Low-temperature plasma module hydrogen production system using seawater
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/KR2026/002226
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-24
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
Smart Images
Figure KR2026002226_01102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Low-temperature plasma module hydrogen production system using seawater
[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen production system capable of producing environmentally friendly and economical hydrogen using seawater and a low-temperature plasma module.
[0002]
[0003] Although humanity has achieved industrial development and a prosperous life through the advancement of petrochemicals and the use of fossil fuels as energy and driving forces, environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions have led to fine dust, global warming, and climate issues. As these saturated problems have begun to threaten even human life, nations around the world are participating in and promoting the international carbon reduction policy known as carbon neutrality. Carbon neutrality aims to reduce the net carbon dioxide emissions from human society to zero, with the primary objective being to prevent abnormal climate phenomena caused by global warming. Major economies, including Korea, are announcing carbon neutrality declarations and implementation strategies, signifying a transition from a fossil fuel-based society to one based on new and renewable energy. Energy utilization methods in a new and renewable energy society involve using electrical energy and hydrogen energy obtained through renewable energy generation. In particular, hydrogen is considered the ultimate eco-friendly energy source.
[0004]
[0005] Hydrogen accounts for 75% of the mass of the universe and is the lightest element, designated as having atomic number 1. When hydrogen is burned, only water is emitted; since it can generate electricity and heat without emitting greenhouse gases and the reduced water serves as an infinite clean energy source capable of producing hydrogen again, the realization of global carbon neutrality through a hydrogen economy becomes possible. The representative methods of artificially producing hydrogen can be classified into three types: gray hydrogen, blue hydrogen, and green hydrogen.
[0006]
[0007] Most of the hydrogen currently produced is "gray hydrogen," which is derived from fossil fuels. Gray hydrogen is produced by generating hydrogen and carbon dioxide through a catalytic chemical reaction between methane, the main component of natural gas, and high-temperature steam. However, since it emits approximately 10 kg of carbon dioxide to produce about 1 kg of hydrogen, this production method falls short as a clean energy source. Blue hydrogen, which undergoes the same production process as gray hydrogen, was developed with the intention of compensating for its shortcomings by capturing and storing the carbon dioxide generated during production rather than releasing it into the atmosphere. It is attracting attention as the most realistic alternative because it is more eco-friendly with lower carbon dioxide emissions than gray hydrogen, and although the capture and storage technology is not perfect, it has secured a certain level of competitiveness. However, there are limitations, such as economic feasibility issues due to the additional costs associated with the capture and storage processes, and the fact that carbon dioxide cannot be completely removed during the capture process.
[0008]
[0009] Green hydrogen is hydrogen obtained through the electrolysis of water, producing hydrogen and oxygen by applying electrical energy generated from renewable sources such as solar or wind power to water. Consequently, it is attracting attention as the ultimate clean energy source of the future among hydrogen energies, as it emits no carbon dioxide during the production process. Representative general-purpose technologies for water electrolysis include PEM, AEC, AEM, and SOECs, depending on the choice of electrolyte and ion movement, and their device characteristics can be described as follows.
[0010]
[0011] Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) water electrolysis is characterized by using a cation exchange membrane, such as Nafion, which was commercialized by DuPont in the United States, to pass hydrogen ions through and guide them to the cathode to produce hydrogen. Although it can produce high-quality hydrogen, it has the disadvantage of high energy input costs and is unsuitable for large-scale hydrogen production.
[0012]
[0013] Alkaline electrolysis (AEC) is a method of electrolyzing water using an alkaline electrolyte. As the most commercialized technology among water electrolysis methods, it has the advantage of being stable due to the long history of research. Its simple hydrogen production structure makes it suitable for large-scale production, and it has high durability. However, challenges remain to be addressed, such as the need to continuously replenish the electrolyte to maintain an alkaline electrolyte concentration of up to 35%, low current density, and low efficiency of ion separation speed.
[0014]
[0015] Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) is a method that uses an anion exchange membrane as an electrolyte, but there are hydration problems due to the loose bonding of the cross-linking polymer, and as with AEC, there are also problems with the efficiency of the ion separation speed, so durability that is inferior to AEC in terms of usage duration is pointed out as a disadvantage.
[0016]
[0017] Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs) are a technology that produces hydrogen by electrolyzing high-temperature steam at over 800°C using a solid oxide electrolyte. However, additional thermal energy is required to heat the steam, and commercial viability for solid electrolytes with sufficient durability to withstand high temperatures above 800°C has not yet been developed.
