Water electrolysis hydrogen production system

Abstract

The utility model provides a water electrolysis hydrogen production system. The water electrolysis hydrogen production system comprises an electrolytic bath, a first gas-liquid separation unit, a second gas-liquid separation unit and an electrolyte circulating unit. The electrolytic cell comprises a cell body, a cathode, an anode and a diaphragm, the cell body is provided with a containing cavity, the diaphragm is arranged in the containing cavity and divides the containing cavity into a cathode area and an anode area, the cathode is arranged in the cathode area, and the anode is arranged in the anode area; the diaphragm is configured to block gas from passing through and allow ions in the electrolyte to pass through; the first gas-liquid separation unit is communicated with the cathode region, and the first gas-liquid separation unit comprises at least one first gas-liquid separator; the second gas-liquid separation unit is communicated with the anode region, the second gas-liquid separation unit comprises a plurality of second gas-liquid separators which are connected in series, and the number of the second gas-liquid separators is greater than that of the first gas-liquid separators; and the electrolyte circulating unit is communicated with the anode region. The water electrolysis hydrogen production system can effectively improve the purity of finished gas and reduce the cost of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrolysis technology, specifically to a water electrolysis hydrogen production system. Background Technology

[0002] During the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen, some of the electrolyte is easily carried away by hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in insufficient purity of the finished gas. To improve the purity of the finished gas, related technologies employ multiple gas-liquid separators connected in series to perform multi-stage gas-liquid separation of hydrogen and oxygen discharged from the electrolyzer. Generally, the more gas-liquid separators connected in series, the higher the purity of the finished gas, but the cost of hydrogen production through water electrolysis also increases. Utility Model Content

[0003] The embodiments of this application provide a water electrolysis hydrogen production system that can improve the technical problem of high cost of water electrolysis hydrogen production.

[0004] An embodiment of this application provides a water electrolysis hydrogen production system, comprising:

[0005] An electrolytic cell includes a cell body, a cathode, an anode, and a diaphragm. The cell body has a receiving cavity, and the diaphragm is disposed within the receiving cavity and divides the receiving cavity into a cathode region and an anode region. The cathode is disposed within the cathode region, and the anode is disposed within the anode region. The diaphragm is configured to block the passage of gases while allowing the passage of ions in the electrolyte.

[0006] A first gas-liquid separation unit is connected to the cathode region, and the first gas-liquid separation unit includes at least one first gas-liquid separator.

[0007] The second gas-liquid separation unit is connected to the anode region. The second gas-liquid separation unit includes multiple second gas-liquid separators connected in series, and the number of second gas-liquid separators is greater than the number of first gas-liquid separators.

[0008] The electrolyte circulation unit is connected to the anode region.

[0009] In one embodiment, the plurality of second gas-liquid separators include a second gas-liquid separator A and a second gas-liquid separator B. The second gas-liquid separation unit further includes a first pipe and a second pipe. The second gas-liquid separator A and the second gas-liquid separator B are connected through the first pipe, and the second gas-liquid separator A is connected to the anode region through the second pipe.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second gas-liquid separator A is also used to contain electrolyte, and the second gas-liquid separator A is connected to the electrolyte circulation unit.

[0011] In one embodiment, the electrolyte circulation unit includes a third pipe and a first driving element. The second gas-liquid separator A is connected to the anode region through the third pipe. The first driving element is disposed on the third pipe and is used to drive the electrolyte in the second gas-liquid separator A to flow to the anode region.

[0012] In one embodiment, the electrolyte circulation unit further includes a first water storage tank, a second driving component, and a fourth pipe. The first water storage tank is connected to the second gas-liquid separator A through the fourth pipe. The second driving component is disposed on the fourth pipe and is used to drive the water in the first water storage tank to flow to the second gas-liquid separator A.

[0013] In one embodiment, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system further includes a backfire prevention unit, which includes a second water storage tank, a fifth pipeline, and a sixth pipeline. The second water storage tank is connected to the first gas-liquid separator through the fifth pipeline, and the second water storage tank is connected to the fourth pipeline through the sixth pipeline. A switch is provided on the sixth pipeline.

