KR20170088932A - Solar powered systems and methods for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water - Google Patents

Abstract

Describes how to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from solar power systems and water. A solar power generation system for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water includes an electrolysis unit, a first generator unit, and a solar power generation turbine unit. The electrolysis unit is powered by the first generator unit. The solar power generation turbine unit is configured to drive the first generator unit and supply the steam to the electrolysis unit. The solar power generation turbine unit comprises a first turbine coupled and configured to provide axial work to the first generator unit, a steam generating unit coupled to the steam supply inlet of the electrolysis unit and configured to hold water; And a solar unit configured to generate and provide heat to the steam generating unit.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a solar power generation system and a method for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water,

This application claims the benefit of U. S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 106,056 entitled " PV System and Method for Producing Hydrogen Gas and Oxygen Gas from Water, " filed on January 21, 2015. The entire contents of the referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates generally to a solar power generation system for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water. In particular, the invention relates to a system using a solar turbine unit coupled to a generator and an electrolysis unit.

Hydrogen (H ₂ ) gas is a valuable product and is used as a feedstock for the petroleum, chemical, energy and semiconductor industries. For example, hydrogen is used as a treatment for hydrocarbons (e.g., hydrocracking, hydrogenation alkylation, and hydrodesulfurization processes), the production of ammonia, the production of methanol, various chemical processes (e.g., hydrogenation reactions) and coolants. Hydrogen gas can be recovered as a by-product of chemical or biological reactions or can be separated from the production of fossil fuels. Conventional methods of producing hydrogen include steam reforming of natural gas, thermochemical cleavage of water and electrolysis of water. Hydrogen production, a product of water separation, offers enormous potential benefits to the energy sector, the environment and the chemical industry. This process has the problem of generating a large amount of carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) due to chemical reaction or electricity consumption due to fossil fuel. For example, in a steam reforming reaction, carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) can be produced as a reaction product when excess water is used, as shown in equation (I).

CH ₄ + 2H ₂ O? CO ₂ + 4H ₂ (I)

Another process for generating hydrogen requires electrical energy to generate carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) through the combustion of fossil fuels as illustrated in equation (II).

_{CH 4 + 2O 2 → CO 2} + 2H 2 O (II)

Carbon dioxide is recognized as a major greenhouse gas produced by human activities by government agencies, and emissions of carbon dioxide are regulated by many government agencies. Conventional systems and methods attempt to reduce carbon dioxide production through the use of solar energy. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20130234069 discloses a photovoltaic receiver for generating electricity for an electrolysis unit and uses the heat discharged from the electrolysis process as a heat source for the working fluid for use elsewhere in the operating cycle. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20120171588 discloses a method of using solar energy to power a reforming / water splitting block. While these systems are not self-supporting, they must rely on carbon-based feedstocks or fuels to meet the energy requirements of the system.

A solution has been found for the problem of producing energy with a minimal amount of carbon dioxide production (i.e., low CO2 footprint). In particular, this method has the ability to remove the use of fossil fuels by using electricity as a source during the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen and oxygen.

The present invention relates to a solar power generation system and method for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water.

A solution has been found for the problem of producing energy with a minimal amount of carbon dioxide production (i.e., low CO2 footprint). In particular, this method has the ability to remove the use of fossil fuels by using electricity as a source during the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen and oxygen. The chemical reaction of water degradation is shown in equation (III).

2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂ (III)

In particular, the present invention can raise the temperature and pressure of water, which can be used in an electrolysis unit. By raising water temperature and pressure, the overall electrical energy required for the water separation reaction is reduced, which in certain instances can be reduced at the expense of additional heat input from solar energy or internal heat dissipation. Electrical energy is generated using a generator coupled to a solar power turbine unit that can drive the generator unit and provide steam to the electrolysis unit. This can be done without producing fossil fuels and without generating carbon dioxide when compared to the hydrolysis reaction (see equation (III) above) and equations (I) and (II).

According to an aspect of the present invention, a solar power generation system for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water is described. (A) an electrolysis unit configured to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water, (b) a first generator unit configured to supply electricity to the electrolysis unit, and (c) a second generator unit configured to drive the first generator unit And a solar power generation turbine unit configured to supply steam to the steam supply inlet.

