Hydrogen production plant

Abstract

The application discloses a hydrogen production device, and relates to the technical field of hydrogen production.The hydrogen production device comprises an electrolytic cell, a gas-liquid separation device and a purification device connected in sequence, wherein the separation device comprises a first separation device and a first post-stage separation device; the hydrogen production device further comprises a heat exchange device, the heat exchange device has a first flow channel and a second flow channel arranged in a heat exchange mode, one end of the first flow channel is connected with a gas outlet of the first post-stage separation device, and the other end of the first flow channel is connected with a gas inlet of the purification device; one end of the second flow channel is connected with a gas outlet of the first separation device, and the other end of the second flow channel is connected with a gas inlet of the first post-stage separation device; or one end of the second flow channel is connected with a liquid backflow port of the first separation device, and the other end of the second flow channel is connected with a liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell. The technical problem of long heating time required by the purification device is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of hydrogen production technology, and in particular to a hydrogen production apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Green hydrogen is mainly produced through a water electrolysis hydrogen production device, which can include an electrolyzer, a gas-liquid separation device, and a purification device. The purification process of the purification device requires a certain temperature to be reached.

[0003] In related technologies, purification devices require a relatively long heating time when cold-started. The longer the heating time, the more energy is wasted, and the gas produced during the heating process is vented and wasted, resulting in gas waste. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main objective of this application is to propose a hydrogen production device that aims to solve the technical problem of long heating times required for purification devices.

[0005] On the one hand, a hydrogen production apparatus is provided, the hydrogen production apparatus comprising an electrolyzer, a gas-liquid separation device, and a purification device connected in sequence, wherein the gas-liquid separation device includes a first separation device and a first post-separation device;

[0006] The hydrogen production device further includes a heat exchange device, which has a first flow channel and a second flow channel arranged in a heat exchange configuration. One end of the first flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the first post-stage separation device, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the purification device.

[0007] One end of the second flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the first subsequent separation device;

[0008] Alternatively, one end of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid return port of the first separation device, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first separation device includes a hydrogen gas-liquid separator, and the first post-separation device is a hydrogen post-separation device.

[0010] The heat exchange device includes a first heat exchange device, one end of the second flow channel of the first heat exchange device is connected to the liquid return port of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first separation device includes a hydrogen gas-liquid separator, and the first post-separation device is a hydrogen post-separation device.

[0012] The heat exchange device includes a second heat exchange device, one end of the second flow channel of the second heat exchange device is connected to the gas outlet of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the hydrogen downstream separation device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first separation device includes an oxygen gas-liquid separator, and the first post-separation device is an oxygen post-separation device;

[0014] The heat exchange device includes a first heat exchange device, one end of the second flow channel of the first heat exchange device is connected to the liquid return port of the oxygen gas-liquid separator, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first separation device includes an oxygen gas-liquid separator, and the first post-separation device is an oxygen post-separation device;

[0016] The heat exchange device includes a second heat exchange device, one end of the second flow channel of the second heat exchange device is connected to the gas outlet of the oxygen gas-liquid separator, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the oxygen post-stage separation device.

[0017] In one embodiment, the heat exchange device includes a first heat exchange device and a second heat exchange device;

[0018] One end of the first flow channel of the first heat exchanger is connected to the gas outlet of the first downstream separation device, and the other end is connected to one end of the first flow channel of the second heat exchanger.

[0019] One end of the second flow channel of the first heat exchange device is connected to the liquid return port of the first separation device, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell;

[0020] The other end of the first flow channel of the second heat exchanger is connected to the gas inlet of the purification device, and one end of the second flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the first downstream separation device.

[0021] In one embodiment, the heat exchange device includes a first heat exchange device and a second heat exchange device;

[0022] One end of the first flow channel of the second heat exchanger is connected to the gas outlet of the first downstream separation device, and the other end is connected to one end of the first flow channel of the first heat exchanger.

[0023] One end of the second flow channel of the second heat exchanger is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the first downstream separation device;

[0024] The other end of the first flow channel of the first heat exchange device is connected to the gas inlet of the purification device, one end of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid reflux port of the first separation device, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell.

[0025] In one embodiment, the separation device further includes a second separation device and a second post-stage separation device, the heat exchange device includes a hydrogen-side heat exchange device and an oxygen-side heat exchange device, and the purification device includes a deoxygenator and a dehydrogenator;

[0026] One end of the first flow channel of the hydrogen-side heat exchanger is connected to the gas outlet of the first post-stage separation device, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the deoxygenator.

[0027] One end of the second flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the first downstream separation device; or, one end of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid return port of at least one of the first separation device and the second separation device, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell.

[0028] One end of the first flow channel of the oxygen-side heat exchanger is connected to the gas outlet of the second downstream separation device, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the dehydrogenator.

[0029] One end of the second flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the second separation device, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the second downstream separation device; or, one end of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid return port of at least one of the first separation device and the second separation device, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell.

[0030] In one embodiment, the hydrogen post-separation device includes a hydrogen heat exchanger and a hydrogen gas-liquid separator. The input end of the hydrogen heat exchanger is connected to the output end of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator, and the output end of the hydrogen heat exchanger is connected to the input end of the gas-liquid separator. The heat exchange device is used to connect to the output end of the gas-liquid separator.

[0031] In one embodiment, the hydrogen post-separation device further includes a scrubber, the input end of which is connected to the hydrogen gas-liquid separator, and the output end of which is connected to the input end of the hydrogen heat exchanger.

[0032] The above-described one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of this application have at least one of the following technical effects:

[0033] The heat exchange device has a first flow channel and a second flow channel arranged in a heat exchange configuration. One end of the first flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the first post-stage separation device and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the purification device, which is used to transfer the gas to be treated after gas-liquid separation to the purification device.

[0034] When one end of the second flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the first downstream separation device, the gas to be treated is heated using the higher-temperature separated gas received from the gas outlet of the first separation device; when one end of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid return port of the first separation device and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell, the gas to be treated is heated using the higher-temperature liquid received from the liquid return port of the first separation device.

[0035] The heat exchanger uses the high-temperature separated gas received from the first separation unit or the high-temperature electrolyte or other liquid received from the first separation unit as a heat source to heat the gas to be processed, thereby preheating the gas. The preheated gas is then transferred to the purification unit, which can shorten the heating time of the purification unit, reduce the power consumption of the purification unit, and effectively solve the problem of the long heating time required for the purification unit. It can also effectively recover and utilize the heat generated in the hydrogen production process, reduce energy waste, lower the energy consumption of the entire system, and improve energy utilization efficiency.

