Hydrogen collecting device for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment
By using a single device to achieve two-stage cooling and washing in the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, the problem of large footprint in the existing technology is solved, and efficient hydrogen purification and improved space utilization are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520458877.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment requires two separations of the mixed electrolyte and water vapor during hydrogen collection, which is cumbersome, occupies a large area, and has low space utilization.
A single device is used to achieve two-stage cooling and washing. Through the combination of an air inlet pipe, a second cooling pipe, a connecting port, a guide pipe and a first cooling pipe, hydrogen mixed with water vapor and electrolyte comes into contact with the second cooling pipe and pure water in turn, condensing and washing them respectively, reducing the footprint.
It achieves efficient separation of water vapor and electrolyte in hydrogen, reduces floor space, and simplifies the process flow.
Smart Images
Figure CN223930723U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen production technology through water electrolysis, specifically to a hydrogen collection device for water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment. Background Technology
[0002] Hydrogen production via water electrolysis is a relatively convenient method. Direct current is passed through an electrolytic cell filled with an electrolyte such as KOH solution. Water molecules undergo an electrochemical reaction at the electrodes, decomposing into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen and oxygen gases are discharged carrying some electrolyte. To improve the purity of the hydrogen, a series of treatments are required. For example, during hydrogen collection, cooling is used to separate the electrolyte and water vapor trapped in the hydrogen, resulting in drier hydrogen.
[0003] In existing methods of hydrogen production via water electrolysis, the collection of hydrogen typically requires two separations between the electrolyte and water vapor entrained in the hydrogen. The first separation involves the hydrogen directly contacting a cooling pipe through which cooling water flows, causing the electrolyte and water vapor entrained in the hydrogen to condense and fall to the bottom of the separator, thus completing the first separation. Subsequently, the hydrogen enters a scrubber where it comes into contact with pure water. The water content is reduced through cooling, and the pure water is mixed with the electrolyte to separate the electrolyte, thus completing the washing process and further reducing the water and electrolyte content in the hydrogen.
[0004] Two-step cooling and washing is a common method in existing technologies, but the actual process is quite complicated, requiring two devices, which occupy a large area. Furthermore, the two devices also require pumps or compressors and pipeline connections, further increasing the occupied area and resulting in low space utilization. Utility Model Content
[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a hydrogen collection device for an electrolytic water hydrogen production equipment, so as to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a hydrogen collection device for an electrolytic water hydrogen production equipment, comprising a device body, a middle cover connected to the top of the device body, and a guide pipe connected to the bottom of the middle cover, with first cooling pipes penetrating through both sides of the bottom of the middle cover; a top cover penetrating through the middle of the top of the middle cover, and an air inlet pipe penetrating through the middle of the top of the top cover, with second cooling pipes connected to both sides inside the top cover, and a connecting port opened on the upper sides of both sides of the top cover, with a second liquid outlet connected to the middle of the bottom of the top cover; an air outlet connected to the upper side of one side of the device body, and a first liquid outlet and a water inlet connected to the lower side of the other side of the device body.
[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, hydrogen mixed with water vapor and electrolyte enters the middle of the top cover through the pump body and the inlet pipe. Then, the hydrogen rises and comes into contact with the second cooling pipe. The second cooling pipe lowers the temperature of the hydrogen, causing the water vapor and electrolyte mixed in the hydrogen to condense and collect, thus dripping down into the lower part of the top cover to form a higher concentration of electrolyte. The hydrogen continues to flow through the connecting port into the guide pipe, which sends the hydrogen into the lower part of the device body to come into contact with pure water. The pure water absorbs the electrolyte to obtain a lower concentration of electrolyte. Then, the hydrogen rises and overflows from the water and comes into contact with the first cooling pipe. The first cooling pipe condenses the residual water in the hydrogen and drips back into the lower part of the device body.
[0008] Furthermore, both the first and second cooling pipes are spiral-shaped.