[0018]
[0019] As mentioned above, hydrogen produced through water electrolysis is actually recognized as the most suitable hydrogen production method for the era of the carbon-reducing hydrogen economy, and countries are establishing various systems to encourage the production and use of green hydrogen. The European Union (EU) has established certification standards for blue hydrogen and green hydrogen, and has been operating a 'Hydrogen Origin Guarantee System' since 2016 to certify the eco-friendliness of hydrogen. Korea also announced plans to introduce a 'Clean Hydrogen Certification System' to encourage the use of clean hydrogen at the 3rd Hydrogen Economy Committee meeting in March 2021. Nevertheless, the reason we are unable to use the more eco-friendly green hydrogen instead of gray hydrogen, which currently accounts for over 80% of hydrogen production, is primarily due to economic and technical limitations. First, the unit cost of generating electricity from renewable energy sources is high. Second, although water electrolysis technology for producing green hydrogen has advanced to the point where it forcibly separates oxygen and hydrogen ions within water molecules through the balance of electrodes and applied charges to extract only hydrogen by guiding the separated ions to solid electrolytes or ion separation membranes, it is based on classical electrolysis technology and consumes a significant amount of electricity for production. However, as the entire global community views the use of green hydrogen as the core of carbon neutrality in the long term, various efforts are underway to build a green hydrogen society, including water electrolysis, renewable energy generation technologies, and green hydrogen infrastructure. In particular, large-scale water electrolysis demonstration projects for green hydrogen production are currently being conducted in North America and parts of Europe, where renewable energy is abundant; however, the estimated production volume and cost of green hydrogen to meet global consumption are calculated to be astronomical.
[0020]
[0021] Meanwhile, companies and research groups in several countries, including the United States and Korea, have attempted to develop technology to produce green hydrogen using seawater. However, while the electrolysis of seawater can increase the electrolysis efficiency compared to the electrolysis of pure water due to its richness in electrolytes, there are challenges to overcome, such as the need to treat chlorine gas generated along with oxygen and hydrogen in the hydrogen production process, the treatment of various organic and inorganic materials, and specifically the problem of magnesium being reduced on the electrode surface during the electrolysis process, which halts electrode performance. Furthermore, when the process costs for treating ions in seawater that are reduced, solidified, and accumulate to obstruct gas movement are combined, the cost of electrolyzing pure water is more economically viable.
[0022]
[0023] Given the problems with the hydrogen production methods currently being implemented or disclosed as listed in the technical background above, it is evident that while the usability of hydrogen is clear, the challenges of economic feasibility and efficiency must be resolved to accelerate carbon neutrality and the era of the global hydrogen economy.
[0024]
[0025] [Prior Art Literature]
[0026] [Patent Literature]
[0027] (Patent Document 1) KR No. 10-2241272
[0028] (Patent Document 2) KR No. 10-2385106
[0029] (Patent Document 3) KR No. 10-1295001
[0030]
[0031]
[0032] The present invention aims to solve these problems by providing a hydrogen production system equipped with primary and secondary hydrogen production means, wherein primary hydrogen is produced by electrolyzing seawater in a water electrolysis unit, and the electrolyte remaining after electrolysis is atomized into a mist form, and then secondary hydrogen is produced by re-separating oxygen ions and hydrogen ions within the atomized water molecules by a low-temperature plasma module in a pre-electrolysis unit, thereby enabling a significant increase in hydrogen production capacity as the pre-electrolysis unit consumes less power than the water electrolysis unit while capturing a larger amount of hydrogen.
[0033]
[0034] The present invention is characterized by a low-temperature plasma module hydrogen production system comprising: a water electrolysis unit into which seawater is introduced and electrolyzed to produce hydrogen; a micronization unit in which the electrolyte remaining after electrolysis in the water electrolysis unit is transferred through an electrolyte discharge port to a micronization unit to micronize the electrolyte into a mist form; and a micronization unit in which the water particles micronized in the micronization unit are transferred to a micronization unit composed of a low-temperature plasma module to re-separate oxygen ions and hydrogen ions within the micronized water molecules to produce hydrogen.
[0035]
[0036] The above-described water electrolysis unit comprises a first housing made of a vertical tube of a certain length, a first reduction electrode installed longitudinally in the center of the interior of the first housing to apply a negative charge, an ion separation membrane fixed to the outside of the first reduction electrode, a first oxidation electrode installed to the outside of the ion separation membrane to apply a positive charge, a seawater inlet provided on the lower side wall of the first housing to allow seawater to flow in, an electrolyte discharge port provided on the upper side wall of the first housing to discharge the electrolyzed residual electrolyte, a first oxygen discharge port provided on the upper side wall of the first housing located above the electrolyte discharge port to discharge oxygen generated by the first oxidation electrode, and a first hydrogen discharge port provided on the upper part of the first housing to discharge hydrogen generated by the first reduction electrode.
