JP2021088734A - Hydrogen compressing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen compressing device capable of efficiently compressing hydrogen.SOLUTION: The hydrogen compressing device according to the present invention, comprises an electrochemical hydrogen compressor comprising an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane placed between the anode and the cathode, a feed path of an anode connected to the anode to feed hydrogen to the anode, a discharge path of the anode connected to the anode to discharge hydrogen from the anode, a first gas/liquid separator connected to the anode via the discharge path of the anode, a gas discharge path that connects the first gas/liquid separator and the feed path of the anode, a hydrogen pump disposed in the gas discharge path to feed hydrogen to the feed path of the anode from the first gas/liquid separator, a second gas/liquid separator connected to the cathode, a gas discharge port connected to the second gas/liquid separator to discharge gas from the second gas/liquid separator, and a first liquid discharge path that connects the first gas/liquid separator and the second gas/liquid separator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen compressor.

As an example of the hydrogen compression device, for example, the compressed hydrogen production system described in Patent Document 1 is disclosed. In the compressed hydrogen production system described in Patent Document 1, in the hydrogen compressor, an anode is formed on one side and a cathode is formed on the other side of the hydrogen compressor. Hydrogen is introduced into the anode from the hydrogen introduction path. Water vapor is supplied to the hydrogen introduction path from the water storage bubbler. The water in the anode off-gas discharged from the anode is supplied to the hydrogen introduction path by the anode off-gas path.

JP-A-2018-165385

In recent years, there has been a demand for a hydrogen compression device capable of efficiently compressing hydrogen.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a hydrogen compressor capable of efficiently compressing hydrogen in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

In order to achieve the above object, the hydrogen compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure is
An electrochemical hydrogen compressor having an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the anode and the cathode.
An anode supply path connected to the anode and supplying hydrogen to the anode,
An anode discharge path connected to the anode and discharging hydrogen from the anode,
A first gas-liquid separator connected to the anode via the anode discharge path,
A gas discharge path connecting the first gas-liquid separator and the anode supply path,
A hydrogen pump arranged in the gas discharge path and supplying hydrogen from the first gas-liquid separator to the anode supply path,
A second gas-liquid separator connected to the cathode,
A gas discharge port connected to the second gas-liquid separator and discharging gas from the second gas-liquid separator,
A first liquid discharge path connecting the first gas-liquid separator and the second gas-liquid separator,
To be equipped.

According to the hydrogen compression device according to the present disclosure, hydrogen can be efficiently compressed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of a hydrogen compression device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of the hydrogen compression device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a timing chart of an example of control of the first regulating valve, the second regulating valve, and the third regulating valve in the hydrogen compressor according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a timing chart of an example of control of the first regulating valve, the second regulating valve, and the third regulating valve in the hydrogen compressor according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the compressed hydrogen production system described in Patent Document 1.

(Knowledge on which this disclosure was based)
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the compressed hydrogen production system described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. 5, in the compressed hydrogen production system 101, the water storage bubbler 107 is connected to the hydrogen tank or the like via the hydrogen pipe 106. Further, since water is stored in the water storage bubbler 107, hydrogen is humidified by the saturated steam of water. The humidified hydrogen is introduced into the anode 103 of the hydrogen compressor 102 via the hydrogen introduction path 108. At the anode 103, hydrogen is ionized by applying a predetermined electric power. The ionized hydrogen moves from the anode 103 to the cathode 104 side via the ion conductor 105, and returns to hydrogen at the cathode 104. Thereby, high pressure hydrogen can be obtained.

Compressed hydrogen containing water is discharged from the cathode 104 via the cathode discharge path 109, and is sent to the water separation unit 110. The water separation unit 110 separates water and hydrogen. The hydrogen separated by the water separation unit 110 is sent out from the compressed hydrogen output path 111. The separated water flows through the cathode discharge water circulation path 112 to the pressure reducing valve 113, is depressurized, and is supplied to the water storage bubbler 107. In the water storage bubbler 107, hydrogen dissolved in water is released.

In this way, the hydrogen and water that have moved from the anode 103 to the cathode 104 are separated by the water separation unit 110 and the water storage bubbler 107, and the hydrogen separated from the water flows to the anode 103 again.

On the other hand, the water and hydrogen not used in the hydrogen compressor 102 are sent to the anode off-gas passage 114 connected to the anode 103 and the hydrogen pump 115 and supplied to the anode 103 again.

As described above, in the compressed hydrogen production system described in Patent Document 1, hydrogen and water not used in the anode 103 flow through the anode off-gas passage 114 and are returned to the anode 103 as they are to be circulated to the anode 3. In this case, the amount of circulated water continuously increases as compared with hydrogen, so that the hydrogen supplied to the anode 103 contains more water than necessary.

Further, Patent Document 1 also discloses an embodiment in which hydrogen discharged from the cathode 104 and contained in the separated water is supplied to the anode 103 again and reused (Patent Document 1). (See second and fourth embodiments). In such an embodiment, hydrogen containing water (water vapor) not used in the anode 103 is sent to the exhaust gas chamber via the cooler. Condensed water is stored in the exhaust gas chamber, and other gases (hydrogen, etc.) are discharged from the exhaust gas chamber to the outside through the exhaust pipe.

As described above, in the compressed water production system of the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment described in Patent Document 1, the hydrogen not used in the anode 103 is discharged to the outside without being reused.

Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the present inventors have studied a hydrogen compressor equipped with a gas-liquid separator that removes water from hydrogen circulating in the anode. As a result, the present inventors efficiently recycle hydrogen that has not been used at the anode while suppressing the hydrogen supplied to the anode from containing more water than necessary. Found to compress.

Based on these findings, the present inventors have reached the following disclosure.