According to one aspect, the system includes an air supply unit that supplies compressed air to the oxygen release surface of the electrolysis unit to maintain an amount less than pure oxygen in the outlet stream. A non-limiting example of an air supply unit may be an air compressor. The electrolysis unit may comprise a vapor feed inlet and at least a first product outlet for hydrogen gas or oxygen gas or both. In a preferred aspect, the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas can be discharged from the electrolysis unit into a separate stream through the two product outlets. The oxygen gas can pass through the second product outlet and the hydrogen gas can be discharged through the first product outlet. In one aspect, the stream flowing out of the second product outlet is an oxygen-rich stream comprising oxygen and air.

A solar power turbine unit comprises (i) a first turbine coupled and configured to provide a shaft operation to a first generator unit; (Ii) a vapor generating unit coupled to the vapor supply inlet of the electrolysis unit and configured to hold water; And (iii) a solar unit formed to generate and provide heat to the vapor generating unit. In one aspect of the invention, the solar unit is configured to generate working fluid and provide heat to the turbine. The steam produced by the steam generating unit may comprise pressurized steam. In particular, carbon dioxide is not produced in the hydrolysis reaction (see formula (III)), so that the production of carbon dioxide can be reduced or eliminated when the system is used. The resulting hydrogen gas, oxygen gas or both may be used in downstream chemical processes, respectively. In a preferred aspect, both the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas produced can be used in a downstream chemical process.

In one aspect of the invention, the system may also include a product cooling unit coupled to the electrolytic unit and configured to receive and reduce the temperature of the generated hydrogen gas or oxygen gas, or both. In a preferred aspect, the system may also include a product cooling unit coupled to the electrolysis unit and configured to receive and reduce the temperature of the generated hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The product cooling unit includes (i) a second turbine coupled to provide power to a second generator unit configured to receive the generated hydrogen gas or oxygen gas, or both; And (ii) a heat transfer unit coupled to transfer heat generated from the product cooling unit to the steam generator unit and delivered to the steam generator unit. The second generator unit may be configured to supply electricity to the electrolysis unit. In some aspects, the product cooling unit is configured to supply power to the second or third generator unit and includes a third turbine, wherein the third turbine is configured to receive the generated hydrogen gas or oxygen gas, or both And the third generator unit may be configured to provide electricity to the electrolysis unit.

In some aspects of the invention, a solar power turbine unit includes (i) a first turbine coupled to provide a shaft operation to a first generator unit; (ii) a vapor generating unit coupled to the vapor supply inlet of the electrolysis unit, (iii) a solar unit configured to generate and provide heat to the vapor generating unit; And (iv) a condenser. The steam generating unit may include a boiler configured to hold water and produce steam. The boiler may be connected to the first turbine and may be configured to transfer the generated steam from the boiler to the first turbine. The first turbine may be connected to the condenser and may be configured to transfer steam from the turbine to the condenser. The condenser may be configured to condense the vapor delivered from the turbine into a liquid, and may be configured to be connected to the liquid to transfer the liquid to the boiler.

In some aspects of the invention, a solar power turbine unit includes (i) a first turbine coupled to provide shaft operation to a first generator unit; (ii) a vapor generating unit coupled to the vapor supply inlet of the electrolysis unit, and (iii) a solar unit configured to generate and provide heat to a cooling fluid (e.g., gas) generated from the vapor generating unit . The steam generating unit may include a first heat exchanger coupled to the first turbine to receive the heated fluid from the first turbine. The heat may be transferred from the heated fluid in the first heat exchanger to water to produce a vapor and a cooled fluid. The heat exchanger may also be coupled to the compressor and configured to deliver the cooled fluid to the compressor. The compressor may be coupled to a second heat exchanger formed to heat the heat-cooled fluid generated by the solar unit. The second heat exchanger may be connected to the first turbine to deliver the heated fluid to the first turbine.

In some aspects of the invention, the closed-loop gas turbine unit includes a backpressure steam turbine unit coupled to the first column and configured to receive heat from the first heat exchanger. The backpressure steam turbine may include a fourth turbine configured to provide a shaft operation coupled to the first generator unit. In some instances of the invention, the first turbine and the fourth turbine are installed in a series of other turbines. In another aspect of the invention, the backpressure steam turbine unit may include a fourth turbine coupled to provide power to a fourth generator unit configured to supply electricity to the fourth generator unit.

A method for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water using a system described throughout this disclosure is described. The method may include treating the electrolysis conditions with water, preferably a separate stream, sufficient to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The hydrogen gas can be separated from the oxygen gas. Hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, or both may be provided in one or more storage units, chemical processing units, transport units, or any combination thereof.

In the context of the present invention, twenty-one embodiments are described.

