Hydrogen compression system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermochemical hydrogen compressors require a separate electric heat source for heating metal hydride materials, leading to increased electric power consumption and decreased energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen compression system utilizing a heat pump part to circulate a refrigerant that heats or cools the hydrogen compression part, eliminating the need for a separate electric heat source and enhancing energy efficiency by using a refrigerant and cooling fluid to alternately heat and cool metal hydride compressors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a separate electric heat source (e.g., electric heater) is used to heat the metal hydride material, then the hydrogen compression function is achieved, but electric power consumption increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function into the heat pump system by integrating the metal hydride material directly into the heat pump cycle. The metal hydride bed serves dual purposes: as part of the heat pump working substance and as the compression medium, eliminating the need for separate electric heating equipment and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal hydride material self-heats through the heat pump cycle without requiring external electric heating. The phase change process of the refrigerant within the metal hydride bed provides the necessary heat automatically, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on separate power-consuming heating devices.
2Device complexity
If a mechanical compressor is used to compress hydrogen, then compression function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and hydrogen purity is compromised due to lubricating oil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system with a thermochemical compression system based on metal hydride phase changes. Instead of using mechanical compressors with moving parts and lubricants, the system uses the reversible absorption and desorption of hydrogen by metal hydride material driven by heat pump cycles, achieving compression without mechanical complexity and maintaining hydrogen purity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the compression mechanism from mechanical force to thermal parameter changes. By controlling temperature cycles through the heat pump system, the metal hydride material undergoes phase transitions that naturally compress and release hydrogen, replacing mechanical compression with thermal parameter control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach minimizes electric power consumption and improves energy efficiency by up to 50% compared to methods using an electric heater, enabling continuous hydrogen compression without interruption.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump part including a heat pump line configured to allow a refrigerant to circulate therethrough
Implementation Method 2
the metal hydride material needs to be heated by heat transferred from the electric heat source to the metal hydride material by conduction
Implementation Method 3
a method of compressing hydrogen in a non-mechanical manner. This facility utilizes a thermochemical compressor based on metal hydride
Implementation Method 4
the thermochemical hydrogen compressor releases hydrogen by breaking chemical bonds in the form of metal hydride
Implementation Method 5
a cooling unit provided in the second circulation line and configured to cool the cooling fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen compression system includes: a heat pump part including a heat pump line configured to allow a refrigerant to circulate therethrough, a hydrogen compression part configured to compress hydrogen by being repeatedly heated and cooled, a first circulation line connected to the heat pump line while passing through the hydrogen compression part and configured to allow the refrigerant introduced from the heat pump line to circulate therethrough, a second circulation line provided to pass through the hydrogen compression part and configured to allow a cooling fluid to circulate therethrough, and a cooling unit provided in the second circulation line and configured to cool the cooling fluid, in which the hydrogen compression part is heated by the refrigerant or cooled by the cooling fluid, thereby minimizing electric power consumption and improving energy efficiency.