Hydrogen preparation equipment
By linking the cooling structure with the heating device to control the electrolyte temperature in the electrolyzer, the problems of high-temperature explosion and efficiency fluctuation in water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment have been solved, thus achieving the safety and stability of the equipment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment is prone to explosions due to excessively high hydrogen concentrations in high-temperature environments, and temperature fluctuations affect hydrogen production efficiency.
The temperature of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell is controlled by linking the cooling structure and the heating device. Dynamic cooling is achieved by combining a semiconductor cooler, heat sink fins and a fan. Multiple safety detection and pressure relief valves are set up to prevent high-temperature explosion and slow low-temperature response.
It effectively prevents high-temperature explosions, maintains electrolysis reaction efficiency, ensures safe and stable operation of equipment, and adapts to different environmental requirements.
Smart Images
Figure CN223963582U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen production technology, and in particular to a hydrogen production device. Background Technology
[0002] There are various methods for producing hydrogen, including hydrogen production from fossil fuels, industrial by-product hydrogen, hydrogen production from water electrolysis, and hydrogen production from biomass. Due to limited space in laboratories, the hydrogen production equipment used is mostly small-scale. The most common method is hydrogen production equipment using electrolyzers, with water electrolysis being the most frequently used method.
[0003] To improve the efficiency of hydrogen production through water electrolysis, heating devices are installed inside the electrolyzer to raise the water temperature, thereby achieving high-temperature hydrogen production and accelerating the process. However, hydrogen production in electrolyzers is mostly carried out in enclosed spaces, and the heating devices can cause the internal temperature to rise continuously, creating a high-temperature environment. Excessive hydrogen concentration in such a high-temperature environment may cause an explosion. Utility Model Content
[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a hydrogen production device that aims to reduce the risk of explosions during the hydrogen production process and ensure personnel safety.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the hydrogen production equipment proposed in this utility model includes:
[0006] An electrolytic cell, filled with electrolyte;
[0007] A heating device is installed inside the electrolytic cell to heat the electrolyte inside the electrolytic cell;
[0008] A hydrogen collection pipe, located at one horizontal end of the electrolyzer, is used to transport hydrogen; and,
[0009] A cooling structure is provided in the electrolytic cell to cool the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell, so as to adjust the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell to a preset temperature together with the heating device.
[0010] Preferably, the cooling structure includes a thermoelectric cooler, multiple heat dissipation fins, and a fan. The thermoelectric cooler is installed at the bottom of the electrolytic cell with its cold end facing upwards and its hot end facing downwards. The multiple heat dissipation fins are respectively installed at the cold end and the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler. The heat dissipation fins at the cold end penetrate the bottom of the electrolytic cell and extend into the electrolytic cell to contact the electrolyte. The fan is installed at the bottom of the electrolytic cell and blows air towards the heat dissipation fins at the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler.
[0011] Preferably, the inner cavity of the electrolytic cell is provided with a detection component, which includes at least one of a liquid level sensor, a temperature sensor, and a gas concentration sensor, wherein:
[0012] The liquid level sensor is installed on the bottom wall of the inner cavity of the electrolytic cell; the temperature sensor is installed on the inner wall of the electrolytic cell; and the gas concentration sensor is installed on the top of the inner cavity of the electrolytic cell, near the inlet of the hydrogen collection pipe.
[0013] Preferably, a pressure relief valve is provided at the top of the electrolytic cell to reduce the internal gas pressure of the electrolytic cell.
[0014] Preferably, a gas flow meter is installed on the hydrogen collection pipe; and / or,
[0015] The hydrogen collection pipe is equipped with a first solenoid valve.
[0016] Preferably, the electrolytic cell is covered with an explosion-proof box.
[0017] Preferably, the water supply component includes:
[0018] A water storage tank is used to store water.
[0019] A water pump is installed inside the water storage tank;
[0020] The water inlet pipe is connected to the water pump at one end and to the electrolytic cell at the other end.
[0021] Preferably, a liquid flow meter is installed on the water inlet pipe; and / or,
[0022] A second solenoid valve is installed on the water inlet pipe.
