Hydrogen production system

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of chemical hydrogen production, and discloses a hydrogen production system. The hydrogen production system comprises a raw material box and a metering pump communicated with the raw material box, and further comprises a hydrogen production pipeline which comprises a first hydrogen production branch and a second hydrogen production branch; a first switching valve is arranged, a first hydrogen production branch and a second hydrogen production branch are connected with a liquid outlet of a metering pump, and the first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch is communicated with the metering pump; a first catalytic tube is arranged on the first hydrogen production branch, and a second catalytic tube is arranged on the second hydrogen production branch; and the two ends of the impurity removing and cleaning pipeline are arranged at the two ends of the first catalysis pipe or the second catalysis pipe through a second switching valve and a third switching valve correspondingly. According to the hydrogen production system provided by the utility model, the two hydrogen production branches are arranged to switch the first hydrogen production branch and the second hydrogen production branch for hydrogen production in turn, and impurity removal and cleaning processes are carried out in turn, so that the hydrogen production system can stably operate for a long time, and high-efficiency hydrogen production is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of chemical hydrogen production technology, specifically, it relates to a hydrogen production system. Background Technology

[0002] With the development and application of hydrogen fuel cell technology, especially with hydrogen energy being incorporated into the energy management system in China's first Energy Law, the source of hydrogen has become increasingly important. Many hydrogen production technologies can be used, and sodium borohydride hydrogen production is a commonly used technology due to its high efficiency, stability, ease of hydrogen production, low cost, and high purity.

[0003] Long-term stable and efficient hydrogen production is a critical issue in sodium borohydride hydrogen production technology. After a period of reaction, the hydrogen production rate in the sodium borohydride hydrogen production system gradually decreases over time, becoming more pronounced with longer reaction times. After the experiment was stopped, some catalyst surfaces inside the reactor were coated with white crystals. Research and analysis suggest that with increasing hydrogen production time, the accumulation of white crystals (mainly sodium metaborate hydrate and trace amounts of sodium metaborate) on the catalyst surface gradually increases, leading to a significant and abnormally large decrease in the effective activity of the catalyst surface, thus causing a gradual decline in the hydrogen production rate. This significantly reduces the long-term stable and efficient hydrogen production capacity of the system, greatly diminishing its economic viability.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a hydrogen production system that can effectively ensure the long-term stable operation and efficient hydrogen production of the hydrogen production system in order to solve the above problems.

[0005] In view of the above, this application is hereby submitted. Utility Model Content

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of existing hydrogen production systems that cannot operate stably for a long time or produce hydrogen efficiently for a long time. The purpose is to provide a hydrogen production system that can effectively ensure the long-term stable operation and efficient hydrogen production of the hydrogen production system.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a hydrogen production system, the hydrogen production system including a raw material tank and a metering pump connected to the raw material tank, and further including:

[0008] The hydrogen production pipeline includes a first hydrogen production branch and a second hydrogen production branch; the first hydrogen production branch and the second hydrogen production branch are connected to the discharge port of the metering pump through a first switching valve, and either the first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch is connected to the metering pump; a first catalytic tube is provided on the first hydrogen production branch, and a second catalytic tube is provided on the second hydrogen production branch;

[0009] The impurity removal and cleaning pipeline is provided at both ends of the first catalytic tube or the second catalytic tube via a second switching valve and a third switching valve, respectively.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the end of the first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch away from the metering pump is connected to a fourth switching valve.

[0011] The hydrogen production pipeline also includes: a gas-liquid separator, a radiator, a water-gas separator, a hydrogen flow meter, and a first solenoid valve connected in sequence.

[0012] The gas-liquid separator includes a port on its outer casing, and the port of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the external discharge port of the fourth switching valve.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gas-liquid separator further includes a drain port disposed on its outer casing, and the drain port of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the outside gas of the system through a second solenoid valve.

[0014] The water-air separator includes a drain outlet; the drain outlet of the water-air separator is directly connected to the outside of the system, or is connected to the outside of the system through a third solenoid valve.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gas-liquid separator is further provided with a level gauge.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet of the gas-liquid separator is also connected to an external discharge pipeline.

[0017] The external discharge pipeline includes: a pressure sensor, a fourth solenoid valve, and a flame arrester installed on the external discharge pipeline;

[0018] The end of the flame arrester furthest from the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the outside atmosphere.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gas-liquid separator further includes a pressure relief port disposed on its outer shell, and a pressure relief pipeline is connected to the pressure relief port of the gas-liquid separator.

[0020] A mechanical safety pressure relief valve is installed on the pressure relief pipeline;

[0021] The end of the pressure relief pipeline away from the pressure relief port is connected to the side of the flame arrester away from the outside atmosphere.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the impurity removal and cleaning pipeline includes:

[0023] The impurity removal box contains impurity removal liquid; the impurity removal box has an outlet and a return outlet; the impurity removal liquid removes impurities from the first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch through the outlet of the impurity removal box, and then flows back to the impurity removal box through the return outlet of the impurity removal box.

[0024] A water storage tank is provided, which stores cleaning water. The water storage tank is not connected to the impurity removal tank. The water storage tank has an outlet. The cleaning water is discharged to the outside of the system after cleaning the first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch through the outlet of the water storage tank. The water storage tank or the impurity removal tank is connected to the second switching valve through a fifth switching valve.

