Controllable hydrogen production system and controllable hydrogen production method

Abstract

We provide a controllable hydrogen production system and method. [Solution] The controllable hydrogen production system includes a reactor, an aluminum transport module, a sodium hydroxide transport module, a water transport module, and a recovery module. The aluminum transport module, sodium hydroxide transport module, and water transport module are each in communication with the reactor. The reactor is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet. The recovery module includes a vibrating membrane filtration system. The first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system is in communication with the first outlet of the reactor. The vibrating membrane filtration system includes a third outlet, which is in communication with the reactor. The second outlet is used to transport the generated hydrogen gas. [Effects] The method of the present invention achieves efficient and controllable hydrogen production using a controllable hydrogen production system, and improves resource utilization by recovering and utilizing by-products and sodium hydroxide using a vibrating membrane filtration system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hydrogen production by the reaction of aluminum and water, and specifically to a controllable hydrogen production system and a controllable hydrogen production method.

Background Art

[0002] With the increasing urgency of global environmental problems, the proportion of renewable energy in the world's energy consumption has been increasing year by year. Hydrogen energy, due to its characteristics of being carbon-free and having a high energy density, is regarded as an important option of clean energy for promoting sustainable development. However, currently mainstream hydrogen production methods, such as hydrogen production by fossil fuels, hydrogen production by biomass conversion, and hydrogen production by water electrolysis, all face problems such as low efficiency, high cost, and environmental pollution. In addition, the difficulties of hydrogen gas storage and transportation have been important factors restricting the wide use of hydrogen energy for many years. Therefore, in order to promote the further development of the hydrogen energy industry, it is extremely important to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly hydrogen production technologies and solve the bottlenecks of hydrogen gas storage and transportation.

[0003] Aluminum, as a high-performance hydrogen storage material, has the characteristic of high calorific value and can realize on-site hydrogen production by reacting with water. This process is environmentally friendly and the products can be recycled. In addition, aluminum has high chemical activity and is easy to form a film at room temperature, so the difficulties of storage and transportation are effectively solved. However, due to this characteristic, the reaction of aluminum and water needs to be activated by specific means. Currently, scientific researchers mainly activate the reaction of aluminum and water by a plurality of methods such as adding acid-base solutions, alloying treatment, adding activators, high-temperature operation, and manufacturing ultrafine aluminum powder, thereby significantly improving the hydrogen gas generation rate and total amount.

[0004] The process of producing hydrogen through the reaction of aluminum and water inevitably generates by-products such as aluminum hydroxide and sodium hydroxide that did not react completely. However, currently, these by-products are not adequately utilized or processed, resulting in a large waste of resources. To improve resource utilization and reduce environmental pollution, it is necessary to recover and reuse these by-products through effective means to achieve more efficient and environmentally friendly hydrogen energy production. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The first objective of the present invention is to provide a controllable hydrogen production system that solves the conventional problem that by-products of hydrogen production by the reaction of aluminum and water are not being properly utilized.

[0006] A second object of the present invention is to provide a controllable hydrogen production method realized by the controllable hydrogen production system described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the first objective of the present invention, the present invention provides a controllable hydrogen production system. The controllable hydrogen production system includes a reactor, an aluminum transport module, a sodium hydroxide transport module, a water transport module, and a recovery module. The aluminum transport module, the sodium hydroxide transport module, and the water transport module are in communication with the reactor, respectively. The reactor is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet. The recovery module includes a vibrating membrane filtration system. The first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system is in communication with the first outlet of the reactor. The vibrating membrane filtration system further includes a third outlet, which is in communication with the reactor. The second outlet is used to transport the generated hydrogen gas.

[0008] As is clear from the above means, the present invention uses an aluminum transport module, a sodium hydroxide transport module, and a water transport module to activate the reaction between aluminum and water in the reactor at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, by controlling the amount of sodium hydroxide, aluminum, and water added, the progress and cessation of the reaction can be controlled, enabling the production of hydrogen gas as needed and eliminating the complexity of transportation and storage. Sodium hydroxide dissolves the oxide layer on the aluminum surface, promoting the release of hydrogen gas. In addition, the present invention incorporates a vibrating membrane filtration system, utilizing the microdynamic effect generated by the vibrating membrane to effectively separate by-products such as aluminum hydroxide from the reaction solution. The separated by-products can be collected and used in other processes. Furthermore, the sodium hydroxide contained in the reaction solution can be recovered in the reactor and reused, maximizing resource utilization and economic benefits. The high shear force and high frequency vibration of the vibrating membrane contribute to preventing the accumulation and clogging of precipitates on the membrane surface, thereby improving separation efficiency and membrane lifespan. Compared to conventional methods that rely on sedimentation and require significant time and space to process by-products, the vibrating membrane filtration system enables continuous filtration and separation of by-products. This eliminates the need for sedimentation tanks, simplifies the process flow, and allows for efficient recovery and utilization of by-products.