[0036] By reducing the heating time required for the purification process, not only can energy waste and gas venting waste caused by excessive heating time be further reduced, thus reducing costs, but hydrogen production efficiency can also be improved and production time reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 One of the schematic diagrams of a module of the hydrogen production apparatus provided in this application;

[0039] Figure 2 A second schematic diagram of a module of an embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus provided in this application;

[0040] Figure 3 One of the schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus provided in this application;

[0041] Figure 4 Another schematic diagram of a module for a hydrogen production apparatus provided in this application;

[0042] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus provided in this application;

[0043] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus provided in this application;

[0044] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus provided in this application;

[0045] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus provided in this application;

[0046] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a module in which a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger are connected in parallel, according to an embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus provided in this application;

[0047] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a module consisting of a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger connected in series, representing an embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus provided in this application;

[0048] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a module in which a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger are connected in series, representing another embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus provided in this application;

[0049] Figure 12 One of the schematic diagrams of a module for yet another embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus provided in this application;

[0050] Figure 13 A second schematic diagram of a module for yet another embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus provided in this application;

[0051] Figure 14 The third schematic diagram of a module for yet another embodiment of the hydrogen production apparatus provided in this application.

[0052] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0053] 100. Electrolytic cell;

[0054] 200. Gas-liquid separation device; 201. First separation device; 202. First post-separation device; 211. Hydrogen gas-liquid separator; 212. Hydrogen post-separation device; 2121. Hydrogen heat exchanger; 2122. Gas-liquid separator; 2123. Scrubber; 221. Oxygen gas-liquid separator; 222. Oxygen post-separation device; 2221. Oxygen gas phase treatment module;

[0055] 300. Purification unit; 310. Deoxygenator; 320. Dehydrogenator;

[0056] 400. Heat exchange device; 401. First heat exchange device; 402. Second heat exchange device; 410. Hydrogen-side heat exchange device; 420. Oxygen-side heat exchange device;

[0057] 510. Alkali heat exchanger; 520. First water treatment module; 530. Second water treatment module; 531. Temperature control device; 532. Ion exchange resin; 540. Circulation pump;

[0058] 600. Hydrogen Oxygen Analyzer;

[0059] 711. First pressure detection component; 712. First liquid level detection component; 721. Second pressure detection component; 722. Second liquid level detection component.

[0060] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0061] 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 a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0062] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0063] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0064] Under the global trend of carbon emission reduction, various renewable resources will be converted into green energy to replace traditional fossil fuels. Green hydrogen, as a green energy source converted from renewable resources, is in increasing demand. In related technologies, green hydrogen production mainly involves water electrolysis hydrogen production units, which may include electrolyzers, separation units, and purification units. The separation process in the separation unit may include gas phase treatment and electrolyte circulation, while the purification process in the purification unit may include at least one of deoxygenation, dehydrogenation, and drying. When the produced gas includes hydrogen, the process may include hydrogen production and hydrogen deoxygenation; when the produced gas includes oxygen, the process may include oxygen production and oxygen dehydrogenation.

[0065] Taking hydrogen production as an example, the deoxygenation process requires a catalyst to promote the reaction of oxygen with other substances (e.g., oxygen reacts with hydrogen to produce water). The catalyst participating in the deoxygenation reaction needs a certain temperature to function effectively. Therefore, the deoxygenator in the purification unit needs to be heated after the hydrogen separated from the separation unit arrives at the purification unit to ensure a stable and effective deoxygenation reaction. However, during cold start-up of the purification unit, the catalyst and the internal temperature of the deoxygenator are relatively low due to the initial start-up at ambient temperature. The deoxygenator requires a longer heating time, and the longer the heating time for hydrogen, the more energy is wasted. Because hydrogen that does not reach the required deoxygenation reaction temperature or the operating temperature of downstream devices is vented and wasted during the heating process, the longer the heating time, the more gas is wasted due to venting. The oxygen production process can be referred to in the relevant descriptions of hydrogen production and hydrogen deoxygenation, and will not be repeated here.

[0066] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, some embodiments of this application propose a hydrogen production device, which includes an electrolyzer 100, a gas-liquid separation device 200, and a purification device 300 connected in sequence. The gas-liquid separation device 200 includes a first separation device 201 and a first post-separation device 202. The electrolyzer 100 is used to convert electrical energy into chemical energy, decomposing water into crude hydrogen and crude oxygen through an electrochemical reaction. Because the electrolysis process releases heat, and the crude hydrogen and crude oxygen output from the electrolyzer 100 after the electrolysis reaction are mixed with electrolyte, the purity of the gas output from the electrolyzer 100 is relatively low and the temperature is relatively high, failing to meet the usage requirements. The first separation device 201 is used to separate the gas discharged from the electrolytic cell 100. It can use gravity sedimentation to separate the gas with relatively high purity and temperature, as well as the liquid with relatively high temperature (such as hot electrolyte). The hot electrolyte produced by separation can be returned to the electrolytic cell 100 by the circulation pump 540, which can realize the recycling of electrolyte and maintain the stability of the concentration and temperature of electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 100, thereby improving the electrolysis efficiency.

[0067] The hydrogen production unit also includes a heat exchanger 400, which has a first flow channel and a second flow channel arranged in a heat exchange configuration. The heat exchange configuration means that the first and second flow channels are separated from each other while still enabling energy transfer. The heat exchanger 400 can be a heat exchanger, and its configuration reduces the heating time during the purification reaction stage, further reducing energy waste and hydrogen venting waste caused by excessive heating time.

[0068] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, one end of the first flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the first post-stage separation device 202, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the purification device 300.

[0069] One end of the first flow channel of the heat exchanger 400 is connected to the gas outlet of the first post-stage separation device 202, and is used to receive the gas to be treated after gas-liquid separation and post-stage separation. The heat exchanger 400 uses the fluid in the second flow channel as a heat source to heat the gas to be treated flowing through the first flow channel, so as to raise the temperature of the gas to be treated to a suitable temperature, or even to the temperature required for the purification reaction (such as deoxygenation reaction or dehydrogenation reaction), and then transmits the heated gas to the purification device 300 through the outlet of the first flow channel, so as to accelerate the reaction rate, improve the purification efficiency, and reduce the power consumption of the purification device 300.

[0070] The heat exchange device 400 can use recovered hot electrolyte or other liquids as a heat source, or it can use high-temperature gas generated during the separation process as a heat source, without any limitation.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, one end of the second flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device 201, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the first downstream separation device 202.

[0072] One end of the second flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device 201, and is used to receive the high-temperature separated gas generated during separation. The gas to be processed is heated by the received high-temperature separated gas, thereby raising the temperature of the gas to be processed and achieving the purpose of preheating. The other end of the second flow channel is connected to the gas inlet of the first post-stage separation device 202, and is used to send the separated gas into the first post-stage separation device 202 after the heating treatment of the gas to be processed is completed, for subsequent gas-liquid separation processing.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, in another embodiment, one end of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid return port of the first separation device 201, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell 100.