Example 1 includes a solar power generation system for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water.

The system may comprise (a) an electrolysis unit configured to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water, the electrolysis unit comprising at least a first product for the hydrogen feed inlet and hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, An outlet; (b) a first generator unit configured to supply electricity to the electrolysis unit; And (c) a solar power generation turbine unit configured to drive the first generator unit and supply steam to the steam supply inlet, the turbine unit comprising: (i) a first turbine unit coupled and configured to provide a shaft operation to the first generator unit, ; (Ii) a steam generating unit coupled to the steam supply inlet of the electrolysis unit and configured to hold water; And (iii) a solar unit formed to generate and provide heat to the vapor generating unit.

Embodiment 2 may further comprise, in the system of Embodiment 1, a product cooling unit coupled to the electrolysis unit and configured to receive and reduce the temperature of the generated hydrogen gas or oxygen gas, or preferably both.

Embodiment 3 In the system of Embodiment 2, the product cooling unit comprises (i) a second turbine coupled to provide power to the second generator unit and configured to supply power to the second generator unit, 2 turbine is configured to receive the generated hydrogen gas or oxygen gas, or preferably both; And (ii) a heat transfer unit coupled to transfer heat generated from the product cooling unit to the steam generation unit and transferred to the steam generation unit.

Embodiment 4 In the system of Embodiment 3, the second generator unit may be configured to provide electricity to the electrolysis unit.

Embodiment 5 In the system of Embodiment 4, the product cooling unit includes a third turbine coupled to provide power to the second or third generator unit and configured to provide power to the second generator unit , The third turbine is configured to receive the generated hydrogen gas or oxygen gas, or both, and the third generator unit may be configured to supply electricity to the electrolysis unit.

Embodiment 6 In a system of any of embodiments 1-5, the solar power generation turbine unit comprises (i) a shaft assembly coupled to provide a shaft operation to the first generator unit and to provide a shaft operation to the first generator unit A first turbine configured to rotate the first turbine; (ii) a steam generation unit coupled to the steam supply inlet of the electrolysis unit, the steam generation unit comprising: a boiler configured to hold water and produce steam; (iii) a solar unit configured to generate and provide heat to the boiler; And (iv) a condenser, wherein the boiler is coupled to the first turbine and configured to transfer steam from the boiler to the first turbine, wherein the first turbine is coupled to the condenser and the steam from the turbine to the condenser Wherein the condenser is configured to condense the vapor delivered from the turbine into a liquid, the condenser being adapted to deliver the liquid to the boiler and to transfer the liquid to the boiler.

Embodiment 7 is a system as in any of the embodiments 1-5, wherein the solar power generation turbine unit is a closed loop gas turbit unit and is (i) coupled to provide a shaft operation to the first generator unit, A first turbine configured to provide a first turbine; (ii) a steam generating unit coupled to the steam supply inlet of the electrolysis unit, the steam generating unit including a first heat exchanger coupled to the first turbine and receiving a fluid heated from the first turbine, The heat being transferred from the heated fluid in the first heat exchanger to water to produce a vapor and a cooled fluid; And (iii) a solar light unit configured to generate and provide heat to the cooled fluid; Wherein the heat exchanger is coupled to a compressor and is configured to deliver the cooled fluid to the compressor, wherein the compressor is coupled to a second heat exchanger configured to heat the cooled fluid with heat generated by the solar light unit, A heat exchanger is coupled to the first turbine to transfer the heated fluid to the first turbine.

Example 8 further comprises a backpressure steam turbine unit in the system of the seventh embodiment.

Embodiment 9 In the system of Embodiment 8, the backpressure steam turbine may be coupled to the first heat exchanger and configured to receive steam from the heat exchanger.

Embodiment 10 In the system of Embodiment 9, the back pressure steam turbine unit may include a fourth turbine coupled to provide a shaft operation to the first generator unit.

Embodiment 11 is the system of embodiment 9 wherein the backpressure steam turbine unit may comprise a fourth turbine coupled to the fourth generator unit and configured to provide power to the fourth generator unit, May be configured to supply electricity to the electrolysis unit.

Embodiment 12: The system of any one of embodiments 1-11, wherein the steam generated in the steam generating unit may be pressurized steam.

Embodiment 13: The system of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein no carbon dioxide is produced during use of the system.

Example 14 is any of the systems of Examples 1-13, wherein the hydrogen gas produced or the oxygen gas produced or both can be used in a downstream chemical process, respectively.