[0009] As a further measure, the recovery module also includes a concentrated by-product storage tank. The concentrated by-product storage tank is in communication with the fourth outlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system.

[0010] As is clear from the above methods, using storage tanks makes it possible to effectively collect and store by-products generated during the reaction process. This prevents their dissipation and ensures that the by-products do not harm people or the environment, thus contributing to resource reuse.

[0011] As a further measure, the recovery module further includes a by-product dilution tank. The by-product dilution tank is installed between the first outlet of the reactor and the first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system.

[0012] As is clear from the above methods, by-products generated in the reactor may have high concentrations or temperatures, and if they enter the vibrating membrane filtration system directly, they may damage the membrane material and reduce filtration efficiency and service life. Therefore, the buffering effect of the dilution tank effectively reduces the concentration and temperature of the by-products, making it more suitable for the processing requirements of the vibrating membrane filtration system. In addition, the installation of a dilution tank contributes to improving the stability and reliability of the filtration system. During the dilution process, impurities and particulate matter in the by-products can be dispersed and settled to a certain extent, reducing the risk of clogging of the filtration system. Furthermore, the diluted by-products pass through the vibrating membrane filtration system more easily, improving filtration efficiency and production volume. In addition, the dilution tank also plays a role in regulating and balancing the flow rate. Since there may be some fluctuations in the amount of by-products generated in the reactor, if they enter the filtration system directly, it may lead to insufficient or excessive processing capacity. Therefore, the storage and adjustment functions of the dilution tank ensure that the filtration system always operates under a stable flow rate, thereby avoiding equipment damage or reduced processing efficiency caused by flow rate fluctuations. Furthermore, optimizing the dilution ratio and filtration conditions maximizes the recovery rate and purity of by-products.

[0013] As a further measure, the aluminum transport module includes, in sequence, an aluminum storage tank, an aluminum conveyor, an aluminum buffer tank, and a vibrating feeder. The vibrating feeder is in communication with the reactor.

[0014] As is clear from the above means, this system, by installing an aluminum conveyor and a vibrating feeder, effectively enables the transport of solid aluminum without requiring pressurization or heat input, thereby reducing energy consumption and ensuring stable, controllable, and efficient aluminum transport to the reactor. Furthermore, the aluminum buffer tank provides a certain buffering effect, preventing contamination of the reaction material in the aluminum storage tank due to gas leakage from the reactor.

[0015] As a further measure, the aluminum conveyor is a screw conveyor.

[0016] As is evident from the above methods, aluminum exists in different physical forms, such as powder, particulate, or flaky. Screw conveyors are well-suited to any of these material forms and can reliably guarantee the integrity and stability of the material, thus avoiding losses during the conveying process. Furthermore, screw conveyors have higher conveying efficiency than conventional methods, allowing for the processing of more material per unit time. In addition, screw conveyors have a simple structure, making installation, maintenance, and repair relatively easy. This reduces equipment maintenance costs and ensures stable operation over the long term. This contributes to improved overall production efficiency and reduced production costs. Moreover, the design of screw conveyors allows for the conveying of materials horizontally, inclined, and even vertically. This flexibility allows screw conveyors to adapt to various complex production environments, ensuring the smooth conveyance of aluminum into the aluminum buffer tank. Additionally, using a sealed conveying system with screw conveyors effectively prevents material leakage and dust dispersion, thus avoiding environmental pollution and health risks.

[0017] As a further measure, the aluminum in the aluminum storage tank includes at least one of the following: aluminum blocks, aluminum powder, aluminum pellets, aluminum foil, aluminum slices, waste aluminum scrap, and waste aluminum cans.

[0018] As is clear from the above means, since aluminum in the present invention can take on multiple forms, it has a wide range of applications and promotes the collection and utilization of aluminum waste.

