Hydrogen Generator Desulfurization Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hydrogen generator and fuel cell systems face challenges with initial adsorption and flow rate deviations due to temperature changes, leading to reduced hydrogen production and catalyst deterioration, particularly when using desulfurization methods that require large desulfurizer capacities and complex system layouts.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen generator configuration that divides the desulfurization process into a first desulfurization unit, a flow rate detector, and a second desulfurization unit, connected in sequence, which reduces the desulfurizer capacity and stabilizes flow rates by using the second desulfurization unit as a pressure regulator, thereby minimizing initial adsorption and temperature-related deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the desulfurizer capacity is increased to handle high sulfur content raw material gas, then the sulfur removal capability is improved, but the initial adsorption of hydrocarbons increases and the system becomes larger in size
Solution Approach 1:
The desulfurization unit is divided into a first desulfurizer and a second desulfurizer connected in series. The first desulfurizer handles the bulk of sulfur removal, while the second desulfurizer serves as a buffer tank and pressure regulator. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the required sulfur removal capability without requiring a single oversized desulfurizer, thereby reducing the total volume while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If the desulfurizer capacity is increased to ensure sufficient sulfur removal, then the sulfur compound removal is improved, but the initial adsorption of hydrocarbons increases causing reduced hydrogen production
Solution Approach 1:
The second desulfurizer is pre-filled with desulfurizing agent and configured to serve as a buffer tank before the reforming unit. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the system starts up, the second desulfurizer is ready to immediately handle sulfur removal without requiring additional time for hydrocarbon adsorption equilibrium, thus preventing delays in hydrogen production while maintaining effective sulfur removal.
3Reliability
If a single large desulfurizer is used, then the sulfur removal function is achieved, but the system layout becomes complex and requires more incidental equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The second desulfurizer is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a desulfurizing unit, a buffer tank, and a pressure regulator. By making this component multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate buffer tanks and pressure regulating equipment, thereby simplifying the overall system layout and reducing the number of incidental components while maintaining reliable sulfur removal.
4Device complexity
If the desulfurizer operates at room temperature, then the equipment is simplified, but the adsorption capacity for sulfur compounds is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the natural temperature increase that occurs when the desulfurizer is positioned near the reforming unit. This temperature change parameter modification enhances the adsorption capacity of the desulfurizing agent without requiring active heating systems or complex temperature control equipment, thereby maintaining equipment simplicity while improving sulfur compound adsorption effectiveness.
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 configuration enhances the stability of hydrogen production, reduces the number of system components, and allows for downsizing of the hydrogen generator and fuel cell system while maintaining efficient operation and stability under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a desulfurizing agent for removing the sulfur compound contained in the raw material gas supplied by the raw material gas supply device
Implementation Method 2
a second desulfurization unit that is composed of at least one desulfurizer disposed downstream of the first desulfurization unit while being filled with a desulfurizing agent for removing the sulfur compound contained in the raw material gas
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is hydrogen generator (14) including: raw material gas supply device (5) that supplies a raw material gas containing a sulfur compound; first desulfurization unit (2) that is composed of at least one desulfurizer (2a, 2b) connected to upstream of raw material gas supply device (5) while being filled with a desulfurizing agent for removing the sulfur compound contained in the raw material gas supplied by raw material gas supply device (5); second desulfurization unit (4) that is composed of at least one desulfurizer (4a, 4b) disposed downstream of first desulfurization unit (2) while being filled with a desulfurizing agent for removing the sulfur compound contained in the raw material gas; reforming unit (6) that generates a hydrogen-containing gas by reforming reaction between the raw material gas with the sulfur compound removed and water; and flow rate detector (3) that is disposed between first desulfurization unit (2) and second desulfurization unit (4) to measure a flow rate of the raw material gas flowing out of first desulfurization unit (2).