Cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction
By designing a cold energy recovery device and quick-connect components in the hydrogen liquefaction unit, the problem of low cold energy utilization efficiency was solved, achieving efficient recovery and reuse of cold energy, reducing energy consumption and improving the operating efficiency and convenience of the equipment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SINOSCIENCE CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
Traditional hydrogen liquefaction plants have low efficiency in utilizing cold energy, leading to energy waste and increased production costs, which limits the large-scale application of hydrogen liquefaction technology.
A cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction was designed. The device transfers the cold energy carried by the liquefied hydrogen to the air for pre-cooling through a heat exchanger. Combined with quick-connect components, the device enables rapid connection and disconnection of pipelines, ensuring efficient recovery and utilization of the cold energy.
It improves the efficiency of cold energy recovery, reduces the energy consumption of the hydrogen liquefaction process, enhances the working efficiency and convenience of the equipment, and ensures the stable operation of the system and the efficient use of energy.
Smart Images

Figure CN224188861U_ABST
Abstract
Description
A cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen liquefaction technology, and in particular to a cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction. Background Technology
[0002] Hydrogen liquefaction is the process of converting hydrogen gas into a liquid state. This process consumes a large amount of energy and generates a significant amount of cold energy. Liquid hydrogen has advantages such as high density and ease of storage and transportation, making it promising for applications in aerospace, energy storage, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. However, if the cold energy generated during hydrogen liquefaction is not effectively recovered and utilized, it not only wastes energy but also increases production costs. Cold energy recovery devices aim to capture and reuse this cold energy, improving energy efficiency. The manufacture of cold energy recovery devices for hydrogen liquefaction requires comprehensive consideration of factors such as efficient heat exchange technology, cryogenic material properties, and system integration optimization to achieve efficient recovery and reuse of cold energy during hydrogen liquefaction, thereby reducing the overall cost of hydrogen liquefaction and promoting the sustainable development of the hydrogen energy industry.
[0003] However, traditional hydrogen liquefaction plants generally suffer from low efficiency in utilizing cold energy during operation. A large amount of cold energy generated during hydrogen liquefaction is often not fully recovered and reused, but is directly released into the environment, resulting in serious energy waste. This not only increases the energy cost of the hydrogen liquefaction process but also reduces the overall energy efficiency of the system, hindering the large-scale application and promotion of hydrogen liquefaction technology. Therefore, a cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction is proposed to address these problems. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To overcome the above shortcomings, this utility model provides a cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction, which aims to improve the problem of wasted energy in the prior art due to the lack of utilization of the cold energy carried by hydrogen after liquefaction.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] A cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction includes a liquefaction machine, a heat exchanger on one side of the liquefaction machine, a base fixedly connected to the side wall of the heat exchanger, a hydrogen storage tank on one side of the heat exchanger, a control panel on the side wall of the liquefaction machine, a cold energy recovery component on one side of the liquefaction machine, and a quick-connect component on the side wall of the heat exchanger. The cold energy recovery component includes a liquid delivery pipe and an exhaust fan. A liquid outlet pipe is fixedly connected inside the liquefaction machine, and the side wall of the liquid delivery pipe is fixedly connected inside the liquid outlet pipe. An inlet cylinder is fixedly connected inside the heat exchanger, and one end of the liquid delivery pipe is connected to the inlet cylinder via the quick-connect component. The exhaust fan is located on top of the liquefaction machine, and a cold air pipe is fixedly connected to the exhaust end of the exhaust fan. The exhaust end of the exhaust fan is fixedly connected to the inside of the liquefaction machine. An outlet cylinder is fixedly connected inside the heat exchanger, and one end of the cold air pipe is connected to the outlet cylinder via the quick-connect component.
[0007] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0008] The quick-connect assembly includes a connecting tube seat and a connecting cylinder. The inner wall of the connecting tube seat is fixedly connected to the side wall of the inlet cylinder, and the inner wall of the connecting cylinder is fixedly connected to the side wall of the infusion tube. An inlet cylinder is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting cylinder, and the side wall of the inlet cylinder is slidably connected inside the connecting tube seat.