[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, when the hydrogen gas inside the top cover rises, it comes into contact with the second cooling pipe. The second cooling pipe lowers the temperature of the hydrogen gas, causing the water vapor and electrolyte mixed in the hydrogen gas to condense and collect. When the hydrogen gas inside the main body of the device rises, it overflows from the water and comes into contact with the first cooling pipe. The first cooling pipe condenses the residual water in the hydrogen gas and causes it to fall back into the lower part of the main body of the device.
[0010] Furthermore, the communication ports are provided in multiple ways, and the multiple communication ports are distributed in a ring array.
[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, hydrogen mixed with water vapor and electrolyte enters the middle of the top cover through the pump body and the air inlet pipe. Then the hydrogen rises and comes into contact with the second cooling pipe. After that, the hydrogen continues to flow through the connecting port and enters the guide pipe.
[0012] Furthermore, the bottom end of the guide tube is funnel-shaped.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the hydrogen gas separated in the first stage continues to flow through the connecting port into the guide pipe. The guide pipe sends the hydrogen gas into the lower part of the device body to contact with pure water, so that the pure water absorbs the electrolyte to obtain an electrolyte with a lower concentration.
[0014] Furthermore, the device body has a circular hole at the bottom, and the diameter of the top cover is larger than the diameter of the circular hole, while the diameter of the second liquid outlet is smaller than the diameter of the circular hole.
[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the design of the circular hole facilitates the smooth passage of the second liquid outlet through the main body of the device during the disassembly and assembly of the top cover for maintenance. When the circular hole is smaller than the top cover, the main body of the device can support the top cover.
[0016] Furthermore, a pH sensor is installed on one side of the bottom of the device body, and two liquid level sensors are installed on the other side of the device body.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, two liquid level sensors detect the liquid level of low-concentration electrolyte or pure water to ensure that the liquid level is above the bottom of the guide pipe, thereby ensuring that hydrogen can come into contact with the liquid for washing and avoiding excessive liquid level; and when the pH sensor detects that the liquid is too alkaline, the valve and pipeline between the first liquid outlet and the electrolytic cell are opened, so that the low-concentration electrolyte flows back into the electrolytic cell through the first liquid outlet for reuse in electrolysis, while pure water is sent into the lower part of the device body through the water inlet.
[0018] Furthermore, the diameter of the guide tube is larger than the diameter of the top cover, and the bottom end of the guide tube is located below the liquid level sensor.
[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, hydrogen is sent into the lower part of the device body through the guide pipe to contact with pure water, so that the pure water absorbs the electrolyte to obtain a low-concentration electrolyte. During this process, two liquid level sensors detect the liquid level of the low-concentration electrolyte or pure water to ensure that the liquid level is above the bottom of the guide pipe, thereby ensuring that the hydrogen can contact the liquid for washing and avoiding the liquid level from being too high.
[0020] Furthermore, screws are fixed to both the top of the intermediate cover and the bottom of the top cover, and the top cover is detachably connected to the intermediate cover and the main body of the device through the screws.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, when a structure needs maintenance or replacement, the staff first disconnects the air outlet, the first liquid outlet, the water inlet, the first cooling pipe, the air inlet, the second cooling pipe, and the second liquid outlet from the external pipelines; then the staff can remove the nut on the screw, and then take out the top cover, the air inlet, the second cooling pipe, the connecting port, and the second liquid outlet for maintenance.
[0022] Furthermore, the main body of the device is connected to the intermediate cover by bolts, and the intermediate cover is detachably connected to the main body of the device by bolts.
[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the workers can remove the bolts and nuts on the bolts, and then remove the intermediate cover, the guide pipe and the first cooling pipe together for maintenance.
