Water electrolysis system using water power generator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water electrolysis system using a hydroelectric power generation device, comprising: a water electrolysis unit that generates hydrogen and oxygen from water by power supplied through positive and negative terminals; a hydroelectric power generation device that generates power required for the operation of the water electrolysis unit through hydroelectric power generation; and a power conversion unit that converts the alternating current power generated by the hydroelectric power generation device into direct current power and supplies it as operating power for the water electrolysis unit. A water electrolysis system using such a hydroelectric power generation device allows for a relatively higher degree of freedom in turbine design even in narrow waterways, and can increase power generation efficiency through a hydroelectric power generation device that allows for a relatively large turbine size, thereby increasing the efficiency of hydrogen production by water electrolysis.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water electrolysis system using a hydroelectric power generation device, and more specifically, to a water electrolysis system capable of generating hydrogen and oxygen from water using electricity generated from a hydroelectric power generation device. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, hydroelectric power generation systems produce electricity by rotating a water turbine using the kinetic energy of flowing water and rotating a generator using the rotational force of the turbine.

[0003] Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-0480800 discloses a 'channel-type small hydroelectric power generation device using discharge water from an onshore fish farm'.

[0004] The disclosed small hydroelectric power generation device is configured to include a turbine blade section comprising turbine blades that rotate together with the turbine shafts by the discharge water, on each of two turbine shafts installed vertically in the discharge water channel, and the turbine shafts are installed parallel to each other at equal distances to the left and right sides from the center of the discharge water channel so that the turbine blade section is arranged in a symmetrical structure with respect to the center of the discharge water channel.

[0005] However, in the case of a small hydroelectric power generation device according to the prior art, there is a design constraint that limits the size of the symmetrical turbine blade section to less than 1 / 2 of the total channel width, so when the channel width is narrow, the size of each turbine blade section is also reduced, resulting in a limit to the amount of power generated. In addition, since the water flow can only flow through the narrow gap between the turbine and the edge of the channel, the flow resistance increases rapidly, and there is a problem in that bubbles are generated between the symmetrical turbines and vortices that increase water resistance are generated.

[0006] Meanwhile, recently, various methods have been proposed to utilize hydrogen generated by the electrolysis of water as a clean energy source, and there is a demand for using hydroelectric power as a power source for hydrogen production. The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention was devised to solve the above requirements, and aims to provide a water electrolysis system using a hydroelectric power generation device that supports the production of hydrogen by electrolyzing water with electricity generated from hydroelectric power generation. means of solving the problem

[0008] To achieve the above objective, a water electrolysis system using a hydroelectric power generation device according to the present invention comprises: a water electrolysis unit that generates hydrogen and oxygen from water by power supplied through a positive terminal and a negative terminal; a hydroelectric power generation device that generates power required for the operation of the water electrolysis unit by hydroelectric power generation; and a power conversion unit that converts the alternating current power generated by the hydroelectric power generation device into direct current power and supplies it as operating power for the water electrolysis unit.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the hydroelectric power generation device comprises a first and second water turbine installed vertically on a module frame installed in a waterway and rotated by flowing water, a generator that generates power by the rotational force of the first and second water turbines and supplies it to the power conversion unit, and a guide that disperses and guides the flowing water toward the first and second water turbines respectively in the width direction of the waterway, wherein the first and second water turbines are spaced apart along the direction of the flowing water and spaced apart in a partially overlapping structure along the width direction of the waterway and rotate in opposite directions, and the guide is installed biased toward the second water turbine side with respect to the first water turbine positioned upstream among the first and second water turbines to disperse the flowing water toward the first and second water turbines.

[0010] In addition, it is preferable that each blade of the first and second water turbine includes a leading edge portion formed radially perpendicular from its axis of rotation and a trailing edge portion formed extending radially from the leading edge portion and bent in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation with respect to the leading edge portion.

[0011] Additionally, the guide includes an inclined portion inclined toward the first water wheel side along the width direction of the waterway with respect to the direction of water flow, and a guide panel that is inclined vertically or at an angle smaller than the inclined portion toward the second water wheel along the direction of water flow and includes an end shorter than the inclined portion along the direction of water flow.