[0019] As a further measure, the sodium hydroxide transport module includes, in sequence, a sodium hydroxide solution tank, a first pressure pump, and a sodium hydroxide buffer tank. A valve and a flow meter are installed in the sodium hydroxide buffer tank. The sodium hydroxide buffer tank is connected to the reactor.

[0020] As is clear from the above means, since valves and flow meters are installed in the sodium hydroxide buffer tank, it is possible to effectively control the amount of sodium hydroxide entering the reactor and exert a buffering effect. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent gases from inside the reactor from leaking into the sodium hydroxide solution tank and contaminating the sodium hydroxide.

[0021] As a further measure, a stirrer is provided inside the reactor. Additionally, a heat exchanger is provided in the reactor casing.

[0022] As is clear from the above means, a stirrer effectively mixes the reaction substrate and improves the mass transfer of reactants. This is advantageous for the progress of the reaction. Furthermore, a stirrer can improve the exchange rate between reactants, thereby promoting the mass transfer of reactants. Heat exchangers are mainly used for heat transfer between fluids to achieve the purposes of cooling, heating, or maintaining temperature. By transferring heat to the reactants or reaction medium through a heat exchanger, the reaction conditions can be optimized, allowing the reaction to proceed more rapidly and efficiently.

[0023] As a further measure, the second outlet is connected to a hydrogen storage tank or fuel cell.

[0024] As is clear from the above methods, the hydrogen gas generated by the reaction can be used in different ways depending on the user's needs. If the user desires hydrogen gas, the hydrogen gas generated in the reactor is pressurized by a compressor through the second outlet and stored in a hydrogen storage tank. If the user desires electricity, the hydrogen gas generated in the reactor is transported through the second outlet to a fuel cell and converted into electricity.

[0025] To achieve the second object of the present invention, the present invention provides a controllable hydrogen production method. The controllable hydrogen production method is realized by the controllable hydrogen production system described by any of the above means. The controllable hydrogen production method includes the following steps.

[0026] S1: Sodium hydroxide and water are respectively transported to the reactor by the sodium hydroxide transport module and the water transport module to prepare a sodium hydroxide solution with a predetermined concentration. The predetermined concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution in the reactor is 0.1 to 20%.

[0027] S2: A predetermined amount of aluminum is added to the reactor containing the sodium hydroxide solution with a predetermined concentration by the aluminum transport module and reacted.

[0028] S3: The hydrogen gas generated by the reaction is carried out of the reactor through the second outlet of the reactor, and the solution after the reaction is introduced into the recovery module through the first outlet. The vibrating membrane filtration system in the recovery module recovers the by-products and recovers the sodium hydroxide solution to the reactor.

[0029] As is clear from the above means, the controllable hydrogen production method of the present invention uses a controllable hydrogen production system to realize efficient and controllable hydrogen production, and improves the resource utilization rate by recovering and utilizing by-products and sodium hydroxide by the vibrating membrane filtration system. [[ID=1(18]]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a flowchart of the process of the controllable hydrogen production system in the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] Hereinafter, the present invention will be further described in combination with the drawings and examples.

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, the controllable hydrogen production system of this embodiment includes a reactor 1, an aluminum transport module, a sodium hydroxide transport module, a water transport module, and a recovery module.

[0033] Reactor 1 is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet is connected to a recovery module, and the second outlet is connected to a hydrogen collection module 6. The hydrogen collection module 6 includes a hydrogen storage tank or a fuel cell. A stirrer is provided inside reactor 1. A heat exchanger is also provided in the casing of reactor 1. The stirrer improves the mixing and mass transfer effects of the reactants, and the heat exchanger optimizes the reaction conditions through heat transfer.