[0074] One end of the second flow channel of the first separation device 201 is connected to the liquid return port of the first separation device 201, and is used to receive the high-temperature hot electrolyte generated during separation. The received hot electrolyte is used to heat the gas to be treated, raising the temperature of the gas to be treated to achieve the purpose of preheating. The other end of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell 100, and is used to send the electrolyte into the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell 100 after the heating treatment of the gas to be treated is completed, so as to recover the electrolyte.

[0075] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the heat exchanger 400 uses the high-temperature separated gas received from the first separation device 201 or the high-temperature electrolyte or other liquid received from the first separation device 201 as a heat source to heat the gas to be processed, achieving preheating of the gas. The preheated gas is then transferred to the purification device 300, which can shorten the heating time of the purification device 300, reduce the power consumption of the purification device 300, and effectively solve the problem of long heating time required for the purification device. It can also achieve effective recovery and utilization of heat generated in the hydrogen production process, reduce energy waste, lower the energy consumption of the entire system, and improve energy utilization efficiency. Since the higher the temperature of the gas input to the purification device 300, the shorter the heating time required for the purification reaction, by reducing the heating time of the purification reaction stage, energy waste and gas venting waste caused by excessive heating time can be further reduced, costs can be reduced, hydrogen production efficiency can be improved, and production time can be reduced.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, exemplarily, taking the heating of the gas to be treated using a liquid such as a thermal electrolyte as an example, the first separation device 201 can be a hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211, and one end of the second flow channel of the heat exchange device 400 can be connected to the liquid return port of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 to utilize the thermal electrolyte output from the gas-liquid separation of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211; or, the first separation device 201 can be an oxygen gas-liquid separator 221, and one end of the second flow channel of the heat exchange device 400 can be connected to the liquid return port of the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221 to utilize the thermal electrolyte output from the gas-liquid separation of the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221. Unlike directly disposing of the thermal electrolyte separated by the first separation device 201, or returning the separated thermal electrolyte to the electrolytic cell 100, using the thermal electrolyte generated by gas-liquid-gas separation to preheat the gas to be treated can reduce electrolyte pollution and achieve effective recovery and utilization of heat generated during hydrogen production, reducing energy waste. Because the separation process requires connection to a circulating water system, the circulating water system absorbs heat to achieve cooling, and the heat of the electrolyte is transferred to the gas to be treated through the heat exchange device 400 to achieve preheating. This removes some of the heat from the electrolyte and also reduces the energy consumption of the circulating water.

[0077] It should be noted that the electrolytic cell 100 can be a pure water electrolytic cell 100 without alkali solution, or an alkaline electrolytic cell 100 containing alkali solution. When the electrolytic cell 100 is a pure water electrolytic cell 100, the hot electrolyte and other hot fluids can come from at least the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221, etc. When the electrolytic cell 100 is an alkaline electrolytic cell 100, since the recovered hot electrolyte is relatively stable, the hot electrolyte and other hot fluids can come from the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221, hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211, etc. The specific configuration can be determined according to actual conditions and is not limited here.

[0078] In one embodiment, the heat exchange device 400 includes a first cavity (not shown) and a second cavity (not shown), which are independent of each other. The first cavity and the second cavity are used to input different media, and a first flow channel is disposed in the first cavity and a second flow channel is disposed in the second cavity. Specifically, it can be, but is not limited to, the first cavity being fitted outside the second cavity; or the second cavity being fitted outside the first cavity; or at least a portion of the sidewalls of the first cavity and the second cavity being in contact with each other; no limitation is imposed here.

[0079] The first chamber is used to contain the gas to be treated at a relatively low temperature, and the second chamber is used to contain the liquid (such as electrolyte) or the separated gas at a relatively high temperature. The first heat exchange device 401 has a first input terminal and a first output terminal communicating with the first chamber, and a second input terminal and a second output terminal communicating with the second chamber. The first input terminal is connected to the gas outlet of the first post-stage separation device 202, and the first output terminal is connected to the gas inlet of the purification device 300. The second input terminal is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device 201, and the second output terminal is connected to the gas inlet of the first post-stage separation device 202 (or, the second input terminal is connected to the liquid reflux port of the first separation device 201, and the second output terminal is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell 100). The device can be configured with one or more first input terminals, first output terminals, second input terminals, and second output terminals. When multiple first input terminals are provided, they can be configured separately. Taking the second input terminal for receiving thermal electrolyte as an example, the second input terminal is not limited to being connected to the liquid return port of the first separation device. When there are multiple second input terminals, they can receive thermal electrolyte from different sources. The specific configuration can be determined according to actual conditions and is not limited here.

[0080] The independent chamber design allows the gas to be processed and the higher-temperature liquid (or the separated gas) to flow within their respective chambers, achieving uniform heat transfer, improving heat exchange efficiency, and to some extent preventing the mixing of the gas to be processed with liquids such as the thermal electrolyte or the separated gas, which could affect the purity of hydrogen production or even cause safety issues. The first and second chambers can be interchanged, with the first chamber containing the relatively higher-temperature liquid or gas, and the second chamber containing the relatively lower-temperature gas to be processed; this is not limited in this respect.

[0081] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, it should be noted that, in addition to being directly connected to the purification device 300 to directly transmit the heated gas to the purification device 300 for subsequent purification, the first output end of the first flow channel can also be connected to other devices for receiving the gas to be processed (such as gas storage devices such as buffer tanks) to remove more waste heat from the hydrogen production device by preheating the gas to be processed and to expand the application scenarios of the prepared gas. Taking the heating treatment of the gas to be treated using a thermal electrolyte as an example, in addition to connecting the second flow channel to the liquid return port of the first separation device 201 via the first input end, a thermal electrolyte recovery device and an electrolyte heat exchanger (such as an alkaline heat exchanger 510) can also be installed. The heat recovery device can be connected to a circulating pump 540, a water treatment device, etc., to recover the thermal electrolyte generated by the first separation device 201, the thermal electrolyte generated after the electrolysis reaction in the electrolytic cell 100, or the heat from other thermal electrolytes generated during one or more separation processes and other liquids that generate heat during separation. The recovered thermal electrolyte or other high-temperature liquids are then used to heat the hydrogen gas to be purified. This achieves effective recovery and utilization of the heat generated during hydrogen production, reducing energy waste. The specific settings for receiving the thermal electrolyte and the flow direction of the heated gas can be determined according to actual conditions and are not limited here.

[0082] In addition, depending on the actual processing, gas storage and other application requirements, it is possible to set up multiple heat exchange devices 400 or set up multi-stage heat exchange processes to obtain gases at different temperatures to meet the different temperature requirements of the gases to be processed.

