Controllable hydrogen system and controllable hydrogen process

Abstract

The present invention relates to a controllable hydrogen system and process. The system comprises a reactor, an aluminum conveying module, a sodium hydroxide conveying module, a water conveying module, and a recovery module. These modules are connected to the reactor, which has two outlets. The recovery module comprises a vibrating membrane filtration system, the first inlet of which is connected to the first outlet of the reactor and the third outlet of which is connected to the reactor. The second outlet serves to convey the produced hydrogen. The controllable hydrogen process utilizes the system for efficient control of hydrogen production. The vibrating membrane filtration system enables the recovery and reuse of byproducts and sodium hydroxide, thereby increasing resource utilization efficiency.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hydrogen production by aluminium water reaction, in particular a controllable hydrogen system and a controllable hydrogen process. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] With the increasing urgency of global environmental issues, the share of renewable energies in global energy consumption is rising year by year. Hydrogen energy, with its net-zero emissions and high energy density, is considered an important clean energy option for promoting sustainable development. However, current common hydrogen production methods, such as hydrogen production from fossil fuels, hydrogen production through biomass conversion, and hydrogen production through water electrolysis, face challenges such as low efficiency, high costs, and pollution. Furthermore, hydrogen storage and transport have long been key factors limiting its widespread use.Therefore, the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly hydrogen production technologies, as well as the elimination of hydrogen storage and transport bottlenecks, are crucial for the further development of the hydrogen energy industry.

[0003] Aluminum, as a high-performance hydrogen storage material, is characterized by its high calorific value and can produce hydrogen on-site through reaction with water. This process is environmentally friendly, and the products are recyclable. Aluminum's high chemical activity makes it easy to form a protective film at normal temperatures, effectively addressing storage and transportation challenges. However, this property also necessitates specific methods to activate the reaction between aluminum and water. Currently, researchers primarily employ various techniques, such as adding acidic and alkaline solutions, alloy treatment, incorporating activators, operating at high temperatures, and preparing ultrafine aluminum powder, to promote the activation of the reaction between aluminum and water, thereby significantly increasing the rate and overall quantity of hydrogen production.

[0004] Hydrogen production through the reaction of aluminum with water inevitably generates several byproducts, such as aluminum hydroxide and incompletely reacted sodium hydroxide. These byproducts have not been fully utilized and processed, resulting in significant resource waste. To improve resource utilization and reduce pollution, it is essential to find effective ways to recycle and reuse these byproducts, thereby achieving more efficient and environmentally friendly hydrogen energy production.

[0005] US patent 2024 O 158 226 A1 discloses a hydrogen production system comprising a reactor, water inlet, aluminum inlet, and catalyst inlet. Sodium hydroxide is specified as the catalyst. In addition to a hydrogen outlet, a filtration recovery module is located at the reactor outlet, which returns the recovered liquid to the reactor via pipes. Furthermore, the patent describes a control method for producing hydrogen from aluminum and sodium hydroxide / water, in which a constant sodium hydroxide concentration is maintained by controlling the supply of aluminum and water to the reactor.

[0006] Furthermore, JP 2014 088 280 A discloses a hydrogen-generating system comprising a reactor with sodium hydroxide, aluminum, and water additives. Hydrogen is extracted, and the reactor filtrate is returned to the reactor via a filter and a tank.

[0007] US 4 952 317 A demonstrates the use of a vibrating membrane filter. CONTENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0008] The first objective of the present invention is to provide a controllable hydrogen system to solve the problem of the poor utilization of byproducts in the existing aluminium water reaction for hydrogen production.

[0009] The second objective of the present invention is to provide a controllable hydrogen process, which is implemented by the controllable hydrogen system described above.

[0010] To achieve the first objective of the present invention, the present invention provides a controllable hydrogen system comprising a reactor, an aluminum conveying module, a sodium hydroxide conveying module, a water conveying module, and a recovery module. The aluminum conveying module, the sodium hydroxide conveying module, and the water conveying module are each connected to the reactor. The reactor is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet, and the recovery module comprises a vibrating membrane filtration system. The first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system is connected to the first outlet of the reactor, and the vibrating membrane filtration system further comprises a third outlet connected to the reactor. The recovery module also includes a by-product dilution tank arranged between the first outlet of the reactor and the first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system.The second outlet is used to transport the generated hydrogen.

