Pressure regulating device for regulating pressure of hydrogen production system based on water seal and hydrogen production system
By using a pressure regulating device based on the water seal principle, the problems of unintuitive hydrogen and oxygen gas pressure regulation and large accuracy errors in small-scale atmospheric pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production systems have been solved. This has enabled intuitive and precise regulation of hydrogen and oxygen gas pressure and adaptability to multiple pressure conditions, reducing costs and improving the safety and stability of the system.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUZHOU XIBEIYOU HYDROGEN ENERGY TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
In existing small-scale atmospheric pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production systems, the hydrogen and oxygen gas pressure control devices are expensive, have large accuracy errors, and are not intuitive to operate, making it difficult to meet the needs of multi-pressure test conditions.
A pressure regulating device based on the water seal principle is adopted. The pressure of hydrogen and oxygen gas can be intuitively adjusted through a vertical transparent outer tube and pressure scale value. Multiple pressure regulating devices are connected in series to expand the pressure adjustment range. The structure designed using the water seal principle simplifies operation and improves accuracy.
It achieves intuitive and precise regulation of hydrogen and oxygen gas pressure, reduces operational difficulty and cost, expands applicable scenarios, and improves system safety and stability.
Smart Images

Figure CN224212787U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen production technology through water electrolysis, specifically to a pressure regulating device and a hydrogen production system based on water seal regulation of the hydrogen production system pressure. Background Technology
[0002] Alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production is a hydrogen production technology that has been successfully commercialized on a large scale. Due to its advantages such as low cost, mature process, and ease of large-scale operation, alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production occupies an important position in the field of water electrolysis for hydrogen production. However, with the continuous development of the hydrogen energy industry, higher requirements have been put forward for the stability of electrolysis efficiency and economic efficiency.
[0003] Currently, small-scale, atmospheric-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production systems mainly consist of three parts: an alkaline electrolyzer, a separation system framework, and a control system. Among these, the hydrogen and oxygen gas pressure regulation device is the most crucial component, affecting the pressure control and regulation between the cathode and anode electrolysis chambers within the electrolyzer. If the pressure difference between the anode and cathode chambers is too large, it can easily cause cross-contamination of hydrogen and oxygen gases, resulting in excessive hydrogen in the oxygen and posing a safety risk. Currently, this is mainly regulated by gas regulating valves. However, using gas regulating valves for small-scale, atmospheric-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production systems presents the following problems:
[0004] 1. Small gas regulating valves have small pipe diameters, are not standardized products, have limited market options, and gas regulating valves used in conventional alkaline water hydrogen production systems are expensive.
[0005] 2. The pressure adjustment range is small, and the pressure gauge is small, so the pressure adjustment is not intuitive for operators.
[0006] 3. The hydrogen-oxygen electrode chamber has a low working pressure, resulting in large accuracy errors in conventional gas regulating valves;
[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a simple and intuitive pressure regulating device to meet the needs of alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production system testing and experimental applications. Summary of the Invention
[0008] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a pressure regulating device and hydrogen production system based on water seal regulation of hydrogen production system, which reduces the cost of alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production post-processing system, makes hydrogen and oxygen pressure regulation more intuitive, and makes the pressure regulation value more accurate, so as to meet the multi-pressure test requirements of miniaturized, atmospheric pressure alkaline water hydrogen production device.
[0009] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a pressure regulating device for a hydrogen production system based on water seal regulation. The device includes a vertical transparent outer tube, both ends of which are sealed. A pressure regulating needle valve is located at the bottom of the vertical transparent outer tube, and a gas discharge valve is located at the top of the vertical transparent outer tube. A pressure scale is provided on the outer surface of the vertical transparent outer tube. A water supply regulating valve and a gas external connection are located on the outer surface of the vertical transparent outer tube above the pressure scale. An inner gas tube is located inside the vertical transparent outer tube, with its top connected to the gas external connection and its bottom located on one side of the bottom of the vertical transparent outer tube.
[0010] Furthermore, both ends of the vertical transparent outer tube are provided with flanges and flange plates, and a sealing ring is provided between the flanges and flange plates and secured with screws.
[0011] Furthermore, a connecting column is provided in the middle of the bottom of the flange plate at the upper end, and a conical separation cover is provided at the bottom of the connecting column, with first holes evenly provided on the conical separation cover.
[0012] Furthermore, a liquid receiving groove is provided on the outer periphery of the conical separation hood.
[0013] Furthermore, a drain pipe is provided at the bottom of the liquid receiving tank.
