, such as more equipment, complex process, large overall land occupation of the device, and high maintenance cost.
[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purposes, the present application provides the following technical solutions:
[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production process, which comprises:
[0008] The alkali liquor in the cathode chamber of the alkaline water electrolytic cell and the generated hydrogen are sent into a hydrogen processor, where the separation of hydrogen and alkali liquor, the removal of free water in hydrogen, and the cooling of hydrogen are sequentially completed, thereby obtaining crude hydrogen;
[0009] The alkali liquor in the anode chamber of the alkaline water electrolytic cell and the generated oxygen are sent into an oxygen processor, where the separation of oxygen and alkali liquor, the removal of free water in oxygen, and the cooling of oxygen are sequentially completed, thereby obtaining crude oxygen;
[0010] The alkali solution in the hydrogen processor is sent back to the alkaline water electrolysis tank to complete the circulation of the hydrogen-side alkali solution; the alkali solution in the oxygen processor is sent back to the alkaline water electrolysis tank to complete the circulation of the oxygen-side alkali solution.
[0011] The oxygen processor needs to add a preset amount of alkaline tablets.
[0012] In some embodiments of the present application, when removing free water in hydrogen, pure water is used to remove free water in hydrogen through mutual contact of pure water and hydrogen; and / or,
[0013] When removing free water in oxygen, pure water is used to remove free water in oxygen through mutual contact of pure water and oxygen; and / or,
[0014] When cooling hydrogen, pure water is used to exchange heat with hydrogen through mutual contact of pure water and hydrogen; and / or,
[0015] When cooling oxygen, pure water is used to exchange heat with oxygen through mutual contact of pure water and oxygen.
[0016] In some embodiments of the present application, after removing free water in hydrogen through mutual contact of pure water and hydrogen, the pure water is sent to the alkaline water electrolysis tank; and / or,
[0017] After removing free water in oxygen through mutual contact of pure water and oxygen, the pure water is sent to the alkaline water electrolysis tank; and / or,
[0018] After cooling hydrogen through heat exchange of pure water and hydrogen, the pure water is sent to the alkaline water electrolysis tank; and / or,
[0019] After cooling oxygen through heat exchange of pure water and oxygen, the pure water is sent to the alkaline water electrolysis tank.
[0020] In a second aspect, the present application provides a novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device, comprising:
[0021] The alkaline water electrolysis tank comprises a plurality of anode chambers and a plurality of cathode chambers, the anode chambers and the cathode chambers are separated by a diaphragm to isolate gas, and the anode chambers and the cathode chambers both contain alkali solution;
[0022] The hydrogen processor comprises a hydrogen-side first separation chamber, a hydrogen-side second separation chamber and a hydrogen-side cooling chamber integrated in sequence in a specified direction.
[0023] The oxygen processor comprises an oxygen-side first separation chamber, an oxygen-side second separation chamber and an oxygen-side cooling chamber integrated in sequence in a specified direction.
[0024] The recovery pipeline;
[0025] Among them:
[0026] The hydrogen-side first separation chamber has a hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet connected to the cathode chamber, and the hydrogen gas generated by the cathode chamber and the alkaline solution in the cathode chamber are separated in the hydrogen-side first separation chamber; the hydrogen-side second separation chamber is used for removing free water in the hydrogen gas; and the hydrogen-side cooling chamber is used for cooling the hydrogen gas.
[0027] The oxygen-side first separation chamber has an oxygen-side gas-liquid inlet connected to the anode chamber, and the oxygen gas generated by the anode chamber and the alkaline solution in the anode chamber are separated in the oxygen-side first separation chamber; the oxygen-side second separation chamber is used for removing free water in the oxygen gas; and the hydrogen-side cooling chamber is used for cooling the oxygen gas.
[0028] The recovery pipeline is used for sending the alkaline solution in the hydrogen processor and / or the oxygen processor back to the alkaline water electrolysis tank.
[0029] In some embodiments of the present application, a pure water unit is further included, and the hydrogen-side cooling chamber and the oxygen-side cooling chamber are connected to the pure water unit.