[0012] Additionally, the inclined portion of the guide panel is formed to be longer than the first water turbine in the upstream direction along the direction of water flow, and the guide is provided at the bottom of the guide panel. It further provides a support panel that is positioned below the first and second water turbines and coupled to allow the first and second water turbines to rotate, and the waterway further provides an external frame that supports the module frame, and the first and second water turbines are installed as a set on the lower side of each module frame, and one guide is integrally provided, and one generator is installed on the upper side of each module frame. Effects of the invention

[0013] The water electrolysis system using the hydroelectric power generation device according to the present invention can increase the degree of freedom in designing the turbine even in narrow waterways, and can increase the power generation efficiency through a hydroelectric power generation device that allows the turbine to be relatively large, and accordingly, the efficiency of hydrogen generation by water electrolysis can also be increased. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a water electrolysis system using a hydroelectric power generation device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a hydroelectric power generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the state in which the external frame has been removed from the hydroelectric power generation device of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the hydroelectric power generation device illustrated in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the water wheel illustrated in FIG. 2 is installed in a waterway, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a hydroelectric power generation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a hydroelectric power generation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a control system of a hydroelectric power generation device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] Hereinafter, a water electrolysis system using a hydroelectric power generation device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a water electrolysis system using a hydroelectric power generation device according to the present invention.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, the water electrolysis system (1) according to the present invention comprises a hydroelectric power generation device (100), a power conversion unit (200), and a water electrolysis unit (300).

[0018] The hydroelectric power generation device (100) generates the power required for the operation of the water electrolysis unit (300) by hydroelectric power generation, and the detailed structure will be described later.

[0019] The power conversion unit (200) converts the alternating current power generated by the hydroelectric power generation device (100) into direct current power and supplies it as operating power to the water electrolysis unit (300).

[0020] The power conversion unit (200) is constructed with an AC-DC converter (210) that converts AC power generated from a hydroelectric power generation device (100) into DC power, and a charging unit (220) that charges the power generated from the AC-DC converter (210) and supplies the charged DC power to a water electrolysis unit (300).

[0021] The AC-DC converter (210) can be constructed with a structure that applies a pulse width modulation unit that rectifies AC power through a bridge diode, charges the rectified DC power into a capacitor, and converts the power charged in the capacitor into a DC voltage with less voltage fluctuation through a transformer by pulse width modulation.

[0022] The charging unit (220) is configured to charge multiple batteries with power output from the AC / DC converter (210) and to supply the power charged in the batteries to the water electrolysis unit (300) through the positive output terminal (222) and the negative output terminal (224).

[0023] The water electrolysis unit (300) is configured to generate hydrogen (H2) and oxygen by electrolysis of water (H2O) supplied into the reactor (301), and to store the generated hydrogen and oxygen in storage tanks. Alternatively, the hydrogen generated in the water electrolysis unit (300) can be configured to be supplied to a fuel cell.

[0024] The water electrolysis unit (300) is positioned facing each other within the reactor (301) and generates hydrogen and oxygen from water by power supplied from the charging unit (220) through the positive terminal (310) and the negative terminal (320). The water electrolysis unit (300) may utilize various known structures, such as an alkaline water electrolysis structure using a liquid basic electrolyte, a polymer membrane water electrolysis structure using a polymer electrolyte membrane as an electrolyte, or a high-temperature oxide water electrolysis method using a solid oxide ceramic as an electrolyte.

[0025] In the illustrated example, the water electrolysis unit (300) is structured such that the positive terminal (310) and the negative terminal (320) are arranged facing each other in a plate shape around a membrane (330) installed in the reactor (301) to perform electrolysis in a manner in which hydrogen ions move, and in this case, a polymer electrolyte may be applied.

[0026] Meanwhile, the hydroelectric power generation device (100) is described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the hydroelectric power generation device (100) includes an outer frame (10) and at least one module (M), and each module (M) includes one module frame (20), one generator (30), first and second turbines (40, 50), and a guide (60).

[0028] The outer frame (10) can be installed in a fixed position over the waterway (2) so as to be located above the first and second water wheels (40)(50). That is, the outer frame (10) can be installed in a structure that spans both edges of the waterway (2) along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway. The outer frame (10) is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be any structure capable of supporting the module.

