Hydrogen production device

Abstract

The utility model provides a hydrogen production device, which comprises a shell, an air inlet, a water inlet and a water outlet, wherein one end of the shell is provided with an air inlet; the partition component is arranged in the shell so as to divide the interior of the shell into a first space and a second space, and the first space communicates with the air inlet; the electrolysis module is arranged in the second space and used for electrolyzing liquid and generating hydrogen flow; the condensation module is arranged in the first space, and the condensation module is communicated with the electrolysis module and used for separating hydrogen in the hydrogen flow; and the first fan is used for driving gas in the first space to flow. According to the embodiment of the utility model, the interior of the shell is divided into the first space and the second space through the separation part, so that the air flow rate in the first space is higher under the condition that the power of the first fan is the same, and the cooling effect of the condensation module arranged in the first space is improved; therefore, the operation efficiency and the stability of the whole hydrogen production device are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrolytic hydrogen production technology, specifically to a hydrogen production device. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen production through water electrolysis is a technology that produces hydrogen and oxygen by electrolyzing water. It is an important direction for the development of hydrogen energy. In recent years, with the rapid development of renewable energy technologies, hydrogen production through water electrolysis has received increasingly widespread attention and application. The equipment condition and service life of hydrogen production units such as electrolyzers are of great significance to the operational safety of hydrogen production systems, improving hydrogen production efficiency, and reducing hydrogen production costs.

[0003] Traditional hydrogen generators typically have only one cooling fan. This fan draws in cool air from outside through an intake vent and blows it into the hydrogen generator through an outlet, thus cooling the unit. However, under high load or long-term operation, this cooling efficiency is low and cannot meet the requirements of the hydrogen production process. This leads to increased temperature in the hydrogen generator, affecting its efficiency and lifespan. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention provides a hydrogen production device that can improve the technical problem of low heat dissipation efficiency in hydrogen production devices in related technologies.

[0005] An embodiment of this utility model provides a hydrogen production apparatus, comprising:

[0006] A housing, one end of which is provided with an air inlet;

[0007] A partition component is disposed within the housing to separate a first space and a second space within the housing, the first space being connected to the air inlet;

[0008] An electrolysis module, disposed within the second space, is used to electrolyze liquids and generate a hydrogen gas flow.

[0009] A condensation module, disposed within the first space and connected to the electrolysis module, for separating hydrogen from the hydrogen gas stream; and,

[0010] The first fan is used to drive the flow of gas within the first space.

[0011] In one embodiment, the electrolysis module includes an electrolysis mechanism and a liquid storage mechanism, wherein the liquid storage mechanism is connected to the electrolysis mechanism for supplying electrolyte to the electrolysis mechanism;

[0012] At least one of the electrolysis mechanism and the liquid storage mechanism is adjacent to or attached to the separating component.

[0013] In one embodiment, the electrolysis mechanism and the liquid storage mechanism are spaced apart on opposite sides of the separating component.

[0014] In one embodiment, the hydrogen production device further includes a heat dissipation module disposed on the housing, and the liquid storage mechanism is connected to the electrolysis mechanism through the heat dissipation module so that the electrolyte flows into the electrolysis mechanism after passing through the heat dissipation module.

[0015] In one embodiment, the housing is further provided with a first air outlet, through which at least a portion of the heat dissipation module is exposed outside the housing.

[0016] In one embodiment, the heat dissipation module is at least partially located on the path of the gas flow driven by the first fan within the first space.

[0017] In one embodiment, the heat dissipation module is installed at the first air outlet, the heat dissipation module has an air outlet gap, and the first fan is installed on the side of the heat dissipation module facing or away from the interior of the first space, so that the gas in the first space can flow out through the air outlet gap of the heat dissipation module.

[0018] In one embodiment, the air inlet is also connected to the second space;

[0019] The housing includes a second air outlet, which connects the second space and the outside of the housing;

[0020] The hydrogen production device further includes a second fan, which is disposed in the housing to facilitate the convection of gas outside the housing with gas inside the second space.

[0021] In one embodiment, the hydrogen production device further includes a hydrogen concentration sensor, which is communicatively connected to the second fan and is disposed in the second space to detect the hydrogen concentration in the second space.

[0022] In one embodiment, the condensation module includes:

[0023] A gas-liquid separator, disposed within the first space, for separating hydrogen from the hydrogen stream; and,

[0024] A condenser is disposed in the first space, one end of which is connected to the electrolysis module and the other end of which is connected to the gas-liquid separator.

