Hydrogen production apparatus and gas-liquid separation device thereof, and method for separating electrolyte and hydrogen

Abstract

The present application discloses a hydrogen production apparatus and a gas-liquid separation device thereof, and a method for separating an electrolyte and hydrogen. The gas-liquid separation device comprises a tank and a downflow assembly; an inlet is formed in the middle of the tank, a hydrogen outlet is formed in the top of the tank, and a treatment cavity communicated with the inlet and the hydrogen outlet is further formed in the tank; the downflow assembly is formed in the treatment cavity and held above the inlet, a downflow space and a flow separation cavity are formed by the downflow assembly and the portion of the treatment cavity located above the inlet, and a gas-liquid preliminary separation space is formed by the downflow assembly and the portion of the treatment cavity located below the downflow assembly; the downflow assembly is provided with at least one through hole and a through channel, the flow separation cavity is configured to be communicated with the downflow space by means of the at least one through hole, the gas-liquid preliminary separation space is communicated with the flow separation cavity by means of the through channel, and the downflow space is configured to be communicated with the hydrogen outlet.

Description

Hydrogen production equipment, gas-liquid separation device thereof, and method for separating electrolyte and hydrogen Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hydrogen production equipment, and in particular to hydrogen production equipment, a gas-liquid separation device thereof, and a method for separating electrolyte and hydrogen. Background Art

[0002] Hydrogen, as a clean chemical gas, is currently widely used in various fields. Most current hydrogen production equipment uses electrolysis of electrolytes to produce hydrogen. During the electrolysis process, the electrolyte produces hydrogen, and since the electrolyte flows along with the hydrogen, this poses significant challenges to hydrogen purification.

[0003] In the prior art, after the electrolyte is electrolyzed, a conventional gas-liquid separator is used to separate the mixed fluid. However, a large amount of electrolyte mist still exists in the separated fluid, and this electrolyte mist will flow along with the hydrogen, especially in alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment. To this end, the fluid separated by the gas-liquid separator must be washed by a scrubber to remove a small amount of electrolyte in the fluid, or cooled by a cooler to retain the electrolyte in the fluid.

[0004] For example, the Chinese invention patent with announcement number CN112755594A discloses "a gas-liquid separator", which enhances the gas-liquid separation effect by arranging functional components including a cyclone bubble breaking device, a demisting separation device, a defoaming paddle and a foam buffer chamber in the cavity of the gas-liquid separator. This type of gas-liquid separator is more effective in removing foam from a gas-liquid mixed electrolyte, but the foam will release more droplets when it breaks. Since the fluid flowing through the gas-liquid separator in the hydrogen production equipment has a certain flow rate, these droplet-state electrolytes will flow away with the gas. Therefore, in order to obtain high-purity hydrogen, the fluid must continue to be separated and processed. In other words, the gas-liquid separator in the prior art cannot obtain high-purity hydrogen through one device. If multiple devices are used to combine multiple processes, the space occupied by the equipment will inevitably increase.

[0005] In addition, in order to separate the mist electrolyte and gaseous hydrogen, a wire mesh demister for removing the mist electrolyte is usually set on the path through which the gas and liquid flow. In addition to the mist electrolyte, there may also be some fine electrolyte particles retained on the wire mesh demister, especially alkaline microparticles. If these tiny particles are not removed in time, the wire mesh demister will inevitably be blocked by the liquid condensed from the solid and the mist electrolyte, thereby affecting the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a hydrogen production device and a gas-liquid separation device thereof, as well as a method for separating electrolyte and hydrogen, wherein droplets and fine particles accumulated on the wire mesh demister can be automatically removed by the wire mesh dredging component.

[0008] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a hydrogen production device and a gas-liquid separation device and a method for separating electrolyte and hydrogen, wherein the gas-liquid separation device can reduce the flow rate of hydrogen mixed with mist electrolyte to be separated, thereby reducing the electrolyte in the hydrogen mixed with mist electrolyte flowing away with the gas, thereby improving the separation effect of hydrogen and electrolyte, and obtaining higher purity hydrogen.

[0009] One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a hydrogen production device and a gas-liquid separation device thereof, as well as a method for separating electrolyte and hydrogen, wherein the gas-liquid separation device has a smaller volume and can achieve efficient separation of hydrogen and electrolyte through a single smaller volume of the gas-liquid separation device.

[0010] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a hydrogen production device and a gas-liquid separation device thereof, as well as a method for separating electrolyte and hydrogen. The gas-liquid separation device realizes the integration of multiple hydrogen and electrolyte separation processes in a single device by arranging multiple components in a smaller space, thereby drastically reducing the space occupied by the gas-liquid separation device and achieving good separation effect.