[0011] The above solution demonstrates that the reaction of aluminum and water in the reactor at normal temperature and pressure is activated by the aluminum delivery module, the sodium hydroxide delivery module, and the water delivery module. The progress and cessation of the reaction can be controlled by adjusting the amounts of sodium hydroxide, aluminum, and water added, thus achieving on-demand hydrogen production and eliminating the complexities of transportation and storage. Sodium hydroxide dissolves the oxide layer on the aluminum surface and promotes the release of hydrogen. Furthermore, the present invention incorporates a vibrating membrane filtration system and utilizes the microdynamic effect generated by the vibrating membrane to effectively separate byproducts such as aluminum hydroxide from the reaction solution.The separated byproducts can be collected for use in other processes, and the reaction solution containing sodium hydroxide can be recovered and reused in the reactor, maximizing resource utilization and economic benefits. The high shear force and high-frequency vibration of the vibrating membrane help prevent sedimentation and clogging of deposits on the membrane surface, thus increasing separation efficiency and membrane lifespan. Compared to traditional methods that rely on sedimentation and require significant time and space to process byproducts, the vibrating membrane filtration system can achieve continuous filtration and separation of byproducts, eliminating the need for a sedimentation tank and simplifying the process flow, thereby enabling efficient recovery and utilization of byproducts.

[0012] The proposed use of the byproduct dilution tank demonstrates that the byproducts generated in the reactor exhibit high concentrations or temperatures and, if directly introduced into the vibrating membrane filtration system, could damage the membrane materials, thereby reducing filtration efficiency and service life. The dilution tank's buffering action effectively reduces the concentration and temperature of the byproducts, thus making them more suitable for processing by the vibrating membrane filtration system. Secondly, the settling of the byproducts in the dilution tank also contributes to increased stability and reliability of the filtration system. During the dilution process, impurities and particulate matter in the byproducts can be dispersed and settled to a certain extent, reducing the risk of clogging within the filtration system.Meanwhile, the diluted byproducts more easily pass through the vibrating membrane filtration system, improving filtration efficiency and yield. Furthermore, the dilution tank also plays a role in regulating and balancing the flow rate. Due to potential fluctuations in the production volume of byproducts in the reactor, direct entry into the filtration system can lead to insufficient or excessive processing capacity. The storage and regulating functions of the dilution tank ensure that the filtration system always operates at a stable flow rate, thus preventing equipment damage or reduced processing efficiency caused by flow fluctuations. By optimizing the dilution ratio and filtration conditions, the recovery rate and purity of the byproducts can be maximized.

[0013] Another solution is for the recovery module to also include a storage tank for concentrated products, which is connected to a fourth outlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system.

[0014] The solution above shows that the use of a storage tank can effectively collect and store the byproducts generated during the reaction process, prevent their loss, and ensure that the byproducts do not harm personnel or the environment, thus promoting resource reuse.

[0015] Another solution is for the aluminum conveying module to include an aluminum storage tank, an aluminum conveyor, an aluminum buffer tank and a vibratory feeder, which are sequentially connected, with the vibratory feeder being connected to the reactor.

[0016] The solution described above demonstrates that the placement of the aluminum conveyor and vibratory feeder effectively achieves the transport of solid aluminum without increasing pressure or introducing heat, thereby reducing energy consumption and ensuring stable, controllable, and efficient conveying of aluminum to the reactor. The aluminum buffer tank plays a crucial role in preventing gas leaks in the reactor from contaminating the reaction materials in the aluminum storage tank.

[0017] Another solution is for the aluminum conveyor to be a spiral conveyor.

[0018] The solution above demonstrates that aluminum comes in various physical forms, such as powder, particles, or small blocks. The spiral conveyor adapts well to these forms, ensuring the integrity and stability of the materials and preventing losses during transport. Secondly, the spiral conveyor's conveying efficiency is higher than conventional methods, allowing it to process more material per unit of time. Furthermore, the simple structure of the spiral conveyor makes installation, maintenance, and repair relatively convenient. This reduces equipment maintenance costs and ensures its long-term stable operation, contributing to increased overall production efficiency and lower production costs. Additionally, the spiral conveyor's design allows for conveying materials horizontally, inclined, and even vertically.This flexibility allows the spiral conveyor to adapt to various complex production environments and ensure the smooth transport of aluminum to the aluminum buffer tank. Furthermore, the spiral conveyor employs a closed conveying method, effectively preventing material leakage and dust, thus avoiding environmental pollution and health risks.