[0025] In one embodiment, the condensation module further includes a control valve connected to the gas-liquid separator to control whether the hydrogen is discharged.

[0026] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the condenser tubes is arranged in a spiral shape. In one embodiment,

[0027] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this utility model are as follows:

[0028] In this embodiment of the invention, by providing a partition component inside the housing, the housing is divided into a first space and a second space. This results in a higher wind speed in the first space when the first fan power is the same, thereby improving the cooling effect of the condensation module located in the first space. This allows the liquid in the hydrogen gas flowing through the condensation module to be fully cooled and returned to the electrolysis module, improving the electrolyte recovery rate, reducing the probability that the liquid in the hydrogen gas will affect the condensation module or even subsequent equipment, and improving the operating efficiency and stability of the entire hydrogen production device. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hydrogen production device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the shell provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the first fan, the second fan, and the heat dissipation module provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shell provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the condensation module provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0035] The labels in the diagram are as follows:

[0036] 1. Hydrogen production unit;

[0037] 11. Housing; 111. Air inlet; 112. First space; 113. Second space; 114. First air outlet; 115. Second air outlet;

[0038] 12. Separating components;

[0039] 13. Electrolysis module; 131. Electrolysis mechanism; 132. Liquid storage mechanism;

[0040] 14. Condensation module; 141. Gas-liquid separator; 142. Condensation tube; 143. Control valve;

[0041] 15. First fan;

[0042] 16. Heat dissipation module;

[0043] 17. Second fan. Detailed Implementation

[0044] 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 skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model. In addition, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. In the present utility model, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower positions of the mechanism in actual use or working state, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the mechanism.

[0045] Electrolysis of water is a relatively convenient method for producing hydrogen. Direct current is passed through an electrolytic cell filled with electrolyte, causing water molecules to undergo an electrochemical reaction at the electrodes, decomposing into hydrogen and oxygen. However, the inventors discovered that the electrolysis of water generates a large amount of heat. As the hydrogen production time increases, the difficulty of separating hydrogen and liquid from the gas stream also increases, leading to incomplete gas-liquid separation, which can easily damage pipelines and even affect the normal operation of the entire hydrogen production system. Furthermore, using more effective heat dissipation devices typically results in larger volumes, causing inconvenience in the installation and use of the hydrogen production system.

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The first aspect of this utility model provides a hydrogen production device 1, including a housing 11, a separating component 12, an electrolysis module 13, a condensation module 14, and a first fan 15. One end of the housing 11 is provided with an air inlet 111. The separating component 12 is disposed inside the housing 11 to separate a first space 112 and a second space 113 within the housing 11, and the second space 113 is connected to the air inlet 111. The electrolysis module 13 is disposed inside the first space 112 for electrolyzing liquid and generating a hydrogen gas flow. The condensation module 14 is disposed inside the second space 113 and is connected to the electrolysis module 13 for separating hydrogen from the hydrogen gas flow. The first fan 15 is used to drive the gas flow within the second space 113.

[0047] The housing 11 is the external structure of the entire hydrogen production device 1, serving to protect and support the internal components. An air inlet 111 is provided at one end of the housing, allowing cold outside air to enter the housing 11 and achieve cooling, thus providing a basis for the subsequent gas-liquid separation of the hydrogen flow. The shape and size of the air inlet 111 can be set according to actual needs; for example, the air inlet 111 can be circular, rectangular, polygonal, etc.

[0048] Electrolysis module 13 electrolyzes a liquid, using an electrochemical reaction to decompose the liquid and generate a hydrogen gas flow. This hydrogen gas flow then flows into condensation module 14, which is connected to electrolysis module 13, and is cooled in condensation module 14, causing the liquid in the hydrogen gas flow to condense and achieving gas-liquid separation. To improve the cooling effect on condensation module 14, this application uses a partition component 12 to divide the interior of housing 11 into two different spaces: a first space 112 and a second space 113, with condensation module 14 housed in the first space 112. Obviously, the first space 112 is smaller than the original space. By controlling the direct connection between the first space 112 and air inlet 111, outside air entering from air inlet 111 can smoothly enter the first space 112, providing the necessary gaseous environment for the normal operation of condensation module 14 within the first space 112.