[0011] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a hydrogen production device and a gas-liquid separation device and a method for separating electrolyte and hydrogen, wherein the gas-liquid separation device can wash the volatilized hydrogen mixed with mist electrolyte with clean water when separating hydrogen and electrolyte, thereby retaining the electrolyte in the hydrogen mixed with mist electrolyte.

[0012] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a hydrogen production device and a gas-liquid separation device and a method for separating electrolyte and hydrogen, wherein the gas-liquid separation device can automatically maintain the clean water used to wash the electrolyte at a lower electrolyte concentration, thereby effectively reducing the electrolyte dissolved in the clean water and volatilizing with the hydrogen.

[0013] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a hydrogen production device and a gas-liquid separation device thereof, as well as a method for separating electrolyte and hydrogen, wherein the gas-liquid separation device can automatically maintain the clean water for washing the electrolyte at a lower temperature, thereby effectively reducing the electrolyte dissolved in the clean water and volatilizing with the hydrogen.

[0014] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a hydrogen production device and a gas-liquid separation device and a method for separating electrolyte and hydrogen, wherein the gas-liquid separation device can maintain the separated electrolyte at a relatively low temperature, thereby preventing the separated electrolyte from volatilizing again and dissolving into the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte to be separated.

[0015] To achieve at least one of the above advantages of the present invention, the present invention provides a gas-liquid separation device, comprising:

[0016] a tank body, wherein an inlet is formed in the middle of the tank body, a hydrogen outlet is formed at the top of the tank body, and a processing chamber is further formed in the tank body and is in communication with the inlet and the hydrogen outlet;

[0017] A downflow component, wherein the downflow component is formed in the processing chamber and is maintained above the inlet, wherein the downflow component forms a downflow space and a flow isolation chamber in the processing chamber located above the inlet, and the downflow component forms a gas-liquid initial separation space in the processing chamber and below the downflow component, wherein the downflow component forms at least one connecting hole and a connecting channel, wherein the flow isolation chamber is arranged to be connected to the downflow space through at least one connecting hole, wherein the gas-liquid initial separation space is connected to the flow isolation chamber through the connecting channel, wherein the downflow space is arranged to be connected to the hydrogen outlet, and the downflow space and the flow isolation chamber are coaxially formed in the processing chamber.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the downflow assembly includes a transverse partition wall and a partition cylinder, wherein the edge of the transverse partition wall is sealedly mounted on the inner wall of the tank body forming the processing chamber, and the partition cylinder has a vertical side wall and a top sealing wall, wherein the vertical side wall extends toward the top of the hydrogen outlet, wherein the top sealing wall is arranged to cover the top of the vertical side wall, wherein the downflow space is formed in the upper space between the vertical side wall and the top sealing wall, the transverse partition wall and the inner wall of the tank body forming the processing chamber to hold the clean water, the connecting hole is formed at the bottom of the vertical side wall, and the flow separation chamber is formed between the vertical side wall of the partition cylinder, the top sealing wall and the transverse partition wall.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the downflow assembly includes a connecting piece, wherein the bottom of the connecting piece is arranged in the middle of the transverse partition wall and extends toward the flow isolation chamber, and the connecting piece forms the connecting channel in the middle. The connecting piece extends in the vertical direction and forms an air outlet at the end of the connecting piece in the flow isolation chamber.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the top of the connecting piece is arranged to pass through the top sealing wall and then continue to extend to a predetermined height, and then bends and passes through the top sealing wall again to keep the air outlet in the flow isolation cavity from top to bottom.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the gas-liquid separation device includes an air distribution plate, wherein the air distribution plate is arranged facing the air outlet.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gas-liquid separation device includes an electrolyte retention component, wherein the electrolyte retention component includes a first cooling component, wherein the first cooling component includes a first heat exchange element, wherein the first heat exchange element is arranged in the downflow space, and a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet are formed on the tank body.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gas-liquid separation device includes a liquid exchange component, the liquid exchange component includes at least one overflow pipe, the tank body forms at least one liquid exchange inlet connected to the downflow space, the vertical distance between the top of the overflow pipe and the hydrogen outlet is greater than the vertical distance between the highest part of the connecting piece and the hydrogen outlet, and the bottom of the overflow pipe extends to the bottom of the processing chamber of the tank body.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gas-liquid separation device includes at least one wire mesh demister, wherein at least one wire mesh demister is disposed in the communicating channel, and at least one wire mesh demister is disposed in the hydrogen outlet.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve at least one of the above advantages, the present invention provides a hydrogen production device, the hydrogen production device comprising:

[0026] at least one liquid supply assembly, the liquid supply assembly comprising an electrolytic cell and a liquid supply member for supplying electrolyte to the electrolytic cell;

[0027] at least one electrolysis assembly for electrolyzing the electrolyte in the electrolysis cell; and

[0028] In any of the above-mentioned gas-liquid separation devices, the inlet is connected to the electrolytic cell and is used to separate the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte formed after electrolysis.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve at least one of the above advantages, the present invention provides a method for separating electrolyte and hydrogen, which is processed by any of the gas-liquid separation devices described above, wherein the hydrogen separation method comprises the following steps:

[0030] introducing hydrogen gas mixed with mist electrolyte into the processing chamber through the inlet;

[0031] The clean water in the downflow space formed by the downflow component offsets part of the gas pressure of the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte to reduce the flow rate of the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte flowing into the processing chamber and wash the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte, wherein the downflow component is arranged in the processing chamber and is located above the inlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of a hydrogen production device according to the present invention.