Example 15 is a system according to any of the embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the electrolysis unit may comprise two or more product outlets, the first product outlet is for hydrogen gas and the second product outlet is oxygen gas Can be used.

Example 16 In the system of the fifteenth embodiment, the air supply unit may further include an air supply unit coupled to the electrolysis unit, wherein the air supply unit supplies air to the oxygen release surface of the electrolysis unit, May be generated from the second outlet.

Example 17 can be a method for producing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in water by any one of the systems of Examples 1 to 16. The method may comprise applying sufficient water to electrolysis conditions to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

Example 18 can further comprise the step of providing hydrogen gas to the one or more storage units, the chemical treatment unit, the transport unit or any combination thereof in the method of embodiment 17. [

Example 19 can further comprise the step of providing oxygen gas to the one or more storage units, the chemical treatment unit, the transfer unit, or any combination thereof in the method of embodiment 17 or 18.

Example 20 is a process according to any one of embodiments 17-19, wherein the hydrogen gas produced or the oxygen gas produced, or both, can be used in a downstream chemical process, respectively.

Example 21 is any of the methods of Examples 17-20 wherein carbon dioxide may not be produced by the system.

Embodiment 22: The method of any one of embodiments 17-21, wherein the water may be in the form of steam generated by the steam generating unit.

The present invention can raise the temperature and pressure of water, which can be used in an electrolysis unit. By raising water temperature and pressure, the overall electrical energy required for the water separation reaction is reduced, which in certain instances can be reduced at the expense of additional heat input from solar energy or internal heat dissipation. Electrical energy is generated using a generator coupled to a solar power turbine unit that can drive the generator unit and provide steam to the electrolysis unit. This can be done without producing fossil fuels and without generating carbon dioxide when compared to the hydrolysis reaction (see equation (III) above) and equations (I) and (II).

Figures 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a solar power generation system of the present invention for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water.
2 is a schematic view of a solar power generation turbine unit of the present invention.
3 is a schematic diagram of a solar power generation system of the present invention including a cooling unit.
4 is a schematic diagram of a solar power generation turbine unit of the present invention including a boiler and a condenser.
5 is a schematic view of a solar power generation turbine unit of the present invention including a closed-loop gas turbine unit.
Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a solar power generation turbine unit of the present invention including a closed-loop gas turbine unit and a backpressure steam turbine unit set in series with each other.
7 is a schematic diagram of a solar power generation turbine unit of the present invention including a closed-loop gas turbine unit and a back-pressure steam turbine unit and a fourth generator unit arranged in parallel with each other.
8 is a schematic diagram of a solar power generation turbine unit of the present invention including a closed-loop gas turbine unit.
The invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, of which specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The drawings may not scale. The drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. .

The following includes definitions of various terms and phrases used throughout this specification.

The term "coupled" means a direct or indirect connection (e.g., one or more intermediate connections) between one or more objects or components and is not necessarily mechanical. The two items "combined" can be one.

The term "fluid" refers to a compound or mixture of compounds that may be present and flowing in a gas, liquid, or mixture thereof. Non-limiting examples of fluids include air, liquid carbon dioxide, gaseous carbon dioxide, water, steam, or mixtures thereof.

The term " about "or" approximately "is defined as being close to that understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is within 10%, preferably within 5% 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

The term "substantially" and variations thereof are intended to be all that is specified, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, but are not necessarily essential, and in one non-limiting embodiment, substantially within 10%, within 5% , Or within 0.5%.

Quot; inhibiting " or "reducing" or " preventing "or " avoiding ", or variations thereof, as used in the claims and / Or complete inhibition.

The term "effective" as used in the specification and / or claims means that it is appropriate to achieve a desired, expected or intended result.

The use of the terms "a" or "an" when used in conjunction with the term "comprising" in the claims or specification may mean "one" May mean "one or more," " at least one, "and " one or more than one.

&Quot; comprising, " " comprising, "" comprising, " " comprising, " (Including any form of " having ", such as " including ", such as " (Including any form of "including" such as "containing" or "containing" as used herein) and the word "containing" It does not exclude additional elements or method steps that are inclusive, unrestricted and not mentioned.