[0014] Furthermore, an upper conical cover is provided on the connecting column between the conical separation cover and the flange plate. The upper conical cover is provided with a second hole evenly distributed on it, and the second hole and the first hole are staggered.
[0015] Furthermore, the connecting column includes a fixed column and a movable column. One end of the fixed column is fixedly connected to the flange plate, and the other end is provided with a stepped threaded section. Both ends of the movable column are provided with internal threaded sections. The movable column fixes the conical separation cover with bolts. The movable column and the stepped threaded section cooperate to fix the upper conical cover.
[0016] Furthermore, the bottom height of the gas inner tube is aligned with the 0 mark of the pressure scale value of the vertical transparent outer tube.
[0017] A hydrogen production system includes an electrolytic hydrogen production post-processing frame, wherein at least two pressure regulating devices as described in any one of the above-mentioned methods are provided on the electrolytic hydrogen production post-processing frame, the hydrogen outlet pipe of the electrolytic hydrogen production post-processing frame is connected to the gas external pipe of one of the pressure regulating devices, and the oxygen outlet pipe of the electrolytic hydrogen production post-processing frame is connected to the gas external pipe of the other pressure regulating device.
[0018] Furthermore, the number of pressure regulating devices connected to both the hydrogen and oxygen outlet pipes is greater than or equal to 2. Multiple pressure regulating devices are connected in series to form a regulating module, and the gas discharge valve and gas external pipe are connected between two adjacent pressure regulating devices.
[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0020] 1. The structure is designed based on the water seal principle, which can adjust the external pressure of hydrogen and oxygen gas by the amount of water injected. It is flexible in operation, and the pressure scale on the vertical transparent outer tube allows the operator to intuitively understand the gas pressure. The adjustment process is simple and easy to understand, and it is convenient for operation and maintenance.
[0021] 2. The vertical transparent outer tube allows for slow replenishment of liquid, while the pressure regulating needle valve allows for liquid discharge, enabling precise control of the liquid level and reducing operational difficulty.
[0022] 3. The height of the vertical transparent outer tube can be adjusted or flexibly designed to match the external dimensions of the alkaline water hydrogen production post-processing frame, and the manufacturing cost is low;
[0023] 4. When the system's required pressure adjustment range is too large, two or more pressure regulating devices can be used in series, which is flexible and greatly expands the range of application scenarios. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure regulating device of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the hydrogen production system using a pressure regulating device according to this utility model;
[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the series-connected voltage regulating device of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the single-layer filter structure of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the double-layer filter structure of this utility model;
[0029] Figure 6 This is a utility model Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure;
[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure regulating device with water filtration function of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0032] Reference Figure 1As shown, an embodiment of the pressure regulating device for a hydrogen production system based on water seal regulation of this utility model includes a vertical transparent outer tube 1, both ends of the vertical transparent outer tube are sealed, a pressure regulating needle valve 3 is provided at the bottom of the vertical transparent outer tube, a gas discharge valve 4 is provided at the top of the vertical transparent outer tube, a pressure scale value 5 is provided on the outer surface of the vertical transparent outer tube, a water replenishment regulating valve 6 and a gas external connecting pipe 7 are provided on the outer surface of the vertical transparent outer tube above the pressure scale value, and a gas inner tube 8 is provided inside the vertical transparent outer tube, the top of the gas inner tube is connected to the gas external connecting pipe, and the bottom of the gas inner tube is located on one side of the bottom of the vertical transparent outer tube.
[0033] In use, first add water to the vertical transparent outer tube through the water replenishment regulating valve, keep the pressure regulating needle valve closed and the gas discharge valve open. Find the corresponding value on the pressure scale according to the system pressure range, and make the water level reach the corresponding value (the pressure scale value on the vertical transparent outer tube corresponding to the liquid level is the pressure value of the hydrogen and oxygen system). When the water level is higher than the corresponding value, discharge some liquid through the pressure regulating needle valve. The operation is convenient and reliable.
[0034] Hydrogen or oxygen is connected through the external gas connector. The hydrogen or oxygen enters the internal gas tube through the external gas connector and exits into the vertical transparent external tube from the bottom side. Since there is water inside the vertical transparent external tube, the hydrogen or oxygen will float up in the form of bubbles, break through the liquid surface and continue to rise, and be discharged from the gas discharge valve.
[0035] When in normal use, the gas discharge valve is fully open. When it is necessary to control the gas output, the opening of the gas discharge valve can be adjusted. The adjustment of the gas discharge valve does not affect the hydrogen / oxygen pressure in the hydrogen production system.