[0033] FIG2 shows a perspective view of the gas-liquid separation device according to the present invention.

[0034] FIG3 shows a top view of the gas-liquid separation device according to the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the AA direction in FIG. 3 .

[0036] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of portion C in FIG. 4 .

[0037] FIG6 is a perspective view showing a portion of the cutaway structure of the gas-liquid separation device according to the present invention.

[0038] FIG7 is a schematic diagram showing a state of the gas-liquid separation device according to the present invention.

[0039] FIG8 shows a schematic diagram of the gas-liquid separation device of the present invention in another state.

[0040] FIG9 shows a cutaway perspective view of a second embodiment of the gas-liquid separation device according to the present invention.

[0041] FIG10 shows a top view of a second embodiment of the gas-liquid separation device according to the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 10 .

[0043] FIG. 12 shows an enlarged view of portion D in FIG. 11 .

[0044] FIG13 is a perspective view showing a partial structure of a second embodiment of the gas-liquid separation device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The following description is intended to disclose the present invention so that those skilled in the art can implement the present invention. The preferred embodiments described below are for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other obvious variations. The basic principles of the present invention defined in the following description may be applied to other embodiments, variations, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0046] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of the present invention, the terms "longitudinal", "transverse", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0047] It is to be understood that the term "one" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element may be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the elements may be multiple, and the term "one" should not be understood as a limitation on the quantity.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1 to 8 , a hydrogen production apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. The hydrogen production apparatus can generate hydrogen gas by electrolyzing an electrolyte. The hydrogen production apparatus includes at least one electrolysis assembly 200 , at least one liquid supply assembly 300 , and a gas-liquid separation device 400 .

[0049] The liquid supply assembly 300 includes an electrolytic cell and a liquid supply component for supplying electrolyte to the electrolytic cell, wherein the liquid supply component includes a pump body and a pipeline. The electrolysis assembly 200 is configured to electrolyze the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell to generate hydrogen.

[0050] The gas-liquid separation device 400 is connected to the electrolytic cell to separate hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte formed by volatilization during electrolysis in the electrolytic cell, and return the separated electrolyte to the electrolytic cell.

[0051] Preferably, the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte formed by volatilization during electrolysis is quickly transported to the gas-liquid separation device 400 through a pump body 800.

[0052] Specifically, the gas-liquid separation device 400 includes a tank body 10, wherein an inlet 101 is formed in the middle of the tank body 10, wherein a hydrogen outlet 102 is formed at the top of the tank body 10, and a processing chamber 103 connected to the inlet 101 and the hydrogen outlet 102 is also formed in the tank body 10.

[0053] The gas-liquid separation device 400 also includes a downflow component 20, wherein the downflow component 20 is formed in the processing chamber 103 and maintained above the inlet 101, wherein the downflow component 20 forms a downflow space 10301 and a flow isolation chamber 10302 in the processing chamber 103 located above the inlet 101, and the downflow component 20 is arranged in the processing chamber 103 and forms a gas-liquid initial separation space 10303 below.

[0054] The downflow component 20 forms at least one connecting hole 201 and a connecting channel 202, wherein the flow isolation chamber 10302 is arranged to be connected to the downflow space 10301 through at least one connecting hole 201, wherein the gas-liquid initial separation space 10303 is connected to the flow isolation chamber 10302 through the connecting channel 202, and wherein the downflow space 10301 is arranged to be connected to the hydrogen outlet 102.

[0055] It is worth noting that the downflow space 10301 is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of clean water, and the connecting hole 201 is configured to be submerged by the clean water. Thus, when hydrogen gas mixed with misted electrolyte to be separated enters the processing chamber 103 through the inlet 101, the fluid at a predetermined flow rate is initially separated in the gas-liquid initial separation space 10303 before flowing into the isolation chamber 10302 through the connecting channel 202. Because the clean water in the downflow space 10301 blocks the passage through which the hydrogen gas mixed with misted electrolyte flows, the clean water level in the downflow space 10301 rises. The weight of the clean water is sufficient to expose the connecting hole 201 after the level rises, allowing the hydrogen gas mixed with misted electrolyte to continuously enter the clean water in the downflow space 10301 through the connecting hole 201 and be washed. In this way, since the clean water blocks the flow path of the hydrogen in the mist electrolyte, the flow rate of the hydrogen in the mist electrolyte flowing into the processing chamber 103 can be reduced, and it can be washed at the same time. Therefore, after the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte flows to the downflow space 10301, the flow rate is sharply reduced, so that the electrolyte in the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte can slowly mix into the clean water. At the same time, since the hydrogen tends to move upward, the washed hydrogen can flow out from the hydrogen outlet 102 to obtain the separated and purified hydrogen. It is worth mentioning that when the mist electrolyte is washed by the clean water, it breaks and dilutes under the pressure of the clean water, and because the flow rate is reduced, the gas flowing upward after washing with the clean water is high-purity hydrogen.