[0009] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0010] The liquefaction machine is fixedly connected to a hydrogen inlet pipe, and the heat exchanger is fixedly connected to an air inlet cylinder.
[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0012] The heat exchanger is fixedly connected to an outlet cylinder, and the hydrogen storage tank is fixedly connected to a hydrogen delivery pipe. One end of the hydrogen delivery pipe is connected to the outlet cylinder via a quick-connect assembly.
[0013] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0014] The connecting pipe seat and the side wall of the connecting cylinder are both fixedly connected to a fixing block, and the connecting pipe seat and the side wall of the connecting cylinder are both fixedly connected to a rotating clamp, and the side wall of the rotating clamp is slidably connected to the side wall of the fixing block.
[0015] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0016] The connecting tube seat has a slider that is slidably connected inside, and the receiving cylinder has a groove inside, with the sidewall of the slider slidably connected inside the groove.
[0017] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0018] A spring is installed inside the connecting tube seat. One end of the spring is fixedly connected to the inside of the connecting tube seat, and the other end of the spring is fixedly connected to the side wall of the slider.
[0019] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0020] A second sealing ring is fixedly connected inside the connecting pipe seat, and a first sealing ring is fixedly connected to both the connecting pipe seat and the side wall of the connecting cylinder.
[0021] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0022] The side walls of the gas outlet cylinder, liquid outlet cylinder, liquid inlet cylinder, and gas inlet cylinder are all fixedly connected to connecting pipe seats, and the side walls of the cold gas pipe, hydrogen delivery pipe, and liquid delivery pipe are all fixedly connected to connecting cylinders.
[0023] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0024] 1. In this utility model, the cooling capacity carried by hydrogen after liquefaction is transferred to the air through a heat exchanger, so that the cold air enters the liquefaction machine to pre-cool the hydrogen, reduce the energy consumption required in the hydrogen liquefaction process, ensure the continuous recovery and utilization of cooling capacity, maintain the stable operation of the system, improve the cooling capacity recovery efficiency, and ensure the efficient use of energy in the hydrogen liquefaction process. This solves the problem of the lack of utilization of the cooling capacity carried by hydrogen during liquefaction in the traditional hydrogen liquefaction process, and improves the working efficiency and utilization rate of the equipment.
[0025] 2. In this utility model, the quick engagement of the connecting cylinder and the connecting pipe seat facilitates the rapid connection or separation of the heat exchanger from other pipes and equipment. During equipment installation, maintenance, and repair, the operation time can be significantly shortened, work efficiency can be improved, and the sealing of the connection can be guaranteed to prevent media leakage and ensure the normal operation of the system. This solves the problem that the traditional heat exchanger connection port needs to be fixed to other pipes by tightening bolts, which is time-consuming and laborious, and improves the convenience and sealing of the equipment. Attached Figure Description
[0026] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction proposed in this utility model;
[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the circulation component of a cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction proposed in this utility model.
[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger of a cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction proposed in this utility model.
[0029] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a quick-connect component of a cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction proposed in this utility model.
[0030] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a quick-connect component of a cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction proposed in this utility model.
