PEM hydrogen production machine adopting five-way valve

Abstract

The utility model provides a PEM hydrogen production machine adopting a five-way valve, and relates to the technical field of hydrogen production equipment, the PEM hydrogen production machine is provided with a water tank for storing raw material water, the water tank is connected with a water pump through a pipeline, and the water pump is connected with an electrolytic bath through a pipeline; one of the two outlets is connected with the water tank through a water return pipeline; the other one is connected with a gas inlet of the gas-liquid separator through a gas outlet pipeline; the five-way valve is provided with an air inlet P, an air outlet R, an air outlet S, an air cylinder opening A and an air cylinder opening B; when the valve core of the five-way valve moves to a first position, the air inlet P is communicated with the air cylinder port B, and the air cylinder port A is communicated with the air outlet R; when the valve element of the five-way valve moves to the second position, the air inlet P is communicated with the air cylinder opening A, and the air cylinder opening B is communicated with the air outlet S. According to the utility model, hydrogen is stably and safely supplied to a user, potential safety hazards caused by storing hydrogen cylinders on site are effectively avoided, and the device has the advantages of simplified structure, high safety and low operation cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen production equipment technology, and in particular to a PEM hydrogen generator using a five-way valve. Background Technology

[0002] PEM (Polymer Extraction Electrolysis) is a highly efficient and clean hydrogen production technology with advantages such as fast reaction speed, high hydrogen purity, and no pollution. Traditional PEM hydrogen generators typically employ multiple valves or complex piping systems to achieve the separation and collection of hydrogen and oxygen, as well as the safe operation of the system. However, these systems have the following problems:

[0003] Increased system complexity and cost: The excessive number of valves makes the system structure exceptionally complex. Each valve requires precise control and maintenance, which not only increases hardware costs but also enhances the complexity of the control system. From a cost perspective, the procurement, installation, and commissioning of valves require substantial financial investment, and as the number of valves increases, the system's footprint also grows, further increasing construction costs.

[0004] Leakage Risk and Safety / Reliability Issues: Complex piping connections are a major cause of increased leakage risk. During long-term operation, pipe joints, welds, and other components are prone to loosening and aging due to pressure, temperature changes, and vibration, leading to hydrogen or oxygen leaks. Hydrogen is a flammable and explosive gas; a leak could potentially cause an explosion or other safety accident, seriously threatening the safety of personnel and equipment. Furthermore, leaks result in the loss of hydrogen and oxygen, reducing the system's hydrogen production efficiency and affecting its reliability and stability.

[0005] Maintenance Difficulty and Failure Probability: The complexity of the system directly increases maintenance difficulty. Due to the large number of valves and pipelines, troubleshooting and repair become extremely difficult. Maintenance personnel need to conduct a comprehensive inspection and analysis of the entire system to determine the specific location and cause of the fault. Furthermore, the complex system structure limits the operational space for maintenance work, increasing maintenance time and costs. Simultaneously, the increased number of components in the system also means a correspondingly higher probability of failure. A failure in any valve or pipeline can cause the entire system to malfunction, affecting the continuous and stable production of the hydrogen generator.

[0006] In summary, the numerous valves and complex piping systems in traditional PEM hydrogen generators have severely hampered the further development and large-scale application of PEM hydrogen production technology. Therefore, this application aims to develop a novel PEM hydrogen production system that optimizes the system structure, reduces the number of valves and simplifies piping connections, thereby lowering system complexity and cost, and improving system safety, reliability, and maintainability, ultimately promoting the widespread application of PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production technology. Utility Model Content

[0007] This invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and provides a PEM hydrogen generator with a five-way valve, which has many advantages such as simplified structure and high safety.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0009] A PEM hydrogen generator employing a five-way valve includes a water tank for storing raw water, which is connected to a water pump via a pipeline. The water pump is connected to an electrolyzer via a pipeline. The electrolyzer has two outlets: one is connected to the water tank via a return water pipeline for water circulation; the other is connected to the inlet of a gas-liquid separator via an outlet pipeline. The generator also includes a five-way valve with a P inlet, R outlet, S outlet, A cylinder port, and B cylinder port. The outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the P inlet of the five-way valve via a connecting pipeline. The A cylinder port is connected to the A purification column via a pipeline, and the B cylinder port is connected to the B purification column via a pipeline. Both the A and B purification columns are connected to an output valve via connecting pipelines. The connection paths between the A purification column and the output valve, and between the B purification column and the output valve, are achieved through throttling valves.

[0010] When the valve core of the five-way valve moves to the first position, the P inlet is connected to the B cylinder port, and the A cylinder port is connected to the R outlet. When the valve core of the five-way valve moves to the second position, the P inlet is connected to the A cylinder port, and the B cylinder port is connected to the S outlet.