[0083] like Figure 3 As shown, taking hydrogen production as an example, in one embodiment, the first separation device 201 includes a hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211, and the first post-separation device 202 is a hydrogen post-separation device 212.

[0084] In some embodiments, the heat exchange device 400 includes a first heat exchange device 401. A hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 separates the crude hydrogen received from the electrolyzer 100 into gas and liquid components. The hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 utilizes gravity settling to separate liquid impurities (such as alkali, water, etc.) from the crude hydrogen, improving gas purity. A hydrogen post-separation device 212 further separates the separated hydrogen received from the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211. The purification device 300 includes a deoxygenator 310. One end of the first flow channel of the first heat exchange device 401 is connected to the gas outlet of the hydrogen post-separation device 212, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the deoxygenator 310.

[0085] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, one end of the second flow channel of the first heat exchange device 401 is connected to the liquid return port of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell 100.

[0086] The first chamber of the first heat exchanger is used to contain the gas to be treated at a relatively low temperature, and the second chamber is used to contain the liquid (such as electrolyte) at a relatively high temperature. The first heat exchanger 401 has a first input terminal A1 and a first output terminal A2 communicating with the first chamber, a second input terminal A3 and a second output terminal A4 communicating with the second chamber. The first input terminal A1 is connected to the gas outlet of the first downstream separation device 202, and the first output terminal A1 is connected to the gas inlet of the purification device 300. The second input terminal A3 is connected to the liquid reflux port of the first separation device 201, and the second output terminal A4 is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell 100.

[0087] The first heat exchanger 401 uses the hot electrolyte received from the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 to heat the hydrogen to be processed, preheating the hydrogen to be purified to a higher temperature. This shortens the heating time required by the deoxidizer 310 during cold start-up of the purification unit 300, thereby reducing wasted gas and energy required for heating, and also reducing the power of the electric heater in the deoxidizer 310, thus lowering investment costs.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, in another embodiment, the heat exchange device 400 includes a second heat exchange device 402. One end of the second flow channel of the second heat exchange device 402 is connected to the gas outlet of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the hydrogen downstream separation device 212.

[0089] like Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, the first chamber of the second heat exchanger is used to contain the gas to be treated at a relatively low temperature, and the second chamber is used to contain the gas (such as the separation gas) at a relatively high temperature. The second heat exchanger 402 has a first input terminal B1 and a first output terminal B2 communicating with the first chamber, a second input terminal B3 and a second output terminal B4 communicating with the second chamber. It is connected to the gas outlet of the first post-stage separation device 202 through the first input terminal B1 and to the gas inlet of the purification device 300 through the first output terminal B1; it is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device 201 through the second input terminal B3 and to the gas inlet of the first post-stage separation device 202 through the second output terminal B4.

[0090] The second heat exchanger 402 uses the separated hydrogen received from the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 to heat the hydrogen to be processed, preheating the hydrogen to be purified to a higher temperature. This shortens the heating time required for the deoxygenator 310 during cold start-up of the purification unit 300, reducing wasted gas and energy required for heating, and also reducing the power of the electric heater in the deoxygenator 310, thus lowering investment costs. The specific implementation of the second heat exchanger 402 can be referred to the aforementioned embodiment of the first heat exchanger 401, and is not limited thereto.

[0091] It should be noted that the hydrogen production unit may have only the first heat exchanger 401; only the second heat exchanger 402; or both the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402, and the hydrogen to be processed may be heated by at least one of the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402. When both the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402 are provided, they can be connected in parallel to increase the processing capacity of the hydrogen to be processed, effectively recover and utilize the heat generated during the hydrogen production process, reduce energy waste, reduce the energy consumption of the entire system, improve energy utilization efficiency, remove more electrolyte heat, reduce the energy consumption of circulating water, and meet the requirements of different applications such as actual processing and gas storage. The first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402 can be connected in series to fully heat the hydrogen to be processed, effectively utilize the waste heat of the hydrogen production unit, and effectively control the temperature of the hydrogen to be processed, so that the hydrogen to be processed can reach the required temperature. In addition, one or more of the first heat exchange device 401 and the second heat exchange device 402 can be provided. The hydrogen production device may also include a third heat exchange device, a fourth heat exchange device or other heat exchange devices to make full use of the waste heat of the hydrogen production device and meet the different temperature requirements of the gas to be processed. The specific details can be adjusted according to actual needs and are not limited here.

[0092] like Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments, the hydrogen post-separation device 212 may include one or more separation processing steps, and further separation processing steps may be implemented by one, two, three or other devices.

[0093] For example, the hydrogen post-stage separation device 212 includes a hydrogen heat exchanger 2121 and a hydrogen gas-liquid separator 2122. The hydrogen heat exchanger 2121 has an input end and an output end, and the gas-liquid separator 2122 has an input end and an output end. The input end of the hydrogen heat exchanger 2121 is connected to the output end of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211, and the output end of the hydrogen heat exchanger 2121 is connected to the input end of the gas-liquid separator 2122. The heat exchange device 400 is used to connect to the output end of the gas-liquid separator 2122.

[0094] Hydrogen heat exchanger 2121 is used to cool separated hydrogen. Hydrogen heat exchanger 2121 can be a shell-and-tube heat exchanger or other types of heat exchangers. Hydrogen heat exchanger 2121 can regulate the temperature of separated hydrogen after gas-liquid separation, such as lowering the temperature of separated hydrogen to meet the temperature requirements of subsequent processes or storage.

[0095] The gas-liquid separator 2122 is used to separate the cooled hydrogen gas into water and output the hydrogen gas to be processed. The gas-liquid separator 2122 can be a packed, baffle, or other type of gas-liquid separator 2122, used to further remove moisture and improve dryness. The gas after gas-liquid separation has high purity, but its temperature is relatively low. If it is directly sent to the deoxidizer 310 for deoxidation, the deoxidizer 310 may need to be heated for a long time. The hydrogen gas to be processed output from the gas-liquid separator 2122 can be directly sent to the deoxidizer 310, preheated, or stored in a buffer tank or other gas storage device; it can also be used to implement other process flows; these are not limited here.

[0096] When the electrolyte does not contain alkali, after gas-liquid separation by the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211, the separated gas can be further separated by the hydrogen heat exchanger 2121 and the gas-liquid separator 2122. When the electrolyte contains alkali, it is also necessary to pay attention to the possibility that alkali may be mixed in with the gas.

[0097] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the hydrogen post-separation device 212 further includes a scrubber 2123, the input end of which is connected to the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211, and the output end of which is connected to the input end of the hydrogen heat exchanger 2121.