[0056] More specifically, the downflow assembly 20 includes a transverse partition wall 21 and a partition cylinder 22, wherein the edge of the transverse partition wall 21 is sealedly installed on the inner wall of the tank body 10 forming the processing chamber 103 to separate the processing chamber 103 into an upper space 10304 and the gas-liquid initial separation space 10303.

[0057] The separation cylinder 22 has a vertical side wall 221 and a top sealing wall 222, wherein the vertical side wall 221 extends toward the top of the hydrogen outlet 102, and the top sealing wall 222 is arranged to cover the top of the vertical side wall 221. In this way, the vertical side wall 221 and the top sealing wall 222, the transverse separation wall 21 and the inner wall of the tank body 10 forming the processing chamber 103 form the downflow space 10301 in the upper space 10304 for holding the clean water.

[0058] In addition, the communicating holes 201 are formed at the bottom of the vertical side wall 221. Preferably, the communicating holes 201 are evenly arranged on the bottom side wall of the vertical side wall 221 along the circumferential direction.

[0059] It is worth mentioning that the flow isolation chamber 10302 is formed between the vertical sidewall 221 and the top sealing wall 222 of the separation cylinder 22 and the transverse separation wall 21. At the same time, the communication channel 202 communicating with the flow isolation chamber 10302 is formed in the middle of the transverse separation wall 21.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that by coaxially forming the downflow space 10301 and the flow isolation chamber 10302 in the processing chamber 103, and arranging the downflow space 10301 and the flow isolation chamber 10302 radially, such an arrangement can not only realize the gas-liquid separation and the washing components are integrated in the processing chamber 103, but also effectively reduce the space occupied by the gas-liquid separation device 400.

[0061] In another preferred embodiment, the downflow assembly 20 further includes a connecting piece 23, wherein the bottom of the connecting piece 23 is located in the middle of the transverse partition wall 21 and extends toward the flow isolation chamber 10302. The connecting piece 23 forms the connecting channel 202 in the middle. The connecting piece 23 extends vertically to form an air outlet 2301 at the end of the connecting piece 23 within the flow isolation chamber 10302.

[0062] That is, the air outlet 2301 is arranged at a position lower than the top sealing wall 222 .

[0063] Preferably, in another embodiment, the top of the connecting piece 23 is arranged to pass through the top sealing wall 222, then continue to extend to a predetermined height, bend again and pass through the top sealing wall 222, so that the gas outlet 2301 is maintained from top to bottom in the flow isolation cavity 10302. It is worth mentioning that the top sealing wall 222 and the connecting piece 23 are sealed.

[0064] It is worth mentioning that the vertical distance between the top of the connecting member 23 and the hydrogen outlet 102 is less than the vertical distance between the top of the clean water level maintained in the downflow space 10301 and the hydrogen outlet 102. In this way, when the pressure of the gas flowing into the processing chamber 103 decreases, the clean water in the downflow space 10301 can be effectively prevented from flowing back into the flow isolation chamber 10302.

[0065] Preferably, the gas-liquid separation device 400 further includes a gas distribution plate 500, wherein the gas distribution plate 500 is disposed directly opposite the gas outlet 2301. This allows the hydrogen gas mixed with the misted electrolyte to be evenly directed by the gas distribution plate 500 toward the connecting holes 201 at the bottom of the vertical sidewall 221, thereby preventing the clean water in the downflow space 10301 from flowing back through the connecting holes 201 into the flow isolation chamber 10302 and flooding the connecting holes 201 due to uneven gas distribution, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of washing the hydrogen gas mixed with the misted electrolyte with the electrolyte.

[0066] Preferably, the gas-liquid separation device 400 also includes an electrolyte retention component 30, wherein the electrolyte retention component 30 includes a first cooling component 31, wherein the first cooling component 31 includes a first heat exchange component 311, wherein the first heat exchange component 311 is arranged in the downflow space 10301, so that the temperature of the clean water located in the downflow space 10301 can be reduced by heat exchange, and then the electrolyte in the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte can be condensed when it is retained by the clean water located in the downflow space 10301, and at the same time, the volatilization rate of the electrolyte dissolved in the clean water can be reduced.