[0025] The first water pump is installed on the pipeline between the fifth switching valve and the second switching valve.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen production system further includes a sixth switching valve, one end of which is connected to the end of the third switching valve that is away from the first switching valve;

[0027] The sixth switching valve connects the outlet of the impurity removal tank to the return port of the impurity removal tank, or the sixth switching valve connects the outlet of the water storage tank to the outside of the system.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen production system further includes a circulation pipeline, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the impurity removal box and the outer periphery of the gas-liquid separator;

[0029] The water storage tank also has a first circulation port and a second circulation port, the first circulation port being connected to one end of the circulation pipeline, and the second circulation port being connected to the other end of the circulation pipeline.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a second water pump is provided on the circulation pipeline.

[0031] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0032] 1) In this utility model, by setting up two hydrogen production branches that alternately switch hydrogen production and perform impurity removal and cleaning in turn, the hydrogen production system can operate stably for a long time and achieve efficient hydrogen production;

[0033] 2) In this utility model, under the action of the second water pump, the circulation pipeline exchanges heat at the outer periphery of the gas-liquid separator, and after the temperature is raised, it exchanges heat with the outer shell of the impurity removal box. This not only reduces the internal temperature difference of the gas-liquid separator and reduces the workload of the subsequent radiator, but also improves the gas-liquid separation efficiency. It also effectively increases the temperature of the impurity removal liquid in the impurity removal box, thereby improving its impurity removal effect on the catalytic tubes (first catalytic tube and second catalytic tube).

[0034] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings, as part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the present utility model. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present utility model are used to explain the present utility model, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the present utility model. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments; those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure and pipeline flow direction of the hydrogen production system in this embodiment of the present invention when the first hydrogen production branch is in the hydrogen production process and the second hydrogen production branch is in the impurity removal process.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure and pipeline flow direction of the hydrogen production system in this embodiment of the present invention when the first hydrogen production branch is in the hydrogen production process and the second hydrogen production branch is in the cleaning process.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure and pipeline flow direction of the hydrogen production system in this embodiment of the present invention when the first hydrogen production branch is in the impurity removal process and the second hydrogen production branch is in the hydrogen production process.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure and pipeline flow direction of the hydrogen production system in this embodiment of the present invention when the first hydrogen production branch is in the cleaning process and the second hydrogen production branch is in the hydrogen production process.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure and flow direction of the circulation pipeline in the hydrogen production system of this utility model embodiment;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another hydrogen production system in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the monitoring and control components in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Description of main components in the diagram:

[0044] 1. Raw material tank; 2. Metering pump; 3. First switching valve; 4. First catalytic tube; 5. Second catalytic tube; 6. Second switching valve; 7. Third switching valve; 8. Fourth switching valve; 9. Gas-liquid separator; 10. Radiator; 11. Water-gas separator; 12. Hydrogen flow meter; 13. First solenoid valve; 14. Second solenoid valve; 15. Third solenoid valve; 16. Level gauge; 17. Pressure sensor; 18. Fourth solenoid valve; 19. Flame arrester; 20. Mechanical safety pressure relief valve; 21. Impurity removal box; 22. Water storage tank; 23. First water pump; 24. Fifth switching valve; 25. Sixth switching valve; 26. Circulation pipeline; 27. Second water pump; 28. Temperature sensor; 29. ​​Monitoring and control components; 30. Information receiving and transmitting unit; 31. Information processing unit; 32. Display unit; 33. Warning unit.

[0045] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0047] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", and "outer" 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 this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0048] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, the present invention discloses a hydrogen production system, which includes a raw material tank 1 and a metering pump 2 connected to the raw material tank 1. The raw material tank 1 contains a hydrogen production raw material mixture; the hydrogen production raw material mixture contains sodium borohydride and (a very small amount) sodium hydroxide.

[0050] The hydrogen production system also includes:

[0051] The hydrogen production pipeline includes a first hydrogen production branch and a second hydrogen production branch. The metering pump 2 injects the hydrogen production feedstock mixture from the feedstock tank 1 into the first and second hydrogen production branches of the hydrogen production pipeline. The first and second hydrogen production branches are connected to the discharge port of the metering pump 2 via a first switching valve 3, and either the first or second hydrogen production branch is connected to the metering pump 2. A first catalytic tube 4 is provided on the first hydrogen production branch, and a second catalytic tube 5 is provided on the second hydrogen production branch. Both the first catalytic tube 4 and the second catalytic tube 5 contain catalysts. The catalyst used in this reaction can be a noble metal catalyst (e.g., platinum-based catalyst, ruthenium-based catalyst, etc.) or a non-noble metal catalyst (e.g., nickel-based catalyst, cobalt-based catalyst, etc.). There are no specific restrictions on the type of catalyst.

[0052] The impurity removal and cleaning pipeline is provided at both ends of the first catalytic tube 4 or the second catalytic tube 5 via a second switching valve 6 and a third switching valve 7 respectively.

[0053] In this invention, the hydrogen production system is configured with a first hydrogen production branch and a second hydrogen production branch. The two hydrogen production branches alternately switch between producing hydrogen and performing impurity removal and cleaning in turn, enabling the hydrogen production system to operate stably for a long time and achieve efficient hydrogen production.

[0054] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of this example, the end of the first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch that is away from the metering pump 2 is connected to the fourth switching valve 8.