[0030] In some embodiments of the present application, the hydrogen processor further includes a hydrogen-side balance pipeline, one end of the hydrogen-side balance pipeline is connected to the hydrogen-side first separation chamber of the hydrogen processor, and the other end is connected to the pipeline between the hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet and the cathode chamber, the hydrogen-side balance pipeline is used for balancing the air pressure between the cathode chamber and the hydrogen processor; and / or,
[0031] The oxygen processor further includes an oxygen-side balance pipeline, one end of the oxygen-side balance pipeline is connected to the oxygen-side first separation chamber of the oxygen processor, and the other end is connected to the pipeline between the oxygen-side gas-liquid inlet and the anode chamber, the oxygen-side balance pipeline is used for balancing the air pressure between the anode chamber and the oxygen processor.
[0032] In some embodiments of the present application, the end of the hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet extends to the inside of the hydrogen-side first separation chamber, the end of the hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet is closed, and a plurality of through holes are uniformly arranged on the pipe wall of the end of the hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet; the liquid surface in the hydrogen-side first separation chamber is below the through holes.
[0033] In some embodiments of the present application, the hydrogen processor further includes a hydrogen-side heat exchange unit, the hydrogen-side heat exchange unit uses a circulating heat exchange medium to cool the alkaline solution in the hydrogen processor; and / or,
[0034] The oxygen processor further includes an oxygen-side heat exchange unit, the oxygen-side heat exchange unit uses a circulating heat exchange medium to cool the alkaline solution in the oxygen processor.
[0035] In some embodiments of this application, the hydrogen-side heat exchange unit and / or the oxygen-side heat exchange unit includes a U-tube heat exchanger.
[0036] In some embodiments of this application, the hydrogen processor further includes a third hydrogen-side separation chamber disposed above the hydrogen-side cooling chamber for gas-liquid separation; and / or,
[0037] The oxygen processor also includes a third oxygen-side separation chamber disposed above the oxygen-side cooling chamber for gas-liquid separation.
[0038] The embodiments of this application have at least the following advantages or beneficial effects:
[0039] The hydrogen / oxygen processor adopts a horizontal structure that integrates the first hydrogen / oxygen separation chamber, the second hydrogen / oxygen separation chamber, and the hydrogen / oxygen cooling chamber into a single unit. Within the processor, the separation of hydrogen / oxygen and alkaline solution, the removal of free water, and the cooling of hydrogen / oxygen are achieved in an orderly manner, reducing the number of independent devices. This results in benefits such as process simplification, reduced overall plant footprint, and lower costs. The cost reduction is primarily due to the high degree of integration of the unit, facilitating skid-mounting and containerized transportation; and the simplification of piping, significantly reducing the number of fittings, valves, and other accessories, thereby lowering construction and subsequent maintenance costs.
[0040] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description or may be learned by practicing the application. Attached Figure Description
[0041] 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 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 these drawings without creative effort.
[0042] Figure 1 A flowchart of a novel alkaline water electrolysis process for hydrogen production;
[0043] Figure 2 A structural block diagram of a novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production process;
[0044] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the first hydrogen-side separation chamber, the second hydrogen-side separation chamber, and the hydrogen-side cooling chamber from bottom to top;
[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device.
[0046] icon:
[0047] 1-Hydrogen processor; 11-Hydrogen-side first separation chamber; 111-Hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet; 12-Hydrogen-side second separation chamber; 13-Hydrogen-side cooling chamber; 131-Hydrogen-side pure water inlet; 14-Hydrogen-side third separation chamber; 141-Wire mesh demister; 15-Hydrogen-side heat exchange unit; 16-Hydrogen-side balancing pipeline; 17-Hydrogen-side pressure control unit.
[0048] 2-Oxygen processor, 21-Oxygen-side first separation chamber, 211-Oxygen-side gas-liquid inlet, 22-Oxygen-side second separation chamber, 23-Oxygen-side cooling chamber, 231-Oxygen-side pure water inlet, 24-Oxygen-side third separation chamber, 25-Oxygen-side heat exchange unit, 26-Oxygen-side balancing pipeline, 27-Oxygen-side pressure control unit
[0049] 3-Pure water unit, 31-Make-up water pump,
[0050] 41-Recovery pipeline, 42-Alkali pump, 43-Filter,
[0051] 5-Electrolytic cell. Detailed Implementation
[0052] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the embodiments of this application.