[0098] The scrubber 2123 can further remove residual alkali and small amounts of moisture from the separated hydrogen, improving the purity and cleanliness of the hydrogen. When using the second heat exchange device 402 to heat the hydrogen to be processed by separating the hydrogen, the scrubber 2123 can be connected between the output end of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 and the input end of the second flow channel of the aforementioned second heat exchange device 402. The connection between the output end of the scrubber 2123 and the input end of the second flow channel of the second heat exchange device 402 is used to a certain extent to prevent impurities in the separated hydrogen after gas-liquid separation from causing blockage and corrosion to the first heat exchange device 401 and downstream devices, thus affecting the service life of the equipment.

[0099] The hydrogen production device also includes a first water treatment module 520. The input end of the first water treatment module 520 is connected to the output end of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211, and the output end of the first water treatment module 520 is connected to the electrolyzer 100. The first water treatment module 520 is used to process the hot electrolyte recovered from the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211. The processing can include any one or more processes such as filtration and cooling. Filtration can remove impurities from the recovered electrolyte, improving its purity; cooling can regulate the electrolyte temperature, reducing the impact of excessively high electrolyte temperature on the normal operation of the electrolyzer 100.

[0100] Taking oxygen production as an example, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the first separation device 201 includes an oxygen gas-liquid separator 221, and the first post-separation device 202 is an oxygen post-separation device 222. The heat exchange device 400 includes the first heat exchange device 401. The first separation device 201 may include the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221, an oxygen gas phase processing module 2221, etc. The first separation device 201 performs gas-liquid separation on the crude oxygen received from the electrolytic cell 100. The oxygen gas-liquid separator 221 can use gravity sedimentation to separate liquid impurities (such as alkali solution, water, etc.) from the crude oxygen, thereby improving the purity of the gas. The oxygen post-separation device 222 is used to further separate the separated oxygen received from the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221. The purification device 300 includes a dehydrogenator 320. One end of the first flow channel of the first heat exchange device 401 is connected to the gas outlet of the oxygen post-separation device 222, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the dehydrogenator 320.

[0101] One end of the second flow channel of the first heat exchange device 401 is connected to the liquid return port of the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell 100.

[0102] The first heat exchange device 401 uses the hot electrolyte received from the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221 to heat the oxygen to be processed, which can preheat the oxygen to be purified to a higher temperature in advance. The specific implementation scheme of the first heat exchange device 401 for heating the oxygen to be processed during oxygen production can be referred to the aforementioned embodiment of the first heat exchange device 401 during hydrogen production, and will not be repeated here.

[0103] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the hydrogen production unit also includes a second water treatment module 530, the input of which is connected to the output of the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221. The second water treatment module 530 may include, but is not limited to, a temperature regulation device 531 for cooling, such as a pure water heat exchanger, and a filter 532 for filtration, such as an ion exchange resin. The pure water heat exchanger can cool the hot electrolyte recovered from the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221, regulating the temperature of the recovered electrolyte and reducing the impact of excessively high electrolyte temperature on the normal operation of the electrolyzer 100. The ion exchange resin 532 can remove impurity ions from the recovered electrolyte, improving its purity.

[0104] The treatment process and the devices used in the second water treatment module 530 may be the same as or different from those in the first water treatment module 520. The second water treatment module 530 and the first water treatment module 520 can be used in combination or separately. The electrolyte treated by the second water treatment module 530 and the first water treatment module 520 can be recycled back into the electrolytic cell 100, reducing electrolyte replenishment and lowering production costs. Simultaneously, by treating impurities in the recycled electrolyte and adjusting its temperature, the stability of the electrolytic cell 100 can be optimized, and the equipment's service life extended.

[0105] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the first separation device 201 includes an oxygen gas-liquid separator 221, and the first post-separation device 202 is an oxygen post-separation device 222. The heat exchange device 400 includes a second heat exchange device 402, one end of the second flow channel of the second heat exchange device 402 is connected to the gas outlet of the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the oxygen post-separation device 222.

[0106] One end of the second flow channel of the second heat exchange device 402 is connected to the gas outlet of the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the oxygen post-separation device 222. The separated oxygen received from the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221 is used to heat the oxygen to be processed.

[0107] The specific implementation scheme for heating the oxygen to be processed by the second heat exchange device 402 during oxygen production can be referred to the aforementioned embodiment of the second heat exchange device 402 during hydrogen production, and will not be repeated here.

[0108] The hydrogen production unit may have only a first heat exchanger 401; only a second heat exchanger 402; or both a first heat exchanger 401 and a second heat exchanger 402, and heat the oxygen to be processed through at least one of the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402. When both the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402 are provided, they can be connected in parallel or in series. Furthermore, one or more of the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402 can be provided. The hydrogen production unit may also include a third heat exchanger, a fourth heat exchanger, or other heat exchangers to fully utilize the waste heat of the hydrogen production unit and meet the different temperature requirements of the gas to be processed; specific adjustments can be made according to actual needs and are not limited here.

[0109] The relevant embodiments for oxygen production can be referred to the descriptions of the relevant embodiments for hydrogen production mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0110] The crude hydrogen (or crude oxygen) produced by the electrolytic cell 100 is sequentially processed by the gas-liquid separation of the first separation device 201 and the second separation of the first post-stage separation device to obtain hydrogen (or oxygen) with higher purity and relatively lower temperature.

[0111] Taking a hydrogen production unit that simultaneously has a first heat exchanger 401 and a second heat exchanger 402, with the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402 connected in parallel as an example:

[0112] like Figure 9 As shown, when the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402 are connected in parallel, the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402 are set independently of each other. The first heat exchanger 401 can use the hot electrolyte received from the first separation device 201, such as the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 and the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221, to heat the gas to be treated; or the second heat exchanger 402 can use the separated gas received from the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221 to heat the gas to be treated.

[0113] By independently processing the gas to be processed through the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402 set in parallel, the processing capacity of the gas to be processed can be increased, the heat generated in the hydrogen production process can be effectively recovered and utilized, energy waste can be reduced, the energy consumption of the entire system can be reduced, and the energy utilization efficiency can be improved. It can also be used to remove more electrolyte heat, reduce the energy consumption of circulating water, and meet the different application requirements such as actual processing and gas storage.

[0114] The heat exchange device 400 includes a first heat exchange device 401 and a second heat exchange device 402. Taking the first heat exchange device 401 and the second heat exchange device 402 connected in series as an example:

[0115] like Figure 10 As shown, in one embodiment, one end of the first flow channel of the first heat exchange device 401 is connected to the gas outlet of the first downstream separation device 202, and the other end is connected to one end of the first flow channel of the second heat exchange device 402.