[0014] In one embodiment, a first radiator is also provided on the third pipe, which is used to dissipate heat from the electrolyte flowing through the third pipe.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first heat sink is an air-cooled heat sink.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first gas-liquid separation unit further includes a seventh pipe that connects the first gas-liquid separator and the cathode region to allow fluid to flow from the cathode region to the first gas-liquid separator.

[0017] In one embodiment, a second radiator is also provided on the seventh pipe, which is used to dissipate heat from the fluid flowing through the seventh pipe.

[0018] In one embodiment, the electrolyte circulation unit includes an eighth pipe and a third drive unit. The first gas-liquid separator is a first condenser. The eighth pipe connects the first condenser and the second gas-liquid separator A. The third drive unit is disposed on the eighth pipe and is used to drive the liquid in the first condenser to flow to the second gas-liquid separator A.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second gas-liquid separator B is a second condenser, and the electrolyte circulation unit further includes a ninth channel, which connects the second gas-liquid separator A and the second condenser.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows:

[0021] The water electrolysis hydrogen production system provided in this application embodiment uses a membrane that blocks gas flow while allowing ions in the electrolyte to pass through. During water electrolysis, this membrane prevents hydrogen generated at the cathode and oxygen generated at the anode from mixing in the electrolyzer, reducing the risk of hydrogen explosion. Furthermore, hydrogen and oxygen discharged from the electrolyzer are separated into gas and liquid phases by a first gas-liquid separator in the first gas-liquid separation unit and a second gas-liquid separator in the second gas-liquid separation unit, further reducing the risk of hydrogen explosion due to mixing of hydrogen and oxygen in the same separator. Simultaneously, a single-anode electrolyte circulation is achieved by connecting the electrolyte circulation unit to the anode region. Since the number of second gas-liquid separators is greater than the number of first gas-liquid separators, different degrees of gas-liquid separation can be performed based on the water vapor content in the hydrogen and oxygen discharged from the electrolyzer. This improves the purity of the finished gas while minimizing the number of gas-liquid separators, thus reducing the cost of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the electrolyzer in the water electrolysis hydrogen production system provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 10. Electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen;

[0027] 1. Electrolytic cell; 11. Cell body; 111. Receiving cavity; 1111. Cathode area; 1112. Anode area; 12. Cathode; 13. Anode; 14. Diaphragm;

[0028] 2. First gas-liquid separation unit; 21. First gas-liquid separator; 22. Seventh pipeline;

[0029] 3. Second gas-liquid separation unit; 31. Second gas-liquid separator; 311. Second gas-liquid separator A; 312. Second gas-liquid separator B; 32. First pipeline; 33. Second pipeline;

[0030] 4. Electrolyte circulation unit; 41. Third pipe; 42. First drive unit; 43. First water storage tank; 44. Second drive unit; 45. Fourth pipe; 46. Eighth pipe; 47. Third drive unit; 48. Ninth channel;

[0031] 5. Backfire prevention unit; 51. Second water storage tank; 52. Fifth pipeline; 53. Sixth pipeline;

[0032] 6. Switch;

[0033] 7. First radiator;

[0034] 8. Second radiator. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] Furthermore, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. In this application, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower positions of the unit in its actual use or working state, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the unit.

[0037] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0038] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0039] The terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0040] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the words "example" or "for example" are used to indicate exemplification, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "example" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application is not to be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than another embodiment or design. The use of the words "example" or "for example" is intended to present relative concepts in a clear manner.

[0041] To facilitate understanding of the present application, the spline curves and arrows used in the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are explained below: spline curves without arrows indicate solid parts, that is, parts with solid structures; spline curves with arrows indicate virtual parts, that is, parts without solid structures.