[0023] Preferably, the electrolytic cell is provided with an oxygen outlet pipe at the other end in the horizontal direction, and a third solenoid valve is provided on the oxygen outlet pipe.
[0024] Preferably, the electrolytic cell is electrically connected to a display device and a DC power supply, and the display device is electrically connected to the detection component.
[0025] In the technical solution provided by this utility model, the cooling structure 8 is provided on the electrolytic cell 1 to cool the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 1, so as to adjust the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 1 to a preset temperature together with the heating device 7. The linkage control of heating and cooling avoids temperature fluctuations, which prevents high temperature from accelerating electrode corrosion or electrolyte decomposition, avoids low temperature from reducing the reaction rate, and prevents high concentration hydrogen from exploding at high temperature. Attached Figure Description
[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the hydrogen preparation equipment provided by this utility model;
[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the intermediate cooling structure.
[0029] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0030] 100. Hydrogen production equipment; 1. Electrolytic cell; 2. Pressure relief valve; 3. Detection component; 4. Gas flow meter; 5. First solenoid valve; 6. Hydrogen collection pipe; 7. Heating device; 8. Cooling structure; 801. Heat dissipation fins; 802. Fan; 803. Semiconductor cooler; 9. DC power supply; 10. Water supply component; 1001. Water tank; 1002. Water pump; 1003. Liquid flow meter; 1004. Second solenoid valve; 1005. Water inlet pipe.
[0031] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0033] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.
[0034] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0035] This utility model provides a hydrogen production device. Figures 1 to 2 An embodiment of the hydrogen preparation equipment provided by this utility model.
[0036] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 2 The hydrogen production equipment 100 includes an electrolytic cell 1, a heating device 7, a hydrogen collection pipe 6, and a cooling structure 8. The electrolytic cell 1 is filled with an electrolyte. The heating device 7 is installed inside the electrolytic cell 1 to heat the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 1. The hydrogen collection pipe 6 is located on one side of the electrolytic cell 1 in the horizontal direction to transport hydrogen. The cooling structure 8 is located in the electrolytic cell 1 to cool the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 1, so as to adjust the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 1 to a preset temperature together with the heating device 7.
[0037] Upon startup, the heating device 7 first heats the electrolyte to a preset temperature to activate the electrolysis reaction. The heat generated during electrolysis is dynamically cooled by the cooling structure 8, which works in conjunction with the heating device 7 to maintain a constant electrolyte temperature. The hydrogen gas generated by the reaction is continuously discharged through the collection pipe at the horizontal end. Electromagnetic induction heating, external heat exchangers, or infrared radiation heating can be used to replace traditional resistance heating, improving energy efficiency or simplifying the structure. Semiconductor cooling chips, air cooling systems, or phase change material heat absorption technology can also be used to replace traditional water cooling, adapting to different environments or energy-saving needs.
[0038] The coordinated control of the heating and cooling systems precisely maintains the optimal operating temperature of the electrolyte, preventing efficiency loss or material waste due to high temperatures, while also preventing reaction sluggishness caused by low temperatures. The horizontally positioned hydrogen collection pipe 6 utilizes the gas's buoyancy to naturally separate from the electrolyte flow direction, reducing the interference of trapped bubbles on the electrode reaction. The modular temperature control and collection structure design facilitates maintenance and upgrades, and can adapt to different electrolyte types and production capacity requirements, improving equipment stability and process adaptability.
[0039] Therefore, in the technical solution provided by this utility model, the cooling structure 8 is provided on the electrolytic cell 1 to cool the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 1, so as to adjust the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 1 to a preset temperature together with the heating device 7. The linkage control of heating and cooling avoids temperature fluctuations, which prevents high temperature from accelerating electrode corrosion or electrolyte decomposition, avoids low temperature from reducing the reaction rate, and prevents high concentration hydrogen from exploding at high temperature.