The hydrogen compressor of the first aspect of the present disclosure is
An electrochemical hydrogen compressor having an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the anode and the cathode.
An anode supply path connected to the anode and supplying hydrogen to the anode,
An anode discharge path connected to the anode and discharging hydrogen from the anode,
A first gas-liquid separator connected to the anode via the anode discharge path,
A gas discharge path connecting the first gas-liquid separator and the anode supply path,
A hydrogen pump arranged in the gas discharge path and supplying hydrogen from the first gas-liquid separator to the anode supply path,
A second gas-liquid separator connected to the cathode,
A gas discharge port connected to the second gas-liquid separator and discharging gas from the second gas-liquid separator,
A first liquid discharge path connecting the first gas-liquid separator and the second gas-liquid separator,
To be equipped.

With such a configuration, hydrogen can be efficiently compressed.

In the hydrogen compressor of the second aspect of the present disclosure, further
A check valve that is arranged in the anode discharge path and prevents the backflow of hydrogen from the first gas-liquid separator to the hydrogen compressor may be provided.

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the backflow of hydrogen and water from the first gas-liquid separator.

In the hydrogen compressor of the third aspect of the present disclosure, even if the anode discharge path is connected to the first gas-liquid separator at a position lower than the center of the first gas-liquid separator in the vertical direction. Good.

With such a configuration, water can be easily discharged from the first gas-liquid separator.

In the hydrogen compressor of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, further
A second liquid discharge path for discharging water from the first gas-liquid separator,
A liquid discharge mechanism that controls the discharge of water from the first gas-liquid separator to the second liquid discharge path according to the water level of the water stored in the first gas-liquid separator.
May be provided.

With such a configuration, the amount of water stored inside the first gas-liquid separator can be controlled.

In the hydrogen compressor of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the liquid discharge mechanism may be a float arranged inside the first gas-liquid separator.

With such a configuration, the amount of water stored inside the first gas-liquid separator can be controlled with a simple configuration.

In the hydrogen compressor of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, further
A cooler arranged between the cathode and the second gas-liquid separator may be provided.

With such a configuration, it is possible to cool the water containing water vapor discharged from the cathode and improve the collection rate of the water collected by the second gas-liquid separator.

In the hydrogen compressor of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, further
A pressure reducing valve arranged in the first liquid discharge path and reducing the back pressure of water discharged from the second gas-liquid separator may be provided.

With such a configuration, the back pressure of the water discharged from the second gas-liquid separator can be reduced.

In the hydrogen compressor of the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the pressure reducing valve may keep the back pressure of water discharged from the second gas-liquid separator at a constant pressure.

With such a configuration, it is not necessary to have a mechanism for detecting pressure fluctuations, and the number of parts can be reduced.

In the hydrogen compressor of the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, further
A first regulating valve arranged in the gas discharge path connecting the first gas-liquid separator and the hydrogen pump,
A bypass connected to the anode discharge path between the hydrogen compressor and the first gas-liquid separator and connected to the gas discharge path between the first regulating valve and the hydrogen pump.
The second regulating valve arranged in the bypass and
A third regulating valve arranged in the first liquid discharge path and
A control unit that controls the first regulating valve, the second regulating valve, and the third regulating valve.
May be provided.

With such a configuration, hydrogen and water can be efficiently reused.

In the hydrogen compression device of the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit is
The first control in which the first regulating valve is opened and the second regulating valve is closed, and
A second control that closes the first regulating valve and opens the second regulating valve.
May be carried out.

With such a configuration, hydrogen and water can be reused more efficiently.

In the hydrogen compression device of the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit is
The first control in which the first regulating valve is opened and the second regulating valve is closed, and
A second control that closes the first regulating valve and opens the second regulating valve.
After the second control, a third control that opens the first regulating valve and
And carry out
The opening / closing degree of the first adjusting valve in the third control may be smaller than the opening / closing degree of the first adjusting valve in the first control.

With such a configuration, hydrogen and water can be reused more efficiently.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, in each figure, each element is exaggerated for easy explanation.

(Embodiment 1)
[overall structure]
An example of the hydrogen compression device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of the hydrogen compression device 1A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen compressor 1A includes a hydrogen compressor 2, an anode supply path 7, an anode discharge path 8, a first gas-liquid separator 9, a check valve 10, a gas discharge path 11, and a hydrogen pump 12. A second gas-liquid separator 17, a gas discharge port 21, a first liquid discharge path 18, and a pressure reducing valve 19 are provided.

<Hydrogen compressor>
The hydrogen compressor 2 is an electrochemical hydrogen compressor having an anode 3, a cathode 4, and an electrolyte membrane (MEA) 5 sandwiched between the anode 3 and the cathode 4. The anode 3 and the cathode 4 are gas diffusion electrodes on which a catalyst is arranged. The electrolyte membrane 5 is an electrolyte membrane having ionic conductivity.

By supplying hydrogen containing water (water vapor) to the anode 3 and applying a predetermined voltage to the anode 3 and the cathode 4, hydrogen is ionized at the anode 3. The ionized hydrogen moves to the cathode 4 through the electrolyte membrane 5 together with water. When moving to the cathode 4, the ionized hydrogen returns to the gas, so that compressed hydrogen can be obtained.

<Anode supply path>
The anode supply path 7 is a supply path that is connected to the anode 3 of the hydrogen compressor 2 and supplies hydrogen to the anode 3. Specifically, one end of the anode supply path 7 is connected to a hydrogen suction port 6 for sucking hydrogen. The other end of the anode supply path 7 is connected to one end of the anode 3. The anode supply path 7 is formed of, for example, a pipe.