[0042] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides an electrolytic water hydrogen production system 10, which includes an electrolytic cell 1, a first gas-liquid separation unit 2, a second gas-liquid separation unit 3, and an electrolyte circulation unit 4. The electrolytic cell 1 includes a tank body 11, a cathode 12, an anode 13, and a diaphragm 14. The tank body 11 has a receiving cavity 111, and the diaphragm 14 is disposed within the receiving cavity 111, dividing the receiving cavity 111 into a cathode region 1111 and an anode region 1112. The cathode 12 is disposed within the cathode region 1111, and the anode 13 is disposed within the anode region 1112. The diaphragm 14 is configured to block the passage of gas while allowing the passage of ions in the electrolyte. The first gas-liquid separation unit 2 communicates with the cathode region 1111 and includes at least one first gas-liquid separator 21. The second gas-liquid separation unit 3 is connected to the anode region 1112. The second gas-liquid separation unit 3 includes multiple second gas-liquid separators 31 connected in series, and the number of second gas-liquid separators 31 is greater than the number of first gas-liquid separators 21. The electrolyte circulation unit 4 is connected to the anode region 1112.

[0043] The electrolytic cell 1 operates on the basis of a redox reaction that occurs when an electric current passes through the electrolyte. Specifically, the cell body 11 of the electrolytic cell 1 has a receiving cavity 111 for containing the electrolyte. Here, the electrolyte serves as the reaction medium and contains the substances to be electrolyzed. As an example, the electrolyte can be pure water or an alkaline solution containing hydroxide ions (OH-). Typically, the electrolyte in the cathode region 1111 undergoes a reduction reaction at the cathode 12 to generate a first gas, while the electrolyte in the anode region 1112 undergoes an oxidation reaction at the anode 13 to generate a second gas.

[0044] Specifically, during the electrolysis of water, water molecules (H2O) decompose into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) under the action of direct current. This process typically occurs in electrolytic cell 1, where the reaction at cathode 12 involves water molecules gaining electrons to generate hydrogen and hydroxide ions (OH-), as shown in equation (Ⅰ).

[0045] 2H2O+2e - →H₂↑+2OH - Equation (Ⅰ);

[0046] The reaction that occurs at anode 13 is the loss of electrons by hydroxide ions to produce oxygen and water molecules, as shown in equation (II):

[0047] 4OH - -4e - →O2↑+2H2O (Formula II).

[0048] In other words, during the electrolysis of water, the first gas is hydrogen and the second gas is oxygen.

[0049] The diaphragm 14 divides the internal cavity 111 of the electrolytic cell 1 into different regions: the cathode region 1111 and the anode region 1112, and prevents the cathode 12 and anode 13 from directly contacting each other. Simultaneously, the diaphragm 14 is made of a membrane material that does not allow gas to pass through but allows ions to pass through. This allows the oxygen generated by the anode 13 and the hydrogen generated by the cathode 12 to mix less easily, reducing the risk of hydrogen explosion. As an example, the diaphragm 14 is an anion exchange membrane, thus the electrolytic cell 1 is an anion exchange membrane electrolytic cell (AEM electrolytic cell). Of course, in other examples, the diaphragm 14 can also be made of other membrane materials.

[0050] Typically, the cathode 12 in cathode region 1111 generates the first gas. Since electrolyte is also present in cathode region 1111, a small amount of water vapor is carried out when the first gas overflows from cathode region 1111, thus forming a first gas-liquid mixture. The first gas-liquid separation unit 2 is connected to cathode region 1111. The first gas-liquid separator 21 in the first gas-liquid separation unit 2 is used to separate the first gas-liquid mixture, remove water vapor from the first gas-liquid mixture, and finally discharge a first gas with higher purity, such as hydrogen.

[0051] The anode 13 in the anode region 1112 generates a second gas. Since electrolyte is also present in the anode region 1112, a small amount of water vapor is carried out when the second gas overflows from the anode region 1112, thus forming a second gas-liquid mixture. The second gas-liquid separation unit 3 is connected to the anode region 1112. The second gas-liquid separator 31 in the second gas-liquid separation unit 3 is used to separate the second gas-liquid mixture, remove water vapor from the second gas-liquid mixture, and finally discharge a second gas with higher purity, such as oxygen.

[0052] It can be seen that the hydrogen generated by cathode 12 and the oxygen generated by anode 13 are separated into gas and liquid by different gas-liquid separators (first gas-liquid separator 21 and second gas-liquid separator 31). Oxygen and hydrogen do not need to be separated by mixing in the same gas-liquid separator, which reduces the risk of hydrogen explosion.