[0067] Preferably, the first cooling component 31 further includes a first guide pump 312 and a first condenser 313, wherein the first guide pump 312, the first condenser 313, and the first heat exchange element 311 are interconnected, wherein the first guide pump 312 is configured to guide the refrigerant to continuously flow through the first condenser 313 after being cooled to the first heat exchange element 311, so that the first heat exchange element 311 can maintain the temperature of the clean water in the downflow space 10301 at a temperature suitable for condensing the electrolyte in the hydrogen mixed with the misted electrolyte through heat exchange. Preferably, the first cooling component 31 is disposed in the processing chamber 103, and a first refrigerant inlet 31101 and a first refrigerant outlet 31102 are formed on the tank body 10. The first refrigerant inlet 31101 and the first refrigerant outlet 31102 are connected to the first guide pump 312 and the first condenser 313.

[0068] Furthermore, the gas-liquid separation device 400 also includes a liquid exchange component 40, wherein the liquid exchange component 40 includes at least one circulation pump 41 and a group of circulation pipes 42. The gas-liquid separation device 400 forms a liquid exchange inlet 401 connected to the downflow space 10301 and a liquid exchange outlet connected to the downflow space 10301. The circulation pump 41 is configured to be connected to a group of circulation pipes 42, one of which is connected to the clean water source through the liquid exchange inlet 401, and one of which is connected to the liquid exchange outlet and the circulation pump 41 to discharge the liquid in the downflow space 10301. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid exchange inlet 401 and the liquid exchange outlet are both formed by the tank body 10 that forms the upper space 10304.

[0069] In this way, the clean water in the downflow space 10301 can still maintain a low concentration of electrolyte after washing the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte, thereby effectively preventing excessive electrolyte from being mixed into the washed hydrogen again as the clean water evaporates.

[0070] It is particularly worth mentioning that, through the cooperation of the liquid replacement component 40 and the first cooling component 31 of the electrolyte retention component 30 , the hydrogen with higher purity can be separated.

[0071] In another embodiment, the fluid exchange assembly 40 includes at least one overflow pipe 43. In this embodiment, the tank body 10 forms at least one fluid exchange inlet 401 communicating with the downflow space 10301.

[0072] In this embodiment, the overflow pipe 43 is disposed through the transverse partition wall 21, and the vertical distance between the top end of the overflow pipe 43 and the hydrogen outlet 102 is greater than the vertical distance between the highest point of the connecting member 23 and the hydrogen outlet 102. As a result, during the process of introducing clean water into the downflow space 10301, the level of the clean water in the downflow space 10301 does not exceed the top end of the overflow pipe 43. This effectively prevents the clean water from flowing back into the flow isolation chamber 10302 due to excessive dissolution of electrolyte, thereby preventing the clean water from flooding the connecting hole 201.

[0073] The bottom of the overflow pipe 43 extends to the bottom of the processing chamber 103 of the tank body 10 .

[0074] In one embodiment, the gas-liquid separation device 400 includes a primary separation member 50, wherein one end of the primary separation member 50 forms the inlet 101 and is maintained in the processing chamber 103 along a transverse extension. A group of vents 501 are arranged on the side of the primary separation member 50. It is worth mentioning that when the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte enters the primary separation member 50 through the inlet 101, the mist electrolyte in the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte is blocked and cooled by the tube wall of the primary separation member 50, and droplets will be formed in the primary separation member 50, and the liquid will fall to the bottom of the processing chamber 103 through the vents 501.

[0075] Since the vent holes 501 are provided on the side of the primary separation element 50 , the liquid droplets will slide away from the vent holes 501 under the action of gravity, thereby effectively preventing the liquid droplets from gathering in the vent holes 501 and clogging the vent holes 501 .

[0076] Preferably, the electrolyte retention assembly 30 also includes a second cooling component 32, and the second cooling component 32 includes a second heat exchange element 321, wherein the second heat exchange element 321 of the second cooling component 32 is arranged at the bottom of the processing chamber 103, so as to cool the liquid electrolyte deposited at the bottom of the processing chamber 103, thereby effectively preventing the electrolyte dripping to the bottom of the processing chamber 103 from volatilizing again and mixing into the gas.

[0077] Specifically, the second cooling component 32 includes a second guide pump 322 and a second condenser 323, wherein the second guide pump 322, the second condenser 323, and the second heat exchange element 321 are interconnected, wherein the second guide pump 322 is configured to guide the refrigerant to continuously flow through the second condenser 323 after being cooled to the second heat exchange element 321, so that the second heat exchange element 321 can maintain the temperature of the electrolyte located at the bottom of the processing chamber 103 below the volatilization temperature through heat exchange. Preferably, the second cooling component 32 is disposed at the bottom of the processing chamber 103, and a second refrigerant inlet 32101 and a second refrigerant outlet 32102 are formed on the tank body 10. The second refrigerant inlet 32101 and the second refrigerant outlet 32102 are connected to the second guide pump 322 and the second condenser 323.