[0029] The outer frame (10) is equipped with the necessary components for hydroelectric power generation, and as illustrated, a solar panel (12) may also be installed to enable solar power generation.

[0030] The above module (M) may be installed in one or more rows along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway on a single outer frame (10). Additionally, the module (M) may be installed in one or more rows along the flow direction (arrow Y) on a single outer frame (10).

[0031] The module frame (20) of each module (M) is modularized and connected to the first and second water turbines (40)(50), one guide (60), and one generator (30) as a set. The module frame (20) can be connected to the outer frame (10) so as to be detachable by means of a bolt fastening method, etc. Therefore, the number of modules connected to one outer frame (10) can be selectively determined depending on the waterway (2) environment, etc.

[0032] Each module frame (20) can be fixedly installed on the inner lower side of the outer frame (10). Each module frame (20) can be formed as a box structure with an open top surface. A first and second water turbine (40)(50) and a guide (60) are installed on the lower side of each module frame (20), and power transmission elements such as a generator (30), a belt, and a gear can be installed on the upper side to transmit the rotational force of the first and second water turbines (40)(50) to the generator (30).

[0033] The first and second water wheels (40)(50) are rotated by the flow of water. For convenience of explanation below, the one placed relatively upstream among the first and second water wheels (40)(50) is referred to as the first water wheel (40), and the one placed relatively downstream is referred to as the second water wheel (50).

[0034] The first and second water turbines (40)(50) can be formed with the same structure and size to drive a single generator (30). The first and second water turbines (40)(50) are each installed vertically in the upper and lower directions on the module frame (20) underwater.

[0035] The first and second water wheels (40)(50) may be configured as a structure in which multiple units are stacked in the vertical direction according to the vertical length. The first and second water wheels (40)(50) are each configured with multiple wings (44)(54) arranged radially around a rotation axis (42)(52). Each wing (44)(54) may be composed of a leading edge portion (L) and a trailing edge portion (T) in the radial direction of the rotation axis (42)(52). The leading edge portion (L) is formed radially from the rotation axis (42)(52), and the trailing edge portion (T) is formed extending radially from the leading edge portion (L), but may be bent at a certain angle or curvature in the direction opposite to the rotation direction relative to the leading edge portion (L).

[0036] In particular, the trailing edge portion (T) of the wings (44)(54) of the first and second water turbines (40)(50) can be bent in opposite directions so that the first and second water turbines (40)(50) can rotate in opposite directions. Accordingly, the first and second water turbines (40)(50) can be efficiently rotated by the water flow guided by the guide (60).

[0037] These first and second water wheels (40)(50) are spaced apart along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway, and spaced apart sequentially along the flow direction (arrow Y), and are also arranged in a partially overlapping structure along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway. That is, in the case of the present invention, the required width along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway is smaller than when the first and second water wheels (40)(50) are installed in a row side by side, so the first and second water wheels (40)(50) can be installed together in pairs even in a narrow waterway (2), and the range of possible installation sizes of the first and second water wheels (40)(50) relative to the width of the waterway can be relatively wide, so that power generation above a certain level is possible even in a narrow waterway (2).

[0038] In addition, along the direction of the flow (arrow Y), only the part where the first and second water wheels (40)(50) overlap is narrowed by the first and second water wheels (40)(50), and the part where the first and second water wheels (40)(50) do not overlap is able to secure the water channel (2) relatively wide, so the flow resistance is not large.

[0039] In addition, the flow of water can be stopped between the first and second water wheels (40)(50) along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway to prevent bubbles or vortices from forming.

[0040] The guide (60) guides the flowing water to the first and second water wheels (40)(50) respectively by distributing and guiding it, and includes a guide panel (62).

[0041] The guide panel (62) is installed alongside the first water wheel (40) positioned upstream along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway, but is installed biased toward the second water wheel (50) side along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway relative to the first water wheel (40) to disperse and guide the water flow to the first and second water wheels (40)(50). That is, the waterway (2) can be divided along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway into an area where the first water wheel (40) is positioned alongside the guide panel (62) and an area where the second water wheel (50) is positioned downstream of the guide panel (62), based on the guide panel (62).