<Anode discharge path>
The anode discharge path 8 is a discharge path that is connected to the anode 3 of the hydrogen compressor 2 and discharges hydrogen from the anode 3. Specifically, one end of the anode discharge path 8 is connected to the other end of the anode 3. The other end of the anode discharge path 8 is connected to the first gas-liquid separator 9. The anode discharge path 8 is formed of, for example, a pipe. Water and hydrogen not used in the anode 3 flow through the anode discharge path 8.

<1st gas-liquid separator>
The first gas-liquid separator 9 is connected to the anode 3 of the hydrogen compressor 2 via the anode discharge path 8. Specifically, the first gas-liquid separator 9 is connected to the anode discharge path 8 and stores water and hydrogen sent from the anode 3 via the anode discharge path 8. Further, the first gas-liquid separator 9 stores water sent from the second gas-liquid separator 17 via the first liquid discharge passage 18.

The first gas-liquid separator 9 separates water and hydrogen. A second liquid discharge path 14 for discharging the water stored in the first gas-liquid separator 9 is connected to the bottom of the first gas-liquid separator 9. One end of the second liquid discharge path 14 is connected to the bottom of the first gas-liquid separator 9. The other end of the second liquid discharge path 14 is connected to the liquid discharge port 15. The second liquid discharge path 14 is formed of, for example, a pipe.

A gas discharge path 11 for discharging hydrogen stored in the first gas-liquid separator 9 is connected to the upper part of the first gas-liquid separator 9.

In the vertical direction, the connection between the anode discharge path 8 and the first gas-liquid separator 9 is provided at a position lower than the connection position between the gas discharge path 11 and the first gas-liquid separator 9. Specifically, in the vertical direction, the anode discharge path 8 is connected at a position lower than the center of the first gas-liquid separator 9.

The first gas-liquid separator 9 controls the discharge of water from the first gas-liquid separator 9 to the second liquid discharge passage 14 according to the water level of the water stored in the first gas-liquid separator 9. A liquid discharge mechanism is provided.

In the first embodiment, the liquid discharge mechanism is a float 9a arranged inside the first gas-liquid separator 9. The float 9a is made of a material that floats on water, for example, a resin material. When the float 9a is not floating on water, the float 9a closes the opening on one end side of the second liquid discharge path 14 connected to the bottom of the first gas-liquid separator 9. When the amount of water inside the first gas-liquid separator 9 increases and the water level rises, the float 9a floats on the water. When the float 9a floats on water, water flows into the opening on one end side of the second liquid discharge path 14. As a result, the water stored inside the first gas-liquid separator 9 is discharged from the liquid discharge port 15 through the second liquid discharge path 14.

<Check valve>
The check valve 10 is arranged in the anode discharge path 8 and is a valve for preventing the backflow of hydrogen from the first gas-liquid separator 9 to the hydrogen compressor 2. Specifically, the check valve 10 allows hydrogen flowing in the anode discharge path 8 to flow in the direction from the anode 3 of the hydrogen compressor 2 toward the first gas-liquid separator 9.

<Gas discharge path>
The gas discharge path 11 is a discharge path that connects the first gas-liquid separator 9 and the anode supply path 7. Specifically, one end of the gas discharge path 11 is connected to the upper part of the first gas-liquid separator 9. The other end of the gas discharge path 11 is connected to the hydrogen pump 12, and is connected to the anode supply path 7 via the hydrogen pump 12. The gas discharge path 11 is formed of, for example, a pipe. Hydrogen discharged from the first gas-liquid separator 9 flows through the gas discharge path 11.

<Hydrogen pump>
The hydrogen pump 12 is a pump that is arranged in the gas discharge path 11 and supplies hydrogen from the first gas-liquid separator 9 to the anode supply path 7. Specifically, the hydrogen pump 12 is connected to the gas discharge path 11 and is connected to the first hydrogen pipe 13. The hydrogen pump 12 supplies hydrogen flowing through the gas discharge path 11 to the anode supply path 7 via the first hydrogen pipe 13.

In the first embodiment, water and hydrogen not used in the anode 3 are removed by a circulation path having an anode supply path 7, an anode 3, an anode discharge path 8, a gas discharge path 11, a hydrogen pump 12, and a first hydrogen pipe 13. It is circulated to the anode 3. Further, by providing the first gas-liquid separator 9 between the anode discharge path 8 and the gas discharge path 11 of the circulation path, water can be removed from the hydrogen circulating in the circulation path.

<Second gas-liquid separator>
The second gas-liquid separator 17 is connected to the cathode 4. Specifically, the second gas-liquid separator 17 is connected to the cathode 4 via the second hydrogen pipe 16. The second gas-liquid separator 17 stores hydrogen and water discharged from the cathode 4 through the second hydrogen pipe 16, and separates hydrogen and water.

In the first embodiment, the cooler 16a is arranged between the cathode 4 and the second gas-liquid separator 17. Specifically, the cooler 16a is connected to the second hydrogen pipe 16 that connects the cathode 4 and the second gas-liquid separator 17. The cooler 16a cools the water vapor contained in the hydrogen discharged from the cathode 4. For example, the cooler 16a cools the water vapor below the atmospheric temperature. As a result, water vapor is condensed into water. The cooler 16a is composed of, for example, radiating fins.

<Gas outlet>
The gas discharge port 21 is a discharge port that is connected to the second gas-liquid separator 17 and discharges gas from the second gas-liquid separator 17. Specifically, the gas discharge port 21 is connected to the upper part of the second gas-liquid separator 17 via the third hydrogen pipe 20. High-pressure hydrogen is discharged from the gas discharge port 21.