[0053] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" 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 the embodiments of 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 the embodiments of this application.
[0054] 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. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "several" means one or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0055] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0056] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0057] Example
[0058] Firstly, see [the following] Figures 1-2 This embodiment provides a novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production process, including the following steps:
[0059] Step S100: The alkaline solution and the generated hydrogen gas in the cathode chamber of the alkaline water electrolysis cell 5 are sent to the hydrogen processor 1. In the hydrogen processor 1, the separation of hydrogen gas and alkaline solution, the removal of free water in hydrogen gas and the cooling of hydrogen gas are completed in sequence to obtain crude hydrogen gas.
[0060] The alkaline solution and generated oxygen from the anode chamber of the alkaline water electrolysis cell 5 are fed into the oxygen processor 2. In the oxygen processor 2, the oxygen and alkaline solution are separated sequentially, free water in the oxygen is removed, and the oxygen is cooled to obtain crude oxygen. During operation, an appropriate amount of KOH can be added to the oxygen processor 2 to supplement...
[0061] Step S200: Return the alkaline solution in the hydrogen processor 1 to the alkaline water electrolyzer 5 to complete the circulation of the alkaline solution on the hydrogen side; return the alkaline solution in the oxygen processor 2 to the alkaline water electrolyzer 5 to complete the circulation of the alkaline solution on the oxygen side.
[0062] In this embodiment, in step S100, when removing free water from hydrogen, the free water is removed by contacting pure water with hydrogen (i.e., water washing); when removing free water from oxygen, the free water is removed by contacting pure water with oxygen. When cooling hydrogen, heat exchange is achieved by contacting pure water with hydrogen to cool the hydrogen, and at the same time, free water in the hydrogen can be further removed; when cooling oxygen, heat exchange is achieved by contacting pure water with oxygen to cool the oxygen, and at the same time, free water in the oxygen can be further removed.
[0063] In this embodiment, a pure water and hydrogen / oxygen spray contact washing method is used, which is different from the immersion washing method in the prior art, greatly improving the washing efficiency and cooling effect.
[0064] In this embodiment, after obtaining crude hydrogen, the crude hydrogen is pressurized to the rated pressure (predetermined pressure) to obtain the product crude hydrogen.
[0065] In step S100 of this embodiment, during the process of sending the alkaline solution and generated hydrogen gas in the cathode chamber of the alkaline water electrolyzer 5 into the hydrogen processor 1, an additional hydrogen-side balancing pipeline 16 is provided. One end of the hydrogen-side balancing pipeline 16 is connected to the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11 of the hydrogen processor 1, and the other end is connected to the pipeline between the hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet 111 and the cathode chamber of the electrolyzer 5, so as to balance the gas pressure between the cathode chamber and the hydrogen processor 1, so as to prevent the hydrogen gas from creating resistance to the gas-liquid mixture formed by the alkaline solution and hydrogen gas in the cathode chamber, causing the gas-liquid mixture to be obstructed or malfunctioned.
[0066] In step S100 of this embodiment, during the process of sending the alkaline solution and generated oxygen from the anode chamber of the alkaline water electrolyzer 5 into the oxygen processor 2, an additional oxygen-side balancing pipeline 26 is provided. One end of the oxygen-side balancing pipeline 26 is connected to the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21 of the oxygen processor 2, and the other end is connected to the pipeline between the oxygen-side gas-liquid inlet 111 and the anode chamber of the electrolyzer 5, so as to balance the gas pressure between the anode chamber and the oxygen processor 2, so as to prevent the oxygen from creating resistance to the gas-liquid mixture formed by the alkaline solution and oxygen in the cathode chamber, causing obstruction or failure of the gas-liquid mixture feeding.
[0067] In step S200 of this embodiment, the alkaline solution in the hydrogen processor 1 is first cooled by a circulating heat exchange medium (such as circulating water), and then the alkaline solution is filtered and pressurized and sent back to the alkaline water electrolyzer 5 to complete the circulation of the alkaline solution on the hydrogen side.
[0068] In step S200 of this embodiment, the alkaline solution in the oxygen processor 2 is first cooled by a circulating heat exchange medium (such as circulating water), and then the alkaline solution is filtered and pressurized and sent back to the alkaline water electrolysis tank 5 to complete the circulation of the alkaline solution on the oxygen side.