[0042] Furthermore, the guide panel (62) may be composed of an inclined section (62a) and an end section (62b) along the direction of flow (arrow Y).

[0043] The inclined portion (62a) of the guide panel (62) is structured to be inclined toward the first water wheel (40) at a certain angle or curvature along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway with respect to the flow direction (arrow Y). This inclined portion (62a) of the guide panel (62) can be positioned to be longer than the first water wheel (40) in the upstream direction along the flow direction (arrow Y). Therefore, since the inclined portion (62a) of the guide panel (62) covers the part of the first water wheel (40) that is on the side of the second water wheel (50) along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway, the flow is guided along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway relative to the first water wheel (40) toward the part of the guide panel (62) opposite the first water wheel (40), allowing the first water wheel (40) to rotate efficiently in one direction. In addition, the water flow dispersed toward the second water wheel (50) can be smoothly guided toward the second water wheel (50) along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway by the inclined portion (62a) of the guide panel (62). Furthermore, the second water wheel (50) can also be efficiently rotated in one direction as a part of the first water wheel (40) side is covered by the guide panel (62) along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway and the water flow is guided toward the opposite side.

[0044] The end portion (62b) of the guide panel (62) is a part that extends from the inclined portion (62a) toward the second water wheel (50) along the direction of water flow (arrow Y), and is structured to be perpendicular to the direction of water flow (arrow Y) or inclined toward the first water wheel (40) along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway relative to the direction of water flow (arrow Y), but inclined at a smaller angle than the inclined portion (62a) of the guide panel (62).

[0045] The end portion (62b) of the guide panel (62) may be formed shorter than the inclined portion (62a) of the guide panel (62) along the direction of water flow (arrow Y). Thus, the guide panel (62) can guide the water flow while appropriately covering the first and second water wheels (40)(50). Additionally, it can block the water from flowing into unnecessary parts between the first and second water wheels (40)(50).

[0046] The upper part of the guide panel (62) can be joined to the lower side of the module frame (20) and integrally connected to the module frame (20). Additionally, the guide (60) may further include a support panel (64).

[0047] The support panel (64) of the guide (60) is provided at the bottom of the guide panel (62) and is positioned below the first and second water wheels (40)(50), and is coupled to the first and second water wheels (40)(50) so as to be rotatable by means of a bearing, etc. That is, the support panel (64) of the guide (60) is positioned in a horizontal plane with respect to the vertical direction and supports the first and second water wheels (40)(50) so as to be rotatable.

[0048] Meanwhile, as illustrated, when two modules (M) are installed in a row along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway, the two modules (M) can be arranged in a symmetrical structure along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway with respect to the flow direction (arrow Y). That is, the guide (60) of each module (M) can be positioned in the middle of the waterway (2) along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway.

[0049] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, only one module (M) may be configured in one outer frame (10). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, two or more modules (M) may be configured in a row along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway in one outer frame (10), but unlike as shown in FIG. 5, they may be arranged in the same layout structure along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway.

[0050] The effects of the hydroelectric power generation device configured as described above are explained in detail as follows.

[0051] First, the water flow is distributed along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway on the guide panel (62) toward the first water turbine (40) and the second water turbine (50). The water flow distributed toward the first water turbine (40) is guided toward the opposite side of the guide (60) along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway relative to the first water turbine (40), and the first water turbine (40) is rotated clockwise with respect to the water flow direction (arrow Y). The water flow distributed toward the second water turbine (50) flows past the guide panel (62) and is then guided toward the opposite side of the guide (60) along the width direction (arrow X) of the waterway relative to the second water turbine (50), and the second water turbine (50) is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the water flow direction (arrow Y). The rotational force of the first and second water turbines (40) and (50) is transmitted to the generator (30) to produce electricity.

[0052] The first and second water wheels (40)(50) installed in the waterway (2) are arranged in an alternating manner in the direction of water flow, thereby increasing the design freedom of the first and second water wheels (40)(50). Additionally, since the first and second water wheels (40)(50) rotate in opposite directions and interference in the direction of water flow can be reduced, the generation of bubbles and vortices can be reduced. In particular, by being installed in the width direction of the waterway (2), the problem of reduced rotational power of the water wheels due to reduced water velocity in the waterway can be prevented.