[0037]
[0038] The above-mentioned atomizing unit is characterized by comprising: a second housing formed in a box shape; an electrolyte inlet formed on one side of the upper portion of the second housing to allow residual electrolyte discharged from the water electrolysis unit to flow into the interior of the second housing; a microparticle generating unit that atomizes the electrolyte flowing into the interior of the second housing into a fine mist; a microparticle discharge port formed on the upper portion of the second housing to discharge fine water particles; and a water level control member that maintains a constant water level of the electrolyte flowing into the interior of the second housing.
[0039]
[0040] The above electrolytic device is characterized by a third housing in which a plasma reaction is performed inside a vertical tube of a certain length, a second reduction electrode installed longitudinally in the center of the interior of the third housing to apply a negative charge, an anion separation membrane fixed to the outside of the second reduction electrode, a second oxidation electrode installed to the outside of the anion separation membrane to apply a positive charge, a microparticle free inlet provided on the lower side wall of the third housing to allow water microparticles to flow in, a second oxygen outlet provided on the upper side wall of the third housing to discharge oxygen generated by the second oxidation electrode, a second hydrogen outlet provided on the upper part of the third housing to discharge hydrogen generated by the second reduction electrode, and hydrogen discharged through the second hydrogen outlet to be installed through a dehumidification unit.
[0041]
[0042] The low-temperature plasma module hydrogen production system using seawater according to the present invention is equipped with primary and secondary hydrogen production means that, in addition to producing primary hydrogen by electrolyzing seawater in a water electrolysis unit, the electrolyte remaining after electrolysis is atomized into a mist form, and then the oxygen ions and hydrogen ions within the water molecules atomized by the low-temperature plasma module in the electrolysis unit are re-separated to produce secondary hydrogen. In particular, since the amount of hydrogen captured by the electrolysis unit is greater while the amount of electricity consumed is lower than that of hydrogen captured in the water electrolysis unit, it has the effect of producing environmentally friendly and economical hydrogen.
[0043]
[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a low-temperature plasma module hydrogen production system using seawater according to the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a water electrolysis unit applied to a low-temperature plasma module hydrogen production system using seawater according to the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a micronization section applied to a low-temperature plasma module hydrogen production system using seawater according to the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the electrolytic unit applied to a low-temperature plasma module hydrogen production system using seawater according to the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a photograph showing a configuration in which a first housing of the water electrolysis unit and a third housing of the electrolysis unit are arranged in multiple numbers, applied to a low-temperature plasma module hydrogen production system using seawater according to the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 6 is a photograph showing the first and second reduction electrodes (static mixers) provided in the water electrolysis unit and the electrolysis unit applied to the low-temperature plasma module hydrogen production system using seawater according to the present invention.
[0050]
[0051] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as follows.
[0052] First, in the process of describing the present invention, terms or expressions related to hydrogen production processes that are currently in use or not explicitly stated may be used. This is because there are behavioral aspects that cannot be explained by current hydrogen production methods and processes, and the purpose is to use words that are close to the primary action to express these aspects using common, general terms, thereby enabling the understanding of the implementation. For example, the term "electrolysis of gases" appears in the description of the present invention. Technically, while "electrolysis of steam" might be understandable, the term "electrolysis of gases" may not be easily understood. The content contained in this term refers to the ionization of gases and the separation of the ionized gases according to their polarity. This is because, if this action can be technically carried out, using the terms "electrolysis of gases" or "electric electrolysis" is closer to describing the primary action. The present invention is described as electrolytic because it effectively and realistically implements this technical action and completes it in a device-like manner. In fact, to provide a more detailed explanation, it describes the material phase, the process of phase transition from solid to liquid and from liquid to gas, and the means and actions within the present invention that accelerate the speed and reaction during the process of phase transition from the liquid seawater, which is the raw material in the present invention, to gas. Furthermore, since the result of these means and actions is to enable the liquid seawater to be discharged in a gaseous material phase of hydrogen and oxygen in a device-like manner, describing it as electrolytic is the closest term to the actual implementation.
[0053]
[0054] The low-temperature plasma module hydrogen production system using seawater according to the present invention is configured such that, as shown in FIG. 1, seawater is introduced and can be electrolyzed to produce hydrogen, the water electrolysis unit (10) is transferred to the atomization unit (20) through the electrolyte discharge port (16) to atomize the electrolyte into a mist form, the water particles atomized in the atomization unit (20) are transferred to the electrolysis unit (30) composed of a low-temperature plasma module to re-separate oxygen ions and hydrogen ions within the atomized water molecules to produce hydrogen, and the hydrogen produced in the water electrolysis unit (10) and the hydrogen produced in the electrolysis unit (30) are combined and collected through the first and second connecting pipes (40) (40').