[0069] Secondly, see Figures 1-3 This embodiment provides a novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device, which applies the aforementioned novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production process; the novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device mainly includes an alkaline water electrolysis cell 5, a hydrogen processor 1, an oxygen processor 2, and a pure water unit 3.
[0070] The alkaline water electrolysis cell 5 includes multiple anode chambers and multiple cathode chambers. The anode and cathode chambers are separated from each other by a diaphragm to separate gases. Both the anode and cathode chambers contain an alkaline solution (electrolyte). The alkaline solution can be a solution such as KOH or NaOH. In a specific implementation scenario, a KOH solution with a concentration of 20%-32% is preferred. During electrolysis, no cations in the alkaline solution are consumed. In this specific implementation scenario, this embodiment mainly involves adding KOH tablets to the oxygen processor 2. Therefore, the device disclosed in this embodiment directly prepares the alkali using the oxygen processor 2, eliminating the need for an additional alkali solution system and eliminating components such as alkali preparation tanks and pumps found in existing technologies, thus greatly simplifying the hardware.
[0071] The system operating pressure of the above-mentioned device is 0.1-3.5 MPa, wherein the operating temperature of the alkaline water electrolysis cell 5 is 80-180℃, and the circulation rate of the alkaline solution is 75-80 m³ / h. 3 / h, hydrogen production capacity is approximately 10000 Nm³. 3 / h, producing hydrogen with a purity of ≥99.9% and oxygen with a purity of ≥99.9%, achieving Level 1 energy efficiency (GB32311 large and medium-sized).
[0072] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 The hydrogen processor 1 includes a hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11, a hydrogen-side second separation chamber 12, and a hydrogen-side cooling chamber 13 arranged from bottom to top and connected sequentially and integrated into one unit.
[0073] The hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11 has a hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet 111, which is connected to the cathode exhaust pipe and cathode drain pipe of the cathode chamber. The cathode exhaust pipe uses gas lift to send the generated hydrogen into the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11; the cathode drain pipe is used to send the alkaline solution into the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11. In the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11, the alkaline solution and hydrogen are separated under the action of gravity, and the hydrogen rises to the hydrogen-side second separation chamber 12 and the hydrogen-side cooling chamber 13 under the action of gas lift.
[0074] In a specific implementation scenario, the end of the hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet 111 extends into the interior of the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11. The end of the hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet 111 is closed, and multiple through holes are evenly arranged on the end wall of the hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet 111 to facilitate feeding into the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11. The liquid level inside the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11 is below the through holes of the hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet 111; the liquid level height inside the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11 is controlled by the hydrogen-side pressure control unit 17. After the alkali solution and hydrogen enter the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11 through the through holes, they are separated under the action of gravity.
[0075] The hydrogen processor 1 also includes a hydrogen-side heat exchange unit 15. The hydrogen-side heat exchange unit 15 uses a circulating heat exchange medium (such as circulating water) to cool the alkaline solution in the hydrogen processor 1 to about 70-50°C (that is, the temperature of the alkaline solution in the recovery pipe 41 is 70°C-75°C) and then sends the alkaline solution back to the alkaline water electrolysis tank 5 to complete the circulation of the hydrogen-side alkaline solution and maintain the stability of the temperature of the hydrogen-side alkaline solution.
[0076] In this embodiment, the hydrogen-side heat exchange unit 15 includes a U-tube heat exchanger, which can extend partially or completely into the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11. The outer diameter of the U-tube heat exchanger is 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the outer diameter of the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11, and the length of the U-tube heat exchanger extending into the gas-liquid separator can be adjusted according to the required heat exchange area. After the alkali solution located in the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11 enters the shell side of the U-tube heat exchanger, it exchanges heat with the circulating heat exchange medium in the tube side of the U-tube heat exchanger. The circulating heat exchange medium carries away the heat of the alkali solution, thereby cooling the alkali solution. The cooled alkali solution is discharged from the shell side outlet of the U-tube heat exchanger.
[0077] In other embodiments, the hydrogen-side heat exchange unit 15 may also be a spiral tube heat exchanger or a tubular heat exchanger.