<First liquid discharge path>
The first liquid discharge path 18 is a discharge path connecting the first gas-liquid separator 9 and the second gas-liquid separator 17. Specifically, one end of the first liquid discharge path 18 is connected to the bottom of the second gas-liquid separator 17. The other end of the first liquid discharge path 18 is connected to the anode discharge path 8 that connects the anode 3 of the hydrogen compressor 2 and the first gas-liquid separator 9. The liquid discharged from the second gas-liquid separator 17, that is, water flows through the first liquid discharge path 18. The water flowing through the first liquid discharge passage 18 is supplied to the first gas-liquid separator 9 through the anode discharge passage 8.

<Pressure valve>
The pressure reducing valve 19 is a valve arranged in the first liquid discharge path 18 to reduce the back pressure of the water discharged from the second gas-liquid separator 17. Specifically, the pressure reducing valve 19 includes a pressure adjusting unit 22 that adjusts the back pressure of water discharged from the second gas-liquid separator 17. The pressure adjusting unit 22 is connected to the anode discharge path 8 via the pipe 23.

The pressure reducing valve 19 reacts with the pressure of hydrogen coming out of the anode 3 and reduces the back pressure of the water discharged from the second gas-liquid separator 17 to a pressure slightly lower than the pressure. Specifically, the pressure reducing valve 19 detects the pressure of hydrogen flowing from the anode discharge path 8 to the pipe 23, and based on the pressure detected by the pressure adjusting unit 22, the water discharged from the second gas-liquid separator 17 Reduce back pressure.

[motion]
An example of the operation of the hydrogen compressor 1A will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen suction port 6 to the anode supply path 7. The hydrogen supplied to the anode supply path 7 flows into the anode 3 of the hydrogen compressor 2. In the hydrogen compressor 2, a voltage is applied to the electrolyte membrane 5 between the anode 3 and the cathode 4. Hydrogen is deprived of electrons on the surface of the electrolyte membrane 5 to become ion protons, permeates through the electrolyte membrane 5, and is recombined with electrons on the surface of the electrolyte membrane 5 on the cathode 4 side to become hydrogen.

At the cathode 4, the pressure is increased by limiting the amount of hydrogen transferred, so that the boosting function is realized. At this time, most of the hydrogen that has entered the anode 3 moves to the cathode 4, while some hydrogen and water are discharged from the anode 3 to the anode discharge path 8. Further, water moves in the electrolyte membrane 5 along with protons to the cathode 4, but since the cathode 4 has a higher pressure than the anode 3, reverse osmosis may occur. In this case, the amount of water transferred to the cathode 4 is reduced. Therefore, the weight ratio of hydrogen and water discharged from the anode 3 to the anode discharge path 8 is larger than the weight ratio of water entering the anode 3 from the anode supply path 7.

Hydrogen and water that did not move at the anode 3 flow through the anode discharge path 8 and enter the first gas-liquid separator 9 through the check valve 10. In the first gas-liquid separator 9, hydrogen is separated from water and flows through the gas discharge path 11. The hydrogen flowing through the gas discharge path 11 is sent to the first hydrogen pipe 13 by the hydrogen pump 12 and enters the anode supply path 7. In the anode supply path 7, the hydrogen from the first hydrogen pipe 13 merges with the hydrogen from the hydrogen suction port 6 and flows again to the anode 3 of the hydrogen compressor 2.

On the other hand, when the amount of water separated by the first gas-liquid separator 9 reaches a certain amount, the float 9a rises and flows through the second liquid discharge passage 14, and is discharged to the outside from the liquid discharge port 15. Further, in the first gas-liquid separator 9, hydrogen flowing from the anode discharge passage 8 into the first gas-liquid separator 9 flows into the gas discharge passage 11 after passing through the water, so that if it does not contain a large amount of water vapor, It is humidified.

The hydrogen and water that have moved to the cathode 4 flow through the second hydrogen pipe 16 and enter the second gas-liquid separator 17. The water vapor flowing inside the second hydrogen pipe 16 is cooled by the cooler 16a and condensed into water. In the second gas-liquid separator 17, hydrogen is separated from water, flows through the third hydrogen pipe 20, and is discharged from the gas discharge port 21. On the other hand, the water separated by the second gas-liquid separator 17 flows through the first liquid discharge path 18, and flows through the anode discharge path 8 to the first gas-liquid separator 9. At this time, the pressure reducing valve 19 reacts with the hydrogen pressure flowing from the anode 3 to the pipe 23, and is discharged from the second gas-liquid separator 17 by the pressure adjusting unit 22 to a pressure slightly lower than the hydrogen pressure in the pipe 23. The back pressure of the generated water is reduced. Even if the pressure from the pressure reducing valve 19 increases due to the pressure fluctuation, the check valve 10 arranged in the anode discharge path 8 can prevent hydrogen from flowing back to the anode 3.

In the first gas-liquid separator 9, water and hydrogen flowing from the first liquid discharge passage 18 and the anode discharge passage 8 merge and are separated into water and hydrogen. The hydrogen separated by the first gas-liquid separator 9 is supplied to the anode supply path 7 by the gas discharge path 11 and the hydrogen pump 12.

[effect]
According to the hydrogen compressor 1A of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

The hydrogen compressor 1A includes a first gas-liquid separator 9 that removes water from hydrogen circulating in the anode 3. Specifically, the first gas-liquid separator 9 is provided in a circulation path having an anode supply path 7, an anode 3, an anode discharge path 8, a gas discharge path 11, a hydrogen pump 12, and a first hydrogen pipe 13. .. With such a configuration, hydrogen can be efficiently compressed.

