A system for coupling hydrogen production from photovoltaic solid waste and methanol production from CO2 recovery
By coupling photovoltaic solid waste to produce hydrogen with CO2 recovery to produce methanol, the system solves the problem of waste liquid treatment in hydrogen production from silicon powder waste, realizes efficient utilization of silicon waste, reduces costs and synthesizes green methanol, and promotes resource recycling and environmental protection.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUONENG YUEDIAN TAISHAN POWER GENERATION CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
The production of hydrogen from silicon powder waste in photovoltaic materials faces challenges such as difficult and costly waste liquid treatment, making it difficult to fully realize the advantages of silicon-based water electrolysis hydrogen production.
Design a system for coupling hydrogen production from photovoltaic solid waste and methanol production from CO2 recovery, including a photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device, a CO2 recovery device and a SiO2 recovery device. Hydrogen is generated by reacting silicon powder waste with alkaline solution, and then coupled with recovered CO2 to produce methanol. SiO2 is recovered by reacting CO2 with silicon-rich waste liquid.
This has enabled the efficient utilization of silicon waste, reduced hydrogen production costs, decreased waste disposal expenses, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The synthesized green methanol has broadened its application scope and improved both economic and environmental benefits.
Smart Images
Figure CN224442948U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of photovoltaic solid waste resource utilization technology, and in particular to a system that couples photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production with CO2 recovery methanol production. Background Technology
[0002] In 2024, with the continuous increase in cumulative installed photovoltaic capacity, my country became a major global producer of crystalline silicon. The production of photovoltaic materials generates a large amount of silicon powder waste, which can be reused through purification and remelting or used as raw material to manufacture building materials, achieving diversified resource utilization. However, these utilization methods suffer from high energy consumption and complex processes, resulting in less than ideal overall economic benefits.
[0003] Hydrogen energy is an ideal medium for promoting the clean and efficient use of fossil energy and supporting the large-scale development of renewable energy, and it is also an important tool for achieving the goals of "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality". Silicon powder waste from photovoltaic material production can be reacted with alkaline solutions to generate hydrogen. Silicon-based water electrolysis hydrogen production has the advantages of low cost and simple production process, and can serve as a stable, efficient, and low-cost hydrogen source. However, using only silicon powder waste for hydrogen production still faces problems such as difficult and costly waste liquid treatment, making it difficult to fully realize the advantages of silicon-based water electrolysis hydrogen production. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a system that couples hydrogen production from photovoltaic solid waste with methanol production from CO2 recovery. This system can solve the problems of difficult and costly waste liquid treatment in hydrogen production from silicon powder waste in photovoltaic material production.
[0005] This utility model provides a system for coupling photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production and CO2 recovery methanol production, including a photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device and a CO2 recovery device. The hydrogen outlet of the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device is connected to a methanol synthesis device through a pipeline, the silicon-rich waste liquid outlet of the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device is connected to the inlet of the SiO2 recovery device through a pipeline, and the CO2 outlet of the CO2 recovery device is connected to the methanol synthesis device and the SiO2 recovery device through pipelines respectively.
[0006] Furthermore, the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device is equipped with a silicon powder waste inlet.
[0007] Furthermore, the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device is equipped with an alkaline inlet, which is connected to a sodium hydroxide solution storage tank via a pipeline.
[0008] Furthermore, the SiO2 recovery device includes a reaction vessel, which is equipped with a CO2 inlet, a liquid inlet, and a product outlet.
[0009] Furthermore, the product outlet of the reactor is connected to a solid-liquid separation device.
[0010] Furthermore, a drying device is connected to the outlet of the solid-liquid separation device.
[0011] Furthermore, a first valve and a first gas delivery pump are provided on the pipeline connected to the CO2 outlet of the CO2 recovery device.
[0012] Furthermore, a second valve and a second gas delivery pump are provided on the pipeline connecting the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device and the methanol synthesis device.
[0013] Furthermore, a third valve and a liquid transfer pump are respectively installed on the pipeline connecting the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device and the SiO2 recovery device.
[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a control unit, which is connected to the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device, the CO2 recovery device, the methanol synthesis device, and the SiO2 recovery device.
[0015] In summary, this utility model has the following advantages:
[0016] I. This utility model utilizes silicon waste generated during photovoltaic material production to produce hydrogen, making full use of silicon waste and improving economic efficiency. By using silicon powder waste for hydrogen production, it achieves efficient utilization of waste resources, transforming previously useless or even harmful waste into high-value-added hydrogen. This not only solves the problem of high-value utilization of silicon waste but also opens up new energy production pathways. From an economic perspective, it significantly reduces the raw material costs of hydrogen production and minimizes additional expenses incurred due to waste disposal, thereby significantly improving the economic efficiency of the entire production process. This brings new profit growth points to enterprises and related industries, promoting a resource recycling and sustainable development economic model.