[0055] The hydrogen production pipeline also includes: a gas-liquid separator 9, a radiator 10, a water-gas separator 11, a hydrogen flow meter 12, and a first solenoid valve 13 connected in sequence; it can be understood that in the connection sequence of the above components, the hydrogen flow meter 12 can also be located at the rear end of the first solenoid valve 13 (the end of the first solenoid valve 13 away from the water-gas separator 11).

[0056] The gas-liquid separator 9 includes a port on its housing, and the port of the gas-liquid separator 9 is connected to the external discharge port of the fourth switching valve 8.

[0057] Please see the appendix Figure 6 Compared to the above implementation, in another specific implementation of this embodiment, the hydrogen production pipeline does not include the hydrogen flow meter 12: in this implementation, the standard for switching the hydrogen production branch is only according to a fixed hydrogen production cycle (the definition of the hydrogen production cycle is described in detail later).

[0058] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of this example, the gas-liquid separator 9 further includes a drain port disposed on its outer casing, and the drain port of the gas-liquid separator 9 is connected to the outside of the system through a second solenoid valve 14.

[0059] The water-air separator 11 includes a drain outlet;

[0060] (Please see appendix) Figure 6 The drain outlet of the water-air separator 11 is directly connected to the outside of the system (without a third solenoid valve 15 to act as a shut-off valve).

[0061] Or (see appendix) Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5 It is connected to the outside world through the third solenoid valve 15.

[0062] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of this example, a level gauge 16 is also provided on the gas-liquid separator 9, which is used to detect the liquid level height of the liquid accumulated in the gas-liquid separator 9.

[0063] When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 9 is detected to reach the predetermined liquid level standard, the second solenoid valve 14 connected to the drain port of the gas-liquid separator 9 is opened to drain the liquid.

[0064] When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 9 is lower than a certain height (e.g., 1 cm) after drainage, or after the second solenoid valve 14 is opened for drainage for a period of time (e.g., 2 min), the second solenoid valve 14 is controlled to close.

[0065] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of this example, the port of the gas-liquid separator 9 is also connected to an external discharge pipeline.

[0066] The external discharge pipeline includes: a pressure sensor 17, a fourth solenoid valve 18, and a flame arrester 19 installed on the external discharge pipeline;

[0067] The end of the flame arrester 19 furthest from the fourth solenoid valve 18 is connected to the outside atmosphere.

[0068] In this invention, by setting up the external discharge pipeline, the hydrogen produced under overpressure is discharged externally, ensuring the normal operation of subsequent equipment components.

[0069] In one specific embodiment of this invention, a branch pipeline is provided on the external discharge pipeline, and the pressure sensor 17 is disposed on the branch pipeline.

[0070] In one specific embodiment of this example, the branch pipeline where the pressure sensor 17 is located is set on the external discharge pipeline between the gas-liquid separator 9 and the fourth solenoid valve 18.

[0071] In one specific embodiment of this example, the pressure sensor 17 is used to detect the working pressure of hydrogen production in the catalytic tubes (first catalytic tube 4 and second catalytic tube 5).

[0072] When the actual working pressure is greater than (or equal to) the preset maximum working pressure value, the metering pump 2 is controlled to stop running and the fourth solenoid valve 18 is opened (to relieve pressure).

[0073] When the actual working pressure is less than (or equal to) the preset minimum working pressure value, the fourth solenoid valve 18 is closed and the metering pump 2 is turned on.

[0074] In one specific embodiment of this example, the opening pressure of the fourth solenoid valve 18 is 5 bar (under this pressure, the fourth solenoid valve 18 is controlled to open), and the closing pressure of the fourth solenoid valve 18 is 1.5 bar (under this pressure, the fourth solenoid valve 18 is controlled to close).

[0075] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of this example, the gas-liquid separator 9 further includes a pressure relief port disposed on its outer casing, and a pressure relief pipeline is connected to the pressure relief port of the gas-liquid separator 9.

[0076] The pressure relief pipeline is equipped with a mechanical safety pressure relief valve 20, which is a normally closed pressure relief solenoid valve.

[0077] The mechanical safety pressure relief valve 20 can be a spring-type, lever-type, or counterweight-type pressure relief valve, and its structural form is not specifically limited here.

[0078] The end of the pressure relief pipeline away from the pressure relief port is connected to the side of the flame arrester 19 away from the outside atmosphere.

[0079] In this invention, by setting the mechanical safety pressure relief valve 20, a secondary protection is provided for the system, eliminating the potential risk caused by excessive pipeline pressure in the system due to abnormal failure of the fourth solenoid valve 18, thus improving the reliability and safety of the hydrogen production system.

[0080] In one specific embodiment of this example, the opening pressure range of the mechanical safety relief valve 20 is 2 bar to 6 bar;

[0081] When the actual working pressure is greater than (or equal to) the preset maximum working pressure value (2 bar - 6 bar), the metering pump 2 is stopped and the mechanical safety relief valve 20 is opened.

[0082] In one specific embodiment of this example, when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 17 exceeds 2 bar, the fourth solenoid valve 18 is opened and the metering pump 2 is stopped; when the pressure is below 1.8 bar, the fourth solenoid valve 18 is closed and the metering pump 2 starts working.

[0083] The mechanical safety relief valve 20 has an opening pressure of 3 bar. When the pressure exceeds 3 bar, the mechanical safety relief valve 20 opens.

[0084] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of this invention, the impurity removal and cleaning pipeline includes:

[0085] The impurity removal tank 21 stores impurity removal liquid; the impurity removal tank 21 has an outlet and a return outlet; the impurity removal liquid removes impurities from the first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch through the outlet of the impurity removal tank 21, and then flows back to the impurity removal tank 21 through the return outlet of the impurity removal tank 21.