[0078] The hydrogen processor 1 also includes a hydrogen-side balancing pipeline 16, which is used to connect the cathode chamber and the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11 to balance the gas pressure between the cathode chamber and the hydrogen processor 1, so as to avoid the gas pressure difference from causing resistance to the feed of the hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet 111, which could lead to feeding obstacles or malfunctions.
[0079] This embodiment does not limit the method by which the alkali solution is sent into the first separation chamber 11 on the hydrogen side via the cathode drain pipe. For example, the alkali solution can be sent into the first separation chamber 11 on the hydrogen side via a pump. This embodiment also does not limit the method by which the alkali solution is sent back to the alkaline water electrolyzer 5 via the recovery pipe 41. For example, the alkali solution can be pressurized by the alkali solution pump 42 and sent back to the alkaline water electrolyzer 5 via the recovery pipe 41.
[0080] The hydrogen-side second separation chamber 12 is connected to the pure water unit 3, which supplies pure water into the hydrogen-side second separation chamber 12. Inside the hydrogen-side second separation chamber 12, the pure water comes into contact with the hydrogen gas in a spray manner to remove free water from the hydrogen gas.
[0081] In this embodiment, in order to ensure the effectiveness of removing free water from hydrogen, a packing layer is provided in the second separation chamber 12 on the hydrogen side. The packing layer is preferably a packing material suitable for water washing, such as ceramic sheets.
[0082] This embodiment does not limit the way in which the pure water unit 3 delivers pure water into the hydrogen-side second separation chamber 12. For example, the pure water unit 3 can be connected to the hydrogen-side second separation chamber 12 via a water replenishment pump 31.
[0083] The hydrogen-side cooling chamber 13 has a hydrogen-side pure water inlet 131, which is connected to a pure water unit 3. The pure water unit 3 delivers pure water into the hydrogen-side cooling chamber 13. Inside the hydrogen-side cooling chamber 13, pure water and hydrogen gas come into contact with each other in a spray manner to exchange heat, thereby cooling the hydrogen gas. At the same time, the falling pure water enters the hydrogen-side second separation chamber 12 as washing water to remove free water from the hydrogen gas, so as to obtain crude hydrogen gas with less water content.
[0084] This embodiment does not limit the way in which the pure water unit 3 delivers pure water into the hydrogen-side cooling chamber 13. For example, the pure water unit 3 can be connected to the hydrogen-side cooling chamber 13 via a water replenishment pump 31.
[0085] The hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11 is connected to the alkaline water electrolysis tank 5 through the recovery pipe 41, so that the pure water falling into the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11 and the alkaline solution separated from hydrogen are filtered by the filter 43 and pressurized by the alkaline solution pump 42, and then sent back to the alkaline water electrolysis tank 5 as water electrolysis material to complete the circulation of hydrogen-side alkaline solution.
[0086] The hydrogen processor 1 also includes a hydrogen-side third separation chamber 14 disposed above the hydrogen-side cooling chamber 13. A wire mesh demister 141 is disposed in the hydrogen-side third separation chamber 14 to further achieve gas-liquid separation and reduce the water content of crude hydrogen.
[0087] In a specific implementation scenario, the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11 adopts a vertical or horizontal structure; the hydrogen-side second separation chamber 12, the hydrogen-side cooling chamber 13, and the hydrogen-side third separation chamber 14 form a gas processing structure. The gas processing structure is detachably connected to the gas phase outlet of the hydrogen-side first separation chamber 11 so that the user can determine whether to select the gas processing structure according to the needs.
[0088] As described above, within the hydrogen processor 1, hydrogen and alkaline solution are first separated at the bottom using specific gravity. Then, during the rising process of the hydrogen, free water is removed and the hydrogen is cooled, resulting in crude hydrogen. The crude hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen-side cooling chamber 13 is then pressurized to obtain product crude hydrogen with a rated pressure, which can be sent to a subsequent purification unit to obtain hydrogen with higher purity. The crude hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen-side cooling chamber 13 can be pressurized to the rated pressure by components such as a membrane regulating valve and a compressor. These pressurizing components can be integrated into the hydrogen processor 1 according to the needs of the application. At the bottom of the hydrogen processor 1, the pure water falling into the first separation chamber 11 on the hydrogen side and the alkaline solution separated from the hydrogen are returned to the electrolyzer 5 as feedstock for water electrolysis, completing the circulation of the hydrogen-side alkaline solution.