[0017] II. Coupling with CO2 Recovery: Enhancing Environmental Protection and Reducing the Greenhouse Effect. CO2 is one of the main greenhouse gases contributing to the greenhouse effect, and its increasing emissions pose a serious threat to the global climate. This invention couples the silicon powder hydrogen production process with carbon dioxide recovery, achieving effective capture and utilization of carbon dioxide. The hydrogen produced during hydrogen production reacts with the recovered carbon dioxide to generate methanol. This process not only reduces carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere but also converts it into valuable chemical products. This resource-based utilization of carbon dioxide reduces greenhouse gas emissions at the source, helps alleviate global warming, and is of great significance for environmental protection. Simultaneously, this coupling process aligns with the current societal requirements for green and low-carbon development, providing strong technical support for achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.
[0018] III. Synthetic Green Methanol Expands Downstream Applications. Methanol is an important chemical raw material, widely used in fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and many other fields. Methanol synthesized through a coupling technology of silicon powder hydrogen production and carbon dioxide recovery can be called "green methanol" due to its green and environmentally friendly production process. Compared with traditional methanol production methods, the production process of green methanol does not rely on fossil fuels, reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources and exhibiting lower carbon emissions and more environmentally friendly production attributes. The emergence of this green methanol has brought new opportunities for the downstream applications of methanol. In the fuel sector, green methanol can be used as a clean fuel or fuel additive in vehicles such as automobiles and ships, helping to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector; in the chemical sector, green methanol can be used to produce various chemicals, such as formaldehyde and acetic acid, promoting the green and sustainable development of the chemical industry; in the pharmaceutical sector, green methanol can also be used as a raw material to produce some pharmaceutical intermediates. Therefore, the synthesis of green methanol not only broadens the downstream application range of methanol but also provides new impetus and options for the green development of related industries.
[0019] IV. This utility model fully utilizes the SiO2 precipitated from CO2 recovery to improve economic efficiency. Carbon dioxide recovery is not only used for methanol synthesis, but can also react with silicon-rich wastewater after hydrogen production to recover silicon dioxide through precipitation. Silicon dioxide is an important inorganic material with wide industrial applications, such as glass manufacturing, ceramic production, and the electronics industry. Through this recovery method, silicon elements in silicon-rich wastewater that might otherwise be discarded are efficiently recovered and utilized, transforming into high-value-added silicon dioxide products. This process not only reduces waste emissions and environmental pressure but also creates additional economic benefits for enterprises. From a cost perspective, producing silicon dioxide through precipitation recovery has lower energy consumption and a simpler process compared to traditional silicon dioxide production processes, thereby further reducing production costs. This deep utilization and recycling of resources achieves a win-win situation for both economic and environmental benefits, providing a vivid practical example for comprehensive resource utilization and sustainable development. Attached Figure Description
[0020] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0021] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the system in an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1- Photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production unit; 2- CO2 recovery unit; 3- Methanol synthesis unit; 4- SiO2 recovery unit. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0025] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly; for example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0026] Example
[0027] A system that couples hydrogen production from photovoltaic solid waste with methanol production from CO2 recovery, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production unit 1, a CO2 recovery unit 2, a methanol synthesis unit 3, and a SiO2 recovery unit 4.
[0028] The hydrogen outlet of the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production unit 1 is connected to the methanol synthesis unit 3 via a pipeline. The silicon-rich waste liquid outlet of the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production unit 1 is connected to the inlet of the SiO2 recovery unit 4 via a pipeline. The CO2 recovery unit 2 has two CO2 outlets, which are connected to the methanol synthesis unit 3 and the SiO2 recovery unit 4 via pipelines, respectively. The product obtained by the SiO2 recovery unit 4 is SiO2 powder, and the product of the methanol synthesis unit 3 is methanol.
[0029] The photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device 1 is equipped with a silicon powder waste inlet, which can be connected to a crushing device. The crushing device crushes the silicon waste generated during the photovoltaic material production process into silicon powder of appropriate size to facilitate the reaction.
[0030] The photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device 1 is equipped with an alkaline inlet, which is connected to a sodium hydroxide solution storage tank through a pipeline. The alkaline inlet is used to add sodium hydroxide solution to the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device 1, which reacts with silicon powder to produce hydrogen.
[0031] The SiO2 recovery device 4 includes a reaction vessel with a CO2 inlet, a liquid inlet, and a product outlet. The CO2 inlet is connected to the CO2 recovery device 2 via a pipeline, and the liquid inlet is connected to the silicon-rich waste liquid outlet of the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device 1. CO2 reacts with sodium silicate in the silicon-rich waste liquid to generate sodium carbonate and SiO2 precipitate. A solid-liquid separation device is installed at the product outlet of the reaction vessel to separate the reaction liquid from the SiO2 precipitate. A drying device is connected to the outlet of the solid-liquid separation device to dry the separated SiO2 precipitate, yielding SiO2 powder.