[0086] A water storage tank 22 stores cleaning water and is not connected to the impurity removal tank 21. The water storage tank 22 has an outlet. The cleaning water is discharged to the outside of the system after cleaning the first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch through the outlet of the water storage tank 22. The water storage tank 22 or the impurity removal tank 21 is connected to the second switching valve 6 through a fifth switching valve 24.

[0087] The first water pump 23 is installed on the pipeline between the fifth switching valve 24 and the second switching valve 6; the first water pump 23 is used to pump the impurity removal liquid or cleaning water into the first catalytic tube 4 (or the second catalytic tube 5).

[0088] In one specific embodiment of this example, the impurity removal box 21 and / or the pipeline connected to the impurity removal box 21 are provided with an openable and closable opening (not shown in the figure) for adding or replacing the impurity removal liquid in the impurity removal box 21.

[0089] The water storage tank 22 and / or the pipeline connected to the water storage tank 22 are provided with an openable and closable opening (not shown in the figure) for adding or replacing cleaning water in the water storage tank 22.

[0090] In one specific embodiment of this example, the impurity removal solution is an acetic acid or phosphoric acid solution;

[0091] The cleaning water is purified water or distilled water.

[0092] In one specific embodiment of this example, the molar concentration of the impurity removal solution ranges from 0.5 to 6 mol / L.

[0093] In one specific embodiment of this example, the impurity removal solution is an acetic acid solution with a molar concentration of 3 mol / L.

[0094] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of this example, the hydrogen production system further includes a sixth switching valve 25, one end of which is connected to the end of the third switching valve 7 that is away from the first switching valve 3.

[0095] The other end of the sixth switching valve 25 is connected to the return port of the impurity removal tank 21 (the sixth switching valve 25 connects the outlet of the impurity removal tank 21 to the return port of the impurity removal tank 21), or the other end of the sixth switching valve 25 is connected to the outside of the system (the sixth switching valve 25 connects the outlet of the water storage tank 22 to the outside of the system).

[0096] Please see the appendix Figure 5 In one specific embodiment of this example, the hydrogen production system further includes a circulation pipeline 26, which is wound around the outer periphery of the impurity removal tank 21 (at one end near the first circulation liquid port) and around the outer periphery of the gas-liquid separator 9 (at one end near the second circulation liquid port).

[0097] The water storage tank 22 also has a first circulation port and a second circulation port. The first circulation port is connected to one end of the circulation pipe 26, and the second circulation port is connected to the other end of the circulation pipe 26.

[0098] A second water pump 27 is installed on the circulation pipeline 26, and the second water pump 27 drives the cleaning water in the water storage tank 22 to circulate in the circulation pipeline 26.

[0099] In this invention, under the action of the second water pump 27, the circulation pipeline exchanges heat (absorbs the waste heat of the gas-liquid separator 9) at the outer periphery of the gas-liquid separator 9, and after the temperature is raised, it exchanges heat with the outer shell of the impurity removal box 21. This not only reduces the internal temperature difference of the gas-liquid separator 9 and reduces the workload of the subsequent radiator 10, but also improves the gas-liquid separation efficiency. It also effectively increases the temperature of the impurity removal liquid in the impurity removal box 21, thereby improving its impurity removal effect on the catalytic tubes (first catalytic tube 4 and second catalytic tube 5).

[0100] The cleaning water that has undergone heat exchange returns to the water storage tank 22, realizing the recycling and multi-functional use of water resources.

[0101] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of this example, a temperature sensor 28 is provided on the outer shell of the impurity removal box 21 or inside the box of the impurity removal box 21. The temperature sensor 28 is used to detect the temperature of the impurity removal liquid inside the impurity removal box 21.

[0102] When the temperature of the impurity removal liquid is detected to be lower than (or equal to) the preset minimum temperature standard (e.g., 5°C, or other temperature standards as needed), the second water pump 27 is started to heat the impurity removal liquid using the residual heat of the gas-liquid separator 9; when the temperature of the impurity removal liquid is detected to be higher than (or equal to) the preset maximum temperature standard (e.g., 20°C, or other temperature standards as needed) after the temperature is heated, the second water pump 27 is stopped.

[0103] The impurity removal solution is controlled within the temperature range most conducive to removing impurities from the catalytic tubes (first catalytic tube 4 and second catalytic tube 5) to ensure the reliability of impurity removal.

[0104] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of this example, the first switching valve 3, the second switching valve 6, the third switching valve 7, the fourth switching valve 8, the fifth switching valve 24, and the sixth switching valve 25 are all two-position three-way valves.

[0105] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of this example, the first switching valve 3 includes an inlet P, an outlet A, and an outlet B;

[0106] When the hydrogen production process is carried out in the first hydrogen production branch, the inlet P of the first switching valve 3 is connected to its outlet A (outlet B is cut off).

[0107] When the hydrogen production process is carried out in the second hydrogen production branch, the inlet P of the first switching valve 3 is connected to its outlet B (outlet A is closed).

[0108] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of this example, the second switching valve 6 includes an inlet P, an outlet E, and an outlet F;

[0109] When the first hydrogen production branch is cleaned or purified, the inlet P of the second switching valve 6 is connected to its outlet F (outlet E is cut off).

[0110] When removing impurities or cleaning the second hydrogen production branch, the inlet P of the second switching valve 6 is connected to its outlet E (outlet F is closed).