[0055]
[0056] The water electrolysis unit (10) comprises a first housing (11) in which a pipe of a certain length is installed vertically, a first reduction electrode (12) in the form of a static mixer installed longitudinally in the center of the interior of the first housing (11) to apply a negative charge, an ion separation membrane (13) fixed around the outside of the first reduction electrode (12), a first oxidation electrode (14) installed at a certain distance from the outside of the ion separation membrane (13) to apply a positive charge, a seawater inlet (15) provided on the lower side wall of the first housing (11) for seawater to flow in, an electrolyte discharge port (16) provided on the upper side wall of the first housing (11) for discharging the electrolyzed residual electrolyte, and an oxygen generated by the first oxidation electrode (14) provided on the upper side wall of the first housing (11) located above the electrolyte discharge port (16). It consists of a first oxygen outlet (17) and a first hydrogen outlet (18) provided at the upper center of the first housing (11) through which hydrogen generated in the first reduction electrode (12) is discharged.
[0057]
[0058] When a charge is applied to the seawater flowing into the above-mentioned water electrolysis unit (10), the ions in the seawater are separated. At this time, hydrogen ions are positive ions and gather toward the first reduction electrode (12), which is the negative electrode, and oxygen ions are negative ions and gather toward the first oxidation electrode (14), which is the positive electrode. At this time, if the first reduction electrode (12) and the first oxidation electrode (14) correspond to each other in equilibrium, hydrogen ions attach to the electrodes and the amount of hydrogen gas rising in the water is reduced. Therefore, to prevent loss during the hydrogen production process, the first reduction electrode (12) is non-equilibrium in the form of a static mixer, and geometrically, the correspondence with the first oxidation electrode (14) satisfies the principle of electrode equilibrium that does not violate the laws of natural science. This appears visually non-equilibrium when the first reduction electrode (12) is viewed from the front, but when viewed from one end in the longitudinal direction of the first housing (11), it can be seen that the first reduction electrode (12) maintains its circular shape and corresponds in equilibrium within the circular shape of the first oxidation electrode (14) which is in the shape of a mesh.
[0059]
[0060] In addition, the first reduction electrode (12) increases the separation speed of oxygen ions and hydrogen ions by changing the direction of water flow outward like a mixer and then inducing the flow back inward. Once separated, the ions are not mixed again by the ion separation membrane (13), and oxygen ions are generated at the first oxidation electrode (14) and discharged to the outside through the first oxygen outlet (17), while hydrogen ions are generated at the first reduction electrode (12) and discharged through the first hydrogen outlet (18), thereby allowing the hydrogen to be collected (obtained).
[0061]
[0062] The ion separation membrane (13) has a fibrous structure with fine pores, and as substances that do not pass through the pores accumulate, the ion separation function is lost or reduced. In particular, chlorine present in seawater generates chlorine gas through an electrochemical process, which degrades the quality of the hydrogen produced, and cations such as magnesium attach to the surface of the negative electrode and insulate the electrode, causing the electrode to stop functioning. Therefore, it is desirable to use seawater that has been purified of organic matter through a pretreatment process before being introduced into the water electrolysis unit (10).
[0063]
[0064] In other words, electrolyzing seawater does not result in the reduction of only hydrogen. As dissolved inorganic substances in the seawater are reduced, they first encounter the electrodes and first accumulate at the separator. In particular, for separators evaluated as having the highest performance due to high dielectric constant and numerous, small pores, the rate of performance degradation accelerates as the flow rate and activity of the incoming seawater increase. Although it depends on the choice of raw material for hydrogen production, when seawater is used, chloride ions (Cl-), sodium ions (Na+), and magnesium ions (Mg2+) exist in the order of abundance. While chloride ions are separated without membrane inhibition, sodium ions (Na+) and magnesium ions (Mg2+) are major factors that degrade the functions of the separator and electrodes. When magnesium ions (Mg2+) are reduced, they form a thin film on the electrode surface, degrading the function of the separator and electrode. Additionally, sodium ions (Na+) combine with hydroxide ions (OH-) to be reduced to sodium hydroxide (NaOH), thereby degrading electrolytic performance. It is possible to determine whether hydroxide ions (OH-), which carry a negative charge and accumulate at the anode, can combine with sodium ions (Na+) accumulating at the cathode, and whether the amount and extent of the resulting reduction products are sufficient to interfere with the electrolytic process. However, the better the performance of the ion-separating membrane, the greater the accumulation of these substances. Ions have a tendency to move toward the side with the opposite charge. However, seawater itself does not distinguish between the anode and cathode when introduced. Sodium ions (Na+) in the water introduced to the cathode side cannot escape the ion separation membrane and remain trapped at the cathode, where they combine with sodium ions (Na+) to be reduced. This is because if the performance of the ion separation membrane is so low that hydroxide ions (OH-) migrate toward the anode, it becomes difficult to achieve the goal of producing high-quality hydrogen.