Since the hydrogen entering from the hydrogen suction port 6 flows to the anode 3 while removing unnecessary water, the hydrogen flows well in the anode 3 and the hydrogen can be used efficiently. Further, as for the hydrogen and water that are boosted and discharged from the cathode 4, the hydrogen from which the water has been removed by the second gas-liquid separator 17 is output from the gas discharge port 21. Further, the water separated by the second gas-liquid separator 17 is supplied to the first gas-liquid separator 9 through the first liquid discharge passage 18. In the first gas-liquid separator 9, hydrogen dissolved in water is released and efficiently used in the anode 3.

In this way, hydrogen is efficiently used, and hydrogen can be efficiently compressed.

The hydrogen compressor 1A is arranged in the anode discharge path 8 and includes a check valve 10 for preventing the backflow of hydrogen from the first gas-liquid separator 9 to the hydrogen compressor 2. With such a configuration, hydrogen flowing in the anode discharge path 8 can be made to flow in the direction from the anode 3 of the hydrogen compressor 2 toward the first gas-liquid separator 9. As a result, it is possible to prevent the backflow of hydrogen to the anode 3 in the anode discharge path 8.

In the vertical direction, the anode discharge path 8 is connected to the first gas-liquid separator 9 at a position lower than the center of the first gas-liquid separator 9. With such a configuration, the connection position between the anode discharge path 8 and the first gas-liquid separator 9 and the connection position between the gas discharge path 11 and the first gas-liquid separator 9 can be separated. As a result, the water stored in the first gas-liquid separator 9 can be easily discharged from the second liquid discharge path 14, and the hydrogen stored in the first gas-liquid separator 9 can be easily discharged from the gas discharge path 11. Become.

The hydrogen compressor 1A is a first gas-liquid separator according to a second liquid discharge path 14 for discharging water from the first gas-liquid separator 9 and a water level of water stored in the first gas-liquid separator 9. A liquid discharge mechanism for controlling the discharge of water from 9 to the second liquid discharge path 14 is provided. With such a configuration, the water stored in the first gas-liquid separator 9 can be efficiently removed.

The liquid discharge mechanism is a float 9a arranged inside the first gas-liquid separator 9. With such a configuration, the water stored in the first gas-liquid separator 9 can be removed with a simple configuration.

The hydrogen compressor 1A includes a cooler 16a arranged between the cathode 4 and the second gas-liquid separator 17. With such a configuration, the water vapor discharged from the cathode 4 can be returned to water by cooling and condensing. This facilitates the separation of water and hydrogen in the second gas-liquid separator 17.

The hydrogen compressor 1A is arranged in the first liquid discharge passage 18 and includes a pressure reducing valve 19 for reducing the back pressure of the water discharged from the second gas-liquid separator 17. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the liquid (water) discharged from the second gas-liquid separator 17 from flowing to the anode 3.

In the first embodiment, an example in which the hydrogen compressor 1A includes a check valve 10, a cooler 16a, a pressure reducing valve 19, and a second liquid discharge path 14 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. These elements are not mandatory configurations. The hydrogen compressor 1A may not include a check valve 10, a cooler 16a, a pressure reducing valve 19, and / or a second liquid discharge path 14.

In the first embodiment, an example in which the liquid discharge mechanism of the first gas-liquid separator 9 is a float 9a arranged inside the first gas-liquid separator 9 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The liquid discharge mechanism is a mechanism capable of controlling the discharge of water from the first gas-liquid separator 9 to the second liquid discharge passage 14 according to the water level of the water stored in the first gas-liquid separator 9. All you need is. For example, the liquid discharge mechanism has a detector that detects the water level of water stored in the first gas-liquid separator 9 and an opening / closing that discharges water inside the first gas-liquid separator 9 based on the detection of the detector. It may be provided with a valve. In this case, the water level is detected by the detector, and when the water level reaches a predetermined first water level or higher, the on-off valve is opened and the water inside the first gas-liquid separator 9 is discharged. Next, the on-off valve is closed when the water level detected by the detector falls below a predetermined second water level. Even in such a configuration, it is possible to control the discharge of water from the first gas-liquid separator 9 to the second liquid discharge path 14 according to the water level of the water stored in the first gas-liquid separator 9. ..

In the first embodiment, an example in which the cooler 16a is composed of heat radiation fins has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The cooler 16a may be a mechanism capable of cooling the water vapor discharged from the cathode 4. For example, the cooler 16a may be an air-cooled or water-cooled heat exchanger. Further, the cooler 16a may include a fan.

In the first embodiment, an example in which the first liquid discharge path 18 is connected to the anode discharge path 8 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first liquid discharge passage 18 may be connected to the first gas-liquid separator 9.

In the first embodiment, the pressure reducing valve 19 detects the pressure of hydrogen in the pipe 23, and the pressure adjusting unit 22 determines the back pressure of the water discharged from the second gas-liquid separator 17 based on the detected pressure. An example of control has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pressure reducing valve 19 may keep the back pressure of the water discharged from the second gas-liquid separator 17 constant. In this case, as the pressure reducing valve 19, for example, a back pressure valve can be adopted. In this way, the pressure reducing valve 19 may be maintained at a constant pressure lower than the pressure of hydrogen flowing through the anode discharge path 8. In such a configuration, it is not necessary to have a mechanism for detecting pressure fluctuations, and the number of parts can be reduced.

In the first embodiment, an example in which the anode discharge path 8 is connected to the first gas-liquid separator 9 at a position lower than the center of the first gas-liquid separator 9 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the anode discharge path 8 may be connected to the upper part of the first gas-liquid separator 9. In this case, a humidifier may be provided in front of the first gas-liquid separator 9. That is, a humidifier may be provided in the anode discharge path 8.

(Embodiment 2)
The hydrogen compressor according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, the points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the second embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals. Further, in the second embodiment, the description overlapping with the first embodiment is omitted.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of the hydrogen compression device 1B according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the first regulating valve 24, the bypass 25, the second regulating valve 26, the third regulating valve 27, and the control unit 28 are provided.