[0034] The aluminum conveying module includes, in sequence, an aluminum storage tank 21, an aluminum conveyor 22, an aluminum buffer tank 23, and a vibrating feeder 24. The vibrating feeder 24 is in communication with the reactor 1. The aluminum in the aluminum storage tank 21 may be in multiple forms, including at least one of aluminum blocks, aluminum powder, aluminum pellets, aluminum foil, aluminum slices, waste aluminum scrap, and waste aluminum cans. This provides a wide range of applications and promotes the recovery and utilization of aluminum waste. Preferably, the aluminum conveyor 22 is a screw conveyor. Screw conveyors have good adaptability to any of the multiple forms of aluminum and can reliably guarantee the integrity and stability of the material, thus avoiding losses during the conveying process. Furthermore, screw conveyors have many advantages, such as improving overall production efficiency, reducing production costs, adapting to various conveying environments, and avoiding environmental pollution and health risks. By installing the aluminum conveyor 22 and the vibrating feeder 24, the transport of solid aluminum can be effectively achieved without requiring pressurization or heat input, thereby reducing energy consumption and ensuring stable, controllable, and efficient aluminum transport to the reactor 1. In addition, the aluminum buffer tank 23 provides a certain buffering effect, preventing contamination of the reaction material in the aluminum storage tank 21 due to gas leakage from the reactor 1.

[0035] The sodium hydroxide transport module includes a sodium hydroxide solution tank 31, a first pressure pump 32, and a sodium hydroxide buffer tank 33, which are connected in sequence. A valve and a flow meter are installed in the sodium hydroxide buffer tank 33. The sodium hydroxide buffer tank 33 is connected to the reactor 1. Because a valve and a flow meter are installed in the sodium hydroxide buffer tank 33, it is possible to effectively control the amount of sodium hydroxide entering the reactor and exert a buffering effect. It is also possible to prevent gas from inside the reactor 1 from leaking into the sodium hydroxide solution tank 31 and contaminating the sodium hydroxide.

[0036] The water transport module includes a water storage tank 41 and a second pressure pump 42. The water in the water storage tank 41 is transported to the reactor 1 by the second pressure pump 42.

[0037] The recovery module includes a vibrating membrane filtration system 51, a concentrated by-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 communicates with the first outlet of reactor 1, the third outlet communicates with reactor 1, and the fourth outlet communicates with the concentrated by-product storage tank 52. The by-product dilution tank 53 is installed between the first outlet of reactor 1 and the first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system 51. The vibrating membrane filtration system 51 effectively separates by-products such as aluminum hydroxide from the reaction solution through the microdynamic effect generated by the vibrating membrane, making them available for storage in the concentrated by-product storage tank 52, thereby enabling resource reuse. Furthermore, sodium hydroxide contained in the reaction solution is recovered in reactor 1 and reused, maximizing resource utilization and economic benefits. The high shear force and high frequency vibration of the vibrating membrane contribute to preventing the accumulation and clogging of precipitates on the membrane surface, thereby improving separation efficiency and membrane lifespan. The by-products generated in reactor 1 may have high concentrations or temperatures, and if they enter the vibrating membrane filtration system 51 directly, they may damage the membrane material and reduce filtration efficiency and service life. Therefore, the buffering action of the by-product dilution tank 53 effectively reduces the concentration and temperature of the by-products, making it more suitable for the processing requirements of the vibrating membrane filtration system 51. In addition, the by-product dilution tank 53 has many other roles, including improving the stability and reliability of the vibrating membrane filtration system 51, reducing clogging, balancing the flow rate, improving the recovery rate and purity of by-products, and improving filtration efficiency and production volume.

[0038] The controllable hydrogen production system of this embodiment makes it possible to realize a controllable hydrogen production method. The controllable hydrogen production method includes the following steps.

[0039] S1: Sodium hydroxide and water are transported to reactor 1 by a sodium hydroxide transport module and a water transport module, respectively, to prepare a sodium hydroxide solution of a predetermined concentration. The predetermined concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution in reactor 1 is 0.1 to 20%.

[0040] S2: An aluminum transport module is used to add a predetermined amount of aluminum to reactor 1 containing a sodium hydroxide solution of a predetermined concentration and allow the reaction to proceed.

[0041] S3: The hydrogen gas generated by the reaction is removed from the reactor 1 through the second outlet, and the reaction solution is introduced into the recovery module through the first outlet. The vibrating membrane filtration system 51 in the recovery module recovers the by-products and returns the sodium hydroxide solution to the reactor.

[0042] The controllable hydrogen production system of this embodiment may be further equipped with many sensors, such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, pH sensors, and liquid level sensors. By using information from these various sensors via an external control system, the opening and closing of valves between each tank and equipment, as well as the control of stirrers and heat exchangers, can be controlled automatically throughout the entire hydrogen production process, making the hydrogen production process even more efficient and controllable.