[0116] One end of the second flow channel of the first heat exchange device 401 is connected to the liquid reflux port of the first separation device 201, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell 100; the other end of the first flow channel of the second heat exchange device 402 is connected to the gas inlet of the purification device 300, one end of the second flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device 201, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the first downstream separation device 202.

[0117] When the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402 are connected in series, the first heat exchanger 401 can use the liquid such as the hot electrolyte received from the first separation device 201, such as the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 and the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221, to heat the gas to be treated for the first time; then the second heat exchanger 402 uses the separated gas received from the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 (or the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221) to heat the gas to be treated for the second time.

[0118] When the temperature of the liquid such as the hot electrolyte received by the first heat exchanger 401 is higher than the temperature of the separated gas received from the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 (or the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221), the gas is heated once by the first heat exchanger 401 and then heated a second time by the second heat exchanger 402. This can better control the temperature of the gas to be treated delivered to the purification device 300, and to a certain extent avoid the temperature of the gas to be treated from being too high and exceeding the optimal operating temperature range of the catalyst in the purification device 300, so as to achieve more precise temperature control of the gas to be treated.

[0119] When the temperature of the separated gas received by the second heat exchange device 402 from the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 (or the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221) is higher than the temperature of the liquid such as the hot electrolyte received by the first heat exchange device 401, the gas to be treated is initially heated by the first heat exchange device 401, and then supplemented by a second heating process by the second heat exchange device 402. This allows for stepwise heating of the gas to be treated, resulting in a gradual increase in temperature and a more uniform overall temperature.

[0120] like Figure 11As shown, in another embodiment, one end of the first flow channel of the second heat exchange device 402 is connected to the gas outlet of the first downstream separation device 202, and the other end is connected to one end of the first flow channel of the first heat exchange device 401.

[0121] One end of the second flow channel of the second heat exchange device 402 is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device 201, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the first downstream separation device 202; the other end of the first flow channel of the first heat exchange device 401 is connected to the gas inlet of the purification device 300, one end of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid reflux port of the first separation device 201, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell 100.

[0122] When the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402 are connected in series, the second heat exchanger 402 uses the separated gas received from the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221 to perform a first heating treatment on the gas to be treated; then the first heat exchanger 401 uses the hot electrolyte received from the first separation device 201, such as the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 and the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221, to perform a second heating treatment on the gas to be treated.

[0123] The specific implementation of this embodiment can refer to the aforementioned embodiment in which a first heating treatment is performed by the first heat exchange device 401 and a second heating treatment is performed by the second heat exchange device 402. It will not be described in detail here.

[0124] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, in one embodiment, the separation device further includes a second separation device and a second post-separation device, the heat exchange device 400 includes a hydrogen-side heat exchange device 410 and an oxygen-side heat exchange device 420, and the purification device 300 includes a deoxygenator 310 and a dehydrogenator 320.

[0125] The first separation device 201 includes a hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211, and the first post-separation device 202 is a hydrogen post-separation device 212; the second separation device includes an oxygen gas-liquid separator 221, and the second post-separation device is an oxygen post-separation device 222.

[0126] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, one end of the first flow channel of the hydrogen-side heat exchanger 410 is connected to the gas outlet of the first post-stage separation device 202, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the deoxidizer 310. One end of the second flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device 201, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the first post-stage separation device 202; or, one end of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid reflux port of at least one of the first separation device 201 and the second separation device, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolyzer 100.

[0127] The hydrogen-side heat exchanger 410 is used to heat the hydrogen gas to be processed output from the hydrogen downstream separation unit 212. The hydrogen-side heat exchanger 410 may include the aforementioned first heat exchanger 401; or the aforementioned second heat exchanger 402; or it may include both the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402, and heat the hydrogen gas to be processed by at least one of the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402. When both the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402 are provided, they can be connected in parallel or in series. Furthermore, one or more of the first heat exchanger 401 and the second heat exchanger 402 can be provided. The hydrogen production unit may also include a third heat exchanger, a fourth heat exchanger, or other heat exchangers to fully utilize the waste heat of the hydrogen production unit and meet the different temperature requirements of the gas to be processed; specific adjustments can be made according to actual needs and are not limited here.

[0128] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, one end of the first flow channel of the oxygen-side heat exchanger 420 is connected to the gas outlet of the second downstream separation device, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the dehydrogenator 320. One end of the second flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the second separation device, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the second downstream separation device; or, one end of the second flow channel is connected to at least one of the first separation device 201 and the second separation device, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolyzer 100.

[0129] The oxygen-side heat exchanger 420 is used to heat the oxygen to be processed output from the oxygen post-separation unit 222. The relevant embodiments of the oxygen-side heat exchanger 420 can be referred to the aforementioned hydrogen-side heat exchanger 410, and will not be described in detail again.

[0130] It should be noted that when the hydrogen-side heat exchanger 410 includes the aforementioned second heat exchanger 402, the second heat exchanger 402 is used to separate hydrogen and heat the hydrogen to be treated; when the oxygen-side heat exchanger 420 includes the aforementioned second heat exchanger 402, the second heat exchanger 402 is used to separate oxygen and heat the oxygen to be treated; this is used to a certain extent to avoid the problem of gas mixing when the gas to be treated is heated by hot gas (separated gas), thereby improving the purity of the prepared gas and further reducing energy waste, reducing system energy consumption, and improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0131] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14As shown, it should be noted that the hydrogen-side heat exchanger 410 and the oxygen-side heat exchanger 420 can both heat the gas to be treated using high-temperature gas; they can both heat the gas to be treated using high-temperature liquids such as hot alkali solutions; or one of the hydrogen-side heat exchanger 410 and the oxygen-side heat exchanger 420 can heat the gas to be treated using separated gas, while the other can heat the gas to be treated using high-temperature liquids such as hot alkali solutions; or each of the hydrogen-side heat exchanger 410 and the oxygen-side heat exchanger 420 can include one or more heat exchangers, each of which can heat the gas to be treated using high-temperature gas or high-temperature liquids such as hot alkali solutions; no limitation is imposed here.

[0132] In one embodiment, the gas-liquid separation device 200 has a first gas outlet and a second gas outlet at its output end. The first gas outlet is used to output the gas to be processed, and the second gas outlet is used to vent the gas.

[0133] The following embodiments mainly use the hydrogen side as an example for illustration. The relevant embodiments on the oxygen side can be referred to accordingly and will not be repeated. The output end of the hydrogen post-separation device 212 of the gas-liquid separation device 200 has a first gas outlet and a second gas outlet. The first gas outlet is used to output the hydrogen to be processed; the second gas outlet is used for venting. By venting through the second gas outlet, the purity of the hydrogen can be controlled, and hydrogen that does not meet the purity requirements can be released, which can reduce the interference of impurities on downstream devices to a certain extent.