[0065]
[0066] The atomization unit (20) comprises a second housing (21) formed in a box shape, an electrolyte inlet (22) formed on one side of the upper portion of the second housing (21) to allow residual electrolyte discharged from the water electrolysis unit (10) to flow into the interior of the second housing (21), a microparticle generating unit (23) for atomizing the electrolyte flowing into the interior of the second housing (21) into a fine mist, a microparticle discharge port (24) formed on the upper portion of the second housing (21) for discharging fine water particles, and a water level control member (25) made of a siphon tube or the like to maintain a certain water level of the electrolyte flowing into the interior of the second housing (21).
[0067]
[0068] The above-mentioned atomizing unit (20) atomizes the water into a mist form to attach even the oxygen ions and hydrogen ions that remain in the electrolyte after oxygen and hydrogen have been discharged from the water electrolysis unit (10) and cannot escape from the water due to the barrier caused by the water's tension, and then separates the oxygen ions and hydrogen ions within the atomized water molecules in the electrolysis unit (30) to attach hydrogen.
[0069]
[0070] This allows residual electrolyte discharged from the water electrolysis unit (10) to be introduced through the electrolyte inlet (22) of the second housing (21), and then finely decomposed and atomized by the microparticle generation unit (23), thereby loosening the tension of the water and helping to allow oxygen and hydrogen that could not escape due to the water barrier in the water electrolysis unit (10) to escape. The atomized water is then transported in the form of mist through the pipes via the microparticle discharge port (24) to the electrolysis unit (30), and a water level control member (25) is provided to allow the residual electrolyte overflowing within the second housing (21) to be drained through a siphon pipe, etc.
[0071]
[0072] A plurality of particle generating units (23) are provided on the bottom surface of the second housing (21) to atomize the electrolyte into a fine mist, thereby loosening the tension of the water and helping to allow oxygen and hydrogen that could not escape due to the water barrier in the water electrolysis unit (10) to escape.
[0073]
[0074] In the present invention, the above-mentioned microparticle generating unit (23) is configured to finely decompose the electrolyte by means of an ultrasonic vibration means having a plurality of piezoelectric ceramics arranged on the bottom surface of the second housing (21), but in addition to the ultrasonic vibration means, it can be equipped in various ways, such as a nozzle that sprays water into particles of about 50 micrometers or less, or a device that generates steam by heating water with a heater, so the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0075]
[0076] The fine particles transported from the atomization unit (20) as described above are in the form of mist and are in an insulating state, unlike seawater containing an electrolyte. Although this mist is in an insulating state, it is composed of water molecules. Unlike stored water, the tension of these water molecules is loosened, thereby increasing the efficiency of the water molecule electrolysis process in the electrolysis unit (30), which is composed of a low-temperature plasma module in the next process. In other words, the low-temperature plasma module of the electrolysis unit (30) collects more hydrogen while reducing the power consumption compared to the amount of hydrogen collected in the water electrolysis unit (10).
[0077]
[0078] The electrolytic unit (30) comprises a third housing (31) in which a tube of a certain length is installed vertically so that a plasma reaction takes place inside the tube, a second reduction electrode (32) in the form of a static mixer installed longitudinally in the center of the interior of the third housing (31) to apply a negative charge, an anion separation membrane (33) fixed around the outside of the second reduction electrode (32), a second oxidation electrode (34) installed at a certain distance from the outside of the anion separation membrane (33) to apply a positive charge, a microparticle free inlet (35) provided on one side of the lower part of the third housing (31) for water microparticles to flow in, a second oxygen outlet (36) provided on the upper side wall of the third housing (31) for discharging oxygen generated by the second oxidation electrode (34), and oxygen generated by the second reduction electrode (32) provided in the upper center of the third housing (31). It includes a second hydrogen outlet (37) through which hydrogen is discharged, and a configuration such that the hydrogen discharged through the second hydrogen outlet (37) can be installed through a dehumidification unit (40).
[0079]
[0080] The second reduction electrode (32) and the second oxidation electrode (34) of the above electrolysis unit (30) are arranged in the same configuration as the first reduction electrode (12) and the first oxidation electrode (14) of the above water electrolysis unit (10), and the second reduction electrode (32) of the electrolysis unit (30) performs the function of accelerating the separation of ions and transporting only hydrogen ions among the separated ions to the second hydrogen outlet (37), and the anion separation membrane (33) of the electrolysis unit (30) is configured and provided as a different component from the ion separation membrane (13) of the water electrolysis unit (10), and the anion separation membrane (33) of the electrolysis unit (30) is configured to have a fibrous base that facilitates the passage of gas and a polymer into which ion groups are introduced as a second phase material.