[0011] Furthermore, a first check valve is installed on the connecting pipe between the A purification column and the output valve, and a second check valve is installed on the connecting pipe between the B purification column and the output valve.

[0012] Furthermore, a deionization device is installed on the connecting pipeline between the water pump and the electrolytic cell.

[0013] Furthermore, the outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the inlet of the water-gas separator via a drain pipe, and the outlet of the water-gas separator is connected to the water tank via a return pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, both the R outlet and the S outlet serve as hydrogen venting ports.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] 1. In practical applications, this machine can completely replace bottled hydrogen, providing users with a stable and safe supply of hydrogen. This effectively avoids the potential safety hazards associated with storing hydrogen cylinders on-site.

[0017] 2. The machine has optimized and simplified the system structure: the traditional multi-valve system is replaced with a five-way valve, which effectively reduces the number of valves and pipeline connections.

[0018] 3. Significantly enhanced security: Through integrated design, the risk of system leakage is reduced, thereby enhancing the security and reliability of system operation.

[0019] 4. Reduced operating costs: The simplified system structure reduces both the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present invention and, together with the embodiments of the present invention, are used to explain the present invention. They do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a PEM hydrogen generator with a five-way valve.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Water tank; 2. Water pump; 3. Electrolytic cell; 4. Gas-liquid separator; 5. Five-way valve; 6. A purification column; 7. B purification column; 8. Throttling valve; 9. Output valve; 10. First check valve; 11. Second check valve; 12. Water-gas separator. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0024] like Figure 1As shown, this utility model claims protection for a PEM hydrogen generator employing a five-way valve. It includes a water tank 1 for storing raw water, which is connected to a water pump 2 via a pipeline. The water pump 2 is connected to an electrolytic cell 3 via a pipeline. A deionization device is installed on the connecting pipeline between the water pump 2 and the electrolytic cell 3. This deionization device adsorbs various harmful ions in the water during water circulation, purifying the water and ensuring that the raw water entering the electrolytic cell 3 is ultrapure water. The electrolytic cell 3 has two outlets: one is connected to the water tank 1 via a return water pipeline for water circulation; the other is connected to the inlet of a gas-liquid separator 4 via an outlet gas pipeline. The outlet of the gas-liquid separator 4 is connected to the inlet of a water-gas separator 12 via a drain pipeline, and the outlet of the water-gas separator 12 is connected to the water tank 1 via a return liquid pipeline.

[0025] The raw water is decomposed into oxygen and hydrogen in the electrolyzer 3. The oxygen is carried back to the water tank 1 along with the circulating water, where it is separated. The water tank 1 has an exhaust port through which the oxygen is discharged into the atmosphere. The required product hydrogen enters the gas-liquid separator 4. After passing through the gas-liquid separator 4 and the water-gas separator 12, the water in the hydrogen is separated and sent back to the water tank 1. The hydrogen continues to be transported.

[0026] The gas-liquid separator 4 can employ various methods such as gravity sedimentation, baffle separation, and centrifugal separation to initially separate the gas and liquid mixture, removing most of the liquid. The water-gas separator 12 further refines the separation of any residual water vapor in the gas. Therefore, in this scheme, the gas-liquid separator 4 and the water-gas separator 12 are used in series to achieve multi-stage separation assurance.

[0027] It also includes a five-way valve 5, which has a P inlet, an R outlet, an S outlet, an A cylinder port, and a B cylinder port; the outlet of the gas-liquid separator 4 is connected to the P inlet of the five-way valve 5 via a connecting pipe; the A cylinder port is connected to the A purification column 6 via a pipe, and the B cylinder port is connected to the B purification column 7 via a pipe; both the A purification column 6 and the B purification column 7 are connected to the output valve 9 via connecting pipes; wherein, the connection path between the A purification column 6 and the output valve 9, and the connection path between the B purification column 7 and the output valve 9 are achieved through a throttle valve 8;

[0028] When the valve core of the five-way valve 5 moves to the first position, the P inlet is connected to the B cylinder port, and the A cylinder port is connected to the R outlet. When the valve core of the five-way valve 5 moves to the second position, the P inlet is connected to the A cylinder port, and the B cylinder port is connected to the S outlet.

[0029] To enhance the unidirectional flow characteristics of the gas, a first check valve 10 is installed on the connecting pipe between purification column A 6 and output valve 9, and a second check valve 11 is installed on the connecting pipe between purification column B 7 and output valve 9.

[0030] Both the R and S outlets serve as hydrogen venting ports.