[0053] Electrolyte circulation unit 4 is connected to anode region 1112, and electrolyte can be continuously supplied to anode region 1112 through electrolyte circulation unit 4. Since diaphragm 14 allows ions in electrolyte to pass through, electrolyte in anode region 1112 can permeate into cathode region 1111 through diaphragm 14. That is to say, the electrolyte in electrolytic cell 1 adopts single anode circulation, and electrolyte in cathode region 1111 does not participate in circulation, and its source is only permeation through diaphragm 14. Thus, the amount of electrolyte in anode region 1112 is usually more than the amount of electrolyte in cathode region 1111, resulting in a higher water vapor content in the second gas-liquid mixture than in the first gas-liquid mixture.

[0054] Furthermore, the number of first gas-liquid separators 21 in the first gas-liquid separation unit 2 connected to the cathode region 1111 is less than the number of second gas-liquid separators 31 in the second gas-liquid separation unit 3 connected to the anode region 1112. As an example, the first gas-liquid separation unit 2 has one first gas-liquid separator 21, thus achieving primary gas-liquid separation of the first gas-liquid mixture. The second gas-liquid separation unit 3 has two second gas-liquid separators 31, which are connected in series, thus achieving secondary gas-liquid separation of the second gas-liquid mixture. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of first gas-liquid separators 21 can also be multiple, for example, two, connected in series, and the number of second gas-liquid separators 31 can be three, connected in series.

[0055] In other words, by connecting and setting more gas-liquid separators in series with the anode region 1112 with a large liquid volume, more stages of gas-liquid separation can be performed on the second gas-liquid mixture with a high water vapor content. Conversely, by connecting and setting fewer gas-liquid separators in series with the cathode region 1111 with a small liquid volume, fewer stages of gas-liquid separation can be performed on the first gas-liquid mixture with a relatively low water vapor content. This effectively achieves gas-liquid separation, improves the purity of the finished gas, and minimizes the number of gas-liquid separators, thereby reducing the cost of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10.

[0056] When the water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10 is in operation, the electrolyte circulation unit 4 injects electrolyte into the anode region 1112. The hydroxide ions in the electrolyte undergo an oxidation reaction at the anode 13 to generate oxygen. The oxygen carries the water in the electrolyte and overflows from the anode region 1112, passing through multiple second gas-liquid separators 31 connected in series, and finally discharges oxygen with higher purity. A small amount of electrolyte in the anode region 1112 permeates into the cathode region 1111. The water in the electrolyte undergoes a reduction reaction at the cathode 12 to generate hydrogen and hydroxide ions. When the diaphragm 14 is an anion exchange membrane, the hydroxide ions can return to the anode region 1112 through the anion exchange membrane.

[0057] In summary, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10 provided in this application embodiment, by setting a diaphragm 14 that blocks the passage of gas but allows the passage of ions in the electrolyte, can prevent the hydrogen generated by the cathode 12 and the oxygen generated by the anode 13 from mixing in the electrolyzer 1 during the water electrolysis process, reducing the risk of hydrogen explosion; furthermore, the hydrogen and oxygen discharged from the electrolyzer 1 are separated into gas and liquid by the first gas-liquid separator 21 in the first gas-liquid separation unit 2 and the second gas-liquid separator 31 in the second gas-liquid separation unit 3, respectively, reducing the risk of hydrogen explosion caused by the mixing of hydrogen and oxygen in the same gas-liquid separator; at the same time, the electrolyte circulation unit 4 is connected to the anode region 1112 to realize single anode circulation of electrolyte, and the number of second gas-liquid separators 31 is greater than the number of first gas-liquid separators 21, so that different degrees of gas-liquid separation can be performed according to the different water vapor contents in the hydrogen and oxygen discharged from the electrolyzer 1, thereby improving the purity of the finished gas while minimizing the number of gas-liquid separators and reducing the cost of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10.