[0078] Preferably, the tank body 10 forms an electrolyte outlet 104 at the bottom of the processing chamber 103 , which is in communication with the processing chamber 103 .

[0079] It is worth mentioning that the hydrogen outlet 102 is connected to a hydrogen storage tank. The electrolyte outlet 104 and the liquid replacement assembly 40 are both connected to the liquid supply component of the liquid supply assembly 300. This not only allows the separation of hydrogen and the mist-like electrolyte, but also enables the recycling of the electrolyte.

[0080] More preferably, the gas-liquid separation device 400 further includes at least one wire mesh demister 60 , wherein at least one wire mesh demister 60 is disposed in the communication channel 202 . As preferred, at least one wire mesh demister 60 is disposed in the hydrogen outlet 102 .

[0081] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the wire mesh demister 60 can initially intercept the electrolyte mist. Furthermore, since the hydrogen outlet 102 is also provided with the wire mesh demister 60, when higher-purity hydrogen is separated, the higher-purity hydrogen can be intercepted again, thereby further improving the purity of the obtained hydrogen.

[0082] 9 to 13 , in a modified embodiment, the gas-liquid separation device 400 further includes a wire mesh dredging assembly 70, wherein at least one wire mesh demister 60 is movably mounted to the communication passage 202 via the wire mesh dredging assembly 70. Specifically, the wire mesh demister 60 is movably mounted to the communication passage 202 formed by the connecting member 23 via the wire mesh dredging assembly 70.

[0083] With particular reference to Figures 11 to 13, the screen dredging assembly 70 specifically includes a guide rod 71, an elastic member 72, and a stopper 73. The guide rod 71 is arranged to extend along the axial direction of the connecting passage 202 and has a high end portion 711 and a low end portion 712. Furthermore, a reduced diameter portion 24 is formed on the inner wall of the connecting passage 202, wherein the cross-sectional diameter of the reduced diameter portion 24 is larger than the cross-sectional diameter of other portions of the connecting passage 202.

[0084] The stopper 73 is fixed to the connecting passage 202, and at least one connecting window 7301 is formed in the middle of the stopper 73 to communicate with the connecting passage 202. The lower end portion 712 of the guide rod 71 is pressed against the stopper 73. In addition, a mounting member 80 is provided in the portion of the connecting passage 202 formed by the reducing portion 24, wherein the middle portion of the mounting member 80 forms a mounting cavity 801 axially downward, wherein the high end portion 711 of the guide rod 71 is slidably inserted into the mounting cavity 801, wherein the elastic member 72 is provided in the mounting cavity 801 and is interposed between the mounting member 80 and the high end portion 711 of the guide rod 71, so that the guide rod 71 tends to move axially downward and press against the stopper 73. At the same time, at least one wire mesh demister 60 is mounted on the guide rod 71 and a portion is located at the reducing portion 24 of the connecting passage 202. In addition, at least one window 802 communicating with the communication channel 202 is formed in the middle of the mounting member 80 .

[0085] During the normal gas-liquid separation process, the wire mesh demister 60 located on the guide rod 71 can be maintained in the connecting channel 202, and the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte can be filtered out by the wire mesh demister 60 located on the guide rod 71 when passing through the connecting channel 202. However, as the amount of liquid deposited on the wire mesh demister 60 increases and the fine particles in the electrolyte accumulate, once the wire mesh demister 60 on the guide rod 71 is partially blocked, the air pressure in the gas-liquid initial separation space 10303 will increase sharply, while the air pressure in the flow isolation chamber 10302 will still decrease, so that the wire mesh demister 60 is pushed and drives the guide rod 71 to slide along the installation cavity 801, so that the lower end 712 of the guide rod 71 is away from the stopper 73, and the wire mesh demister 60 located on the guide rod 71 is completely moved to the connecting channel 202 formed by the reducing part 24. Since the cross-sectional diameter of the reducing part 24 is larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the wire mesh demister 60 installed on the guide rod 71, the wire mesh demister 60 located in the gas-liquid initial separation space 10303 The gas will quickly flow into the flow isolation chamber 10302 through the gap between the wire mesh demister 60 and the inner wall of the variable diameter part 24. Accordingly, the air pressure in the gas-liquid initial separation space 10303 will decrease sharply. Correspondingly, under the elastic force of the elastic member 72, the guide rod 71 will quickly reset, so that the lower end 712 of the guide rod 71 will quickly hit the middle part of the stop member 73, thereby causing the droplets and fine particles accumulated on the wire mesh demister 60 to fall off under the action of inertia and vibration. In this way, the gas-liquid separation device can not only automatically clean the wire mesh demister 60 located in the connecting channel 202, but also effectively prevent the gas-liquid separation device from working normally due to blockage of the wire mesh demister 60 located in the connecting channel 202.