[0019] Another solution is for the aluminium in the aluminium storage tank to include at least one of aluminium block, aluminium powder, aluminium particles, aluminium foil, aluminium disc, aluminium scrap shavings and aluminium scrap can.

[0020] It can be seen from the above solution that the aluminium in the present invention can have various forms and has a wide range of applications, promoting the recycling and use of aluminium waste.

[0021] Another solution is that the sodium hydroxide delivery module comprises a sodium hydroxide solution tank, a first pressure pump and a sodium hydroxide buffer tank, which are sequentially connected, with a valve and a flow meter provided in the sodium hydroxide buffer tank, the sodium hydroxide buffer tank being connected to the reactor.

[0022] The solution above shows that placing the valve and flow meter in the sodium hydroxide buffer tank can effectively control the amount of sodium hydroxide entering the reactor, thus acting as a buffer and preventing gas leaks in the reactor from contaminating the sodium hydroxide in the sodium hydroxide solution tank.

[0023] Another solution involves placing a stirrer inside the reactor and a heat exchanger on an outer shell of the reactor.

[0024] The solution above demonstrates that the stirrer effectively mixes the reactants, improves their mass transfer, and promotes the reaction. The stirrer can also increase the exchange rate between the reaction components and further enhance their mass transfer. The heat exchanger is primarily used for heat transfer between liquids for cooling, heating, or temperature maintenance. By transferring heat to the reactants or the reaction medium via the heat exchanger, reaction conditions can be optimized, resulting in a faster and more efficient reaction.

[0025] Another solution is to connect the second output to a hydrogen storage tank or a fuel cell.

[0026] The solution above shows that the hydrogen produced by the reaction is used differently depending on the user's needs. If the user needs hydrogen, the hydrogen produced by the reactor is fed into the hydrogen storage tank via the second output and the compressor. If the user needs electricity, the hydrogen produced by the reactor is fed into the fuel cell via the second output and converted into electricity.

[0027] To achieve the second objective of the present invention, the present invention provides a controllable hydrogen process, which is implemented using a controllable hydrogen system according to one of the solutions mentioned above. The controllable hydrogen process comprises the following steps: S1: Conveying sodium hydroxide and water, respectively, through the sodium hydroxide conveying module and the water conveying module to the reactor to prepare a defined concentration of sodium hydroxide solution, wherein the defined concentration of sodium hydroxide solution in the reactor is 0.1% to 20%; S2: Adding a specified amount of aluminum to the reactor at a specified concentration via an aluminum conveying system for reaction; S3: Transferring hydrogen generated by the reaction from the reactor through a second reactor outlet, transferring a post-reaction solution to the recovery module through the first outlet, recovering byproducts through a vibrating membrane filtration system in the recovery module, and returning sodium hydroxide solution to the reactor.

[0028] It can be seen from the above solution that the controllable hydrogen process of the present invention uses a controllable hydrogen system to efficiently control the hydrogen, while the vibrating membrane filtration system is used to recover and utilize by-products and sodium hydroxide, thereby increasing resource utilization efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. Figure 1 is a process flow diagram of a controllable hydrogen system of the present invention.

[0029] The present invention is further explained in connection with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] With reference to Fig. 1 The controllable hydrogen production system of this embodiment comprises a reactor 1, an aluminum conveying module, a sodium hydroxide conveying module, a water conveying module and a recovery module.

[0031] Reactor 1 is equipped with a first and a second outlet. The first outlet is connected to the recovery module, and the second outlet to a hydrogen collection module 6. The hydrogen collection module 6 comprises a hydrogen storage tank or a fuel cell. A stirrer is provided within reactor 1, and a heat exchanger is located on the outer shell of reactor 1. The stirrer improves the mixing and mass transfer of the reactants, while the heat exchanger optimizes the reaction conditions through heat transfer.