<1st regulating valve>
The first regulating valve 24 is arranged in a gas discharge path 11 that connects the first gas-liquid separator 9 and the hydrogen pump 12. The first regulating valve 24 controls the flow of hydrogen in the gas discharge path 11. For example, the first regulating valve 24 causes hydrogen in the gas discharge path 11 to flow toward the hydrogen pump 12 by opening the valve, and stops hydrogen flowing in the gas discharge path 11 by closing the valve. The first regulating valve 24 is, for example, a solenoid valve that electrically controls the opening and closing of the valve. The first regulating valve 24 is controlled by the control unit 28.

<Bypass>
The bypass 25 is a path connecting the anode discharge path 8 and the gas discharge path 11. Specifically, the bypass 25 is connected to the anode discharge path 8 between the hydrogen compressor 2 and the first gas-liquid separator 9, and is connected to the gas discharge path 11 between the first regulating valve 24 and the hydrogen pump 12. Be connected. The bypass 25 is formed of, for example, a pipe. Hydrogen discharged from the anode 3 flows through the bypass 25.

<Second regulating valve>
The second regulating valve 26 is arranged in the bypass 25. The second regulating valve 26 controls the flow of hydrogen in the bypass 25. For example, the second regulating valve 26 causes the hydrogen in the bypass 25 to flow toward the hydrogen pump 12 by opening the valve, and stops the hydrogen flowing in the bypass 25 by closing the valve. The second regulating valve 26 is, for example, a solenoid valve that electrically controls the opening and closing of the valve. The second regulating valve 26 is controlled by the control unit 28.

<Third regulating valve>
The third regulating valve 27 is arranged in the first liquid discharge path 18. The third regulating valve 27 controls the flow of water in the first liquid discharge path 18. For example, the third regulating valve 27 causes water in the first liquid discharge path 18 to flow toward the first gas-liquid separator 9 by opening the valve, and flows in the first liquid discharge path 18 by closing the valve. Stop the water. The third regulating valve 27 is, for example, a solenoid valve that electrically controls the opening and closing of the valve. The third regulating valve 27 is controlled by the control unit 28. In the second embodiment, the third regulating valve 27 is arranged instead of the pressure reducing valve 19 of the first embodiment.

<Control unit>
The control unit 28 controls the first regulating valve 24, the second regulating valve 26, and the third regulating valve 27. The control unit 28 is electrically connected to the first regulating valve 24, the second regulating valve 26, and the third regulating valve 27, and connects the first regulating valve 24, the second regulating valve 26, and the third regulating valve 27, respectively. Control individually. Specifically, the control unit 28 controls the opening / closing operation of each of the first regulating valve 24, the second regulating valve 26, and the third regulating valve 27.

The control unit 28 includes, for example, a memory for storing a program and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). For example, in the control unit 28, the processor executes a program stored in the memory.

[motion]
An example of the operation of the hydrogen compressor 1B will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a timing chart of an example of control of the first regulating valve 24, the second regulating valve 26, and the third regulating valve 27 in the hydrogen compressor 1B according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 28 implements the first control A1 and the second control A2, and controls the first adjustment valve 24, the second adjustment valve 26, and the third adjustment valve 27. In the second embodiment, the control unit 28 repeats the first control A1 and the second control A2 at regular intervals. It should be noted that the control of a fixed cycle can be realized by an arbitrary method such as a timer.

In the first control A1, the control unit 28 controls the first regulating valve 24 in the open state, and controls the second regulating valve 26 and the third regulating valve 27 in the closed state. As a result, the hydrogen and water discharged from the anode 3 are sent to the first gas-liquid separator 9 through the anode discharge path 8. In the first gas-liquid separator 9, hydrogen and water are separated. The separated hydrogen is sent by the hydrogen pump 12 through the gas discharge path 11 and sent to the anode supply path 7.

The "open state" means a state in which the valve is open, and the "closed state" means a state in which the valve is closed. With the valve open, hydrogen and / or water can pass through. The degree of opening and closing means the degree of opening of the valve. In the second embodiment, the opening / closing degree of the valve is 100% in the "open state", and the opening / closing degree of the valve is 0% in the "closed state".

As described above, in the first control A1, the hydrogen and water discharged from the anode 3 pass through the anode discharge path 8, the first gas-liquid separator 9, the gas discharge path 11, the hydrogen pump 12, and the anode supply path 7. Circulates the anode 3.

Further, in the first control A1, since the second regulating valve 26 is in the closed state, the hydrogen and water discharged from the anode 3 are not sent to the bypass 25. Further, since the third regulating valve 27 is in the closed state, the water discharged from the cathode 4 is stored in the second gas-liquid separator 17.

In the first control A1, water is removed from the hydrogen and water circulating in the anode 3 so that the hydrogen circulating in the anode 3 does not contain more water than necessary.

In the second control A2, the control unit 28 controls the first regulating valve 24 in the closed state and controls the second regulating valve 26 and the third regulating valve 27 in the open state. As a result, the hydrogen and water discharged from the anode 3 flow to the gas discharge path 11 through the bypass 25. Hydrogen and water flowing through the gas discharge path 11 are sent to the anode supply path 7 by the hydrogen pump 12.

In the second control A2, since the first regulating valve 24 is in the closed state, the hydrogen and water discharged from the anode 3 are not sent to the first gas-liquid separator 9. On the other hand, since the third regulating valve 27 is in the open state, the water stored in the second gas-liquid separator 17 is sent to the first gas-liquid separator 9 through the first liquid discharge passage 18.