[0058] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 1 The multiple second gas-liquid separators 31 include a second gas-liquid separator A311 and a second gas-liquid separator B312. The second gas-liquid separation unit 3 also includes a first pipe 32 and a second pipe 33. The second gas-liquid separator A311 and the second gas-liquid separator B312 are connected through the first pipe 32. The second gas-liquid separator A311 is connected to the anode region 1112 through the second pipe 33.

[0059] In other words, the second gas-liquid separator A311 is connected to the anode region 1112 via the second pipe 33. This allows the second gas-liquid mixture discharged from the anode region 1112 to flow into the second gas-liquid separator A311 via the second pipe 33, where it undergoes a first gas-liquid separation. The second gas-liquid separation unit 3 includes a second gas-liquid separator A311 and a second gas-liquid separator B312 connected in series. Specifically, the second gas-liquid separator A311 and the second gas-liquid separator B312 are connected in series via a first pipe 32. Through the first pipe 32, the second gas-liquid mixture in the second gas-liquid separator A311 can flow into the second gas-liquid separator B312, where it undergoes another gas-liquid separation.

[0060] The second gas-liquid separator A311 and the second gas-liquid separator B312 can be the same type of gas-liquid separator or different types of gas-liquid separators.

[0061] As an example, at least one of the second gas-liquid separator A311 and the second gas-liquid separator B312 achieves gas-liquid separation by cooling the water vapor in the second gas-liquid mixture to condense.

[0062] As an example, at least one of the second gas-liquid separator A311 and the second gas-liquid separator B312 is provided with a desiccant, and gas-liquid separation is achieved by using the desiccant to absorb moisture in the second gas-liquid mixture.

[0063] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 1 The second gas-liquid separator A311 is also used to contain electrolyte, and the second gas-liquid separator A311 is connected to the electrolyte circulation unit 4.

[0064] By reusing the second gas-liquid separator A311, which contains the electrolyte and is connected to the electrolyte circulation unit 4, the second gas-liquid separator A311 becomes a link in the electrolyte circulation process, further reducing the cost of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10.

[0065] As an example, the second gas-liquid separator A311 is an electrolyte container. The electrolyte is contained in the electrolyte container to reduce the temperature of the electrolyte. When the second gas-liquid mixture is introduced into the electrolyte container, the second gas-liquid mixture is introduced into the electrolyte, and at least part of the water vapor in the second gas-liquid mixture is absorbed by the electrolyte.

[0066] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 1 The electrolyte circulation unit 4 includes a third pipe 41 and a first driving element 42. The second gas-liquid separator A311 is connected to the anode region 1112 through the third pipe 41. The first driving element 42 is disposed on the third pipe 41 and is used to drive the electrolyte in the second gas-liquid separator A311 to flow to the anode region 1112.

[0067] With the above configuration, the electrolyte in the second gas-liquid separator A311 is driven by the first driving component 42 to flow into the anode region 1112 along the third pipe 41, thereby supplying electrolyte to the anode region 1112.

[0068] As an example, the first drive unit 42 is a pump, which is mounted on and connected to the third pipe 41.

[0069] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 1 The electrolyte circulation unit 4 also includes a first water storage tank 43, a second driving component 44, and a fourth pipe 45. The first water storage tank 43 is connected to the second gas-liquid separator A311 through the fourth pipe 45. The second driving component 44 is installed on the fourth pipe 45 and is used to drive the water in the first water storage tank 43 to flow to the second gas-liquid separator A311.

[0070] The first water storage tank 43 is used to store water. The second driving component 44 drives the water in the first water storage tank 43 to flow into the second gas-liquid separator A311 through the fourth pipe 45, thereby replenishing the second gas-liquid separator A311 with water.

[0071] As an example, the second drive unit 44 is a pump, which is mounted on and connected to the fourth pipe 45.

[0072] In some implementations, the electrolyte is water.

[0073] In some embodiments, the electrolyte is an alkaline solution. The electrolyte circulation unit 4 also includes an alkaline source storage tank (not shown), which is connected to the second gas-liquid separator A311 and used to supply an alkaline source to the second gas-liquid separator A311. Here, the alkaline source can be alkaline solid particles, which can be added to the second gas-liquid separator A311 and dissolved in the water supplied to the second gas-liquid separator A311 to form an alkaline solution; of course, the alkaline source can also be a highly concentrated alkaline solution, which can be added to the second gas-liquid separator A311 and diluted by the water in the second gas-liquid separator A311.

