Hydrogen production equipment and method for operating hydrogen production equipment

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen manufacturing facility and an operation method of the hydrogen manufacturing facility capable of reducing facility costs and reducing risk of environmental pollution.SOLUTION: A hydrogen manufacturing facility comprises: an apparatus constituting the hydrogen manufacturing facility; and a building including a wall portion and a roof portion and housing the apparatus. The wall portion includes a spandrel wall portion connected to a floor surface in the building. Liquid leaked from the apparatus can be stored in a recessed portion formed at least partially by a side surface of the spandrel wall portion and the floor surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to hydrogen production equipment and a method for operating the hydrogen production equipment.

Background Art

[0002] In hydrogen production equipment including a water electrolysis device, a liquid such as an alkaline aqueous solution may be used. Since such a liquid may have an adverse effect on the environment when it flows out to the outside, even if the liquid leaks from the equipment, it is required not to flow out to the outside of the hydrogen production equipment.

[0003] Conventionally, when a liquid leaks from equipment installed inside a building of hydrogen production equipment, the leaked liquid is collected using a trench or buried pipe provided on the floor inside the building, and the collected liquid is led to a liquid retaining dike or pit provided outside the building for storage.

[0004] Although Patent Document 1 is not directly related to hydrogen production equipment, Patent Document 1 discloses equipment including a funnel buried below the floor surface inside a building and a drainage pipe connected to the funnel. In this equipment, it is described that leaked liquid generated inside the building is collected by the funnel and discharged to the outside through a pipe connected to the funnel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] As described above, when providing auxiliary facilities such as a liquid retaining dike and a pit outdoors, those capable of storing the total amount of liquid used in the equipment become large in capacity, resulting in an increase in the installation area of these auxiliary facilities and also an increase in the cost for installing the auxiliary facilities. Further, when storing liquid in a liquid retaining dike or a pit provided outdoors, there is a possibility of flooding and water level rise during rainfall, causing the stored liquid to flow out of the facility and leading to environmental pollution.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, at least one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a hydrogen production facility and an operation method thereof that can reduce equipment costs and reduce the risk of environmental pollution.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The hydrogen production facility according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes equipment constituting a hydrogen production device, and a building including a wall portion and a roof portion that houses the equipment. The wall portion includes a waist wall portion connected to the floor surface inside the building, and is configured to store the liquid leaked from the equipment in a recess formed at least partially by the side surface of the waist wall portion and the floor surface.

[0009] Also, the operation method of the hydrogen production facility according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is the operation method of the above hydrogen production facility, including the steps of installing a temporary tank storing liquid outside the building, connecting the temporary tank and the equipment via a supply pipe, supplying the liquid stored in the temporary tank to the equipment via the supply pipe, and producing hydrogen from the liquid using the equipment.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] ​According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a hydrogen production facility capable of reducing equipment costs and a method for operating the hydrogen production facility capable of reducing the risk of environmental pollution.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0013] (Configuration of Hydrogen Production Facility) FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are schematic configuration diagrams of a hydrogen production facility according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the hydrogen production facility viewed from above, and FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the hydrogen production facility viewed from the side. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a hydrogen production facility 100 according to some embodiments includes equipment 2 that constitutes a hydrogen production apparatus and a building 10 that houses the equipment 2.

[0014] The hydrogen production device is configured to produce hydrogen using a liquid. In some embodiments, the hydrogen production device may be a water electrolysis device configured to electrolyze water to generate hydrogen. The water electrolysis device may be, for example, an alkaline water electrolysis device, a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) type water electrolysis device, an anion exchange membrane (AEM) type water electrolysis device, or a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) water electrolysis device.

[0015] The hydrogen production facility 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an electrolytic cell 4 and gas-liquid separators 6 and 8 as devices 2 that constitute the water electrolysis device (hydrogen production device). The electrolytic cell 4 is configured to electrolyze water. A liquid containing water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 4. By applying a voltage between a pair of electrodes provided in the electrolytic cell 4 to allow an electric current to flow, the water in the electrolytic cell 4 is electrolyzed, hydrogen is generated on the cathode side, and oxygen is generated on the anode side. A liquid containing water (electrolyte solution) in which an electrolyte is dissolved may be supplied to the electrolytic cell 4. The liquid may be an alkaline aqueous solution in which an alkaline substance such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) is dissolved.