[0081]
[0082] When an electric charge is applied to the electrolytic unit (30) composed of the above-mentioned low-temperature plasma module, plasma is generated within the third housing (31). This plasma is not in a static state but becomes an energy with high activity. In the sense of energy with activity, it means that it performs activities that contribute to physical or chemical reactions, such as the combination and dissociation of electrons or ions, electrons and positrons, or electrons and ions. Taking the hydrogen production process as an example, the greater this activity, the higher the production speed and quantity of hydrogen, and the less power is consumed. If misunderstood, it may be mistaken for dynamic energy naturally increasing the amount of electricity, but that is not the case. It can be explained that the applied electric energy does not increase, but rather the power of the applied electric energy increases the separation of ions and the speed of chemical reactions, thereby saving electricity consumption. In ion separation and chemical reactions in water containing electrolytes, such as in water electrolysis, the amount of amperes (current A) must be greater than the electric force (volts V). However, since plasma production uses gas as the material, it is completely different from the environment of liquid water. The amperes (current A) can be so small that they are negligible. However, the voltage (electrical pressure A) must be high to produce plasma. When water molecules pass through the plasma reaction region where the active energy of this plasma acts, the separation of oxygen and hydrogen ions occurs rapidly. Consequently, the flight (movement) speed of the plasma and the movement speed of the ions increase rapidly at the speed of ion separation. Oxygen ions rapidly move toward the oxidation electrode with opposite polarity, and hydrogen ions rapidly move toward the reduction electrode; however, problems arise during this process. Under the theoretical conditions of conventional water electrolysis, no problems should occur; it is strictly a law that oxygen ions move toward the anode and hydrogen ions toward the cathode, and no issues arise. However, the situation within the plasma reactor of the present invention is different.
[0083]
[0084] In other words, oxygen ions lose electrons to the plasma and become atoms before they even approach the anode, and hydrogen ions gain electrons from the plasma before they even approach the cathode. This sudden phenomenon is not theoretical but is a result that has appeared without fail under numerous experimental conditions to implement the present invention. Theoretically, it might be better because the chemical reaction rate is faster, but in reality, problems exist that hinder the efficiency of hydrogen production. The reason for this cannot be found if approached through the natural laws of electrochemistry, which is the conventional method of water electrolysis, but it can be easily found if approached through the natural laws of physical chemistry.
[0085]
[0086] This involves ionizing the gas that serves as the material for the plasma by applying high energy. When an insulating gas is ionized, an electrical path is formed in the gaseous phase; this process is also called "plasma initiation." The plasma in the initiation state is a preliminary, incomplete plasma that contributes only to the dissociation of the gas through non-equilibrium electrical energy in the form of a discharge. A complete plasma, while not perfectly uniform, maintains a discharge that is smooth to some extent and operates with energy high enough to transition the gaseous phase; this process is called plasma propagation. Furthermore, the propagating plasma has a tendency to stabilize itself; just as water flows out of a tank when it fills up, the plasma is extinguished when the voltage driving the plasma reaches a certain level, and the plasma is initiated again. This process repeats at a speed too fast to be seen with the naked eye. This is called the plasma repetition cycle.
[0087]
[0088] Plasma activity consists of the collective activity of electrons and ions. Consequently, instantaneous dipoles are formed on oxygen, which is more abundant than the hydrogen generated in the plasma reaction region. This causes temporary polarization in adjacent hydrogen, generating induced dipoles. Consequently, oxygen is attracted to hydrogen by van der Waals forces, ultimately hindering the target increase in hydrogen production. It is rare for oxygen to be attracted to hydrogen. This is because the amount of oxygen is greater than that of hydrogen, and oxygen has a larger atomic radius and van der Waals force than hydrogen.
[0089]
[0090] In light of this, the present invention is solved using an anion separation membrane. The anion separation membrane (33) is a component formed by combining a polymer with an ion group introduced into a fibrous base that facilitates gas passage with a second phase material. The surface of the polymer material is given hydrophobicity so that it cannot absorb water molecules that have not yet been separated, and is installed within the plasma reaction zone and is always in contact with the plasma to maintain hydrophobicity.
[0091]
[0092] And, the second reduction electrode (32) forcibly pushes the gas accumulated on the cathode towards the second oxidation electrode (34), and the anion separation membrane (33) allows only oxygen to pass through, thereby enabling efficient capture of only hydrogen.