[0074] In some implementations, the first water storage tank 43 is connected to a water source, which supplies water to the first water storage tank 43. The water source can be the factory area, which can supply water to the first water storage tank 43.

[0075] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 1 The water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10 also includes a backfire prevention unit 5, which includes a second water storage tank 51, a fifth pipeline 52 and a sixth pipeline 53. The second water storage tank 51 is connected to the first gas-liquid separator 21 through the fifth pipeline 52, and the second water storage tank 51 is connected to the fourth pipeline 45 through the sixth pipeline 53. A switch 6 is installed on the sixth pipeline 53.

[0076] The backfire prevention unit 5 is a device used to prevent the hydrogen discharged from the first gas-liquid separator 21 from igniting and causing combustion of hydrogen inside the first gas-liquid separator 21. Specifically, the second water storage tank 51 of the backfire prevention unit 5 is used to store water. The second water storage tank 51 is connected to the first gas-liquid separator 21 through a fifth pipe 52, so that the hydrogen inside the first gas-liquid separator 21 can be discharged into the second water storage tank 51 through the fifth pipe 52, and then discharged through the second water storage tank 51. When the backfire prevention unit 5 is working normally, the water level in the second water storage tank 51 is higher than the opening of the fifth pipe 52 connecting the second water storage tank 51. This reduces the risk of forming a continuous gas passage from the first gas-liquid separator 21 to the second water storage tank 51, thereby reducing the risk of fire inside the first gas-liquid separator 21. Furthermore, the second water storage tank 51 is connected to the fourth pipe 45 via the sixth pipe 53, allowing water from the second water storage tank 51 to be supplied to the second gas-liquid separator A311 via these pipes, thus replenishing the second gas-liquid separator A311. A switch 6 is installed on the sixth pipe 53, which can be controlled to open and close based on the liquid level in the second water storage tank 51. For example, when the liquid level in the second water storage tank 51 is high, the switch is opened, allowing water from the second water storage tank 51 to flow to the second gas-liquid separator A311; when the liquid level in the second water storage tank 51 is low, the switch is closed, preventing water from the second water storage tank 51 from flowing to the second gas-liquid separator A311.

[0077] In some embodiments, the second water storage tank 51 is provided with a water inlet, through which water can be added to the second water storage tank 51, thereby raising the liquid level in the second water storage tank 51.

[0078] In some embodiments, the second water tank 51 is provided with a first vent, through which the gas inside the second water tank 51 can be discharged.

[0079] In some embodiments, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10 further includes a first gas storage tank, which is connected to a first gas outlet and is used to store the gas discharged from the second water storage tank 51, namely hydrogen.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first outlet is connected to the boiler, and the hydrogen discharged from the second water tank 51 is directly supplied to the boiler as fuel.

[0081] In some embodiments, a level gauge is provided in the second water tank 51 to detect the liquid level in the second water tank 51. When the liquid level in the second water tank 51 reaches a first preset value, the switch is turned on, and when the liquid level in the second water tank 51 reaches a second preset value, the switch is turned off, wherein the first preset value is greater than the second preset value.

[0082] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 1The third pipe 41 is also equipped with a first radiator 7, which is used to dissipate heat from the electrolyte flowing through the third pipe 41.

[0083] By setting up the first heat sink 7 to dissipate heat from the electrolyte that will flow into the anode region 1112, it is beneficial to suppress the temperature rise of the electrolyte in the anode region 1112 and even the cathode region 1111, reduce the evaporation of water in the electrolyte, and reduce the water vapor content in the gas discharged from the electrolytic cell 1.

[0084] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 1 The first radiator 7 is an air-cooled radiator.

[0085] By using an air-cooled radiator to dissipate heat from the electrolyte flowing through the third pipe 41, the requirements for public works are low and the equipment size is small while ensuring the heat dissipation effect.