As described above, in the second control A2, the hydrogen and water discharged from the anode 3 circulate in the anode 3 through the bypass 25, the gas discharge path 11, the hydrogen pump and the anode supply path 7.

Further, in the second control A2, since the third regulating valve 27 is in the open state, the water stored in the second gas-liquid separator 17 passes through the first liquid discharge path 18 and is the first gas-liquid. It is sent to the separator 9. As a result, the water discharged from the second gas-liquid separator 17 through the first liquid discharge path 18 is collected by the first gas-liquid separator 9. The water discharged from the first liquid discharge path 18 joins the anode discharge path 8, but the check valve 10 can prevent the water from flowing back through the anode discharge path 8.

[effect]
According to the hydrogen compressor 1B of the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

The hydrogen compressor 1B includes a first regulating valve 24, a bypass 25, a second regulating valve 26, a third regulating valve 27, and a control unit 28. The first regulating valve 24 is arranged in a gas discharge path 11 that connects the first gas-liquid separator 9 and the hydrogen pump 12. The bypass 25 is connected to the anode discharge path 8 between the hydrogen compressor 2 and the first gas-liquid separator 9, and is connected to the gas discharge path 11 between the second regulating valve 26 and the hydrogen pump 12. The second regulating valve 26 is arranged in the bypass 25. The third regulating valve 27 is arranged in the first liquid discharge path 18. The control unit 28 controls the first regulating valve 24, the second regulating valve 26, and the third regulating valve 27. Further, the control unit 28 opens the first control A1 in which the first adjusting valve 24 is opened and the second adjusting valve 26 is closed, and the first adjusting valve 24 is closed and the second adjusting valve 26 is opened. The second control A2 and the state are carried out.

With such a configuration, hydrogen can be circulated through the anode 3 and the water discharged from the cathode 4 and the hydrogen contained in the water can be reused in the anode 3. As a result, in the first gas-liquid separator 9, hydrogen can be circulated alternately to the anode 3 and water can be reused from the second gas-liquid separator 17, while maintaining stable operation. , Hydrogen can be compressed efficiently.

In the second embodiment, the control unit 28 has described an example in which the first control A1 and the second control A2 are periodically repeated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 28 may carry out the first control A1 and the second control A2 according to the water level of the second gas-liquid separator 17. In this case, the hydrogen compressor 1B may include a water level sensor that measures the water level inside the second gas-liquid separator 17. The control unit 28 may perform the first control A1 when the water level inside the second gas-liquid separator 17 measured by the water level sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Further, the control unit 28 may perform the second control A2 when the water level inside the second gas-liquid separator 17 measured by the water level sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value. With such a configuration, hydrogen and water can be reused more efficiently.

Alternatively, the control unit 28 may carry out the first control A1 and the second control A2 according to the natural frequency that changes depending on the amount of water stored in the second gas-liquid separator 17. In this case, the hydrogen compressor 1B may include a vibration sensor that measures a natural frequency that changes depending on the amount of water stored in the second gas-liquid separator 17. The hydrogen compressor 1B may perform the first control A1 when the natural frequency that changes depending on the amount of water inside the second gas-liquid separator 17 measured by the vibration sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Further, the control unit 28 may perform the second control A2 when the natural frequency that changes depending on the amount of water inside the second gas-liquid separator 17 measured by the vibration sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. Even in such a configuration, hydrogen and water can be reused more efficiently.

In the second embodiment, the control unit 28 has described an example in which the two controls of the first control A1 and the second control A2 are repeatedly performed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The control unit 28 may repeatedly perform two or more controls.

In the second embodiment, an example in which the third regulating valve 27 is in the closed state in the first control A1 and the third regulating valve 27 is in the open state in the second control A2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the first control A1 and the second control A2, the third regulating valve 27 may be opened and closed according to the amount of water stored in the second gas-liquid separator 17. That is, in the first control A1, the third regulating valve 27 may be in the open state, or in the second control A2, the third regulating valve 27 may be in the closed state.

In the second embodiment, an example in which the opening / closing degree of the valve is 100% in the “open state” and the opening / closing degree of the valve is 0% in the “closed state” has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the first regulating valve 24, the second regulating valve 26, and the third regulating valve 27, the flow rate through which hydrogen and / or water can pass may be adjusted by adjusting the opening / closing degree of the valves.

(Embodiment 3)
The hydrogen compressor according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment, the points different from the second embodiment will be mainly described. In the third embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the second embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals. Further, in the third embodiment, the description overlapping with the second embodiment is omitted.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart of an example of control of the first regulating valve 24, the second regulating valve 26, and the third regulating valve 27 in the hydrogen compressor 1C according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The hydrogen compression device 1C according to the third embodiment includes the same components as the hydrogen compression device 1B of the second embodiment shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the control unit 28 executes the first control A1, the second control A2, and the third control A3.

[motion]
An example of the operation of the hydrogen compressor 1C will be described. In the third embodiment, the control unit 28 repeats the first control A1, the second control A2, and the third control A3 at regular intervals. It should be noted that the control of a fixed cycle can be realized by an arbitrary method such as a timer.

In the first control A1, the control unit 28 controls the first regulating valve 24 in the open state, and controls the second regulating valve 26 and the third regulating valve 27 in the closed state.

In the second control A2, the control unit 28 controls the first regulating valve 24 in the closed state and controls the second regulating valve 26 and the third regulating valve 27 in the open state.

Since the first control A1 and the second control A2 of the third embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the third embodiment, the time during which the second control A2 is executed is shorter than that in the second embodiment.