[0093]
[0094] The above electrolysis unit (30) is a process that electrolyzes water molecules in the form of mist, which implies electrolyzing a gas. It is used because it is the closest term among those that can be understood in terms of formal meaning. However, it is clearly different from electrolysis. Faraday's law defines the result of electrolysis as the generation of a chemical equivalent in proportion to the amount of current used in the electrolysis, but this is a definition under conditions where no relativity is applied and no kinetic energy is applied. This is in the same context as the theory of the higher calorific value of hydrogen. The theory of the higher calorific value of hydrogen is a mathematical figure that converts the calorific value of hydrogen used in a power plant into an amount of electricity, but it does not consider energy other than the amount of electricity used for hydrogen production or physical energy. The results of current water electrolysis methods are considerably close to that theory. In fact, there are many cases where the amount of electricity consumed is greater than the theoretical figure. Then, one might question whether electrolyzing a gas deviates from Faraday's law, but that is not the case. One might also question whether there is energy added at no cost compared to the applied electrical energy. However, since this invention deals only with hydrogen generation contributed by the applied constant current and does not deviate from Faraday's Law, the result is naturally the same according to that law. Nevertheless, gaseous ion separation is impossible with a constant current; voltage contributes to gaseous ion separation. To be more precise, it should be described as a contact reaction between the dynamic energy accelerated by the plasma and the electron energy of the plasma, but this is a technical term not used in any papers or scientific works, and expressing it in a concise manner makes the selection of terminology even more difficult than implementing the technology itself.
[0095]
[0096] To further explain the process and principles for general understanding, when low-temperature plasma is produced, all gaseous substances within the reaction zone (the distance or region created as the plasma moves, or the space where the plasma can come into contact) are ionized. The ionized gas separates from the plasma electrons and moves collectively; during this process, unstable ions—whether or not they have inherited charges—approach electrons again to stabilize, causing collisions between electrons and electrons, and between ions and electron atoms. The increase in electrons due to these chain collisions is further amplified. The energy generated at this time is electronic energy, distinct from thermal energy. This dynamic energy not only increases the rates of ion binding and dissociation but also doubles the ion mobility; consequently, it adds cost-free natural dynamic energy, rather than relying solely on electricity supplied artificially at a cost. This differs from the mechanism of water electrolysis, where ions are forcibly separated using electrical energy. In terms of cost, the increased separation and mobility rates of ions allow for a significant reduction in hydrogen production costs.
[0097]
[0098] One might question why the seawater electrolysis process is omitted from the outset and pure water is directly atomized and electrolyzed; however, since seawater cannot be purified, this invention enables the mass production of hydrogen through the processes of water electrolysis and atomization.
[0099]
[0100] In the plasma reaction region of the electrolytic unit (30) according to the present invention, oxygen ions and hydrogen ions separated from water molecules are present, and as described above, dynamic collisions occur, causing oxygen ions to move toward the anode and hydrogen ions to move toward the cathode along with the plasma. This is because the speed of movement and electron coupling of hydrogen ions in the electrolytic unit (30) of the present invention, where the plasma ionizes, is as fast as the rotational speed of the diaphragm installed externally to suck in and discharge hydrogen, thereby discharging hydrogen in a capacity capable of accommodating the diaphragm pump. Furthermore, even if the plasma moves, the space where it moved is quickly filled by the speed of the frequency applied by the newly produced plasma, so it is not depleted and continues. Power consumption does not increase significantly even if the frequency increases.
[0101]
[0102] In the plasma reaction region inside the third housing (31) of the electrolysis unit (30) of the present invention, since it consists of particles of micro-ions and electrons, it moves and travels at jet speed even with extremely fine wind. A wind the size of a breath is a very strong wind when it comes to moving plasma. Since the plasma moves at the speed of sound even with a breath, it produces a loud noise cutting through the air, just like a fighter jet cutting through the air. However, the plasma is not extinguished by a high-pressure wind. However, if the plasma is moved by a wind that exceeds the applied frequency, the plasma only extinguishes and starts unstably, and the progress of the plasma does not stop completely. Also, since the third housing (31) is configured to lose heat to the air and become low temperature, it is also called low-temperature plasma. In the present invention, it will be referred to as low-temperature plasma below.
[0103]
[0104] Furthermore, although the low-temperature plasma is visible as a deep blue flame, the core temperature is not low. The temperature is low because heat is transferred to the air wall, but the core is at a temperature capable of melting iron. Therefore, the third housing (31) is equipped with ceramic to confine the plasma, and is also called a plasma chamber or plasma reactor. The plasma possesses energy ranging from long wavelengths to extremely short wavelengths. By installing an ion separation means in this plasma reaction region and passing water molecule particles composed of oxygen and hydrogen through it, and then separating the oxygen and hydrogen to discharge them to the outside to capture the hydrogen, it is possible to solve the high-cost, large-capacity limitations of current hydrogen production methods.