[0089] The overall structure of the oxygen processor 2 is similar to that of the hydrogen processor 1. Specifically, it includes an oxygen-side first separation chamber 21, an oxygen-side second separation chamber 22, and an oxygen-side cooling chamber 23, which are arranged from bottom to top and connected sequentially and integrated into one unit.
[0090] The oxygen-side first separation chamber 21 has an oxygen-side gas-liquid inlet 211, which is connected to the anode exhaust pipe and anode drain pipe of the anode chamber. The anode exhaust pipe uses gas lift to send the generated oxygen into the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21; the anode drain pipe is used to send the alkaline solution into the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21. In the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21, the alkaline solution and oxygen are separated under the action of gravity, and the oxygen rises to the oxygen-side second separation chamber 22 and the oxygen-side cooling chamber 23 under the action of gas lift.
[0091] In a specific implementation scenario, the end of the oxygen-side gas-liquid inlet 211 extends into the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21. The end of the oxygen-side gas-liquid inlet 211 is closed, and multiple through holes are evenly arranged on the end wall of the oxygen-side gas-liquid inlet 211 to facilitate feeding into the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21. The liquid level inside the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21 is below the through holes of the oxygen-side gas-liquid inlet 211; the liquid level height inside the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21 is controlled by the oxygen-side pressure control unit 27. After the alkali solution and oxygen enter the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21 through the through holes, they are separated under the action of gravity.
[0092] The oxygen processor 2 also includes an oxygen-side heat exchange unit 25, which uses a circulating heat exchange medium (such as circulating water) to cool the alkaline solution in the oxygen processor 2 so that the alkaline solution can be sent back to the alkaline water electrolysis tank 5 to complete the circulation of the oxygen-side alkaline solution and maintain the stability of the oxygen-side alkaline solution temperature.
[0093] In this embodiment, the oxygen-side heat exchange unit 25 includes a U-tube heat exchanger, which can extend partially or completely into the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21. The outer diameter of the U-tube heat exchanger is 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the outer diameter of the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21, and the length of the U-tube heat exchanger extending into the gas-liquid separator can be adjusted according to the required heat exchange area. After the alkali solution located in the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21 enters the shell side of the U-tube heat exchanger, it exchanges heat with the circulating heat exchange medium in the tube side of the U-tube heat exchanger. The circulating heat exchange medium carries away the heat of the alkali solution, thereby cooling the alkali solution. The cooled alkali solution is discharged from the shell-side outlet of the U-tube heat exchanger.
[0094] In other embodiments, the oxygen-side heat exchange unit 25 may also be a spiral tube heat exchanger or a tubular heat exchanger.
[0095] The oxygen processor 2 also includes an oxygen-side balancing pipeline 26, which is used to connect the anode chamber and the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21 to balance the gas pressure between the anode chamber and the oxygen processor 2, so as to avoid the resistance to the feed of the oxygen-side gas-liquid inlet 211 due to the pressure difference, which may cause feeding obstacles or malfunctions.
[0096] This embodiment does not limit the method by which the alkali solution is sent into the first separation chamber 21 on the oxygen side via the anode drain pipe. For example, the alkali solution can be sent into the first separation chamber 21 on the oxygen side via a pump. This embodiment also does not limit the method by which the alkali solution is sent back to the alkaline water electrolyzer 5 via the recovery pipe 41. For example, the alkali solution can be pressurized by the alkali solution pump 42 and sent back to the alkaline water electrolyzer 5 via the recovery pipe 41.
[0097] The oxygen-side second separation chamber 22 is connected to the pure water unit 3, which supplies pure water into the oxygen-side second separation chamber 22. Inside the oxygen-side second separation chamber 22, the pure water comes into contact with the oxygen in a spray manner to remove free water from the oxygen.
[0098] In this embodiment, in order to ensure the effectiveness of removing free water from oxygen, a packing layer is provided in the second separation chamber 22 on the oxygen side. The packing layer is preferably a ceramic sheet, but it can also be other packing materials suitable for water washing.