In the third control A3, the control unit 28 controls the first regulating valve 24 and the second regulating valve 26 in the open state, and controls the third regulating valve 27 in the closed state. The opening / closing degree of the first regulating valve 24 in the third control A3 is smaller than the opening / closing degree of the first regulating valve 24 in the first control A1. In the third embodiment, in the third control A3, the first regulating valve 24 is controlled in a half-open state. In the "half-open state", the degree of opening and closing of the valve is 50%.

[effect]
According to the hydrogen compressor 1C of the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the hydrogen compressor 1C, the control unit 28 implements the first control A1, the second control A2, and the third control A3. The first control A1 opens the first regulating valve 24 and closes the second regulating valve 26. The second control A2 closes the first regulating valve 24 and opens the second regulating valve 26. The third control A3 opens the first regulating valve 24 after the second control A2. The opening / closing degree of the first regulating valve 24 in the third control A3 is smaller than the opening / closing degree of the first regulating valve 24 in the first control A1.

With such a configuration, in the second control A2, when high-pressure gas is accumulated in the first gas-liquid separator 9 arranged upstream of the first regulating valve 24, the third control A3 is performed to perform the third control A3. 1 The high-pressure gas accumulated in the gas-liquid separator 9 can be discharged from the gas discharge path 11. As a result, the pressure inside the first gas-liquid separator 9 can be reduced.

Further, in the third control A3, by opening the second regulating valve 26, hydrogen can be circulated to the anode 3 through the bypass 25 while the pressure inside the first gas-liquid separator 9 is reduced. it can.

In the third embodiment, an example in which the first regulating valve 24 is set to the half-open state in the third control A3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The opening / closing degree of the first regulating valve 24 in the third control A3 may be smaller than the opening / closing degree of the first regulating valve 24 in the first control A1.

In the third embodiment, an example in which the second regulating valve 26 is opened in the third control A3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the third control A3, the second regulating valve 26 may be in the closed state.

Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and modifications are obvious to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that such modifications and amendments are included within the scope of this disclosure by the appended claims.

The hydrogen compressor according to the present disclosure can be used for efficiently compressing hydrogen.

1A, 1B, 1C Hydrogen compressor 2 Hydrogen compressor 3 Anophode 4 Cathode 5 Electrolyte membrane 6 Hydrogen inlet 7 Anoden supply path 8 Anode discharge path 9 First gas-liquid separator 10 Check valve 11 Gas discharge path 12 Hydrogen pump 13 1st hydrogen pipe 14 2nd liquid discharge passage 15 Liquid discharge port 16 2nd hydrogen pipe 17 2nd gas-liquid separator 18 1st liquid discharge passage 19 Pressure reducing valve 20 3rd hydrogen pipe 21 Gas discharge port 22 Pressure regulating part 23 Pipe 24 1st regulating valve 25 Bypass 26 2nd regulating valve 27 3rd regulating valve 28 Control unit

Claims (11)

An electrochemical hydrogen compressor having an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the anode and the cathode.
An anode supply path connected to the anode and supplying hydrogen to the anode,
An anode discharge path connected to the anode and discharging hydrogen from the anode,
A first gas-liquid separator connected to the anode via the anode discharge path,
A gas discharge path connecting the first gas-liquid separator and the anode supply path,
A hydrogen pump arranged in the gas discharge path and supplying hydrogen from the first gas-liquid separator to the anode supply path,
A second gas-liquid separator connected to the cathode,
A gas discharge port connected to the second gas-liquid separator and discharging gas from the second gas-liquid separator,
A first liquid discharge path connecting the first gas-liquid separator and the second gas-liquid separator,
A hydrogen compressor equipped with. further,
It is provided in the anode discharge path and includes a check valve for preventing the backflow of hydrogen from the first gas-liquid separator to the hydrogen compressor.
The hydrogen compressor according to claim 1. In the vertical direction, the anode discharge path is connected to the first gas-liquid separator at a position lower than the center of the first gas-liquid separator.
The hydrogen compressor according to claim 1 or 2. further,
A second liquid discharge path for discharging water from the first gas-liquid separator,
A liquid discharge mechanism that controls the discharge of water from the first gas-liquid separator to the second liquid discharge path according to the water level of the water stored in the first gas-liquid separator.
To prepare
The hydrogen compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The liquid discharge mechanism is a float arranged inside the first gas-liquid separator.
The hydrogen compressor according to claim 4. further,
A cooler is provided between the cathode and the second gas-liquid separator.
The hydrogen compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 5. further,
A pressure reducing valve arranged in the first liquid discharge path and adjusting the back pressure of water discharged from the second gas-liquid separator is provided.
The hydrogen compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The pressure reducing valve keeps the back pressure of water discharged from the second gas-liquid separator at a constant pressure.
The hydrogen compressor according to claim 7. further,
A first regulating valve arranged in the gas discharge path connecting the first gas-liquid separator and the hydrogen pump,
A bypass connected to the anode discharge path between the hydrogen compressor and the first gas-liquid separator and connected to the gas discharge path between the first regulating valve and the hydrogen pump.
The second regulating valve arranged in the bypass and
A third regulating valve arranged in the first liquid discharge path and
A control unit that controls the first regulating valve, the second regulating valve, and the third regulating valve.
To prepare
The hydrogen compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The control unit
The first control in which the first regulating valve is opened and the second regulating valve is closed, and
A second control that closes the first regulating valve and opens the second regulating valve.
To carry out,
The hydrogen compressor according to claim 9. The control unit
The first control in which the first regulating valve is opened and the second regulating valve is closed, and
A second control that closes the first regulating valve and opens the second regulating valve.
After the second control, a third control that opens the first regulating valve and
And carry out
The opening / closing degree of the first regulating valve in the third control is smaller than the opening / closing degree of the first regulating valve in the first control.
The hydrogen compressor according to claim 9.

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