[0105]
[0106] The hydrogen discharged through the second hydrogen outlet (37) of the above-mentioned electrolysis unit (30) is designed to allow the hydrogen to be supplied with the remaining moisture from the hydrogen production process removed through the dehumidification unit (40). The dehumidification unit (40) may be equipped with various means, such as dehumidifying by dropping moisture using a multi-cyclone, and is not limited thereto.
[0107]
[0108] As such, the present invention is equipped with primary and secondary hydrogen production means that primary hydrogen is produced by electrolyzing seawater in a water electrolysis unit, and the electrolyte remaining after electrolysis is atomized into a mist form, and then secondary hydrogen is produced by re-separating oxygen ions and hydrogen ions within the atomized water molecules by a low-temperature plasma module in a pre-electrolysis unit. Since the pre-electrolysis unit consumes less power than the amount of hydrogen collected in the water electrolysis unit while collecting a larger amount of hydrogen, the hydrogen production volume can be significantly increased.
[0109]
[0110] [Explanation of the symbol]
[0111] 10 : Electrolysis Unit 11 : 1st Housing
[0112] 12: First reduction electrode 13: Ion separation membrane
[0113] 14: First oxidation electrode 15: Seawater inlet
[0114] 16: Electrolyte outlet 17: First oxygen outlet
[0115] 18: First hydrogen outlet 20: Atomization section
[0116] 21 : Second housing 22 : Electrolyte inlet
[0117] 23: Particulate generator 24: Particulate discharge port
[0118] 25 : Water level control component 30 : Mechanoanatomical dissection
[0119] 31 : 3rd housing 32 : 2nd reduction electrode
[0120] 33: Anion separation membrane 34: Second oxidation electrode
[0121] 35: Particulate Free Inlet 36: Second Oxygen Outlet
[0122] 37: Second hydrogen outlet 38: Dehumidification section
[0123] 40,40' : Connecting pipe
Claims
1. A water electrolysis unit (10) configured to allow seawater to flow in and electrolyze it to produce hydrogen, comprising a first housing (11) made of a vertical tube of a certain length, a first reduction electrode (12) installed longitudinally in the center of the interior of the first housing (11) to apply a negative charge, an ion separation membrane (13) fixed to the outside of the first reduction electrode (12), a first oxidation electrode (14) installed to the outside of the ion separation membrane (13) to apply a positive charge, a seawater inlet (15) provided on the lower side wall of the first housing (11) for seawater to flow in, an electrolyte discharge port (16) provided on the upper side wall of the first housing (11) for discharging the electrolyzed residual electrolyte, and oxygen generated by the first oxidation electrode (14) provided on the upper side wall of the first housing (11) located above the electrolyte discharge port (16). A water electrolysis unit (10) having a structure comprising a first oxygen outlet (17) for discharge and a first hydrogen outlet (18) provided on the upper part of the first housing (11) for discharge of hydrogen generated at the first reduction electrode (12), and The electrolyte remaining after electrolysis in the above-mentioned water electrolysis unit (10) is transferred to the atomization unit (20) through the electrolyte discharge port (16) to atomize the electrolyte into a mist form, and the atomization unit (20) is composed of a second housing (21) formed in a box shape, an electrolyte inlet (22) formed on one side of the upper part of the second housing (21) to allow the residual electrolyte discharged from the water electrolysis unit (10) to flow into the interior of the second housing (21), a microparticle generating unit (23) that atomizes the electrolyte flowing into the interior of the second housing (21) into a fine mist form, a microparticle discharge port (24) formed on the upper side of the second housing (21) to discharge micro water particles, and a water level control member (25) that maintains a certain water level of the electrolyte flowing into the interior of the second housing (21). The water particles atomized in the atomization unit (20) are transferred to a electrolytic unit (30) composed of a low-temperature plasma module to re-separate oxygen ions and hydrogen ions within the atomized water molecules to produce hydrogen, and the electrolytic unit (30) is configured such that a plasma reaction takes place inside a vertical tube of a certain length, a second reduction electrode (32) installed longitudinally in the center of the interior of the third housing (31) to apply a negative charge, an anion separation membrane (33) fixed to the outside of the second reduction electrode (32), a second oxidation electrode (34) installed to the outside of the anion separation membrane (33) to apply a positive charge, a particle free inlet (35) provided on the lower side wall of the third housing (31) for water particles to flow in, and provided on the upper side wall of the third housing (31) A low-temperature plasma module hydrogen production system using seawater, characterized by including a second oxygen outlet (36) through which oxygen generated by a second oxidation electrode (34) is discharged, a second hydrogen outlet (37) provided on the upper part of a third housing (31) through which hydrogen generated by a second reduction electrode (32) is discharged, and a dehumidification unit (30) configured such that the hydrogen discharged through the second hydrogen outlet (37) can be installed through a dehumidification unit (40).