[0016] The hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated in the electrolytic cell 4 are discharged from the electrolytic cell 4 together with moisture (liquid) and are respectively guided to the gas-liquid separators 6 and 8 via pipes 7a and 7b. In the gas-liquid separators 6 and 8, the gas (hydrogen or oxygen) containing the liquid is separated into gas and liquid. The hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from which the liquid has been removed in the gas-liquid separators 6 and 8 are discharged from the gas-liquid separators 6 and 8 via pipes (not shown). This hydrogen gas and oxygen gas may be fed to a facility outside the building 10. On the other hand, the liquid separated from the gas in the gas-liquid separators 6 and 8 is returned to the electrolytic cell 4 via pipes 9a and 9b.

[0017] The building 10 includes a wall portion 14 that extends along the vertical direction above the base portion 12 and surrounds a space where the device 2 is disposed, and a roof portion 16 that covers the wall portion 14 from above. The wall portion 14 includes a waist wall portion 14B connected to the floor surface 13 inside the building 10. A recess 20 capable of storing liquid leaked from the device 2 is formed by the side surface 15 of the waist wall portion 14B and the floor surface 13. That is, among the internal regions of the building 10, the region surrounded by the waist wall portion 14B (wall portion 14) can be used as the recess 20.

[0018] The wall portion 14 may include an upper wall portion 14A located above the waist wall portion 14B. The upper wall portion 14A may be provided so as to be connected to the roof portion 16. The lower end portion of the upper wall portion 14A may be connected to the upper end portion of the waist wall portion 14B.

[0019] The thickness of the waist wall portion 14B may be thicker than that of the upper wall portion 14A. For example, the thickness of the waist wall portion 14B may be 5 times or more the thickness of the upper wall portion 14A. The strength of the waist wall portion 14B may be greater than the strength of the upper wall portion 14A. The waist wall portion 14B may be formed of a material different from that of the upper wall portion 14A. For example, the material forming the waist wall portion 14B may include concrete, and the material forming the upper wall portion 14A may include steel.

[0020] When a liquid (for example, an alkaline aqueous solution) used in a hydrogen production facility including a water electrolysis device flows out to the outside, it may have an adverse effect on the environment. Therefore, even if the liquid leaks from the device, it is required not to flow out to the outside of the hydrogen production facility.

[0021] In this regard, according to the above-described embodiment, since the recess 20 capable of storing liquid is formed by the side surface 15 and the floor surface 13 of the waist wall portion 14B constituting the building 10, the liquid leaked from the equipment 2 (electrolytic cell 4 or gas-liquid separator 6 or 8, etc.) inside the building 10 can be stored inside the building 10 by utilizing the waist wall portion 14B. Therefore, it is not necessary to install the equipment for storing the leaked liquid outdoors, and the installation area, labor cost, and construction period of the equipment can be reduced. Further, since the leaked liquid is stored inside the building 10, the water level does not increase even during rainfall. For this reason, the risk of the liquid flowing out of the equipment due to increased water level and the resulting environmental pollution can be reduced. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the equipment cost can be reduced and the environmental pollution risk can be reduced.

[0022] The above-described recess 20 may have a capacity capable of storing the total amount of the liquid used in the equipment 2 installed in the building 10.

[0023] The liquid stored in the recess 20 inside the building 10 can be transported to external equipment or the like by transferring it to a tank or the like mounted on a transport vehicle using a pump or the like.

[0024] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the equipment 2 is installed above the waist wall portion 14B. That is, the equipment 2 is located at a position higher than the upper end of the waist wall portion 14B in the vertical direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the equipment 2 may be supported by a support portion 22 for supporting the equipment 2 so that the equipment 2 is located above the waist wall portion 14B. The support portion 22 may include a support base 24 on which the equipment 2 can be placed and a leg portion 26 for supporting the support base 24 on the floor surface 13. Alternatively, although not particularly shown, the support portion 22 may include a concrete foundation.

[0025] According to the above-described embodiment, since the equipment 2 constituting the hydrogen production apparatus is installed above the waist wall portion 14B that forms the recess 20, the liquid leaked from the equipment 2 can be stored in the recess 20 located below the equipment 2. Therefore, while suppressing the corrosion of the equipment 2 by the liquid stored in the recess 20, or while suppressing the intrusion of foreign substances or the like mixed in the liquid accumulated in the recess 20 into the equipment 2, the leaked liquid from the equipment 2 can be stored in the recess 20.

[0026] In some embodiments, an opening 17 is provided in a portion of the wall portion 14 above the waist wall portion 14B. As shown in FIG. 2, the opening 17 may be provided in the upper wall portion 14A. The opening 17 may be openable and closable by an opening and closing portion (such as a door, window, or lid) that can be opened and closed.