[0134] The hydrogen production device also includes a first electronic control component, which is used to detect the purity of the gas output from the hydrogen downstream separation unit 212 and to control the opening of the first gas outlet and the closing of the second gas outlet; or, to control the closing of the first gas outlet and the opening of the second gas outlet.

[0135] The first electronic control component may include, but is not limited to, a gas detection component, a comparison circuit, a control circuit, and a power supply circuit. It is used to detect the purity of the gas output from the hydrogen post-separation device 212 and control the on / off states of the first and second gas outlets. For example, the gas detection component can detect the purity of the gas output from the hydrogen post-separation device 212. The gas detection component may include a gas analyzer such as a hydrogen-oxygen analyzer 600 or other purity detection devices. The gas detection component is used to detect the purity of the gas output from the hydrogen post-separation device 212. The first input terminal of the comparison circuit is electrically connected to the gas detection component, and the second input terminal of the comparison circuit is used to input a reference purity (e.g., not less than 99.9%). The comparison circuit is used to compare the gas purity detected by the gas detection component with the reference purity and output the comparison result (e.g., if the gas purity is not less than the reference purity, the gas purity is determined to be qualified; if the gas purity is less than the reference purity, the gas purity is determined to be unqualified). The control circuit is connected to the comparison circuit and is used to control the on / off states of the first and second gas outlets according to the comparison result. The comparison circuit and control circuit can be integrated into control devices such as microprocessors and microcontrollers. By setting up the first electronic control component, the on / off state of the first and second air outlets can be automatically controlled, reducing reliance on manual operation and improving operational reliability and stability.

[0136] The number of first gas outlets can be one or more. When there is only one first gas outlet, a control valve can be configured for each outlet. The first gas outlet is used to connect to a gas storage device such as a buffer tank or to connect directly to the deoxygenator 310. When there are multiple first gas outlets, a control valve can be configured for each outlet. Some of the multiple first gas outlets are used to connect to a gas storage device such as a buffer tank, while others are used to connect directly to the purification device 300 (such as the deoxygenator 310, dehydrogenator 320, etc.). When a control valve is configured for each outlet, the control circuit is connected to the purification device 300 to receive the start signal transmitted by the purification device 300. Based on the received start signal, the circuit controls the first gas outlet connected to the gas storage device such as the buffer tank to close, and controls the second gas outlet connected to the purification device 300 to open. Specific configurations can be made according to actual conditions and are not limited here.

[0137] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, when a portion of the plurality of first gas outlets is used to connect to a gas storage device such as a buffer tank, a first control valve K1 can be provided for that portion; when another portion of the plurality of first gas outlets is used to connect directly to the purification device 300, a second control valve K2 can be provided for that portion; and a third control valve K3 can be provided for the second gas outlet.

[0138] Based on the detection results of the hydrogen oxygen analyzer 600 and other gas detection components, when the purity of the gas output from the hydrogen post-separation device 212 is unqualified, the third control valve K3 is opened, and the first control valve K1 and the second control valve K2 are closed, and the hydrogen to be processed is released. When the gas purity is qualified, there are two situations: First, purification is not running (e.g., no start signal is received from the purification device 300) and the hydrogen to be processed needs to be stored. In this case, the first control valve K1 on the hydrogen side is opened, and the third control valve K3 and the second control valve K2 on the hydrogen side are closed. The hydrogen to be processed is transferred to a storage device such as a buffer tank for storage. Second, purification is running (e.g., purification is determined to be running based on the start signal received from the purification device 300). In this case, the second control valve K2 on the hydrogen side is opened, and the first control valve K1 and the third control valve K3 on the hydrogen side are closed. The hydrogen to be processed enters the heat exchange device 400 (e.g., the first heat exchange device 401 and the second heat exchange device 402) and is heated in the heat exchange device 400 by a hot fluid (e.g., the first hot fluid and the second hot fluid).

[0139] Alternatively, the second control valve K2 can be opened, allowing the hydrogen to be processed to enter the first heat exchanger 401. The hydrogen is then heated by exchanging heat with the hot alkaline solution or other hot electrolyte received from the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221 and / or the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211, as well as other heat recovery devices for recovering the hot electrolyte. Alternatively, the second control valve K2 can be opened, allowing the hydrogen to be processed to enter the second heat exchanger 402. The separated hydrogen received from the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 is then used to heat the hydrogen. Another option is to open the second control valve K2, allowing the hydrogen to be processed to be heated by exchanging heat with the first heat exchanger 401, the second heat exchanger 402, and other heat exchangers 400 respectively. The specific configuration can be adjusted according to actual conditions and is not limited here.

[0140] The heated hydrogen gas is then sent to purification for further processing. The deoxygenation reaction during purification requires a temperature higher than the temperature of the hydrogen gas at the outlet of the separation unit. This preheating reduces the temperature difference required for the hydrogen gas to be heated in the purification unit 300 (e.g., deoxygenator 310), thus reducing heating time and energy consumption. A smaller temperature difference also reduces the power of the deoxygenation heater, lowering equipment investment costs. This process also removes some of the heat from the high-temperature hydrogen, reducing the energy consumption of the circulating water system. If the downstream storage temperature of the hydrogen is not critical, it can be transferred to a buffer tank for storage after preheating and heat exchange. This allows the hydrogen gas to remove even more heat from the high-temperature hydrogen, further reducing the energy consumption of the circulating water system.

[0141] like Figure 7 , Figure 8As shown, in some embodiments, the output end of the hydrogen post-stage separation device 212 is equipped with a flow valve Q. By adjusting the opening of the flow valve Q, the gas flow rate output by the hydrogen production device can be controlled, and the flow rates of the aforementioned first and second gas outlets can be further controlled.

[0142] The hydrogen post-separation unit 212 can also control the gas flow rate output by the hydrogen production unit based on the first internal pressure and first internal liquid level of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211, and the second internal pressure and second internal liquid level of the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221.

[0143] As an example, the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 is provided with a first pressure detection component 711 and a first liquid level detection component 712. The first pressure detection component 711 is connected to the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 and is used to detect the first internal pressure of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211. The first liquid level detection component 712 is connected to the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211 and is used to detect the first internal liquid level of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 211.

[0144] The oxygen gas-liquid separator 221 is provided with a second pressure detection component 721 and a second liquid level detection component 722. The second pressure detection component 721 is connected to the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221 and is used to detect the second internal pressure of the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221. The second liquid level detection component 722 is connected to the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221 and is used to detect the first internal liquid level of the oxygen gas-liquid separator 221.

[0145] The hydrogen production device also includes a second electrical control component, which is electrically connected to the flow valve Q, the first pressure detection component 711, the first liquid level detection component 712, the second pressure detection component 721, and the second liquid level detection component 722, respectively, and is used to control the operation of the flow valve Q according to the first internal pressure, the first internal liquid level, the second internal pressure, and the second internal liquid level.

