Hydrogen Production Apparatus with Inert Gas Purging for Cold Climate Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen production apparatuses in remote, cold areas face challenges due to unreliable electrical power supply from renewable sources, leading to potential pipe rupture from freezing water, especially since they are not connected to existing electrical or water systems, necessitating a solution for infrastructure-independent hydrogen production and storage.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen production system that uses external renewable energy sources like hydroelectric, wind, or solar power, with a rectifier, electrolyzer, and nitrogen gas purging to prevent pipe freezing and ensure safe operation during power outages, utilizing a control device to manage valve operations and nitrogen gas introduction into water and gas pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydrogen production apparatus is located in remote cold areas using renewable energy, then infrastructure independence and renewable energy utilization are improved, but pipe rupture risk from freezing water increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by purging water from pipes before power outages occur. The control device detects power supply status and automatically opens purging valves to remove water from vulnerable pipe sections, preventing freezing and rupture when the apparatus stops operating due to renewable energy intermittency.
Solution Approach 2:
The purging valve acts as an intermediary component between the water-containing pipes and the external environment. By controlling water flow through this intermediary device, the system can safely evacuate water from pipes during shutdown periods, eliminating the freezing hazard while maintaining infrastructure independence.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydrogen production apparatus operates without connection to existing electrical power system, then deployment flexibility in remote areas is improved, but reliability of continuous operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen production apparatus performs self-service by automatically detecting power supply status and initiating protective measures without external control. The control device monitors power availability and autonomously operates purging valves to prevent damage, enabling reliable standalone operation in remote areas without connection to existing electrical infrastructure.
3Duration of action of moving object
If water is retained in pipes during power outage, then system readiness for rapid restart is improved, but freezing and pipe rupture risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by purging water from pipes during planned shutdowns or when power outage is detected, rather than retaining water for rapid restart. This prevents freezing damage while the system can be quickly recharged and restarted without water-related hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of water presence in pipes from 'retained' to 'purged' based on operational status. By controlling the purging valve to remove water during shutdown conditions, the system adapts the water content parameter to match operational requirements, preventing freezing while maintaining restart capability.
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
Enables unmanned, infrastructure-free hydrogen production and storage, preventing pipe rupture and explosion risks, facilitating the deployment of hydrogen production systems in remote areas with minimal environmental impact and lower costs compared to solid electrolyte membrane systems.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier supplied with first electrical power from outside, and that outputs direct-current second electrical power
Implementation Method 2
an electrolyzer supplied with the second electrical power and that carries out electrolysis of an alkaline aqueous solution
Implementation Method 3
The inert gas is introduced into the pure water pipe by opening the first valve
Data Source
AI summary
The hydrogen production apparatus includes: a rectifier supplied with first electrical power from outside, and that outputs direct-current second electrical power; an electrolyzer supplied with the second electrical power and that carries out electrolysis of an alkaline aqueous solution; a pure water tank that retains a pure water; a pure water pipe connected between the pure water tank and an electrolyzer, allowing the pure water to be distributed from the pure water tank to the electrolyzer; an inert gas cylinder that contains an inert gas; and a first valve connected between the inert gas cylinder and the pure water pipe, is the first valve being closed when the first electrical power is supplied, and being open when the first electrical power is not supplied. The inert gas is introduced into the pure water pipe by opening the first valve.