[0027] According to the above-described embodiment, since the opening 17 located above the waist wall portion 14B is provided in the wall portion 14, while enabling the storage of liquid in the recess 20 formed by the side surface 15 and the floor surface 13 of the waist wall portion 14B, workers and objects (such as the equipment 2) can enter and exit the building 10 through the opening 17.

[0028] The opening 17 may have a size that allows the equipment 2 to pass through. Thereby, while enabling the storage of liquid in the recess 20 formed by the side surface of the waist wall portion 14B and the floor surface 13, the equipment 2 can be carried in and out through the opening 17.

[0029] In some embodiments, a water collecting portion 18 that is recessed from the floor surface 13 may be provided on the floor surface 13 inside the building 10.

[0030] In this way, by providing the water collecting portion 18 that is recessed from the floor surface 13, the leaked liquid from the equipment 2 received in the recess 20 can be collected in the water collecting portion 18. Therefore, by discharging the liquid collected in the water collecting portion 18 outside the building 10 through a pump or the like, it becomes easier to discharge the leaked liquid outside the building 10.

[0031] (Operating Method of Hydrogen Production Facility) Next, a method for operating a hydrogen production facility according to several embodiments will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method for operating a hydrogen production facility according to several embodiments. Note that the hydrogen production facility 100 shown in FIG. 3 has the same configuration as the hydrogen production facility 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0032] In several embodiments, at the start of operation of the hydrogen production facility, first, an auxiliary tank 30 in which the liquid supplied to the device 2 is stored is installed outdoors of the building 10. The auxiliary tank 30 is not permanently installed near the building 10, but is easily relocatable and is temporarily installed near the building 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliary tank 30 may be a tank mounted on a transport vehicle 32.

[0033] Next, the auxiliary tank 30 installed outdoors and the device 2 installed in the building 10 are connected via a supply pipe 36. The supply pipe 36 may be installed so as to pass through an opening 17 provided in the wall portion 14. The supply pipe 36 may include a hose. Note that when the hydrogen production device is a water electrolysis device, the supply pipe 36 may be connected to any one of the electrolytic cell 4, the gas-liquid separator 6, or the gas-liquid separator 8.

[0034] Next, the liquid stored in the auxiliary tank 30 is supplied to the device 2 via the supply pipe 3,6. At this time, a pump 34 provided in the supply pipe 36 may be used to feed the liquid from the auxiliary tank 30 toward the device 2.

[0035] Then, when a sufficient amount of liquid is supplied to the device 2, hydrogen production is started using the device 2.

[0036] According to the method according to the above-described embodiment, the liquid is supplied from the auxiliary tank 30 installed outdoors of the building 10 to the device 2 via the supply pipe 36. Therefore, it is possible to supply the liquid to the device 2 without installing a permanent liquid tank inside or outside the building 10, and hydrogen can be produced using the liquid supplied in this way. Thus, the hydrogen production facility 100 can be operated while reducing the equipment installation area and more effectively reducing the equipment cost.

[0037] In some embodiments, after the supply of the liquid from the temporary tank 30 to the device 2 is completed, the connection between the temporary tank 30 and the device 2 via the supply pipe 36 may be released. Also, the supply pipe 36 may be removed from the device 2. After the connection between the temporary tank 30 and the device 2 via the supply pipe 36 is released, hydrogen production using the device 2 may be performed. Note that hydrogen production using the device 2 may be started while supplying the liquid from the temporary tank 30 to the device 2, or in a state where the temporary tank 30 and the device 2 are connected via the supply pipe 36, or after the connection between the temporary tank 30 and the device 2 via the supply pipe 36 is released.

[0038] According to the method according to the above-described embodiment, after supplying the liquid from the temporary tank 30 to the device 2, the connection between the temporary tank 30 and the device 2 via the supply pipe 36 is released, and hydrogen is produced using the device 2. Therefore, the temporary tank 30 is unnecessary during hydrogen production, and for example, by transporting it with the transport vehicle 32, the temporary tank 30 can be removed. Therefore, while reducing the equipment installation area and more effectively reducing the equipment cost, the hydrogen production facility 100 can be operated.

[0039] The content described in each of the above embodiments can be understood as follows, for example.

[0040] (1) The hydrogen production facility according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes devices constituting a hydrogen production apparatus, and a building including a wall portion and a roof portion for housing the devices. The wall portion includes a waist wall portion connected to the floor surface inside the building, and is configured to store the liquid leaked from the devices in a recess formed at least partially by the side surface of the waist wall portion and the floor surface.