[0032] The aluminum conveying module comprises an aluminum storage tank 21, an aluminum conveyor 22, an aluminum buffer tank 23, and a vibratory feeder 24, which communicates with reactor 1 and is sequentially connected. The aluminum in the aluminum storage tank 21 comprises various forms, such as at least one aluminum block, aluminum powder, aluminum particles, aluminum foil, aluminum disc, aluminum scrap shavings, and aluminum scrap can, and has a wide range of applications, promoting the recycling and use of aluminum waste. Preferably, the aluminum conveyor 22 is a spiral conveyor. The spiral conveyor is well-adaptable to different forms of aluminum, ensures the integrity and stability of the materials, and prevents losses during transport.Secondly, the spiral conveyor also offers many advantages, such as increased overall production efficiency, reduced production costs, adaptability to various transport environments, and the avoidance of environmental pollution and health risks. The combination of the aluminum conveyor 22 and the vibratory feeder 24 effectively transports solid aluminum without increasing pressure or introducing heat, thereby reducing energy consumption and ensuring stable, controllable, and efficient conveyance of aluminum to reactor 1. The aluminum buffer tank 23 acts as a buffer, preventing gas leaks in reactor 1 from contaminating the reaction materials in the aluminum storage tank 21.

[0033] The sodium hydroxide delivery module comprises a sodium hydroxide solution tank 31, a first pressure pump 32, and a sodium hydroxide buffer tank 33. A valve and a flow meter are located in the sodium hydroxide buffer tank 33, which is connected to reactor 1. The arrangement of the valve and flow meter in the sodium hydroxide buffer tank 33 effectively controls the amount of sodium hydroxide entering the reactor, thus creating a buffer effect and preventing gas from reactor 1 from escaping into the sodium hydroxide solution tank 31 and contaminating the sodium hydroxide.

[0034] The water pumping module comprises a water storage groove 41 and a second pressure pump 42. The water in the water storage groove 41 is pumped into the reactor 1 via the second pressure pump 42.

[0035] The recovery module comprises a vibrating membrane filtration system 51, a concentrated product storage tank 52, and a by-product dilution tank 53. The vibrating membrane filtration system 51 includes a first inlet, a third outlet, and a fourth outlet. The first inlet is connected to the first outlet of reactor 1, the third outlet is connected to reactor 1, and the fourth outlet is connected to the concentrated product storage tank 52. The by-product dilution tank 53 is located between the first outlet of reactor 1 and the first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system 51. The vibrating membrane filtration system 51 utilizes the microdynamic effect generated by the vibrating membrane to effectively separate by-products such as aluminum hydroxide from the reaction solution and store them in the concentrated product storage tank 52 for resource reuse.The sodium hydroxide-containing reaction solution can be recovered and reused in reactor 1, maximizing resource utilization and economic benefits. The high shear force and high-frequency vibration of the vibrating membrane help prevent sedimentation and clogging of deposits on the membrane surface, thus increasing the separation efficiency and extending the membrane's service life. Due to the potentially high concentration or temperature of the byproducts generated in reactor 1, direct entry into the vibrating membrane filtration system 51 can damage the membrane material, reducing filtration efficiency and service life. The buffering action of the byproduct dilution tank 53 can effectively reduce the concentration and temperature of byproducts, making them suitable for the processing requirements of the vibrating membrane filtration system 51.In addition, the by-product dilution tank 53 also has many functions, such as increasing the stability and reliability of the vibrating membrane filtration system 51, reducing clogging and balancing flow, increasing the recovery rate and purity of by-products, and increasing filtration efficiency and yield.

[0036] The controllable hydrogen system of this embodiment can achieve a controllable hydrogen process comprising the following steps: S1: Conveying sodium hydroxide and water, respectively, through the sodium hydroxide conveying module and the water conveying module to reactor 1 to prepare a specified concentration of sodium hydroxide solution, wherein the specified concentration of sodium hydroxide solution in the reactor is 10.1% to 20%. S2: Adding a specified amount of aluminum to reactor 1 at a specified concentration via an aluminum conveying system for reaction; S3: Transferring hydrogen produced by the reaction from the reactor through a second outlet of reactor 1, transferring a solution after the reaction into a recovery module through a first outlet, recovering by-products through a vibrating membrane filtration system 51 in the recovery module and recovering sodium hydroxide solution into the reactor.

[0037] In the controllable hydrogen system of this embodiment, various sensors such as pressure sensor, temperature sensor, pH sensor, liquid level sensor, etc., can also be provided, and the valve switches, agitators and heat exchangers between each tank and device can be controlled via the information from various sensors by an external control system, thereby achieving automated control of the entire hydrogen production process, and making the hydrogen production process more efficient and controllable.