[0024] In summary, the present invention has the following main advantages:
[0025] This invention utilizes an inlet pipe, a second cooling pipe, a connecting port, a guide pipe, and a first cooling pipe. Hydrogen gas mixed with water vapor and electrolyte enters the center of the top cover through the pump body and the inlet pipe. The hydrogen gas then rises and contacts the second cooling pipe, which lowers its temperature, causing the water vapor and electrolyte mixed in the hydrogen to condense and collect, thus dripping down into the lower part of the top cover to form a higher concentration of electrolyte. The hydrogen gas continues to flow through the connecting port into the guide pipe, which then delivers it into the lower part of the device body to contact pure water. The pure water absorbs the electrolyte, resulting in a lower concentration of electrolyte. Afterward, the hydrogen gas rises, overflows from the water, and contacts the first cooling pipe, which condenses any remaining water in the hydrogen gas and causes it to fall back into the lower part of the device body. A single device can achieve two-stage cooling and washing, reducing the footprint. Attached Figure Description
[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the middle cover of this utility model;
[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the top cover of this utility model.
[0030] In the diagram: 1. Main body of the device; 2. Air outlet; 3. First liquid outlet; 4. Water inlet; 5. pH sensor; 6. Liquid level sensor; 7. Intermediate cover; 8. Guide pipe; 9. First cooling pipe; 10. Top cover; 11. Air inlet pipe; 12. Second cooling pipe; 13. Connecting port; 14. Second liquid outlet; 15. Bolt; 16. Screw. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0032] The embodiments of this utility model will be described below based on its overall structure.
[0033] Example 1:
[0034] A hydrogen collection device for an electrolytic water hydrogen production system, such as Figures 1-4As shown, the device includes a main body 1, with a middle cover 7 connected to the top of the main body 1. A guide pipe 8 is connected to the bottom of the middle cover 7, and the bottom end of the guide pipe 8 is flared. First cooling pipes 9 pass through both sides of the bottom of the middle cover 7. A top cover 10 passes through the center of the top of the middle cover 7, and an air inlet pipe 11 passes through the center of the top of the top cover 10. Second cooling pipes 12 are connected to both sides inside the top cover 10. Both the first cooling pipe 9 and the second cooling pipe 12 are spiral-shaped. Multiple connecting ports 13 are provided on the upper sides of both sides of the top cover 10. The top cover 10 is arranged in a ring array. A second liquid outlet 14 is connected to the middle of the bottom of the top cover 10. An air outlet 2 is connected to the upper side of one side of the main body 1, and a first liquid outlet 3 and a water inlet 4 are connected to the lower side of the other side of the main body 1. Hydrogen mixed with water vapor and electrolyte enters the middle of the top cover 10 through the pump body and the air inlet pipe 11. Then the hydrogen rises and comes into contact with the second cooling pipe 12. The second cooling pipe 12 lowers the temperature of the hydrogen, causing the water vapor and electrolyte mixed in the hydrogen to condense and collect, thus dripping into the lower part of the top cover 10 to form a high concentration. The electrolyte, with a higher concentration, flows back to the electrolytic cell through the second outlet 14 and a one-way valve for reuse in electrolyzing hydrogen. The initially separated hydrogen continues to flow through the connecting port 13 into the guide pipe 8, which then sends the hydrogen into the lower part of the main body 1 to contact with pure water. The pure water absorbs the electrolyte to obtain a lower concentration electrolyte. The hydrogen then rises, overflows from the water, and contacts the first cooling pipe 9. The first cooling pipe 9 condenses any remaining water in the hydrogen, causing it to fall back into the lower part of the main body 1. During this process, the hydrogen passes through two liquid... The level sensor 6 detects the level of low-concentration electrolyte or pure water to ensure that the liquid level is above the bottom of the guide pipe 8, thereby ensuring that hydrogen can contact the liquid for washing and preventing the liquid level from being too high. When the pH sensor 5 detects that the liquid is too alkaline, the valve and pipeline between the first outlet 3 and the electrolytic cell are opened, allowing the low-concentration electrolyte to flow back into the electrolytic cell through the first outlet 3 for reuse in electrolysis. At the same time, pure water is sent into the lower part of the device body 1 through the water inlet 4. Then, hydrogen enters the subsequent pressure regulator through the gas outlet 2.