[0041] According to the configuration of (1) above, since a recess capable of storing liquid is formed by the side surface and the floor surface of the waist wall portion constituting the building, the liquid leaked from the equipment in the building can be stored inside the building. Therefore, it is not necessary to install equipment for storing the leaked liquid outdoors, and the installation area, labor cost, and construction period of the equipment can be reduced. In addition, since the leaked liquid is stored inside the building, the water level does not increase even during rainfall. For this reason, the risk of liquid flowing out of the equipment due to increased water level and the resulting environmental pollution can be reduced. Therefore, according to the configuration of (1) above, the equipment cost can be reduced and the risk of environmental pollution can be reduced.

[0042] (2) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) above, the equipment is installed above the waist wall portion.

[0043] According to the configuration of (2) above, since the equipment constituting the hydrogen production apparatus is installed above the waist wall portion forming the recess, the liquid leaked from the equipment can be stored in the recess located below the equipment. Therefore, while suppressing the corrosion of the equipment by the liquid stored in the recess, or while suppressing the intrusion of foreign substances mixed in the liquid accumulated in the recess into the equipment, the leaked liquid from the equipment can be stored in the recess.

[0044] (3) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the hydrogen production equipment is provided on the floor surface, and includes a support portion configured to support the equipment so that the equipment is located above the waist wall portion.

[0045] According to the configuration of (3) above, the support portion provided on the floor surface in the building can appropriately support the equipment at a position above the waist wall portion.

[0046] (4) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations of (1) to (3) above, the hydrogen production equipment It is provided with an opening provided in the wall portion at a position above the waist wall portion.

[0047] According to the configuration of (4) above, since an opening located above the waist wall portion is provided in the wall portion, while it is possible to store liquid in the recess formed by the waist wall portion and the floor surface, it is possible for people and objects (equipment, etc.) to enter and exit the building through the opening.

[0048] (5) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (4) above, The opening has a size through which the equipment can pass.

[0049] According to the configuration of (5) above, since the opening located above the waist wall portion has a size through which the equipment can pass, while it is possible to store liquid in the recess formed by the waist wall portion and the floor surface, the equipment can be carried in and out through the opening.

[0050] (6) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations of (1) to (5) above, The wall portion includes an upper wall portion that is located above the waist wall portion and is connected to the roof portion, The thickness of the waist wall portion is greater than the thickness of the upper wall portion.

[0051] According to the configuration of (6) above, since the thickness of the waist wall portion forming the recess is relatively thick, the liquid leaked from the equipment can be stored more reliably in the recess.

[0052] (7) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations of (1) to (6) above, The wall portion includes an upper wall portion that is located above the waist wall portion and is connected to the roof portion, The strength of the waist wall portion is greater than the strength of the upper wall portion.

[0053] (7’) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations of (1) to (6) above, The strength of the waist wall portion may be equal to or greater than the strength of the upper wall portion.

[0054] According to the configuration of the above (7) or (7'), since the strength of the waist wall portion forming the recess is relatively large, the liquid leaked from the device can be more reliably stored in the recess.

[0055] (8) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations of the above (1) to (7), The device includes an electrolytic cell in which an electrolyte solution is stored, or a gas-liquid separator to which the gas generated in the electrolytic cell is led.

[0056] According to the configuration of the above (8), the electrolyte solution (liquid) leaked from the electrolytic cell or the gas-liquid separator can be stored in the recess in the building. Therefore, the equipment cost related to the hydrogen production facility can be reduced, and the environmental pollution risk due to the outflow of the electrolyte solution can be reduced.

[0057] (9) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations of the above (1) to (8), The hydrogen production facility includes a water collecting portion provided so as to be recessed from the floor surface.

[0058] According to the configuration of the above (9), since the water collecting portion recessed from the floor surface is provided, the leaked liquid from the device received in the recess can be collected in the water collecting portion. Therefore, by discharging the liquid collected in the water collecting portion outside the building via a pump or the like, it becomes easier to discharge the leaked liquid outside the building.

[0059] (10) The operation method of the hydrogen production facility according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is the operation method of the hydrogen production facility according to any one of the above (1) to (9), a step of installing a temporary tank in which a liquid is stored outside the building; a step of connecting the temporary tank and the device via a supply pipe; a step of supplying the liquid stored in the temporary tank to the device via the supply pipe; a step of producing hydrogen from the liquid using the device; is provided.

[0060] According to the method of (10) above, liquid is supplied from a temporary tank installed outdoors of a building to a device through a supply pipe. Therefore, it is possible to supply liquid to the device without installing a permanent liquid tank inside or outside the building, and hydrogen can be produced using the liquid supplied in this way. Thus, the hydrogen production facility can be operated while reducing the equipment installation area and more effectively reducing the equipment cost.