[0031] Legend:
[0032] 1. Liquefaction unit; 2. Heat exchanger; 3. Hydrogen storage tank; 4. Base; 5. Control panel; 6. Exhaust fan; 7. Cooling pipe; 8. Hydrogen delivery pipe; 9. Hydrogen inlet pipe; 10. Liquid delivery pipe; 11. Liquid outlet pipe; 12. Connecting pipe seat; 13. Gas outlet cylinder; 14. Connecting cylinder; 15. Liquid outlet cylinder; 16. Liquid inlet cylinder; 17. Gas inlet cylinder; 18. Inlet cylinder; 19. Groove; 20. Slider; 21. Sealing ring one; 22. Fixing block; 23. Rotating clamp; 24. Sealing ring two; 25. Spring. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0034] Referring to Figures 1-3, one embodiment of this utility model provides a cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction, including a liquefaction machine 1. A heat exchanger 2 is arranged on one side of the liquefaction machine 1, and a base 4 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the heat exchanger 2. A hydrogen storage tank 3 is arranged on one side of the heat exchanger 2 for storing liquefied hydrogen, providing a safe storage space for hydrogen and facilitating subsequent transportation, use, and management of liquid hydrogen. A control panel 5 is arranged on the side wall of the liquefaction machine 1, and a cold energy recovery component is arranged on one side of the liquefaction machine 1. A quick-connect component is arranged on the side wall of the heat exchanger 2. The cold energy recovery component includes a liquid delivery pipe 10 and a fan 6, which are fixedly connected inside the liquefaction machine 1. The system includes an outlet pipe 11 and a delivery pipe 10, the side of which is fixedly connected to the inside of the outlet pipe 11. An inlet cylinder 16 is fixedly connected inside the heat exchanger 2. One end of the delivery pipe 10 is connected to the inlet cylinder 16 via a quick-connect assembly, ensuring that the liquid hydrogen in the delivery pipe 10 can flow smoothly into the inlet cylinder 16, allowing the liquid hydrogen to accurately enter the heat exchanger 2 for heat exchange, thus ensuring the continuity and stability of the cold energy recovery process. An exhaust fan 6 is located at the top of the liquefier 1, and a cold air pipe 7 is fixedly connected to the exhaust end of the exhaust fan 6. The exhaust fan 6 delivers the extracted low-temperature gas to the heat exchanger 2 through the cold air pipe 7, providing a cold source for heat exchange and ensuring the low-temperature gas... The gas can accurately reach the designated location to participate in heat exchange, realizing the recovery and utilization of cold energy. The exhaust fan 6 is fixedly connected to the inside of the liquefaction machine 1, allowing the gas after heat exchange in the heat exchanger 2 to enter the liquefaction machine 1, maintaining the continuous flow of gas in the system and ensuring the stable operation of the cold energy recovery system. An exhaust pipe 13 is fixedly connected inside the heat exchanger 2, and one end of the cold gas pipe 7 is connected to the exhaust pipe 13 through a quick-connect assembly. A hydrogen inlet pipe 9 is fixedly connected inside the liquefaction machine 1, providing a channel for hydrogen to enter the liquefaction machine 1, allowing the raw material hydrogen to smoothly enter the liquefaction machine 1 for liquefaction processing, ensuring the hydrogen... The continuity of supply is the starting channel for the hydrogen liquefaction process. An inlet cylinder 17 is fixedly connected inside the heat exchanger 2. The inlet cylinder 17 is the interface and introduction space for gas to enter the heat exchanger 2, so that the gas can be evenly distributed into the interior of the heat exchanger 2 to fully exchange heat with the liquid hydrogen and improve the heat exchange efficiency. An outlet cylinder 15 is fixedly connected inside the heat exchanger 2, and a hydrogen delivery pipe 8 is fixedly connected inside the hydrogen storage tank 3. One end of the hydrogen delivery pipe 8 is connected to the outlet cylinder 15 through a quick-connect assembly to ensure that the liquid hydrogen is transported from the heat exchanger 2 to the hydrogen storage tank 3 in a continuous and stable manner, and to prevent leakage or loss of liquid hydrogen during the transfer process.