[0049] The first fan 15 drives the gas flow within the first space 112. When the first fan 15 operates, the gas in the first space 112 flows through the various components of the condensation module 14, thereby exchanging heat with the hydrogen gas flow in the condensation module 14. Since the first space 112 is a relatively small space separated within the housing 11 by the partition component 12, the gas flow rate is faster when the first fan 15 of the same power is operating, thus more effectively removing heat from the hydrogen gas flow and greatly improving the efficiency of liquid condensation in the hydrogen gas flow. The first fan 15 can be located inside the first space 112, or at the air inlet 111, or in other locations that do not affect the operation of the first fan 15; this embodiment of the invention does not impose any limitations on this.

[0050] In this embodiment of the present invention, by providing a partition component 12 inside the housing 11, the housing 11 is divided into a first space 112 and a second space 113. This results in a higher wind speed in the first space 112 when the power of the first fan 15 is the same, thereby improving the cooling effect of the condensation module 14 located in the first space 112. This allows the liquid in the hydrogen gas flowing through the condensation module 14 to be fully cooled and returned to the electrolysis module 13, improving the electrolyte recovery rate and reducing the probability of the liquid in the hydrogen gas affecting the condensation module 14 and even subsequent equipment. This enhances the operating efficiency and stability of the entire hydrogen production device 1.

[0051] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 The electrolysis module 13 includes an electrolysis mechanism 131 and a liquid storage mechanism 132. The liquid storage mechanism 132 is connected to the electrolysis mechanism 131 for supplying electrolyte to the electrolysis mechanism 131. At least one of the electrolysis mechanism 131 and the liquid storage mechanism 132 is adjacent to or attached to the partition member 12.

[0052] Because a large amount of heat is released during the electrolysis hydrogen production process, the temperature of the electrolysis unit 131 itself rises. Since the electrolyte in the storage unit 132 and the electrolysis unit 131 are in a circulating state, the temperatures of both the electrolysis unit 131 and the storage unit 132 also rise. To lower the temperatures of the electrolysis unit 131 and the storage unit 132, in this embodiment of the invention, the electrolysis unit 131 and / or the storage unit 132 are positioned adjacent to or attached to the separating component 12. According to the principle of heat conduction, heat will spontaneously transfer from the higher-temperature electrolysis unit 131 or the storage unit 132 to the relatively lower-temperature separating component 12. At the same time, when the first fan 15 continuously drives the gas to flow through the surface of the separator 12 in the first space 112, the high wind speed can also effectively remove the heat from the separator 12, thereby ensuring that the separator 12 can continuously absorb the heat from the electrolysis mechanism 131 and / or the liquid storage mechanism 132, thereby maintaining the electrolysis mechanism 131 and the liquid storage mechanism 132 in a suitable temperature range, improving the hydrogen production efficiency, and thus ensuring the stability of the entire hydrogen production device 1.

[0053] In some embodiments, taking the electrolysis mechanism 131 as an example, to increase the contact area between the separating member 12 and the electrolysis mechanism 131, a groove can be provided on the separating member 12 to accommodate part of the electrolysis mechanism 131, so that multiple sides of the electrolysis mechanism 131 are in contact with the separating member 12. Furthermore, because this part of the separating member 12 is recessed inward, the gas flow rate at this location will also increase, thereby better absorbing the heat from this part of the separating member 12 and improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the electrolysis mechanism 131. The liquid storage mechanism 132 is configured similarly and will not be described further here.

[0054] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 The electrolysis mechanism 131 and the liquid storage mechanism 132 are spaced apart on opposite sides of the partition component 12. Since the electrolyte needs to circulate between the electrolysis mechanism 131 and the liquid storage mechanism 132, the spaced arrangement of the electrolysis mechanism 131 and the liquid storage mechanism 132 on opposite sides of the partition component 12 avoids potential interference caused by excessive proximity, facilitates the installation of pipelines connecting the two, and fully utilizes the internal space of the hydrogen production device 1, preventing it from occupying too large a volume and improving its applicability.

[0055] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The hydrogen production device 1 also includes a heat dissipation module 16, which is disposed on the housing 11. The liquid storage mechanism 132 is connected to the electrolysis mechanism 131 through the heat dissipation module 16, so that the electrolyte flows into the electrolysis mechanism 131 after passing through the heat dissipation module 16.

[0056] The heat dissipation module 16 is used to dissipate heat from the electrolyte to ensure that the electrolyte flowing into the electrolysis mechanism 131 is at a suitable temperature. Specifically, when the electrolyte circulates between the storage mechanism 132 and the electrolysis mechanism 131, it needs to be cooled by the heat dissipation module 16 to effectively reduce the temperature of the electrolyte.