[0040] There are also various structures that can reduce the temperature of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 1. Specifically, in the embodiment of this utility model, the cooling structure 8 includes a semiconductor cooler 803, multiple heat dissipation fins 801, and a fan 802. The semiconductor cooler 803 is installed at the bottom of the electrolytic cell 1 with its cold end facing upward and its hot end facing downward. The multiple heat dissipation fins 801 are respectively installed at the cold end and the hot end of the semiconductor cooler 803. The heat dissipation fins 801 at the cold end penetrate the bottom of the electrolytic cell 1 and extend into the electrolytic cell 1 to contact the electrolyte. The fan 802 is installed at the bottom of the electrolytic cell 1 and blows air towards the heat dissipation fins 801 at the hot end of the semiconductor cooler 803.
[0041] When the electrolytic cell 1 is started, the heating device 7 first heats the electrolyte to a preset temperature to activate the electrolytic reaction. When the electrolytic reaction continues and generates excess heat, the semiconductor cooler 803 is started. Its cold end directly absorbs the heat of the electrolyte through the heat dissipation fins 801 that penetrate the bottom of the electrolytic cell 1. At the same time, the hot end actively dissipates heat through the bottom heat dissipation fins 801 and the fan 802 (the fan 802 blows external air toward the hot end fins to accelerate the heat dissipation), forming a dynamic cycle of heat absorption at the cold end and heat dissipation at the hot end. This, in conjunction with the heating device 7, precisely regulates the electrolyte temperature and maintains the reaction efficiency.
[0042] The cold end heat dissipation fins 801 are directly inserted into the electrolyte, which can quickly absorb heat through large-area contact and improve cooling efficiency. The hot end is cooled by forced air by the fan 802 and enhanced by the fins, which prevents the performance of the semiconductor cooler 803 from degrading due to high temperature and extends its service life. The fan 802 is only started when heat dissipation is needed. Combined with the on-demand adjustment of the semiconductor cooler 803, the overall energy consumption is controllable.
[0043] Furthermore, the inner cavity of the electrolytic cell 1 is provided with a detection component 3, which includes at least one of a liquid level sensor, a temperature sensor, and a gas concentration sensor. The liquid level sensor is installed on the bottom wall of the inner cavity of the electrolytic cell 1; the temperature sensor is installed on the inner wall of the inner cavity of the electrolytic cell 1; and the gas concentration sensor is installed on the top of the inner cavity of the electrolytic cell 1, near the inlet of the hydrogen collection pipe 6.
[0044] Temperature sensors dynamically collect electrolyte temperature data and feed it back to the control system, which then activates the heating device 7 or the semiconductor cooler 803 to adjust the temperature. A liquid level sensor continuously monitors the electrolyte level; if the level falls below a safe threshold, it triggers an alarm or automatic replenishment mechanism to prevent dry burning. A gas concentration sensor (such as a hydrogen concentration sensor) monitors the gas composition within the electrolyzer 1; when the hydrogen concentration abnormally increases, it can adjust the current or activate safety venting to prevent explosion risks. The liquid level sensor prevents electrode exposure or equipment damage due to insufficient electrolyte; the gas concentration sensor provides real-time warnings of flammable gas leaks, reducing safety hazards; and the temperature sensor works in conjunction with the temperature control system to prevent material degradation or uncontrolled reactions caused by overheating or overcooling.
[0045] Furthermore, a pressure relief valve 2 is provided at the top of the electrolytic cell 1 to reduce the internal air pressure of the electrolytic cell 1.
[0046] During the operation of electrolyzer 1, when the internal gas pressure exceeds the safety threshold due to hydrogen production from the electrolysis reaction or temperature fluctuations, the pressure relief valve 2 at the top automatically opens to release excess gas and reduce the pressure inside the cell. If the pressure returns to the normal range, the pressure relief valve 2 immediately closes to prevent continuous gas leakage. This process is linked with gas concentration sensors and temperature sensors to form a multi-layered safety control mechanism. For example, when the hydrogen concentration is abnormal and the pressure rises sharply, the pressure relief valve 2 prioritizes rapid pressure relief while simultaneously triggering current regulation or suspending the reaction to ensure safe operation of the equipment.