[0111] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of this example, the third switching valve 7 includes an inlet G, an inlet H, and an outlet P;

[0112] When the first hydrogen production branch is cleaned or purified, the inlet H of the third switching valve 7 is connected to its outlet P (the inlet G is closed).

[0113] When the second hydrogen production branch is cleaned or purified, the inlet G of the third switching valve 7 is connected to its outlet P (the inlet H is closed).

[0114] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of this example, the fourth switching valve 8 includes an inlet C, an inlet D, and an outlet P;

[0115] When the hydrogen production process is carried out in the first hydrogen production branch, the inlet D of the fourth switching valve 8 is connected to its outlet P (the inlet C is closed).

[0116] When the hydrogen production process is carried out in the second hydrogen production branch, the inlet C of the fourth switching valve 8 is connected to its outlet P (the inlet D is closed).

[0117] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of this example, the fifth switching valve 24 includes an inlet L, an inlet K, and an outlet P;

[0118] When performing the impurity removal process on the first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch, the inlet L of the fifth switching valve 24 is connected to its outlet P (the inlet K is closed).

[0119] When cleaning the first or second hydrogen production branch, the inlet K of the fifth switching valve 24 is connected to its outlet P (the inlet L is closed).

[0120] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of this example, the sixth switching valve 25 includes an inlet P, an outlet I, and an outlet J;

[0121] When performing the impurity removal process on the first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch, the inlet P of the sixth switching valve 25 is connected to its outlet I (outlet J is cut off).

[0122] When cleaning the first or second hydrogen production branch, the inlet P of the sixth switching valve 25 is connected to its outlet J (outlet I is closed).

[0123] In one specific implementation of this embodiment, the first hydrogen production branch and the second hydrogen production branch alternately perform the hydrogen production process;

[0124] When the first hydrogen production branch is carrying out the hydrogen production process, the second hydrogen production branch, which was previously carrying out the hydrogen production process, is subjected to a purification process and a cleaning process. After the second hydrogen production branch has completed the purification and cleaning process, it is in a shut-off state.

[0125] When the second hydrogen production branch is carrying out the hydrogen production process, it performs a purification and cleaning process on the first hydrogen production branch that was previously carrying out the hydrogen production process. After the purification and cleaning process is completed, the first hydrogen production branch is in a shut-off state.

[0126] Please see the appendix Figure 1 In one specific embodiment of this application, when the first hydrogen production branch is in the hydrogen production process and the second hydrogen production branch is in the impurity removal process,

[0127] The inlet P of the first switching valve 3 is connected to its outlet A, the inlet P of the second switching valve 6 is connected to its outlet E, the inlet G of the third switching valve 7 is connected to its outlet P, the inlet D of the fourth switching valve 8 is connected to its outlet P, the inlet L of the fifth switching valve 24 is connected to its outlet P, and the inlet P of the sixth switching valve 25 is connected to its outlet I.

[0128] Please see the appendix Figure 2 In one specific embodiment of this application, when the first hydrogen production branch is in the hydrogen production process and the second hydrogen production branch is in the cleaning process,

[0129] The inlet P of the first switching valve 3 is connected to its outlet A, the inlet P of the second switching valve 6 is connected to its outlet E, the inlet G of the third switching valve 7 is connected to its outlet P, the inlet D of the fourth switching valve 8 is connected to its outlet P, the inlet K of the fifth switching valve 24 is connected to its outlet P, and the inlet P of the sixth switching valve 25 is connected to its outlet J.

[0130] Please see the appendix Figure 3 In one specific embodiment of this application, when the first hydrogen production branch is in the impurity removal process and the second hydrogen production branch is in the hydrogen production process,

[0131] The inlet P of the first switching valve 3 is connected to its outlet B, the inlet P of the second switching valve 6 is connected to its outlet F, the inlet H of the third switching valve 7 is connected to its outlet P, the inlet C of the fourth switching valve 8 is connected to its outlet P, the inlet L of the fifth switching valve 24 is connected to its outlet P, and the inlet P of the sixth switching valve 25 is connected to its outlet I.

[0132] Please see the appendix Figure 4 In one specific embodiment of this application, when the first hydrogen production branch is in the cleaning process and the second hydrogen production branch is in the hydrogen production process,

[0133] The inlet P of the first switching valve 3 is connected to its outlet B, the inlet P of the second switching valve 6 is connected to its outlet F, the inlet H of the third switching valve 7 is connected to its outlet P, the inlet C of the fourth switching valve 8 is connected to its outlet P, the inlet K of the fifth switching valve 24 is connected to its outlet P, and the inlet P of the sixth switching valve 25 is connected to its outlet J.

[0134] In one specific embodiment of this application, the first hydrogen production branch and the second hydrogen production branch alternately switch hydrogen production;

[0135] When the first catalytic branch is in the hydrogen production process, the hydrogen production feed mixture in the feed tank 1 is pumped into the first catalytic tube 4 by the metering pump 2. The first switching valve 3 and the fourth switching valve 8 are switched to the state corresponding to the first catalytic branch (the first switching valve 3 is switched to outlet A, and the fourth switching valve 8 is switched to inlet D). The first solenoid valve 13 is opened. The second solenoid valve 14, the third solenoid valve 15, and the fourth solenoid valve 18 are closed when hydrogen production starts. The hydrogen generated by the first catalytic tube 4 passes through the fourth switching valve 8, the gas-liquid separator 9, the radiator 10, the water-gas separator 11, the hydrogen flow meter 12, and the first solenoid valve 13 in sequence, and is discharged from the system through the hydrogen outlet of the first solenoid valve 13.