[0035] See Figure 2 and Figure 4In the above embodiment, a pH sensor 5 is installed on one side of the bottom of the device body 1. When the pH sensor 5 detects that the liquid is highly alkaline, the valve and pipeline between the first outlet 3 and the electrolytic cell are opened, allowing the electrolyte with a lower concentration to flow back into the electrolytic cell through the first outlet 3 for reuse in electrolysis. At the same time, pure water is sent into the lower part of the device body 1 through the water inlet 4. Two liquid level sensors 6 are installed on the other side of the device body 1. The diameter of the guide pipe 8 is larger than the diameter of the top cover 10. The bottom end of the guide pipe 8 is located below the side of the liquid level sensor 6. The two liquid level sensors 6 detect the liquid level of the low-concentration electrolyte or pure water to ensure that the liquid level is below the bottom end of the guide pipe 8, thereby ensuring that hydrogen can contact the liquid for washing and also avoiding the liquid level from being too high.
[0036] Example 2:
[0037] Based on the above embodiment one, the following settings are made to facilitate maintenance.
[0038] See Figures 1-4 In the above embodiment, a circular hole is provided at the bottom of the main body 1 of the device. The diameter of the top cover 10 is larger than the diameter of the circular hole, and the diameter of the second liquid outlet 14 is smaller than the diameter of the circular hole. Screws 16 are fixed on both sides of the top of the intermediate cover 7 and the bottom of the top cover 10. The top cover 10 is detachably connected to the intermediate cover 7 and the main body 1 of the device through the screws 16. When the structure needs maintenance or replacement, the operator first removes the air outlet, the first liquid outlet 3, the water inlet 4, the first cooling pipe 9, the air inlet 11, the second cooling pipe 12, and the second... The liquid outlet 14 is disconnected from the external pipeline; then the staff can remove the nut on the screw 16, and then take out the top cover 10, air inlet pipe 11, second cooling pipe 12, connecting port 13 and second liquid outlet 14 for maintenance; the main body 1 of the device is connected to the intermediate cover 7 by bolts 15. The intermediate cover 7 is disassembled and connected to the main body 1 of the device by bolts 15. The staff removes the bolts 15 and the nuts on the bolts 15, so that the intermediate cover 7, the guide pipe 8 and the first cooling pipe 9 can be taken out together for maintenance.
[0039] The implementation principle of this utility model is as follows: First, the operator connects the cooling water pipe of the chiller unit to the first cooling pipe 9 and the second cooling pipe 12 through valves and pipes to form a cooling water circulation; and connects the air outlet 2 to the subsequent pressure regulator through valves and pipes, connects the first liquid outlet 3 and the second liquid outlet 14 to the electrolytic cell through valves and pipes, connects the water inlet 4 to the balance tank for replenishing pure water through valves and pipes, and connects the air inlet pipe 11 to the hydrogen side of the electrolytic cell through valves, pump body and pipes.
[0040] During operation, hydrogen mixed with water vapor and electrolyte enters the middle of the top cover 10 through the pump body and the inlet pipe 11. The hydrogen then rises and comes into contact with the second cooling pipe 12, which lowers the temperature of the hydrogen. This causes the water vapor and electrolyte mixed in the hydrogen to condense and collect, thus dripping down into the lower part of the top cover 10 to form a high-concentration electrolyte. The high-concentration electrolyte flows back to the electrolytic cell through the second outlet 14 and the one-way valve for reuse in electrolyzing hydrogen.