[0146] The first pressure detection component 711 and the second pressure detection component 721 can be implemented using pressure gauges (such as pressure transmitters); the first liquid level detection component 712 and the second liquid level detection component 722 can be implemented using any one of differential pressure liquid level gauges, radar liquid level gauges, ultrasonic liquid level gauges, and capacitive liquid level gauges.

[0147] The second electronic control component may include a microprocessor, a single-chip microcomputer, etc. This component receives detection signals such as the first internal pressure transmitted by the first pressure detection component 711, the first internal liquid level transmitted by the first liquid level detection component 712, the second internal pressure transmitted by the second pressure detection component 721, and the second internal liquid level transmitted by the second liquid level detection component 722. Based on these received signals, the second electronic control component controls the opening of the flow valve Q to automatically control the gas flow rate output from the hydrogen production unit. By controlling the liquid level and pressure balance, hydrogen can be prevented from mixing into the oxygen side or vice versa, reducing safety hazards and ensuring stable and safe system operation. A stable liquid level allows for efficient electrolysis and improves gas purity. The detected first internal liquid level (or level difference) and second internal liquid level (or level difference) can also be used to determine if blockages have occurred, reducing their impact on the hydrogen production process. Pressure detection can also prevent overpressure or abnormal pressure changes from causing safety issues. Maintaining the electrolysis process at a certain pressure by controlling the pressure also improves hydrogen production efficiency.

[0148] The second electronic control component can be set up separately or integrated with the aforementioned first electronic control component, and the first air outlet, the second air outlet, and the flow valve can be controlled by the same control device.

[0149] It should be noted that, in addition to controlling the flow valve to work based on the aforementioned first internal pressure, first internal liquid level, second internal pressure, and second internal liquid level simultaneously, the flow valve can also be controlled based on any one or a combination of these factors. The specific settings can be adjusted according to actual conditions and are not limited here.

[0150] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A hydrogen production apparatus, characterized in that, The hydrogen production device includes an electrolyzer (100), a gas-liquid separation device (200), and a purification device (300) connected in sequence. The gas-liquid separation device (200) includes a first separation device (201) and a first post-separation device (202). The hydrogen production device also includes a heat exchange device (400), which has a first flow channel and a second flow channel arranged for heat exchange. One end of the first flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the first post-stage separation device (202), and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the purification device (300). One end of the second flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device (201), and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the first downstream separation device (202); Alternatively, one end of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid return port of the first separation device (201), and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell (100).

2. The hydrogen production apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first separation device (201) includes a hydrogen gas-liquid separator (211), and the first post-separation device (202) is a hydrogen post-separation device (212). The heat exchange device (400) includes a first heat exchange device (401), one end of the second flow channel of the first heat exchange device (401) is connected to the liquid return port of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator (211), and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell (100).

3. The hydrogen production apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first separation device (201) includes a hydrogen gas-liquid separator (211), and the first post-separation device (202) is a hydrogen post-separation device (212). The heat exchange device (400) includes a second heat exchange device (402), one end of the second flow channel of the second heat exchange device (402) is connected to the gas outlet of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator (211), and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the hydrogen downstream separation device (212).

4. The hydrogen production apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first separation device (201) includes an oxygen gas-liquid separator (221), and the first post-separation device (202) is an oxygen post-separation device (222); The heat exchange device (400) includes a first heat exchange device (401), one end of the second flow channel of the first heat exchange device (401) is connected to the liquid return port of the oxygen gas-liquid separator (221), and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell (100).

5. The hydrogen production apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first separation device (201) includes an oxygen gas-liquid separator (221), and the first post-separation device (202) is an oxygen post-separation device (222); The heat exchange device (400) includes a second heat exchange device (402), one end of the second flow channel of the second heat exchange device (402) is connected to the gas outlet of the oxygen gas-liquid separator (221), and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the oxygen post-stage separator (222).

6. The hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The heat exchange device (400) includes a first heat exchange device (401) and a second heat exchange device (402); One end of the first flow channel of the first heat exchange device (401) is connected to the gas outlet of the first downstream separation device (202), and the other end is connected to one end of the first flow channel of the second heat exchange device (402). One end of the second flow channel of the first heat exchange device (401) is connected to the liquid return port of the first separation device (201), and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell (100); The other end of the first flow channel of the second heat exchange device (402) is connected to the gas inlet of the purification device (300), and one end of the second flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device (201), and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the first downstream separation device (202).

7. The hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The heat exchange device (400) includes a first heat exchange device (401) and a second heat exchange device (402); One end of the first flow channel of the second heat exchange device (402) is connected to the gas outlet of the first downstream separation device (202), and the other end is connected to one end of the first flow channel of the first heat exchange device (401). One end of the second flow channel of the second heat exchange device (402) is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device (201), and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the first downstream separation device (202); The other end of the first flow channel of the first heat exchange device (401) is connected to the gas inlet of the purification device (300), one end of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid reflux port of the first separation device (201), and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell (100).

8. The hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The separation device further includes a second separation device and a second post-separation device. The heat exchange device (400) includes a hydrogen-side heat exchange device (410) and an oxygen-side heat exchange device (420). The purification device (300) includes a deoxygenator (310) and a dehydrogenator (320). One end of the first flow channel of the hydrogen-side heat exchanger (410) is connected to the gas outlet of the first downstream separation device (202), and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the deoxidizer (310). One end of the second flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation device (201), and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the first downstream separation device (202); or, one end of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid return port of at least one of the first separation device (201) and the second separation device, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell (100). One end of the first flow channel of the oxygen-side heat exchanger (420) is connected to the gas outlet of the second downstream separation device, and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the dehydrogenator (320). One end of the second flow channel is connected to the gas outlet of the second separation device and the other end is connected to the gas inlet of the second downstream separation device; or, one end of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid return port of at least one of the first separation device (201) and the second separation device, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell (100).

9. The hydrogen production apparatus as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The hydrogen post-separation device (212) includes a hydrogen heat exchanger (2121) and a hydrogen gas-liquid separator (2122). The input end of the hydrogen heat exchanger (2121) is connected to the output end of the hydrogen gas-liquid separator (211), and the output end of the hydrogen heat exchanger (2121) is connected to the input end of the gas-liquid separator (2122). The heat exchange device (400) is used to connect to the output end of the gas-liquid separator (2122).

10. The hydrogen production apparatus as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The hydrogen post-separation device (212) further includes a scrubber (2123), the input end of which is connected to the hydrogen gas-liquid separator (211), and the output end of which is connected to the input end of the hydrogen heat exchanger (2121).

Images