[0099] This embodiment does not limit the way in which the pure water unit 3 delivers pure water into the oxygen-side second separation chamber 22. For example, the pure water unit 3 can be connected to the oxygen-side second separation chamber 22 via a water replenishment pump 31.
[0100] The oxygen-side cooling chamber 23 has an oxygen-side pure water inlet 231, which is connected to a pure water unit 3. The pure water unit 3 delivers pure water into the oxygen-side cooling chamber 23. Inside the oxygen-side cooling chamber 23, the pure water and oxygen exchange heat through a spray process to cool the oxygen. Simultaneously, the falling pure water enters the oxygen-side second separation chamber 22 as washing water to remove free water from the oxygen, resulting in crude oxygen with a lower water content.
[0101] This embodiment does not limit the way the pure water unit 3 delivers pure water into the oxygen-side cooling chamber 23. For example, the pure water unit 3 can be connected to the oxygen-side cooling chamber 23 via a water replenishment pump 31.
[0102] The oxygen-side first separation chamber 21 is connected to the alkaline water electrolysis tank 5 through the recovery pipe 41, so that the pure water falling into the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21 and the alkaline solution separated from oxygen are filtered by the filter 43 and pressurized by the alkaline solution pump 42, and then sent back to the alkaline water electrolysis tank 5 as water electrolysis material to complete the circulation of oxygen-side alkaline solution.
[0103] The oxygen processor 2 also includes an oxygen-side third separation chamber 24 located above the oxygen-side cooling chamber 23. A wire mesh demister 141 is installed in the oxygen-side third separation chamber 24 to further achieve gas-liquid separation and reduce the water content of the crude oxygen.
[0104] In a specific implementation scenario, the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21 adopts a vertical or horizontal structure; the oxygen-side second separation chamber 22, the oxygen-side cooling chamber 23, and the oxygen-side third separation chamber 24 form a gas processing structure. The gas processing structure is detachably connected to the gas phase outlet of the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21 so that the user can determine whether to select the gas processing structure according to their needs.
[0105] As described above, within the oxygen processor 2, oxygen and alkali solution are first separated at the bottom using specific gravity. Then, during the oxygen's ascent, free water is removed and the oxygen is cooled, resulting in crude oxygen. The crude oxygen discharged from the oxygen-side cooling chamber 23 is then pressurized to obtain product crude oxygen at its rated pressure, which can be sent to a subsequent purification unit for higher purity oxygen. The crude oxygen discharged from the oxygen-side cooling chamber 23 can be pressurized to its rated pressure using a membrane regulating valve, compressor, and other pressurization components. These pressurization components can be integrated into the oxygen processor 2 according to the specific application requirements. At the bottom of the oxygen processor 2, the pure water falling into the oxygen-side first separation chamber 21 and the alkali solution separated from the oxygen are returned to the electrolytic cell 5 as feedstock for water electrolysis, completing the circulation of the oxygen-side alkali solution.
[0106] In summary, this embodiment has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0107] I. The hydrogen / oxygen processor integrates the first hydrogen / oxygen separation chamber, the second hydrogen / oxygen separation chamber, and the hydrogen / oxygen cooling chamber into a single unit. Within the processor, the separation of hydrogen / oxygen and alkaline solution, the removal of free water, and the cooling of hydrogen / oxygen are achieved from bottom to top, reducing the number of independent devices. This results in benefits such as process simplification, reduced overall plant footprint, and lower costs. The cost reduction is particularly significant because the high degree of integration simplifies the piping and greatly reduces the number of fittings, valves, and other accessories, thereby lowering construction and maintenance costs.
[0108] II. In existing technologies, an alkali supply unit (including but not limited to an alkali preparation tank and alkali preparation pump) is commonly used to replenish the alkali solution in the alkaline water electrolysis tank 5 to maintain the stability of the alkali solution in the alkaline water electrolysis tank 5. However, in this embodiment, on the one hand, KOH tablets are added to the first separation chamber 21 on the oxygen side to prepare the alkali solution; on the other hand, the pure water supplied by the pure water unit 3 to the hydrogen processor 1 and oxygen processor 2 returns to the alkaline water electrolysis tank 5 along with the alkali solution as feedstock for water electrolysis (replenishment water), thereby maintaining the stability of the alkali solution in the alkaline water electrolysis tank 5. Therefore, there is no need to configure an additional alkali supply unit, further simplifying the process, reducing the number of supporting equipment, and lowering costs.