[0136] In one specific embodiment of this application, when the first hydrogen production branch is in the hydrogen production process (the first hydrogen production branch is connected to the raw material tank 1 through the first switching valve 3 and to the gas-liquid separator 9 through the fourth switching valve 8), the second hydrogen production branch is in the impurity removal process, the cleaning process, or the cut-off state (the cut-off state after the impurity removal process and the cleaning process have been completed, without hydrogen production, impurity removal, or cleaning). After one hydrogen production cycle, the branch is switched to the second hydrogen production branch for hydrogen production (the first switching valve 3 is switched to outlet B, and the fourth switching valve 8 is switched to inlet C).

[0137] After another hydrogen production cycle, switch to the first hydrogen production branch for hydrogen production (the first switching valve 3 switches to outlet A, and the fourth switching valve 8 switches to inlet D);

[0138] One hydrogen production cycle is 1-80 hours.

[0139] In one specific embodiment of this application, a hydrogen production cycle is 6 hours.

[0140] In this invention, the first hydrogen production branch and the second hydrogen production branch in the hydrogen production system can be repeatedly switched to produce hydrogen, thereby achieving the goal of stable hydrogen production over a long period of time.

[0141] In another specific embodiment of this example, when the hydrogen flow rate (measured by the hydrogen flow meter 12) decreases by 8%-30% from the standard hydrogen production flow rate of the metering pump 2, or when the single hydrogen production time reaches the hydrogen production impurity removal and cleaning cycle (1-80h), the first switching valve 3 and the fourth switching valve 8 are controlled to switch states. The original hydrogen production branch (the first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch) undergoes the impurity removal and cleaning process, while the original non-hydrogen production branch undergoes the hydrogen production process.

[0142] In one specific implementation of this embodiment, when the hydrogen flow rate (measured by hydrogen flow meter 12) of the first hydrogen production branch ( / second hydrogen production branch) decreases by 12% compared to the standard hydrogen production flow rate of metering pump 2, or when the duration of a single hydrogen production cycle reaches 6 hours, the system switches to the second hydrogen production branch ( / first hydrogen production branch) for hydrogen production. The first hydrogen production branch ( / second hydrogen production branch) then enters the impurity removal process and the cleaning process. This switching is repeated repeatedly to achieve the goal of long-term, efficient, and stable hydrogen production.

[0143] In one specific implementation of this embodiment, the duration of a single impurity removal process is 1-20 minutes.

[0144] In one specific implementation of this embodiment, the duration of a single impurity removal process is 3 minutes.

[0145] In one specific implementation of this embodiment, the duration of a single cleaning process is 1-10 minutes.

[0146] In one specific implementation of this embodiment, the duration of a single cleaning process is 2 minutes.

[0147] In one specific embodiment of this example, when switching a hydrogen production branch that does not produce hydrogen (e.g., the second hydrogen production branch) to a hydrogen production process, the original hydrogen production branch (e.g., the first hydrogen production branch) first undergoes a purification process, and then a cleaning process.

[0148] If the cleaning process of the hydrogen production branch that was originally producing hydrogen but is now switching to non-producing hydrogen (e.g., the first hydrogen production branch) is completed, and the hydrogen production branch that was originally non-producing hydrogen but is now switching to producing hydrogen (e.g., the second hydrogen production branch) can still produce hydrogen stably and efficiently, then the hydrogen production branch that was originally producing hydrogen but is now switching to non-producing hydrogen (e.g., the first hydrogen production branch) is in a shut-off state (a state of not producing hydrogen, not removing impurities, and not cleaning). In this state, neither the first water pump 23 nor the second water pump 27 will work.

[0149] In one specific embodiment of this example, the catalytic tube (first catalytic tube 4 and second catalytic tube 5) has a liquid inlet at one end and a hydrogen outlet at the other end;

[0150] Its liquid inlet is connected to the first switching valve 3, and its hydrogen outlet is connected to the fourth switching valve 8.

[0151] In one specific embodiment of this example, the pressure of the catalytic tubes (first catalytic tube 4 and second catalytic tube 5) is 1-5 bar, and the capacity range is 0.1-5 L.

[0152] In one specific embodiment of this example, the pressure of the catalytic tubes (first catalytic tube 4 and second catalytic tube 5) is 4 bar, and the capacity range is 0.5 L.

[0153] Please see the appendix Figure 7 In one specific embodiment of this example, the hydrogen production system further includes a monitoring and control component 29, which controls the switching of the connection state of the switching valves (first switching valve to sixth switching valve), the opening and closing of the solenoid valves (first solenoid valve to fourth solenoid valve), the opening and closing of the pump body (metering pump, first water pump and second water pump), etc.

[0154] The monitoring and control component 29 includes: an information receiving and sending unit 30, an information processing unit 31, a display unit 32, and an alarm unit 33;

[0155] The information receiving and sending unit 30 acquires system information and sends the information containing control instructions sent by the information processing unit 31 to the corresponding components to control the operation of the corresponding components;

[0156] The information processing unit 31 sends corresponding information containing control commands to the information receiving and sending unit 30 based on the system information received by the information receiving and sending unit 30.