[0036] The marking method for the above pressure scale values is defined using the following formula:
[0037] Pressure: P = ρgh
[0038] ρ: Density of the liquid filling the pipe (unit: kg / m³) 3 For example, the density of water is approximately 1000 kg / m³. 3 ).
[0039] g: acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m / s²) 2 ).
[0040] h: Liquid level in the pipe (unit: m, vertical distance from the liquid surface to this point).
[0041] Based on the above formula, the liquid level and pressure in the pipe (straight transparent outer pipe) are calculated and then calibrated.
[0042] The bottom of the inner gas tube is aligned with the zero mark of the pressure scale on the vertical transparent outer tube, facilitating the pre-calculation of the water seal pressure and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the pressure values corresponding to the pressure scale readings. Determining the pressure value based on the liquid height to set the pressure scale value is existing technology and will not be detailed here.
[0043] This application also discloses a hydrogen production system. In the alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production system, hydrogen is produced by an electrochemical reaction in the cathode chamber and oxygen is produced by an electrochemical reaction in the anode chamber. The produced hydrogen and oxygen contain a large amount of 30% KOH alkaline solution. The hydrogen, oxygen and alkaline solution are separated into gas and liquid in the post-treatment frame. The hydrogen and oxygen produced in the anode and cathode chambers of the electrolyzer are separated by a diaphragm. In the existing system, hydrogen and oxygen are regulated by a regulating valve in the post-treatment frame. Uneven adjustment of hydrogen and oxygen pressure can easily cause the hydrogen concentration in oxygen to exceed the standard, which can easily lead to accidents and pose safety risks. This application provides a pressure regulating device based on a water seal to regulate the pressure of the hydrogen production system, which facilitates the adjustment of the hydrogen and oxygen outlet pressure according to the liquid level and maintains the safe and stable operation of the system.
[0044] Reference Figure 2 As shown, specifically, the hydrogen production system includes an electrolytic hydrogen production post-processing frame 9, on which at least two of the aforementioned pressure regulating devices 12 are provided. The hydrogen outlet pipe 10 of the electrolytic hydrogen production post-processing frame is connected to the gas external pipe of one of the pressure regulating devices, and the oxygen outlet pipe 11 of the electrolytic hydrogen production post-processing frame is connected to the gas external pipe of the other pressure regulating device.
[0045] Reference Figure 3 As shown, the number of pressure regulating devices connected to both the hydrogen and oxygen outlet pipes is greater than or equal to two. Multiple pressure regulating devices are connected in series to form a regulating module. Gas discharge valves and external gas pipes are connected between adjacent pressure regulating devices. This further increases the pressure regulation range, thereby improving the applicability and usability.
[0046] The aforementioned vertical transparent outer tube can be equipped with flanges and flange plates at both ends. A sealing ring is installed between the flanges and flange plates and it is secured with screws, which facilitates disassembly and installation.
[0047] Based on the aforementioned easy-to-install structure, this application also provides a filter structure 111 for reducing the liquid content in hydrogen and oxygen gases, as shown in the reference. Figure 4 As shown, specifically, it includes: a connecting column 13 is provided in the middle of the bottom of the flange plate located at the upper end, a conical separation cover 14 is provided at the bottom of the connecting column, and first holes 15 are uniformly provided on the conical separation cover.
[0048] As hydrogen and oxygen gases pass through the liquid, they continue to rise, carrying some liquid with them. The liquid in the rising gas is partially blocked by the conical separation hood, and the gas continues to rise through the first hole, thus achieving gas-liquid separation. The conical separation hood can be a mesh structure, i.e., a perforated sheet, or simply a metal mesh.
[0049] Since the intercepted liquid will continuously accumulate into water droplets, in order to discharge this part of the liquid, a liquid receiving groove 16 is provided on the outer periphery of the conical separation hood. The water droplets slide down the conical surface into the liquid receiving groove. Then, a drain pipe 17 is provided at the bottom of the liquid receiving groove. The liquid that gathers in the liquid receiving groove enters the liquid in the lower transparent outer pipe through the drain pipe, forming an effective backflow and avoiding the accumulated liquid from causing significant interference to the gas outlet.