[0035] Referring to Figures 1-5, the quick-connect assembly includes a connecting tube seat 12 and a connecting cylinder 14. The inner wall of the connecting tube seat 12 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the inlet cylinder 16, providing a stable interface for subsequent connection with the connecting cylinder 14. This ensures the stability and sealing of the liquid medium during transmission between the inlet cylinder 16 and the delivery pipe 10, preventing leakage. The inner wall of the connecting cylinder 14 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the delivery pipe 10, creating conditions for quick connection between the connecting cylinder 14 and the connecting tube seat 12. This ensures that the liquid medium in the delivery pipe 10 can smoothly pass through the connecting cylinder 14 into the inlet cylinder 16. An inlet cylinder 18 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting cylinder 14. The side wall of the inlet cylinder 18 is slidably connected to the inside of the connecting tube seat 12. The inlet cylinder 18 increases the contact area and connection depth between the connecting cylinder 14 and the connecting tube seat 12, enhancing the connection's firmness and making the connection between the connecting cylinder 14 and the connecting tube seat 12 more stable, preventing loosening or detachment under medium pressure. Fixing blocks 22 are fixedly connected to the side walls of both the connecting tube seat 12 and the connecting cylinder 14. Both the connecting tube seat 12 and the connecting cylinder 14 are fixedly connected to the side walls of a rotating clamp 23. The side wall of the rotating clamp 23 is slidably connected to the side wall of the fixed block 22. By rotating on the side wall of the fixed block 22, the rotating clamp 23 can tightly clamp the connecting tube seat 12 and the connecting cylinder 14 together. A slider 20 is slidably connected inside the connecting tube seat 12. A groove 19 is opened inside the connecting cylinder 18. The side wall of the slider 20 is slidably connected inside the groove 19. The slider 20 slides inside the connecting tube seat 12 and cooperates with the groove 19 of the connecting cylinder 18 to play a role in positioning and auxiliary fixing, ensuring that the connecting cylinder 18 is accurately positioned after being inserted into the connecting tube seat 12 and enhancing the stability of the connection. A spring 25 is provided inside the connecting tube seat 12. One end of the spring 25 is fixedly connected inside the connecting tube seat 12, and the other end of the spring 25 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the slider 20. The spring 25 provides elastic force to the slider 20. When the connecting cylinder 18 is inserted into the connecting tube seat 12, the spring 25 pushes the slider 20 to slide into the groove 19, making the connection tighter.During disassembly, external force overcomes the elasticity of spring 25 to retract slider 20, facilitating separation. A second sealing ring 24 is fixedly connected inside the connecting pipe seat 12. The second sealing ring 24 fills the gaps inside the connecting pipe seat 12, preventing leakage of the medium from the connection between the connecting pipe seat 12 and the inlet cylinder 18, enhancing the sealing performance of the connection, and ensuring the safety and integrity of liquid medium transmission. A first sealing ring 21 is fixedly connected to the side walls of both the connecting pipe seat 12 and the connecting cylinder 14. The first sealing ring 21 further enhances the sealing effect between the connecting pipe seat 12 and the side walls of the connecting cylinder 14, preventing leakage of the medium. The medium leaks from the outer gap between the connecting pipe seat 12 and the connecting cylinder 14. The double seal ensures the system's sealing and reliability. Connecting pipe seats 12 are fixedly connected to the side walls of the gas outlet cylinder 13, liquid outlet cylinder 15, liquid inlet cylinder 16, and gas inlet cylinder 17. Connecting cylinders 14 are fixedly connected to the side walls of the cold gas pipe 7, hydrogen delivery pipe 8, and liquid delivery pipe 10. Fixing connecting cylinders 14 to multiple pipes allows for quick docking with the connecting pipe seats 12, facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the pipeline system. Simultaneously, it ensures a tight connection between the pipes and each cylindrical component, guaranteeing the stability and sealing of the medium transmission.
[0036] Working principle: After the exhaust fan 6 starts, the low-temperature cold air in the heat exchanger 2 is extracted through the exhaust pipe 13, transported to the top of the liquefier 1 through the cold air pipe 7, and then sent into the liquefier 1 by the exhaust fan 6. This part of the low-temperature cold air works in conjunction with the refrigeration system in the liquefier 1 to reduce the energy consumption of the liquefier 1 and realize the recovery and utilization of cold energy. At the same time, the liquid delivery pipe 10 transports the low-temperature hydrogen liquid in the liquefier 1 to the heat exchanger 2 through the liquid outlet pipe 11. The low-temperature hydrogen liquid exchanges heat with the air entering from the air inlet pipe 17 in the heat exchanger 2. The cooled cold air enters the liquefier 1, and the liquid hydrogen that has completed the cold energy exchange enters the hydrogen storage tank 3 from the liquid outlet pipe 15 through the hydrogen delivery pipe 8 for storage, forming a complete cold energy recovery cycle system. When it is necessary to connect the pipeline, the inlet pipe 18 on the connecting pipe 14 is aligned with the connecting pipe seat 12 and inserted. After the inlet tube 18 reaches its lowest point, the connecting tube 14 is rotated, causing the rotating clamp 23 to connect via the fixing block 22. Once the connecting tube 14 is in position, the slider 20 inside the connecting tube seat 12 slides along the inner wall under the force of the spring 25 and engages in the groove 19 of the inlet tube 18, achieving a quick connection between the infusion tube 10 and the inlet tube 16, etc. The sealing ring 21 on the side wall of the connecting tube seat 12 and the connecting tube 14, as well as the sealing ring 24 inside the connecting tube seat 12, ensure the sealing of the connection and prevent leakage of coolant or hydrogen. During disassembly, the operator rotates the rotating clamp 23 in the opposite direction, causing the clamp 23 to slide along the fixing block 22. The spring 25 then pushes the slider 20 out of the groove 19, easily separating the connecting tube 14 from the connecting tube seat 12, facilitating equipment inspection and maintenance.