[0043] The controllable hydrogen production system of this embodiment enables a controllable hydrogen production method. The aluminum transport module, sodium hydroxide transport module, and water transport module activate the reaction between aluminum and water in reactor 1 at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, by controlling the amount of sodium hydroxide, aluminum, and water added, the progress and cessation of the reaction can be controlled, enabling the production of hydrogen gas as needed and eliminating the complexities of transportation and storage. Sodium hydroxide dissolves the oxide layer on the aluminum surface, promoting the release of hydrogen gas. The addition of the vibrating membrane filtration system 51 ensures the reliable recovery of valuable aluminum hydroxide and sodium hydroxide, contributing to the realization of a closed-loop and sustainable process. The installation of the aluminum conveyor 22 and vibrating feeder 24 enables the effective transport of various solid aluminum materials without requiring pressurization or heat input, thus having a wide range of applications and promoting the recovery and utilization of aluminum waste. The hydrogen collection module 6 may also function as a hydrogen storage tank or fuel cell. This allows for different applications of hydrogen gas according to user needs. If the user requests hydrogen gas, the hydrogen gas generated in reactor 1 is pressurized by a compressor through outlet 2 and stored in a hydrogen storage tank. If the user requests electricity, the hydrogen gas generated in the reactor is transported to a fuel cell through outlet 2 and converted into electricity.

[0044] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit it. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the present invention, and any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are all covered by the protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. The reactor includes an aluminum transport module, a sodium hydroxide transport module, a water transport module, and a recovery module, wherein the aluminum transport module, the sodium hydroxide transport module, and the water transport module are in communication with the reactor, respectively. The reactor is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet, the recovery module includes a vibrating membrane filtration system, the first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system is in communication with the first outlet of the reactor, and the vibrating membrane filtration system further includes a third outlet, the third outlet is in communication with the reactor. A controllable hydrogen production system characterized in that the second outlet is used to transport the generated hydrogen gas.

2. The controllable hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that the recovery module further includes a concentrated by-product storage tank, the concentrated by-product storage tank being in communication with a fourth outlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system.

3. The controllable hydrogen production system according to claim 1, wherein the recovery module further includes a by-product dilution tank, the by-product dilution tank being installed between the first outlet of the reactor and the first inlet of the vibrating membrane filtration system.

4. The controllable hydrogen production system according to claim 1, characterized in that the aluminum transport module includes, in sequence, an aluminum storage tank, an aluminum conveyor, an aluminum buffer tank, and a vibrating feeder, the vibrating feeder being in communication with the reactor.

5. The controllable hydrogen production system according to claim 4, characterized in that the aluminum conveyor is a screw conveyor.

6. The controllable hydrogen production system according to claim 4, characterized in that the aluminum in the aluminum storage tank includes at least one of aluminum blocks, aluminum powder, aluminum pellets, aluminum foil, aluminum slices, waste aluminum scrap, and waste aluminum cans.

7. The controllable hydrogen production system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sodium hydroxide transport module includes a sodium hydroxide solution tank, a first pressure pump, and a sodium hydroxide buffer tank connected in sequence, a valve and a flow meter are installed in the sodium hydroxide buffer tank, and the sodium hydroxide buffer tank is connected to the reactor.

8. A controllable hydrogen production system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a stirrer is provided inside the reactor and a heat exchanger is provided in the casing of the reactor.

9. The controllable hydrogen production system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second outlet is in communication with a hydrogen storage tank or a fuel cell.

10. A method for producing controllable hydrogen, The controllable hydrogen production method is realized by the controllable hydrogen production system described in any one of claims 1 to 9. S1: Sodium hydroxide and water are transported to the reactor by a sodium hydroxide transport module and a water transport module, respectively, to prepare a sodium hydroxide solution of a predetermined concentration, wherein the predetermined concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution in the reactor is 0.1 to 20%. S2: The step of adding a predetermined amount of aluminum to the reactor containing a sodium hydroxide solution of a predetermined concentration using an aluminum transport module and causing a reaction, S3: The hydrogen gas generated by the reaction is discharged from the reactor through the second outlet, and the reaction solution is introduced into the recovery module through the first outlet. The vibrating membrane filtration system in the recovery module recovers the by-products and returns the sodium hydroxide solution to the reactor. A controllable hydrogen production method characterized by including the following.

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