[0047] Real-time monitoring is required during hydrogen collection. Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, a gas flow meter 4 is installed on the hydrogen collection pipe 6. When the hydrogen generated by the electrolysis reaction is discharged through the collection pipe at the horizontal end, the gas flow meter 4 installed on the pipe monitors the hydrogen flow rate in real time. The flow meter continuously collects hydrogen volume or mass flow rate data and feeds it back to the control system to evaluate the efficiency of the electrolysis reaction, such as whether the hydrogen production rate matches the current input. When the flow rate fluctuates abnormally, the system can adjust the electrolysis current intensity, temperature control device, or trigger an alarm to investigate problems such as electrode failure, membrane leakage, or gas pipeline blockage. Long-term flow data can also be used to calculate the total hydrogen production and optimize energy consumption management or process parameter settings.
[0048] The hydrogen collector can only store a limited amount of hydrogen, so it is necessary to stop the delivery in time. The hydrogen collection pipe 6 is equipped with a first solenoid valve 5. The solenoid valve is kept open, and the hydrogen is stably delivered to the subsequent processing unit through the flow meter. If the gas flow meter 4 detects that the flow exceeds the limit, the gas concentration sensor alarms, or the pressure relief valve 2 is triggered, the control system immediately closes the first solenoid valve 5 to cut off the hydrogen output channel and prevent gas leakage or explosion risks. When the equipment is under maintenance or in case of emergency shutdown, the solenoid valve can be closed manually or remotely to isolate the electrolyzer 1 from the external pipeline and ensure operational safety.
[0049] Furthermore, the electrolytic cell 1 is covered by an explosion-proof enclosure. The explosion-proof enclosure isolates the electrolytic cell 1 from the external environment through a pressure-resistant shell and a sealed structure. Even if hydrogen leakage, sudden pressure rise, or local sparks occur inside, the enclosure can suppress the explosion shock wave and flame spread, preventing damage to surrounding equipment or personnel. If the electrolytic cell 1 experiences severe pressure fluctuations due to a malfunction, the explosion-proof enclosure releases energy in a directional manner through a preset explosion-proof surface, reducing the risk of overall damage to the enclosure.
[0050] To continuously produce hydrogen through water electrolysis, a continuous supply of water is required. Specifically, in the technical solution of this utility model, the water supply component 10 includes a water storage tank 1001, a water pump 1002, and a water inlet pipe 1005. The water storage tank 1001 is used to store water, the water pump 1002 is installed inside the water storage tank 1001, and one end of the water inlet pipe 1005 is connected to the water pump 1002, while the other end is connected to the electrolysis cell 1.
[0051] The water storage tank 1001 stores a sufficient amount of water in advance. After the water pump 1002 is started, the water pump 1002 in the water tank pressurizes and extracts the water, which is then transported to the electrolytic cell 1 through the water inlet pipe 1005. The electrolytic reaction in the electrolytic cell 1 continuously consumes water. The water pump 1002 automatically adjusts the water supply according to the feedback from the liquid level sensor to maintain a stable liquid level in the cell.
[0052] Furthermore, a liquid flow meter 1003 is installed on the water inlet pipe 1005. The flow meter feeds back the water flow data to the control system, which in turn links the water pump 1002 to adjust the output power to ensure that the water supply matches the electrolysis reaction rate. The flow meter quantifies the water supply in real time and combines it with the theoretical water demand of the electrolysis reaction to achieve "on-demand water supply" and reduce energy waste.
[0053] A second solenoid valve 1004 is installed on the water inlet pipe 1005. When the electrolytic cell 1 is running, the second solenoid valve 1004 remains open, allowing water pressurized by the water pump 1002 to flow steadily into the electrolytic cell 1 through the flow meter, maintaining the electrolyte level. When the level sensor detects that the level is too high, the temperature sensor alarms, or the hydrogen concentration is abnormal, the second solenoid valve 1004 immediately closes to block the water inlet, preventing overflow or dilution of the electrolyte concentration. The second solenoid valve 1004 acts as an "emergency switch" for the water inlet passage, forming a bidirectional isolation with the first solenoid valve 5, simultaneously blocking the gas-liquid passage to prevent the fault from spreading.
[0054] An oxygen outlet pipe is provided on the other side of the electrolytic cell 1 in the horizontal direction, and a third solenoid valve is provided on the oxygen outlet pipe.