[0037] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing 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. 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 cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction, comprising a liquefaction unit (1), characterized in that: A heat exchanger (2) is provided on one side of the liquefaction machine (1), and a base (4) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the heat exchanger (2). A hydrogen storage tank (3) is provided on one side of the heat exchanger (2). A control panel (5) is provided on the side wall of the liquefaction machine (1). A cold energy recovery component is provided on one side of the liquefaction machine (1), and a quick-connect component is provided on the side wall of the heat exchanger (2). The cold energy recovery component includes a liquid delivery pipe (10) and a fan (6). An outlet pipe (11) is fixedly connected inside the liquefaction machine (1), and the side wall of the liquid delivery pipe (10) is fixedly connected to... Inside the liquid outlet pipe (11), the heat exchanger (2) is fixedly connected to the liquid inlet cylinder (16). One end of the liquid delivery pipe (10) is connected to the liquid inlet cylinder (16) through a quick-connect assembly. The exhaust fan (6) is set on the top of the liquefaction machine (1). The exhaust end of the exhaust fan (6) is fixedly connected to the cold air pipe (7). The exhaust end of the exhaust fan (6) is fixedly connected inside the liquefaction machine (1). The heat exchanger (2) is fixedly connected to the air outlet cylinder (13). One end of the cold air pipe (7) is connected to the air outlet cylinder (13) through a quick-connect assembly.
2. The cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The quick-connect assembly includes a connecting tube seat (12) and a connecting tube (14). The inner wall of the connecting tube seat (12) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the inlet tube (16), and the inner wall of the connecting tube (14) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the infusion tube (10). An inlet tube (18) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting tube (14), and the side wall of the inlet tube (18) is slidably connected inside the connecting tube seat (12).
3. The cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquefaction machine (1) is fixedly connected to a hydrogen inlet pipe (9), and the heat exchanger (2) is fixedly connected to an air inlet cylinder (17).
4. The cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchanger (2) is fixedly connected to a liquid outlet cylinder (15), and the hydrogen storage tank (3) is fixedly connected to a hydrogen delivery pipe (8). One end of the hydrogen delivery pipe (8) is connected to the liquid outlet cylinder (15) through a quick-connect assembly.
5. A cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting pipe seat (12) and the side wall of the connecting cylinder (14) are both fixedly connected to a fixing block (22), and the connecting pipe seat (12) and the side wall of the connecting cylinder (14) are both fixedly connected to a rotating clamp (23). The side wall of the rotating clamp (23) is slidably connected to the side wall of the fixing block (22).
6. The cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting tube seat (12) is slidably connected to a slider (20), and the receiving tube (18) is provided with a groove (19). The side wall of the slider (20) is slidably connected to the inside of the groove (19).
7. The cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction according to claim 2, characterized in that: A spring (25) is provided inside the connecting tube seat (12). One end of the spring (25) is fixedly connected inside the connecting tube seat (12), and the other end of the spring (25) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the slider (20).
8. The cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction according to claim 2, characterized in that: A second sealing ring (24) is fixedly connected inside the connecting tube seat (12), and a first sealing ring (21) is fixedly connected to both the connecting tube seat (12) and the side wall of the connecting cylinder (14).
9. A cold energy recovery device for hydrogen liquefaction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side walls of the gas outlet (13), liquid outlet (15), liquid inlet (16) and gas inlet (17) are all fixedly connected with connecting pipe seats (12), and the side walls of the cold gas pipe (7), hydrogen delivery pipe (8) and liquid delivery pipe (10) are all fixedly connected with connecting cylinders (14).