[0057] The heat dissipation module 16 can employ various heat dissipation methods, which can be configured according to actual needs. For example, the heat dissipation module 16 can dissipate heat through water cooling; a coolant channel is provided inside the heat dissipation module 16, allowing the coolant to flow within the coolant channel, thereby exchanging heat with the electrolyte, and then the coolant is cooled down by an external cooling device to achieve continuous heat dissipation.

[0058] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The housing 11 is also provided with a first air outlet 114, through which at least a portion of the heat dissipation module 16 is exposed outside the housing 11. The heat dissipation module 16 exposed outside the housing 11 can directly contact the outside air, increasing the heat exchange area between the heat dissipation module 16 and the external environment. This allows the outside cold air to exchange heat more effectively with the heat dissipation module 16, carrying away the heat absorbed by the heat dissipation module 16, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency, better ensuring the temperature stability of the electrolyte, and helping to maintain the normal operation of the electrolysis module 13.

[0059] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The heat dissipation module 16 is at least partially located on the path of the gas flow within the first space 112 driven by the first fan 15. When the first fan 15 causes the gas to flow within the first space 112, the airflow passing through the heat dissipation module 16 can accelerate the heat exchange on the surface of the heat dissipation module 16. The gas continuously carries away the heat absorbed by the heat dissipation module 16 from the electrolyte, significantly enhancing the heat dissipation capacity of the heat dissipation module 16, improving heat dissipation efficiency, ensuring that the electrolyte is always at a suitable temperature, and maintaining the efficient and stable operation of the electrolysis module 13.

[0060] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 2 to 4 The heat dissipation module 16 is installed at the first air outlet 114. The heat dissipation module 16 has an air outlet gap. The first fan 15 is installed on the side of the heat dissipation module 16 facing or away from the interior of the first space 112, so that the gas in the first space 112 can flow out through the air outlet gap of the heat dissipation module 16.

[0061] The heat dissipation module 16 is installed at the first air outlet 114. When the first fan 15 is working, it drives the hot gas in the first space 112 to flow to the heat dissipation module 16. As the gas flows out through the air outlet gap of the heat dissipation module 16, it exchanges heat with the heat dissipation module 16 to achieve efficient cooling of the electrolyte and ensure the normal operation of the electrolysis module 13.

[0062] In some alternative embodiments, the heat dissipation module 16 includes an electrolyte conduit and a plurality of heat dissipation fins, wherein the electrolyte conduit passes through the plurality of heat dissipation fins, such that two adjacent heat dissipation fins and the electrolyte conduit form a plurality of air outlet gaps, thereby increasing the contact area between the heat dissipation module 16 and the other heat dissipation fins, and thus improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat dissipation module 16.

[0063] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The air inlet 111 is also connected to the second space 113; the housing 11 includes a second air outlet 115, which connects the second space 113 and the outside of the housing 11; the hydrogen production device 1 also includes a second fan 17, which is disposed on the housing 11 for the convection of gas outside the housing with gas inside the second space 113.

[0064] In actual use, hydrogen production device 1 may leak from the first space 112 to the second space 113 due to reasons such as long service life or installation errors. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, a second air outlet 115 is provided on the shell 11, and a second fan 17 is provided to guide airflow exchange between the inside and outside of the second space 113. This ensures that even if hydrogen leaks into the second space 113, it will be quickly diluted and discharged outside the shell 11, thereby improving the safety of hydrogen production device 1.

[0065] In some embodiments, the hydrogen production device 1 further includes a hydrogen concentration sensor, which is communicatively connected to the second fan 17 and disposed in the second space 113 to detect the hydrogen concentration within the second space 113. By detecting the hydrogen concentration through the hydrogen concentration sensor, if the hydrogen concentration in the second space 113 exceeds a certain threshold, the second fan 17 can be controlled to turn on to quickly discharge the hydrogen from the second space 113; if the hydrogen concentration in the second space 113 decreases below a certain threshold, the second fan 17 can be controlled to turn off. This improves the safety of the hydrogen production device 1 while reducing the operating time of the second fan 17 and extending its service life.

[0066] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5The condensation module 14 includes a gas-liquid separator 141 and a condenser tube 142. The gas-liquid separator 141 is disposed in the first space 112 to separate hydrogen from the hydrogen flow. The condenser tube 142 is disposed in the first space 112, with one end of the condenser tube 142 connected to the electrolysis module 13 and the other end of the condenser tube 142 connected to the gas-liquid separator 141.