[0041] The initially separated hydrogen continues to flow through the connecting port 13 into the guide pipe 8. The guide pipe 8 then delivers the hydrogen into the lower part of the main body 1 of the device, where it comes into contact with pure water. This allows the pure water to absorb the electrolyte, resulting in a lower concentration electrolyte. The hydrogen then rises, overflows from the water, and comes into contact with the first cooling pipe 9. The first cooling pipe 9 condenses any remaining water in the hydrogen, causing it to fall back into the lower part of the main body 1. During this process, two liquid level sensors 6 monitor the level of the low-concentration electrolyte or pure water, ensuring that the liquid level covers the bottom of the guide pipe 8. This ensures that the hydrogen can contact the liquid for washing and prevents the liquid level from becoming too high. When the pH sensor 5 detects that the liquid is too alkaline, the valve and pipeline between the first outlet 3 and the electrolytic cell are opened, allowing the lower concentration electrolyte to flow back into the electrolytic cell through the first outlet 3 for reuse in electrolysis. Simultaneously, pure water is delivered into the lower part of the main body 1 through the water inlet 4. Finally, the hydrogen enters the subsequent pressure regulator through the gas outlet 2.
[0042] When a structure needs maintenance or replacement, the staff first disconnects the air outlet, first liquid outlet 3, water inlet 4, first cooling pipe 9, air inlet pipe 11, second cooling pipe 12, and second liquid outlet 14 from the external pipelines. Then, the staff can remove the nut on the screw 16 and take out the top cover 10, air inlet pipe 11, second cooling pipe 12, connecting port 13, and second liquid outlet 14 for maintenance. The staff then removes the bolt 15 and the nut on the bolt 15, so that the intermediate cover 7, guide pipe 8, and first cooling pipe 9 can be taken out together for maintenance.
[0043] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, these specific embodiments are merely explanations of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. The specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art may make modifications, substitutions, and variations to the embodiments as needed without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, provided that such modifications, substitutions, and variations are within the scope of the claims of the present invention and are protected by patent law.
Claims
1. A hydrogen collection device for an electrolytic water hydrogen production system, comprising a main body (1), characterized in that: The device body (1) is connected to a middle cover (7) at the top and a guide pipe (8) at the bottom of the middle cover (7). The bottom two sides of the middle cover (7) are connected to a first cooling pipe (9). The middle cover (7) is connected to a top cover (10) at the top center and an air inlet pipe (11) at the top center of the top cover (10). The top cover (10) is connected to a second cooling pipe (12) on both sides inside. The top cover (10) has a connecting port (13) on both sides above. The bottom center of the top cover (10) is connected to a second liquid outlet (14). The device body (1) is connected to an air outlet (2) on one side above and a first liquid outlet (3) and a water inlet (4) on the other side below.
2. The hydrogen collection device for the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first cooling pipe (9) and the second cooling pipe (12) are spiral-shaped.
3. The hydrogen collection device for the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication ports (13) are provided in multiple ways, and the multiple communication ports (13) are distributed in a ring array.
4. The hydrogen collection device for the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom end of the guide tube (8) is flared.
5. The hydrogen collection device for the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device body (1) has a circular hole at the bottom, and the diameter of the top cover (10) is larger than the diameter of the circular hole, while the diameter of the second liquid outlet (14) is smaller than the diameter of the circular hole.
6. The hydrogen collection device for the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pH sensor (5) is installed on one side of the bottom of the main body (1) of the device, and two liquid level sensors (6) are installed on the other side of the main body (1).
7. The hydrogen collection device for the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The diameter of the guide tube (8) is larger than the diameter of the top cover (10), and the bottom end of the guide tube (8) is located below the liquid level sensor (6).
8. The hydrogen collection device for the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the top of the intermediate cover (7) and the bottom of the top cover (10) are fixed with screws (16), and the top cover (10) is detachably connected to the intermediate cover (7) and the main body of the device (1) respectively through the screws (16).
9. The hydrogen collection device for the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that: The device body (1) is connected to the intermediate cover (7) by bolts (15), and the intermediate cover (7) is detachably connected to the device body (1) by bolts (15).