[0038] The controllable hydrogen system of this embodiment can implement a controllable hydrogen process, whereby the reaction of aluminum and water in reactor 1 at normal temperature and pressure is activated by the aluminum delivery module, the sodium hydroxide delivery module, and the water delivery module. The progress and cessation of the reaction can be controlled by adjusting the addition amounts of sodium hydroxide, aluminum, and water, thus achieving on-demand hydrogen production and eliminating the complexities of transport and storage. Sodium hydroxide dissolves the oxide layer on the aluminum surface and promotes the release of hydrogen. The addition of the vibrating membrane filtration system 51 ensures the recovery of valuable aluminum hydroxide and sodium hydroxide, contributing to closed and sustainable processes.The aluminum conveyor 22 and the vibratory feeder 24 effectively transport various solid aluminum materials without increasing pressure or introducing heat. The aluminum conveyor 22 and the vibratory feeder 24 have a wide range of applications and promote the recovery of aluminum waste. The hydrogen collection module 6 can function as a hydrogen storage tank or a fuel cell, allowing for various hydrogen applications depending on user needs. If the user requires hydrogen, the hydrogen produced by reactor 1 is fed into the hydrogen storage tank via the second output through the compressor. If the user requires electricity, the hydrogen produced by the reactor is fed into the fuel cell via the second output and converted into electricity.

[0039] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is only one preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. To a person skilled in the art in the relevant technical field, the present invention may have various alterations and modifications. All modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Controllable hydrogen system, characterized by , that it includes the following: a reactor, an aluminium conveying module, a sodium hydroxide conveying module, a water conveying module and a recovery module; wherein the aluminium conveying module, the sodium hydroxide conveying module and the water conveying module are each connected to the reactor; wherein the reactor is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet, and the recovery module comprises a vibrating membrane filtration system, wherein a first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system is connected to the first outlet of the reactor, and wherein the vibrating membrane filtration system further comprises a third outlet which is connected to the reactor; wherein the recovery module further comprises a by-product dilution tank arranged between the first outlet of the reactor and the first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system; and the second output is configured to pump generated hydrogen. [2] Controllable hydrogen system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the recovery module further includes a storage tank of concentrated products which is connected to a fourth outlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system. [3] Controllable hydrogen system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the aluminium conveying module comprises an aluminium storage tank, an aluminium conveyor, an aluminium buffer tank and a vibratory feeder, which are sequentially connected, with the vibratory feeder being connected to the reactor. [4] Controllable hydrogen system according to claim 3, characterized by that the aluminum conveyor is a spiral conveyor. [5] Controllable hydrogen system according to claim 3, characterized by, that the aluminium in the aluminium storage tank comprises at least one of aluminium block, aluminium powder, aluminium particles, aluminium foil, aluminium disc, aluminium scrap shavings and aluminium scrap can. [6] Controllable hydrogen system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the sodium hydroxide delivery module comprises a sodium hydroxide solution tank, a first pressure pump and a sodium hydroxide buffer tank, which are sequentially connected, wherein a valve and a flow meter are provided in the sodium hydroxide buffer tank, and wherein the sodium hydroxide buffer tank is connected to the reactor. [7] Controllable hydrogen system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that a stirrer is located inside the reactor and a heat exchanger is located on an outer shell of the reactor. [8] Controllable hydrogen system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized bythat the second output is connected to a hydrogen storage tank or a fuel cell. [9] Controllable hydrogen process, characterized by , that the controllable hydrogen process is implemented using a controllable hydrogen system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the controllable hydrogen process comprises the following steps: S1: Conveying sodium hydroxide and water, respectively, through the sodium hydroxide conveying module and the water conveying module to the reactor to prepare a specified concentration of sodium hydroxide solution, wherein the specified concentration of sodium hydroxide solution in the reactor is 0.1% to 20%; S2: Adding a specified amount of aluminum to the reactor at a specified concentration via an aluminum conveying system for reaction; S3: Transferring hydrogen produced by the reaction from the reactor through a second outlet of the reactor, transferring a solution after the reaction into the recovery module through the first outlet, recovering by-products through a vibrating membrane filtration system in the recovery module, and recovering sodium hydroxide solution into the reactor.

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