[0109] Third, in the prior art, a connecting pipe is provided between the hydrogen separator and the oxygen separator. The device disclosed in this embodiment eliminates the connecting pipe between the hydrogen separator and the oxygen separator, which can ensure that hydrogen and oxygen do not cross-contaminate and avoid the risk of explosion caused by the mixing of hydrogen and oxygen.
[0110] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Without conflict, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device, characterized in that, include: An alkaline water electrolysis cell includes several anode chambers and several cathode chambers, wherein the anode chambers and cathode chambers are separated from the gas by a diaphragm, and both the anode chambers and cathode chambers contain alkaline solution; The hydrogen processor includes a hydrogen-side first separation chamber, a hydrogen-side second separation chamber, and a hydrogen-side cooling chamber that are connected and integrated from bottom to top. The oxygen processor includes an oxygen-side first separation chamber, an oxygen-side second separation chamber, and an oxygen-side cooling chamber that are connected and integrated from bottom to top. Recycling pipelines; in: The hydrogen-side first separation chamber has a hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet, which is connected to the cathode chamber. The hydrogen gas generated in the cathode chamber and the alkaline solution in the cathode chamber are separated in the hydrogen-side first separation chamber. The hydrogen-side second separation chamber is used to remove free water from the hydrogen gas. The hydrogen-side cooling chamber is used to cool the hydrogen gas. The oxygen-side first separation chamber has an oxygen-side gas-liquid inlet, which is connected to the anode chamber. The oxygen produced by the anode chamber and the alkaline solution in the anode chamber are separated in the oxygen-side first separation chamber. The oxygen-side second separation chamber is used to remove free water from the oxygen. The hydrogen-side cooling chamber is used to cool the oxygen. The recovery pipeline is used to return the alkaline solution in the hydrogen processor and / or the oxygen processor to the alkaline water electrolyzer; the temperature of the alkaline solution in the recovery pipeline is 70℃-75℃.
2. The novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Pure water unit; Both the hydrogen-side cooling chamber and the oxygen-side cooling chamber are connected to the pure water unit.
3. The novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogen processor also includes a hydrogen-side balancing pipeline. One end of the hydrogen-side balancing pipeline is connected to the hydrogen-side first separation chamber of the hydrogen processor, and the other end is connected to the pipeline between the hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet and the cathode chamber. The hydrogen-side balancing pipeline is used to balance the gas pressure between the cathode chamber and the hydrogen processor.
4. The novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The oxygen processor also includes an oxygen-side balancing pipeline. One end of the oxygen-side balancing pipeline is connected to the oxygen-side first separation chamber of the oxygen processor, and the other end is connected to the pipeline between the oxygen-side gas-liquid inlet and the anode chamber. The oxygen-side balancing pipeline is used to balance the gas pressure between the anode chamber and the oxygen processor.
5. The novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that... : The end of the hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet extends into the interior of the first hydrogen-side separation chamber, and the end of the hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet is closed. Multiple through holes are evenly arranged on the end pipe wall of the hydrogen-side gas-liquid inlet, and the liquid level inside the hydrogen-side first separation chamber is located below the through holes.
6. The novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen processor also includes a hydrogen-side heat exchange unit, which uses a circulating heat exchange medium to cool the alkaline solution in the hydrogen processor.
7. The novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The hydrogen-side heat exchange unit includes a U-tube heat exchanger.
8. The novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oxygen processor also includes an oxygen-side heat exchange unit, which uses a circulating heat exchange medium to cool the alkaline solution in the oxygen processor.
9. The novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The oxygen-side heat exchange unit includes a U-tube heat exchanger.
10. The novel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The hydrogen processor further includes a third hydrogen-side separation chamber disposed above the hydrogen-side cooling chamber for gas-liquid separation; and / or, The oxygen processor also includes a third oxygen-side separation chamber disposed above the oxygen-side cooling chamber for gas-liquid separation.