[0086] Preferably, the screen dredging assembly 70 further includes a guide stopper 74, wherein the guide stopper 74 has at least one window 7401 communicating with the communication channel 202. The guide stopper 74 is mounted on the lower end 712 of the guide rod 71, and the outer wall of the guide stopper 74 abuts against the inner wall forming the communication channel 202, so that the guide rod 71 remains in the axial direction when moving.

[0087] 9 to 11 , in one variant embodiment, the gas-liquid separation device 400 includes a primary separation member 50, which is configured to form a spiral body that spirals upward along the inner wall of the processing chamber 103 of the tank body 10 and has a gradually increasing cross-sectional size. The spiral body is disposed in the gas-liquid primary separation space 10303 and is arranged from bottom to top to form a spiral primary separation channel 5001. Furthermore, an ascending flow channel 5002 is formed in the middle of the spiral body, with a gradually decreasing cross-sectional size from bottom to top.

[0088] It is worth mentioning that the inlet 101 is arranged to be connected to the bottom end of the spiral primary separation channel 5001 from the tangential direction of the tank body 10. In this way, when the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte enters from the inlet 101, most of the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte can bypass along the spiral primary separation channel 5001, thereby extending the time and path of the primary separation of the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte, so that the electrolyte in the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte can condense for a long time and flow along the spiral primary separation channel 5001 to the upflow channel 5002, and fall from the upflow channel 5002 to the bottom of the processing chamber 103.

[0089] Preferably, the gas-liquid separation device also includes a first partition 91 and a second partition 92, wherein the first partition 91 is arranged in the processing chamber 103 and is lower than the position of the inlet 101, and the second partition 92 is arranged in the gas-liquid initial separation space 10303 and is higher than the top of the spiral.

[0090] A central channel 9101 is formed in the middle of the first partition 91, wherein the central channel 9101 is configured to extend into the electrolyte at the bottom of the processing chamber 103. The provision of the first partition 91 can reduce the size of the opening through which the electrolyte deposited at the bottom of the processing chamber 103 can volatilize, thereby reducing electrolyte volatilization. As shown in Figure 11, as a preferred embodiment, the central portion of the first partition 91 is recessed toward the bottom of the processing chamber 103, so that the liquid electrolyte condensed from the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte entering the processing chamber 103 can flow centrally through the central channel 9101 of the first partition 91 to the bottom of the processing chamber 103.

[0091] A middle channel 9201 is formed axially in the middle of the second partition 92, wherein the middle channel 9201 is connected to the upflow channel 5002 from top to bottom. In addition, a negative pressure channel 9202 is formed axially in the middle of the second partition 92, wherein the negative pressure channel 9202 is also connected to the upflow channel 5002, wherein the middle channel 9201 is arranged coaxially with the upflow channel 5002, and the negative pressure channel 9202 is arranged to deviate from the axial direction of the upflow channel 5002, and the bottom of the negative pressure channel 9202 extends downward to the horizontal plane where the inlet 101 is located, so that the bottom of the negative pressure channel 9202 is located on the path of the gas entering from the inlet 101.

[0092] It is worth mentioning that when the gas is quickly introduced from the inlet 101 by the pump body 800, due to the fast flow rate and the bottom opening of the negative pressure channel 9202 is located in the tangential direction of the gas entering the inlet 101, the gas flows faster at the bottom opening of the negative pressure channel 9202. According to the Venturi effect, the fluid with a faster flow rate has a lower pressure, thereby forming a negative pressure, which can suck the droplets or fine particles deposited on the second partition 92 downward, so that the droplets or fine particles deposited on the second partition 92 can fall to the bottom of the processing chamber 103 through the negative pressure channel 9202.

[0093] Furthermore, the top of the upflow channel 5002 of the second separator 92 is blocked, and the top sidewall extends radially to form a plurality of gas outlet holes 9203. This arrangement forces the hydrogen gas mixed with the misted electrolyte to change direction as it passes through the second separator 92, thereby allowing more of the electrolyte in the hydrogen gas mixed with the misted electrolyte to be retained at the top of the second separator 92. Furthermore, due to the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure channel 9202, the retained electrolyte can be drawn to the bottom of the processing chamber 103.

[0094] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for separating hydrogen according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below, wherein the method for separating hydrogen comprises the following steps:

[0095] S1001, introducing hydrogen gas mixed with mist electrolyte into the processing chamber 103 through the inlet 101; and

[0096] S1002, the clean water in the downflow space 10301 formed by the downflow component 20 offsets part of the gas pressure of the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte to reduce the flow rate of the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte flowing into the processing chamber 103, and washes the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte, wherein the downflow component 20 is arranged in the processing chamber 103 and is located above the inlet 101.