[0053] Meanwhile, if the voltage generated by power generation in the hydroelectric power generation device (100) exceeds the stable power conversion range of the power conversion unit (200), damage may occur to the elements constituting the power conversion unit (200), and a control method to prevent this may be applied, and an example thereof is explained with reference to FIG. 8. Elements having the same function as those in the previously illustrated drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 8, an overvoltage suppression unit is provided to supply power to the power conversion unit (200) within a stable range.

[0055] The overvoltage suppression unit is equipped with a voltage detection unit (410), a braking unit (420), and a control unit (430).

[0056] The voltage detection unit (410) detects the voltage output from the generator (30) and provides it to the control unit (430).

[0057] The braking unit (420) applies a braking force corresponding to a control signal to the generator (30). The braking unit (420) may apply various known braking structures, such as a method of applying or releasing braking force by contacting or separating the rotating shaft of the generator (30) with a friction pad.

[0058] The control unit (430) controls the braking unit (420) to reduce the rotational speed of the generator (30) when the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit (410) corresponds to a set overvoltage range. With this overvoltage suppression unit, excessive rotation and overvoltage output of the hydroelectric power generation device (100) can be suppressed, thereby preventing damage to the equipment.

[0059] The water electrolysis system using the hydroelectric power generation device described above can increase the degree of freedom in turbine design even in narrow waterways, and can increase power generation efficiency through a hydroelectric power generation device that allows for a relatively large turbine size, and accordingly, increase the efficiency of hydrogen production by water electrolysis. Explanation of the symbols

[0060] 100: Hydroelectric power generation device 200: Power conversion unit 300: Water electrolysis unit

Claims

Claim 1 A water electrolysis unit that generates hydrogen and oxygen from water by power supplied through positive and negative terminals; a hydroelectric power generation device that generates power required for the operation of the water electrolysis unit by hydroelectric power generation; and a power conversion unit that converts the alternating current power generated by the hydroelectric power generation device into direct current power and supplies it as operating power for the water electrolysis unit.The hydroelectric power generation device comprises: first and second water turbines installed vertically on a module frame installed in a waterway and rotated by flowing water; a generator that generates power by the rotational force of the first and second water turbines and supplies it to the power conversion unit; and a guide that distributes and guides the flowing water toward the first and second water turbines, respectively, in the width direction of the waterway; the first and second water turbines are spaced apart along the direction of the flowing water and spaced apart in a partially overlapping structure along the width direction of the waterway so as to rotate in opposite directions; the guide is installed biased toward the second water turbine side with respect to the first water turbine positioned upstream among the first and second water turbines to distribute the flowing water toward the first and second water turbines; and each blade of the first and second water turbines has a leading edge portion formed radially perpendicular from its axis of rotation and a blade extending radially from the leading edge portion and bent in the opposite direction of rotation with respect to the leading edge portion. The guide includes a trailing edge portion, wherein the guide includes an inclined portion inclined toward the first water turbine side along the width direction of the waterway with respect to the flow direction, and a guide panel that is inclined vertically or at an angle smaller than the inclined portion toward the second water turbine along the flow direction and includes an end shorter than the inclined portion along the flow direction, wherein the inclined portion of the guide panel is formed to be longer than the first water turbine upstream along the flow direction, and the guide is provided at the bottom of the guide panel and further includes a support panel disposed below the first and second water turbines and coupled so that the first and second water turbines can rotate, and the waterway further includes an outer frame supporting the module frame, wherein the first and second water turbines are installed as a set on the lower side of the module frame and one guide is integrally provided, and a generator is installed on the upper side of the module frame, and a voltage detection unit for detecting the voltage output from the generator; and a braking unit for applying a braking force corresponding to a control signal to the generator;A water electrolysis system using a hydroelectric power generation device, characterized by comprising: a control unit that controls the braking unit to decelerate the rotational speed of the generator when the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit corresponds to a set overvoltage range. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete

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