[0055] The third solenoid valve remains open, and oxygen is delivered to the subsequent processing unit through the outlet pipe to ensure the gas pressure balance in the electrolyzer 1. When the oxygen concentration sensor detects abnormal purity, excessive temperature / pressure, or emergency shutdown of the system, the third solenoid valve immediately closes to block the oxygen passage and prevent gas backflow or mixing from causing the risk of deflagration. It is linked with the first solenoid valve 5 on the hydrogen side to maintain a stable hydrogen-oxygen production ratio and avoid excessive pressure difference on both sides of the electrode due to gas stagnation on one side.
[0056] The electrolyzer 1 is electrically connected to a display device and a DC power supply 9. The display device is electrically connected to the detection component 3. When the electrolyzer 1 is running, the DC power supply 9 provides the electrical energy required for the electrolysis reaction. The detection component 3 (such as a temperature sensor, liquid level sensor, gas concentration sensor, etc.) collects key parameters in the electrolyzer 1 in real time and transmits the data to the display device through electrical connection. The display device dynamically displays parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, liquid level, and gas concentration, allowing operators to intuitively monitor the operating status. The display device records data on power consumption and hydrogen production, and analyzes hydrogen production efficiency (such as hydrogen production per unit of energy consumption) through algorithms to guide the optimization of current density or electrolyte ratio.
[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the concept of the present utility model and using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A hydrogen gas production apparatus characterized by comprising: The electrolytic tank is internally filled with electrolyte. A heating device is installed in the electrolytic tank to heat the electrolyte in the electrolytic tank. A hydrogen collection pipe is arranged at one end of the electrolytic tank in the horizontal direction to transport hydrogen. A cooling structure is arranged in the electrolytic tank to cool the electrolyte in the electrolytic tank to adjust the electrolyte in the electrolytic tank to a preset temperature together with the heating device. The cooling structure comprises a semiconductor refrigerator, a plurality of heat dissipation fins and a fan. The semiconductor refrigerator is installed at the bottom of the electrolytic tank with the cold end upward and the hot end downward.
2. The hydrogen gas production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The heat dissipation fins are arranged at the cold end and the hot end of the semiconductor refrigerator.
3. The hydrogen gas production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The heat dissipation fins at the cold end penetrate the bottom of the electrolytic tank and extend into the electrolytic tank to contact the electrolyte. The fan is installed at the bottom of the electrolytic tank and blows air toward the heat dissipation fins at the hot end of the semiconductor refrigerator.
4. The hydrogen gas production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The inner cavity of the electrolytic tank is provided with a detection assembly comprising at least one of a liquid level sensor, a temperature sensor and a gas concentration sensor.
5. The hydrogen gas production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The liquid level sensor is installed at the bottom wall of the inner cavity of the electrolytic tank. The temperature sensor is installed at the wall of the inner cavity of the electrolytic tank.
6. The hydrogen gas production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The gas concentration sensor is installed at the top of the inner cavity of the electrolytic tank and close to the inlet of the hydrogen collection pipe.
7. The hydrogen gas production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The top of the electrolytic tank is provided with a pressure relief valve to reduce the internal gas pressure of the electrolytic tank. The hydrogen collection pipe is provided with a gas flow meter; and / or The hydrogen collection pipe is provided with a first electromagnetic valve. The outer side of the electrolytic tank is covered with an explosion-proof box.
8. The hydrogen gas production apparatus according to claim 7, wherein The water supply assembly comprises: A water storage tank for storing water; 9. The hydrogen gas production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein A water pump arranged in the water storage tank; 10. The hydrogen gas production apparatus according to claim 3, wherein A water inlet pipe having one end in communication with the water pump and the other end in communication with the electrolytic tank. The water inlet pipe is provided with a liquid flow meter; and / or The water inlet pipe is provided with a second electromagnetic valve. The electrolytic tank is provided with an oxygen outlet pipe at the other end in the horizontal direction. The electrolytic tank is electrically connected with a display device and a direct current power supply. The display device is electrically connected with the detection assembly.