[0032] CO2 recovery unit 2 is a device in the prior art that uses methods such as amine solution and PSA to recover CO2 from the air and factory exhaust gas. Methanol synthesis unit 3 is a device in the prior art that uses CO2 hydrogenation to produce methanol.
[0033] The pipeline connecting the CO2 outlet of the CO2 recovery unit 2 is equipped with a first valve and a first gas transfer pump; the pipeline connecting the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production unit 1 and the methanol synthesis unit 3 is equipped with a second valve and a second gas transfer pump; the pipeline connecting the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production unit 1 and the SiO2 recovery unit 4 is equipped with a third valve and a liquid transfer pump respectively.
[0034] The aforementioned system includes a control unit, which is connected to the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production unit 1, the CO2 recovery unit 2, the methanol synthesis unit 3, and the SiO2 recovery unit 4. The control unit is also connected to a first valve, a second valve, a third valve, a first gas transfer pump, a second gas transfer pump, and a liquid transfer pump. Simultaneously, gas flow meters, liquid level flow meters, liquid level gauges, thermometers, pressure measuring instruments, and regulating valves are installed at corresponding locations. The control unit controls the progress of each reaction. Precise control of the reaction process by the control unit ensures the safe and efficient conduct of the reaction. The control unit monitors reaction parameters (such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate) in real time and automatically adjusts the actuators (such as valves, pumps, and motors) according to preset control logic, thereby maintaining the reaction in an ideal state.
[0035] The process flow of the system for coupling photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production and CO2 recovery methanol production provided by this utility model is as follows:
[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, silicon powder waste is fed into photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production unit 1, where it reacts with the alkaline solution to generate hydrogen (1):
[0037] Si + 2NaOH + H₂O → Na₂SiO₃ + 2H₂↑ (1)
[0038] The generated hydrogen is fed into the methanol synthesis unit 3 as a raw material. The CO2 recovery unit 2 recovers CO2 from the air and the factory exhaust gas and purifies it. The purified CO2 is divided into two streams. One stream, together with the hydrogen from the outlet of the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production unit 1, enters the methanol synthesis unit 3, and the other stream enters the SiO2 recovery unit 4.
[0039] Hydrogen and CO2 entering methanol synthesis unit 3 undergo methanol synthesis according to reaction (2) under the action of a catalyst, and methanol product can be obtained after separation. CO2 entering SiO2 recovery unit 4 reacts with sodium silicate in silicon-rich waste liquid according to reaction (3) to generate sodium carbonate and SiO2 precipitate, which can be separated into SiO2 powder after filtration and drying.
[0040] CO2 + 3H2 → CH3OH + H2O (2)
[0041] Na2SiO3+CO2→Na2CO3+SiO2↓ (3)
[0042] The system provided by this invention can effectively utilize silicon dust particles generated during photovoltaic panel production to produce hydrogen. Coupled with recovered CO2, it can achieve green methanol synthesis. The recovered CO2 is used to precipitate and recover SiO2 from the silicon-rich waste liquid after hydrogen production, further reducing equipment investment and operating costs. This system has the advantages of a simple and reliable process, low equipment investment and operating costs, and can achieve the co-production of silicon dioxide and methanol.
[0043] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.
Claims
1. A system for coupling photovoltaic hydrogen production from solid waste and methanol production from CO2 recovery, characterized in that, The device includes a photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production unit (1) and a CO2 recovery unit (2). The hydrogen outlet of the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production unit (1) is connected to a methanol synthesis unit (3) through a pipeline. The silicon-rich waste liquid outlet of the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production unit (1) is connected to the inlet of a SiO2 recovery unit (4) through a pipeline. The CO2 outlet of the CO2 recovery unit (2) is connected to the methanol synthesis unit (3) and the SiO2 recovery unit (4) through pipelines respectively.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein, The photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device (1) is equipped with a silicon powder waste inlet.
3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device (1) is equipped with an alkaline inlet, which is connected to a sodium hydroxide solution storage tank via a pipeline.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein, The SiO2 recovery device (4) includes a reaction vessel, which is equipped with a CO2 inlet, a liquid inlet, and a product outlet.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein, The product outlet of the reactor is connected to a solid-liquid separation device.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein, A drying device is connected to the outlet of the solid-liquid separation device.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein, A first valve and a first gas delivery pump are provided on the pipeline connected to the CO2 outlet of the CO2 recovery device (2).
8. The system of claim 1, wherein, The pipeline connecting the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device (1) and the methanol synthesis device (3) is equipped with a second valve and a second gas delivery pump.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein, The pipeline connecting the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device (1) and the SiO2 recovery device (4) is equipped with a third valve and a liquid transfer pump, respectively.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a control unit, which is connected to the photovoltaic solid waste hydrogen production device (1), the CO2 recovery device (2), the methanol synthesis device (3), and the SiO2 recovery device (4).