[0031] The working principle of the above structure is:

[0032] When the five-way valve 5 is in the first position, pressurized hydrogen flows through the P inlet of the five-way valve to the B cylinder port of the five-way valve, and then flows through the B purification column 7. The molecular sieve in the B purification column 7 adsorbs the moisture and other impurities in the hydrogen, turning it into pure hydrogen that flows through the first one-way valve 10 and then through the output valve 9 for use by hydrogen users.

[0033] Meanwhile, a portion (approximately 10%) of the pure hydrogen flowing through purification column B 7 is converted into atmospheric pressure hydrogen through throttle valve 8, flows through purification column A 6, regenerates purification column A 6, removes impurities such as moisture adsorbed by the molecular sieve in purification column A 6, and is discharged into the atmosphere through the A cylinder port of five-way valve 5 and the R outlet of five-way valve 5.

[0034] When the molecular sieve adsorption in purification column B 7 reaches saturation, the valve core of the five-way valve 5 is moved to the second position, that is, switched to the state where the P inlet is connected to the A cylinder port and the B cylinder port is connected to the S outlet. Hydrogen gas flows through the P inlet of the five-way valve to the A cylinder port and then through purification column A 6 to complete the purification, and is output through the output valve 9.

[0035] Simultaneously, a portion (approximately 10%) of the pure hydrogen flowing through purification column A 6 passes through throttle valve 8 to become atmospheric pressure hydrogen, which then flows through purification column B 7 to regenerate column B. This process removes moisture and other impurities adsorbed by the molecular sieve in purification column B 7 and discharges it into the atmosphere through the B port of the five-way valve 5 and the S outlet of the five-way valve 5. This completes a full purification and regeneration process.

[0036] This cycle continues to complete the entire hydrogen production process; the hydrogen is distributed through the five-way valve 5 to the A purification column 6 and B purification column 7 to complete the hydrogen purification process, removing impurities such as moisture, O2, CO, CO2, and N2.

[0037] This PEM hydrogen generator, which uses a five-way valve, can completely replace bottled hydrogen, providing users with a stable and safe supply of hydrogen and effectively avoiding the potential safety hazards of storing hydrogen cylinders on-site. Replacing the traditional multi-valve system with a five-way valve effectively reduces the number of valves and pipeline connections. Through integrated design, the risk of system leakage is reduced, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of system operation. Furthermore, the simplified system structure reduces both the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the equipment.

[0038] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. However, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A PEM hydrogen generator employing a five-way valve, characterized by: The water tank (1) for storing raw water is connected with the water pump (2) through a pipeline, and the water pump (2) is connected with the electrolytic tank (3) through a pipeline; the electrolytic tank (3) has two outlets, one of which is connected with the water tank (1) through a water return pipeline to realize water circulation, and the other is connected with the gas inlet of the gas-liquid separator (4) through a gas outlet pipeline; the five-way valve (5) is further provided, which has a P gas inlet, an R gas outlet, an S gas outlet, an A cylinder port and a B cylinder port; the gas outlet of the gas-liquid separator (4) is connected with the P gas inlet of the five-way valve (5) through a connecting pipeline; the A cylinder port is connected with the A purification column (6) through a pipeline, and the B cylinder port is connected with the B purification column (7) through a pipeline, and the A purification column (6) and the B purification column (7) are respectively connected with the output valve (9) through connecting pipelines; wherein, the communication path between the A purification column (6) and the output valve (9) and the communication path between the B purification column (7) and the output valve (9) are connected through the throttle valve (8). When the valve core of the five-way valve (5) is actuated to the first position, the P gas inlet is in communication with the B cylinder port, and the A cylinder port is in communication with the R gas outlet; when the valve core of the five-way valve (5) is actuated to the second position, the P gas inlet is in communication with the A cylinder port, and the B cylinder port is in communication with the S gas outlet.

2. The PEM hydrogen generator employing a five-way valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein: A first one-way valve (10) is arranged on the connecting pipeline between the A purification column (6) and the output valve (9), and a second one-way valve (11) is arranged on the connecting pipeline between the B purification column (7) and the output valve (9).

3. The PEM hydrogen generator employing a five-way valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein: A deionization device is arranged on the connecting pipeline between the water pump (2) and the electrolytic tank (3).

4. The PEM hydrogen generator employing a five-way valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The liquid outlet of the gas-liquid separator (4) is connected with the inlet of the water-gas separator (12) through a liquid discharge pipeline, and the liquid outlet of the water-gas separator (12) is connected with the water tank (1) through a liquid return pipeline.

5. The PEM hydrogen generator employing a five-way valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The R gas outlet and the S gas outlet are both used as hydrogen exhaust ports.

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