[0067] When the hydrogen gas flows through the condenser 142, the cold air drawn in by the first fan 15 exchanges heat with the hydrogen gas, thereby condensing the liquid in the hydrogen gas. The gas-liquid separator 141 can further separate the hydrogen gas into gas and liquid. If centrifugal separation is used, the hydrogen gas can enter the gas-liquid separator 141 at a high speed along the tangential direction to form a high-speed rotating vortex inside the separator. Under the action of centrifugal force, the denser liquid is thrown towards the inner wall of the separator and flows down the wall for collection; while the less dense hydrogen gas gathers in the center of the separator and is discharged upward.

[0068] In some alternative embodiments, the gas-liquid separator 141 can also achieve gas-liquid separation of the hydrogen gas stream through filtration. This is achieved by incorporating a filter medium, such as a fiber filter or porous ceramic, within the gas-liquid separator 141. When the hydrogen-containing gas stream passes through the filter medium, liquid particles are trapped, while the hydrogen gas can pass through smoothly.

[0069] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5 The condensation module 14 also includes a control valve 143, which is connected to the gas-liquid separator 141 to control whether hydrogen is discharged. By setting the control valve 143, the user can control the delivery of hydrogen as needed, improving the operability of the condensation module 14. Furthermore, when the hydrogen production unit 1 needs maintenance or debugging, or when downstream hydrogen-using equipment malfunctions and is temporarily unable to receive hydrogen, the control valve 143 can be quickly closed to prevent hydrogen from escaping or causing secondary damage to the hydrogen-using equipment.

[0070] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5 At least part of the condenser tube 142 is arranged in a spiral shape. The spiral arrangement of the condenser tube 142 results in a larger contact area with the airflow, which allows the airflow to more easily carry away the heat of the hydrogen flow passing through the condenser tube 142, thereby achieving better condensation of the liquid in the hydrogen flow.

[0071] The embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this utility model. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this utility model. 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 utility model. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

Claims

1. A hydrogen production apparatus, characterized in that, include: A housing, one end of which is provided with an air inlet; A partition component is disposed within the housing to separate a first space and a second space within the housing, the first space being connected to the air inlet; An electrolysis module, disposed within the second space, is used to electrolyze liquids and generate a hydrogen gas flow. A condensation module is disposed within the first space and is connected to the electrolysis module for separating hydrogen from the hydrogen gas stream. and, The first fan is used to drive the flow of gas within the first space.

2. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrolysis module includes an electrolysis mechanism and a liquid storage mechanism, wherein the liquid storage mechanism is connected to the electrolysis mechanism for supplying electrolyte to the electrolysis mechanism; At least one of the electrolysis mechanism and the liquid storage mechanism is adjacent to or attached to the separating component.

3. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrolysis mechanism and the liquid storage mechanism are spaced apart on opposite sides of the separating component.

4. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hydrogen production device also includes a heat dissipation module, which is disposed in the housing. The liquid storage mechanism is connected to the electrolysis mechanism through the heat dissipation module, so that the electrolyte flows into the electrolysis mechanism after passing through the heat dissipation module.

5. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing is also provided with a first air outlet, through which at least a portion of the heat dissipation module is exposed outside the housing.

6. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heat dissipation module is at least partially located on the path of the gas flow driven by the first fan in the first space.

7. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heat dissipation module is installed at the first air outlet, and the heat dissipation module has an air outlet gap. The first fan is installed on the side of the heat dissipation module facing or away from the interior of the first space, so that the gas in the first space can flow out through the air outlet gap of the heat dissipation module.

8. The hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The air inlet is also connected to the second space; The housing includes a second air outlet, which connects the second space and the outside of the housing; The hydrogen production device further includes a second fan, which is disposed in the housing to facilitate the convection of gas outside the housing with gas inside the second space.

9. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The hydrogen production device also includes a hydrogen concentration sensor, which is communicatively connected to the second fan and is located in the second space to detect the hydrogen concentration in the second space.

10. The hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The condensation module includes: A gas-liquid separator, disposed within the first space, for separating hydrogen from the hydrogen stream; and, A condenser is disposed in the first space, one end of which is connected to the electrolysis module and the other end of which is connected to the gas-liquid separator.

11. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The condensation module also includes a control valve, which is connected to the gas-liquid separator to control whether the hydrogen is discharged.

12. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, At least a portion of the condenser tubes are arranged in a spiral shape.

Images