[0086] In some embodiments, the air-cooled radiator includes a bent tube and a fan. The third conduit 41 includes a first sub-tube and a second sub-tube. The bent tube is located between the first and second sub-tubes and is connected to both. Thus, the electrolyte flows sequentially through the first sub-tube, the bent tube, and the second sub-tube. The fan is positioned outside the bent tube and configured to blow air onto it, thereby providing air cooling for the bent tube. The bent tube design increases the air cooling area without making the water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10 too large.

[0087] In some embodiments, a thermometer is provided at the outlet of the first radiator 7. If the electrolyte temperature is too high, the fan speed is increased to improve heat dissipation.

[0088] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 1 The first gas-liquid separation unit 2 also includes a seventh pipe 22, which connects the first gas-liquid separator 21 and the cathode region 1111 so that fluid can flow from the cathode region 1111 to the first gas-liquid separator 21.

[0089] The fluid discharged from the cathode region 1111 is specifically a first gas-liquid mixture. The first gas-liquid mixture can flow into the first gas-liquid separator 21 through the seventh pipe 22. The first gas-liquid separator 21 separates the first gas-liquid mixture into gas and liquid and discharges hydrogen gas with higher purity.

[0090] As an example, the first gas-liquid separator 21 achieves gas-liquid separation through condensation. Specifically, the first gas-liquid separator 21 lowers the temperature of the first gas-liquid mixture flowing into it, causing the water vapor in the mixture to condense, thereby achieving gas-liquid separation.

[0091] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 1A second radiator 8 is also installed on the seventh pipe 22, which is used to dissipate heat from the fluid flowing through the seventh pipe 22.

[0092] The fluid flowing through the seventh pipe 22 is specifically a first gas-liquid mixture. The second radiator 8 dissipates heat from the first gas-liquid mixture, thereby promoting the condensation of water vapor in the first gas-liquid mixture within the first gas-liquid separator 21, thus achieving gas-liquid separation.

[0093] As an example, the second radiator 8 is a spiral heat dissipation coil, and the seventh pipe 22 includes a third sub-pipe and a fourth sub-pipe. The spiral heat dissipation coil is located between the third sub-pipe and the fourth sub-pipe and is connected to the third sub-pipe and the fourth sub-pipe respectively. In this way, the first gas-liquid mixture flows through the third sub-pipe, the spiral heat dissipation coil and the fourth sub-pipe in sequence.

[0094] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 1 The electrolyte circulation unit 4 includes an eighth pipe 46 and a third drive unit 47. The first gas-liquid separator 21 is a first condenser. The eighth pipe 46 connects the first condenser and the second gas-liquid separator A311. The third drive unit 47 is installed on the eighth pipe 46 and is used to drive the liquid in the first condenser to flow to the second gas-liquid separator A311.

[0095] The first gas-liquid separator 21 is a first condenser. The first condenser separates the first gas-liquid mixture by condensing water vapor. Specifically, the liquid in the first gas-liquid mixture, water, is retained in the first condenser, while the gas in the first gas-liquid mixture, hydrogen, is discharged outside the first condenser. Furthermore, the water retained in the first condenser can flow back to the second gas-liquid separator A311 through the eighth pipe 46 under the drive of the third driving component 47, thereby achieving electrolyte recovery.

[0096] As an example, the third drive component 47 is a pump.

[0097] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 1 The electrolyte circulation unit 4 also includes a ninth channel 48, the second gas-liquid separator B312 is the second condenser, and the ninth channel 48 is connected to the second gas-liquid separator A311 and the second condenser.

[0098] The second gas-liquid separator B312 is also a second condenser. The second condenser separates the second gas-liquid mixture by condensing water vapor. The liquid component, specifically water, remains in the second condenser, while the gas component, specifically oxygen, is discharged outside the second condenser. Furthermore, the water retained in the second condenser can flow back to the second gas-liquid separator A311 through the ninth channel 48, thereby achieving electrolyte recovery.

[0099] In some embodiments, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system 10 further includes a second gas storage tank, which is connected to the second gas-liquid separator B312 and is used to store the gas discharged from the second gas-liquid separator B312, namely oxygen.