[0061] (11) In some embodiments, in the method of (10) above, after the step of supplying, a step of disconnecting the connection between the temporary tank and the device through the supply pipe is provided, and in the step of manufacturing, hydrogen is produced from the liquid using the device, at least after the step of disconnecting.

[0062] According to the method of (11) above, after supplying the liquid from the temporary tank to the device, the connection between the temporary tank and the device through the supply pipe is disconnected, and hydrogen is produced using the device. Thus, the temporary tank is not required during hydrogen production, and the temporary tank can be removed. Therefore, as described in (10) above, the hydrogen production facility can be operated while reducing the equipment installation area and more effectively reducing the equipment cost.

[0063] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and also includes forms obtained by modifying the above-described embodiments and forms obtained by appropriately combining these forms.

[0064] In this specification, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements such as "in a certain direction", "along a certain direction", "parallel", "orthogonal", "center", "concentric", or "coaxial" not only strictly represent such arrangements, but also represent states of being relatively displaced with tolerances or at angles and distances such that the same function can be obtained. For example, expressions indicating that things such as "identical", "equal", and "homogeneous" are in an equal state shall represent not only a strictly equal state, but also a state in which there are tolerances or differences to the extent that the same function can be obtained. Also, in this specification, expressions representing shapes such as a square shape or a cylindrical shape shall represent not only shapes such as a square shape or a cylindrical shape in a geometrically strict sense, but also shapes including uneven portions, chamfered portions, etc. within a range where the same effect can be obtained. Also, in this specification, the expressions "comprising", "including", or "having" for a component are not exclusive expressions excluding the existence of other components.

Explanation of Reference Signs

[0065] 2: Equipment 4: Electrolytic cell 6: Gas-liquid separator 7a: Pipe 7b: Pipe 8: Gas-liquid separator 9a: Pipe 9b: Pipe 10: Building 12: Base part 13: Floor surface 14: Wall part 14A: Upper wall part 14B: Waist wall part 15: Side surface 16: Roof part 17: Opening 18: Water collection part 20: Concave part 22: Support part 24: Support base 26: Leg part 30: Temporary tank 32: Transport vehicle 34: Pump 36: Supply pipe 100: Hydrogen production facility

Claims

1. Equipment constituting a hydrogen production device, A building including a wall portion and a roof portion for housing the equipment, The wall portion includes a base wall portion connected to the floor surface inside the building, The recess formed at least partially by the side surface of the base wall portion and the floor surface is configured to store the liquid leaked from the equipment, The equipment includes an electrolytic cell in which an electrolyte solution is stored and a gas-liquid separator to which the gas generated in the electrolytic cell is led, The electrolytic cell and the gas-liquid separator are installed above the base wall portion Hydrogen production equipment.

2. The equipment includes a pipe for circulating the electrolyte solution between the electrolytic cell and the gas-liquid separator, The pipe is installed above the base wall portion The hydrogen production equipment according to Claim 1.

3. A support portion provided on the floor surface and configured to support the equipment so that the equipment is located above the base wall portion The hydrogen production equipment according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. An opening provided in the wall portion at a position above the base wall portion The hydrogen production equipment according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. The opening has a size through which the equipment can pass The hydrogen production equipment according to Claim 4.

6. The wall portion includes an upper wall portion located above the base wall portion and connected to the roof portion, The thickness of the base wall portion is greater than the thickness of the upper wall portion The hydrogen production equipment according to Claim 1 or 2.

7. The wall portion includes an upper wall portion located above the base wall portion and connected to the roof portion, The strength of the base wall portion is greater than the strength of the upper wall portion The hydrogen production equipment according to Claim 1 or 2.

8. A water collecting portion provided so as to be recessed from the floor surface The hydrogen production equipment according to Claim 1 or 2.

9. A method for operating the hydrogen production equipment according to Claim 1 or 2, Installing a temporary tank storing a liquid outside the building, Connecting the temporary tank and the equipment via a supply pipe, Supplying the liquid stored in the temporary tank to the equipment via the supply pipe, Producing hydrogen from the liquid using the equipment A method for operating hydrogen production equipment comprising.

10. After the supplying step, a step of disconnecting the connection between the temporary tank and the equipment via the supply pipe is provided, In the step of manufacturing, after at least the step of releasing, hydrogen is produced from the liquid using the device. The method for operating a hydrogen production facility according to claim 9.

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