[0157] The display unit 32 displays system information received by the information receiving and sending unit 30, and / or displays information containing control commands sent by the information processing unit 31;

[0158] The warning unit 33 sends reminder and / or warning information in the form of sound (speaker emitting sound), light (changes in light color and frequency), or electrical signals (corresponding electrical signals controlling other components).

[0159] In one specific embodiment of this example, the information processing unit 31 also has a timing function. When the switching action of the first switching valve and the fourth switching valve is activated, causing the first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch to start the hydrogen production process, the information processing unit 31 starts timing. After the timing reaches a hydrogen production cycle, it generates and sends information containing control instructions for the action of the first switching valve and the fourth switching valve to the information receiving and sending unit 30. When the hydrogen production branch performs a purification process or a cleaning process, the information processing unit 31 starts timing. After the preset time of the purification process or the cleaning process is reached, it generates and sends information containing control instructions for the action of its corresponding switching valve to the information receiving and sending unit 30.

[0160] Of course, the monitoring and control component 29 may also include a timing unit (not shown in the figure) with timing function. Through the cooperation of the timing unit, the information receiving and sending unit 30 and the information processing unit 31, the time of a single hydrogen production cycle (hydrogen production process duration), the impurity removal process duration and the cleaning process duration can be monitored.

[0161] In one specific embodiment of this example, the information receiving and sending unit 30 is electrically connected to the metering pump 2, the switching valves (first switching valve to sixth switching valve), the hydrogen flow meter 12, the solenoid valves (first solenoid valve to fourth solenoid valve), the level gauge 16, the pressure sensor 17, the first water pump 23, the second water pump 27, and the temperature sensor 28.

[0162] The information receiving and sending unit 30 actively acquires and / or passively receives system information such as hydrogen flow rate information detected by the hydrogen flow meter 12, liquid level information detected by the liquid level gauge 16, pressure information detected by the pressure sensor 17, and temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 28.

[0163] The information receiving and sending unit 30 sends the information containing control commands sent by the information processing unit 31 to the corresponding components to control the operation of the corresponding components, such as controlling the switching state of the switching valve, controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valve, controlling the opening and closing of the pump body (metering pump 2, first water pump 23 and second water pump 27), etc.

[0164] In another specific embodiment of this example, the monitoring and control component 29 further includes: an information acquisition and control execution unit (not shown in the figure), which acquires system information such as hydrogen flow rate information detected by the hydrogen flow meter 12, liquid level information detected by the liquid level gauge 16, pressure information detected by the pressure sensor 17, and temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 28, and then sends the acquired system information to the information receiving and sending unit 30.

[0165] The information acquisition and control execution unit receives information containing control instructions received and sent by the information receiving and sending unit 30 and sends it to the corresponding component to control the operation of the corresponding component.

[0166] In one specific embodiment of this example, the system information acquired and transmitted by the information receiving and sending unit 30 to the information processing unit 31 includes, but is not limited to: the liquid level height information in the gas-liquid separator 9 detected by the level gauge 16, and / or the working pressure information of hydrogen production in the catalytic tube detected by the pressure sensor 17, and / or the temperature information of the impurity removal liquid detected by the temperature sensor 28.

[0167] In one specific embodiment of this example, the information receiving and sending unit 30 sends the liquid level height information detected by the liquid level gauge 16 in the gas-liquid separator 9 to the information processing unit 31.

[0168] The information processing unit 31 stores a predetermined liquid level standard;

[0169] The detected liquid level height information in the gas-liquid separator 9 is compared with the preset liquid level standard;

[0170] When the detected liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 9 reaches the preset liquid level standard, the information processing unit 31 sends information containing a control command to open the second solenoid valve 14 to the information receiving and sending unit 30.

[0171] In one specific embodiment of this example, the information receiving and sending unit 30 sends the working pressure information of hydrogen production in the catalytic tube detected by the pressure sensor 17 to the information processing unit 31;

[0172] The information processing unit 31 stores a preset maximum working pressure value and a preset minimum working pressure value.

[0173] The detected working pressure information for hydrogen production in the catalytic tube is compared with the preset maximum working pressure value and the preset minimum working pressure value.

[0174] When the detected working pressure information of hydrogen production in the catalytic tube is greater than or equal to the preset maximum working pressure value, the information processing unit 31 sends information containing control commands to stop the metering pump 2 and open the fourth solenoid valve 18 to the information receiving and sending unit 30.

[0175] When the detected working pressure information of hydrogen production in the catalytic tube is less than or equal to the preset minimum working pressure value, the information processing unit 31 sends information containing control commands to the information receiving and sending unit 30, including commands to operate the metering pump 2 and close the fourth solenoid valve 18.

[0176] In one specific embodiment of this example, the information receiving and sending unit 30 sends the temperature information of the impurity removal liquid detected by the temperature sensor 28 to the information processing unit 31.

[0177] The information processing unit 31 stores preset minimum and maximum temperature standards.

[0178] The temperature information of the impurity removal liquid detected by the temperature sensor 28 is compared with the preset minimum temperature standard and maximum temperature standard.

[0179] When the temperature of the impurity removal liquid detected by the temperature sensor 28 is less than or equal to the preset minimum temperature standard, the information processing unit 31 sends information containing a control command to start the second water pump 27 to the information receiving and sending unit 30.

[0180] When the temperature of the impurity removal liquid detected by the temperature sensor 28 is greater than or equal to the preset maximum temperature standard, the information processing unit 31 sends information containing a control command to stop the second water pump 27 to the information receiving and sending unit 30.