[0100] In some embodiments, the second gas-liquid separator B312 is connected to the boiler, and the oxygen discharged from the second gas-liquid separator B312 is directly supplied to the boiler to promote fuel combustion.

[0101] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A hydrogen production system by electrolysis of water, characterized by, The electrolytic cell comprises a cell body, a cathode, an anode and a diaphragm, the cell body has a receiving cavity, the diaphragm is arranged in the receiving cavity and separates the receiving cavity into a cathode area and an anode area, the cathode is arranged in the cathode area, and the anode is arranged in the anode area; the diaphragm is configured to block gas and allow ions in electrolyte to pass through; A first gas-liquid separation unit in communication with the cathode area, the first gas-liquid separation unit comprising at least one first gas-liquid separator; A second gas-liquid separation unit in communication with the anode area, the second gas-liquid separation unit comprising a plurality of second gas-liquid separators connected in series, the number of the second gas-liquid separators being greater than the number of the first gas-liquid separators; An electrolyte circulation unit in communication with the anode area. The plurality of second gas-liquid separators comprises a second gas-liquid separator A and a second gas-liquid separator B, the second gas-liquid separation unit further comprises a first pipeline and a second pipeline, the second gas-liquid separator A and the second gas-liquid separator B are in communication through the first pipeline, and the second gas-liquid separator A is in communication with the anode area through the second pipeline.

2. The hydrogen production system of claim 1, wherein The second gas-liquid separator A is further used for containing electrolyte, and the second gas-liquid separator A is in communication with the electrolyte circulation unit.

3. The hydrogen production system of claim 2, wherein The electrolyte circulation unit comprises a third pipeline and a first driving member, the second gas-liquid separator A is in communication with the anode area through the third pipeline, and the first driving member is arranged on the third pipeline and used for driving electrolyte in the second gas-liquid separator A to flow to the anode area.

4. The hydrogen production system of claim 3, wherein The electrolyte circulation unit further comprises a first water storage tank, a second driving member and a fourth pipeline, the first water storage tank is in communication with the second gas-liquid separator A through the fourth pipeline, and the second driving member is arranged on the fourth pipeline and used for driving water in the first water storage tank to flow to the second gas-liquid separator A.

5. The hydrogen production system of claim 4, wherein The electrolytic water hydrogen production system further comprises an anti-backfire unit, the anti-backfire unit comprises a second water storage tank, a fifth pipeline and a sixth pipeline, the second water storage tank is in communication with the first gas-liquid separator through the fifth pipeline, the second water storage tank is in communication with the fourth pipeline through the sixth pipeline, and a switch is arranged on the sixth pipeline.

6. The hydrogen production system of claim 5, wherein, A first radiator is further arranged on the third pipeline, and the first radiator is used for radiating electrolyte flowing through the third pipeline.

7. The hydrogen production system of claim 4, wherein the hydrogen production system further comprises a hydrogen storage tank. The first radiator is a wind-cooled radiator.

8. The hydrogen production system of claim 7, wherein, The first gas-liquid separation unit further comprises a seventh pipeline, the seventh pipeline communicates the first gas-liquid separator and the cathode area to allow fluid to flow from the cathode area to the first gas-liquid separator.

9. The hydrogen production system of claim 3, wherein, A second radiator is further arranged on the seventh pipeline, and the second radiator is used for radiating fluid flowing through the seventh pipeline.

10. The hydrogen production system of claim 9, wherein, The electrolyte circulation unit comprises an eighth pipeline and a third driving member, the first gas-liquid separator is a first condenser, the eighth pipeline communicates the first condenser and the second gas-liquid separator A, and the third driving member is arranged on the eighth pipeline and used for driving liquid in the first condenser to flow to the second gas-liquid separator A.

11. The hydrogen production system of claim 9, wherein the hydrogen production system further comprises a hydrogen storage tank. ​ 12. The hydrogen production system of claim 3, wherein, The second gas-liquid separator B is a second condenser, and the electrolyte circulating unit further comprises a ninth channel, which is communicated with the second gas-liquid separator A and the second condenser.

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