[0050] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, to improve the gas-liquid separation effect, an upper conical cover 18 is also provided on the connecting column between the conical separation cover and the flange plate. The upper conical cover has evenly distributed second holes 19, which are staggered from the first holes. This misalignment affects the gas flow direction, further improving the gas-liquid separation effect. To facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the two-layer gas-liquid separation structure, the connecting column is designed to include a fixed column 20 and a movable column 21. One end of the fixed column is fixedly connected to the flange plate, and the other end has a stepped threaded section. Both ends of the movable column have internal threaded sections. The movable column fixes the conical separation cover with bolts 22. The movable column and the stepped threaded section cooperate to fix the upper conical cover. This multi-segment interconnected threaded connection greatly improves operational convenience.
[0051] Reference Figure 7 As shown, based on the above-mentioned double-layer filter structure, it is installed in the pressure regulating device at the bottom of the upper flange plate and the upper part of the gas inner tube. The gas discharged from the gas inner tube into the straight transparent outer tube floats upward from the bottom of the liquid in the form of bubbles. Due to the upward buoyancy, the gas will carry some liquid and continue to rise on the liquid surface. When passing through the double-layer filter structure, the gas carrying liquid will collide with the conical separation hood and the upper conical hood. The gas will not be obstructed, but some of the liquid in the gas will be intercepted and collected in the liquid that falls back into the straight transparent outer tube. Some of the liquid on the surface of the conical separation hood and the upper conical hood will fall back to the surface of the conical separation hood and collect in the liquid receiving tank, and then flow back into the liquid in the straight transparent outer tube through the drain pipe to avoid frequent liquid replenishment.
[0052] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present utility model, and the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present utility model are all within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A pressure regulating device for a hydrogen production system based on water seal regulation, characterized in that, The device includes a vertical transparent outer tube, both ends of which are sealed. A pressure regulating needle valve is installed at the bottom of the vertical transparent outer tube, and a gas vent valve is installed at the top of the vertical transparent outer tube. A pressure scale value is provided on the outer surface of the vertical transparent outer tube. A water supply regulating valve and a gas external connection are provided on the outer surface of the vertical transparent outer tube above the pressure scale value. A gas inner tube is installed inside the vertical transparent outer tube. The top of the gas inner tube is connected to the gas external connection, and the bottom of the gas inner tube is located on one side of the bottom of the vertical transparent outer tube.
2. The pressure regulating device for a hydrogen production system based on water seal regulation as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both ends of the vertical transparent outer tube are provided with flanges and flange plates, and a sealing ring is provided between the flanges and flange plates and secured with screws.
3. The pressure regulating device for a hydrogen production system based on a water seal as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A connecting column is provided at the bottom center of the flange plate located at the upper end, and a conical separation cover is provided at the bottom of the connecting column. The conical separation cover is uniformly provided with first holes.
4. The pressure regulating device for a hydrogen production system based on water seal regulation as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A liquid receiving tank is provided on the outer periphery of the conical separation hood.
5. The pressure regulating device for a hydrogen production system based on water seal regulation as described in claim 4, characterized in that, A drain pipe is provided at the bottom of the liquid receiving tank.
6. The pressure regulating device for a hydrogen production system based on water seal regulation as described in claim 3, characterized in that, An upper conical cover is also provided on the connecting column between the conical separation cover and the flange plate. The upper conical cover has a second hole evenly provided on it, and the second hole and the first hole are staggered.
7. The pressure regulating device for a hydrogen production system based on water seal regulation as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting column includes a fixed column and a movable column. One end of the fixed column is fixedly connected to the flange plate, and the other end is provided with a stepped threaded section. Both ends of the movable column are provided with internal threaded sections. The movable column fixes the conical separation cover with bolts. The movable column and the stepped threaded section cooperate to fix the upper conical cover.
8. The pressure regulating device for a hydrogen production system based on water seal regulation as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the gas inner tube is level with the 0 mark of the pressure scale on the vertical transparent outer tube.
9. A hydrogen production system, characterized in that, The device includes an electrolytic hydrogen production post-processing frame, on which at least two pressure regulating devices as described in any one of claims 1-8 are provided. The hydrogen outlet pipe of the electrolytic hydrogen production post-processing frame is connected to the gas external pipe of one of the pressure regulating devices, and the oxygen outlet pipe of the electrolytic hydrogen production post-processing frame is connected to the gas external pipe of the other pressure regulating device.
10. The hydrogen production system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The number of pressure regulating devices connected to the hydrogen outlet pipe and the oxygen outlet pipe is greater than or equal to 2. Multiple pressure regulating devices are connected in series to form a regulating module. The gas discharge valve and gas external pipe are connected between two adjacent pressure regulating devices.