[0181] In one specific embodiment of this example, the information receiving and sending unit 30 controls the corresponding component to operate according to the information sent by the information processing unit 31, which contains control instructions for controlling the operation of the corresponding component.

[0182] In one specific embodiment of this example, the display unit 32 includes a display screen that displays information such as hydrogen production working pressure, hydrogen flow rate, hydrogen production cycle, hydrogen production working duration, pressure relief value, and monitored hydrogen concentration value.

[0183] The hydrogen production system provided in this application can overcome the problems of existing hydrogen production systems being unable to produce hydrogen stably for a long time and having low hydrogen production efficiency.

[0184] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A hydrogen production system comprising a raw material tank (1) in which a hydrogen production raw material mixture containing sodium borohydride is stored, and a metering pump (2) communicating with the raw material tank (1). The hydrogen production system further comprises: A hydrogen production pipeline, which comprises a first hydrogen production branch and a second hydrogen production branch; the first hydrogen production branch and the second hydrogen production branch are connected with the liquid outlet of the metering pump (2) through the first switch valve (3) arranged thereon, and the first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch is in communication with the metering pump (2); the first hydrogen production branch is provided with a first catalytic tube (4), and the second hydrogen production branch is provided with a second catalytic tube (5); The impurity removal and cleaning pipeline is provided with the second switch valve (6) and the third switch valve (7) at both ends thereof, and is arranged at both ends of the first catalytic tube (4) or the second catalytic tube (5).

2. The hydrogen production system of claim 1, wherein The first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch is in communication with the fourth switch valve (8) at an end away from the metering pump (2); The hydrogen production pipeline further comprises, in sequence, a gas-liquid separator (9), a radiator (10), a water-gas separator (11), a hydrogen flow meter (12) and a first electromagnetic valve (13); The gas-liquid separator (9) comprises a through port arranged on the shell thereof, and the through port of the gas-liquid separator (9) is in communication with the outer discharge port of the fourth switch valve (8).

3. The hydrogen production system of claim 2, wherein, The gas-liquid separator (9) further comprises a liquid discharge port arranged on the shell thereof, and the liquid discharge port of the gas-liquid separator (9) is in communication with the external atmosphere through the second electromagnetic valve (14) arranged thereon; The water-gas separator (11) comprises a water discharge port; the water discharge port of the water-gas separator (11) is in direct communication with the external atmosphere, or is in communication with the external atmosphere through the third electromagnetic valve (15) arranged thereon.

4. The hydrogen production system of claim 3, wherein The gas-liquid separator (9) is further provided with a liquid level meter (16).

5. The hydrogen production system of claim 3, wherein, The through port of the gas-liquid separator (9) is further connected with the outer discharge pipeline arranged thereon; The outer discharge pipeline comprises a pressure sensor (17), a fourth electromagnetic valve (18) and a flame arrester (19) arranged on the outer discharge pipeline; The flame arrester (19) is in communication with the external atmosphere at an end away from the fourth electromagnetic valve (18).

6. The hydrogen production system of claim 5, wherein, The gas-liquid separator (9) further comprises a pressure relief port arranged on the shell thereof, and the pressure relief port of the gas-liquid separator (9) is connected with a pressure relief pipeline; The pressure relief pipeline is provided with a mechanical safety pressure relief valve (20); The pressure relief pipeline is connected at an end away from the pressure relief port to the side of the flame arrester (19) away from the external atmosphere.

7. A hydrogen production system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein The impurity removal and cleaning pipeline comprises: An impurity removal tank (21) in which impurity removal liquid is stored, the impurity removal liquid being an acetic acid or phosphoric acid solution; the impurity removal tank (21) has a liquid outlet and a liquid return port; the impurity removal liquid is discharged from the liquid outlet of the impurity removal tank (21), and after the first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch is subjected to impurity removal, the impurity removal liquid is returned to the impurity removal tank (21) through the liquid return port of the impurity removal tank (21). A water storage tank (22) is provided, which stores cleaning water and is not connected to the impurity removal tank (21). The water storage tank (22) has a liquid outlet. The cleaning water is discharged to the outside of the system after cleaning the first hydrogen production branch or the second hydrogen production branch through the liquid outlet of the water storage tank (22). The water storage tank (22) or the impurity removal tank (21) is connected to the second switch valve (6) through the fifth switch valve (24). A first water pump (23) is arranged on the pipeline between the fifth switch valve (24) and the second switch valve (6).

8. The hydrogen production system of claim 7, wherein, The hydrogen production system further comprises a sixth switch valve (25), one end of which is connected to the third switch valve (7) away from the first switch valve (3). The sixth switch valve (25) connects the liquid outlet of the impurity removal tank (21) to the liquid return port of the impurity removal tank (21), or the sixth switch valve (25) connects the liquid outlet of the water storage tank (22) to the outside of the system.

9. The hydrogen production system of claim 7, wherein, The hydrogen production system further comprises a circulation pipeline (26), which is arranged around the outer periphery of the impurity removal tank (21) and the outer periphery of the gas-liquid separator (9). The water storage tank (22) further has a first circulation liquid port and a second circulation liquid port, the first circulation liquid port being connected to one end of the circulation pipeline (26), and the second circulation liquid port being connected to the other end of the circulation pipeline (26).

10. The hydrogen production system of claim 9, wherein, A second water pump (27) is arranged on the circulation pipeline (26).

Images