[0097] Preferably, the hydrogen separation method comprises the following steps:

[0098] S1003 , maintaining the temperature of the clean water at a preset low temperature through the first cooling component 31 to reduce volatilization of the electrolyte dissolved in the clean water.

[0099] Preferably, the hydrogen separation method comprises the following steps:

[0100] S1004, the concentration of electrolyte in the clean water in the downflow space 10301 is maintained at a preset low concentration by the liquid replacement component 40.

[0101] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present invention described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to limit the present invention. The advantages of the present invention have been fully and effectively achieved. The functional and structural principles of the present invention have been demonstrated and illustrated in the embodiments. Any variations or modifications may be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the principles described.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separation device, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separation device comprises: a tank body, wherein an inlet is formed in the middle of the tank body, wherein a hydrogen outlet is formed at the top of the tank body, and wherein a processing chamber communicating with the inlet and the hydrogen outlet is also formed in the tank body; A downflow component, wherein the downflow component is formed in the processing chamber and is maintained above the inlet, wherein the downflow component forms a downflow space and a flow separation chamber in the processing chamber located above the inlet, and the downflow component forms a gas-liquid initial separation space in the processing chamber and below the downflow component, wherein the downflow component forms at least one connecting hole and a connecting channel, wherein the flow separation chamber is arranged to be connected to the downflow space through at least one connecting hole, wherein the gas-liquid initial separation space is connected to the flow separation chamber through the connecting channel, wherein the downflow space is arranged to be connected to the hydrogen outlet, the downflow space and the flow separation chamber are coaxially formed in the processing chamber, and the downflow component includes a transverse partition wall and a partition cylinder, wherein the edge of the transverse partition wall is sealingly mounted on the tank body forming the processing chamber The inner wall of the separation tube has a vertical side wall and a top sealing wall, wherein the vertical side wall extends toward the hydrogen outlet at the top, wherein the top sealing wall is arranged to cover the top of the vertical side wall, wherein the vertical side wall and the top sealing wall, the transverse separation wall and the inner wall of the tank body forming the processing chamber form the downflow space in the upper space for holding the clean water, the connecting hole is formed at the bottom of the vertical side wall, the vertical side wall of the separation tube and the top sealing wall and the transverse separation wall form the flow isolation chamber, the downflow assembly includes a connecting piece, wherein the bottom of the connecting piece is arranged in the middle of the transverse separation wall and extends toward the flow isolation chamber, and the connecting piece forms the connecting channel in the middle, the connecting piece extends along the vertical direction, and forms an outlet at the end of the connecting piece in the flow isolation chamber.

2. The gas-liquid separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the connecting piece is arranged to pass through the top sealing wall and then continue to extend to a predetermined height, and then bends and passes through the top sealing wall again so that the air outlet is kept in the flow isolation cavity from top to bottom.

3. The gas-liquid separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separation device comprises a gas distribution plate, wherein the gas distribution plate is arranged to face the gas outlet.

4. The gas-liquid separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separation device includes an electrolyte retention component, wherein the electrolyte retention component includes a first cooling component, wherein the first cooling component includes a first heat exchange element, wherein the first heat exchange element is arranged in the downflow space, and a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet are formed on the tank body.

5. The gas-liquid separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separation device includes a liquid exchange component, and the liquid exchange component includes at least one overflow pipe. The tank body forms at least one liquid exchange inlet connected to the downflow space. The vertical distance between the top of the overflow pipe and the hydrogen outlet is greater than the vertical distance between the highest part of the connecting piece and the hydrogen outlet. The bottom of the overflow pipe extends to the bottom of the processing chamber of the tank body.

6. The gas-liquid separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separation device comprises at least one wire mesh demister, wherein at least one wire mesh demister is arranged in the communication channel, and at least one wire mesh demister is arranged in the hydrogen outlet.

7. Hydrogen production equipment, characterized in that: The hydrogen production equipment comprises: at least one liquid supply assembly, the liquid supply assembly comprising an electrolytic cell and a liquid supply member for supplying electrolyte to the electrolytic cell; at least one electrolysis assembly for electrolyzing an electrolyte in the electrolysis cell; and The gas-liquid separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inlet is connected to the electrolytic cell and is used to separate the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte formed after electrolysis.

8. A method for separating an electrolyte and hydrogen, characterized in that: It is processed by the gas-liquid separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the method for separating the electrolyte and hydrogen comprises the following steps: Passing hydrogen gas mixed with a mist electrolyte into the processing chamber through the inlet; The clean water in the downflow space formed by the downflow component offsets part of the gas pressure of the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte to reduce the flow rate of the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte flowing into the processing chamber and wash the electrolyte in the hydrogen mixed with the mist electrolyte, wherein the downflow component is arranged in the processing chamber and located above the inlet.

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