The system of the present invention "comprises," " comprises, "or " comprises" certain components, ingredients, compositions, In connection with the "inherently made" transition step in one non-limiting aspect, the basic and novel characteristics of the system of the present invention may be the use of solar energy and the reduced amount of carbon dioxide application produced when the system is present.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following drawings, detailed description and embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the drawings, detailed description, and examples illustrating specific embodiments of the invention are provided by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. It is also contemplated that changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

Currently available water separation systems require a significant amount of electrical energy. Most electrical energy is generated by the combustion of fossil fuels, which produce carbon dioxide, a known greenhouse gas. In comparison, the present invention allows reduced or limited carbon dioxide production depending on the water decomposition reaction of formula (III). The discovery of the present invention is a combination of solar power generation, heat recovery and steam generation to produce sufficient heat and electricity to power the electrolysis apparatus. The use of steam in the electrolysis unit reduces the electrical energy required for the water splitting reaction compared to the electrical energy required when using the electrolysis unit operating at or near the ambient temperature at which water is supplied.

These and other non-limiting aspects of the present invention are discussed in greater detail in the following sections with reference to Figures 1-7. Also, in Figs. 1-7, the mechanical or thermal energy is indicated using a line with an open-headed arrow. The mass flow is indicated by a line and a closed head arrow. The power is indicated by a dotted line and a closed head arrow. It is to be understood that the inlet, outlet, valves and connectors are well known to those skilled in the art.

A. Photovoltaic power generation system for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water

FIGS. 1A and 1B are views showing a solar power generation system that is currently being developed. The solar power generation system 100 includes an electrolysis unit 102, a first generator unit 104 and a solar power generation turbine unit 106. The steam supplier 108 may exit the solar power turbine unit 106 in the solar power turbine unit 106 and enter the electrolysis unit 102. The use of steam instead of water in the electrolysis unit 102 lowers the total amount of electric energy required for the electrolytic water splitting reaction compared to electrolytic water splitting conditions at room temperature. The steam feeder may be delivered to the electrolysis unit 102 at a pressure of 1 to 10 bar or 10 bar. In the electrolysis unit 102, the vapor is separated into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The electrolysis unit 102 may be a high temperature steam electrolysis apparatus. In a preferred embodiment. Electrolysis unit 102 may comprise one or more materials such as, for example, yttria-stabilized zirconia, scandia stabilized zirconia, ceria-based electrolytes or lanthanum gallate materials and solid electrolytes can be used as solid oxide electrolysis systems. The electrolysis conditions sufficient to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen may include a pressure of 50-1000 ° C, 250-950 ° C or 600-900 ° C and 0.1-1 MPa. The hydrogen gas stream 110 may exit the electrolysis unit 102 and be used as a downstream chemical process, a transfer unit. The oxygen gas stream 112 can exit the electrolysis unit 102 and be used as a downstream chemical process and / or as a transfer unit. In addition, the hydrogen gas stream and / or the oxygen gas stream may be stored, transported or sold. The electrolytic device 102 is capable of converting 50 to 90 mol% of water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. In some embodiments, the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas produced during the water decomposition may be collected in the hydrogen collector and the oxygen collector of the electrolysis unit 102. The collectors may provide hydrogen gas or oxygen gas to the downstream unit, the transfer unit, the storage unit, or the associated device, respectively.

1B, the air supply unit 114 is coupled to the electrolysis unit 102. As shown in Fig. The air supply unit 114 may provide oxygen evolution of the electrolysis device to the air stream 116 (e.g., compressed air) to maintain less than pure oxygen in the outlet stream. The air entering the electrolysis unit 102 can be compressed. In some embodiments, the oxygen stream 112 exiting the electrolysis unit 102 contains at least 10 to 90 vol% oxygen, 50 to 80 vol% oxygen, or 60 to 70 vol% Oxygen-enriched stream comprising oxygen.

In Figures 1A and 1B, the first generator unit 104 is coupled to the electrolysis unit 102 and the solar power turbine unit 106. The solar power generation turbine unit 106 may include a first turbine. The first turbine may be one or more photovoltaic gas turbines, steam turbines, backpressure steam turbines, or any combination thereof. The turbines of a solar power generation turbine unit generate mechanical energy (axial work), which is supplied to the first generator unit 104. The first generator unit 104 uses mechanical energy to generate electrical energy 118 and provides it to the electrolysis unit 102. Referring to Figure 2, the system 200 describes a system for producing hydrogen and oxygen gas from water incorporating a steam turbine. The solar power generation turbine unit 106 includes a first turbine 200, a solar light collecting unit 202, and a steam generating unit 204. The first turbine (200) provides mechanical energy (120) to the first generator unit (104). In Figure 2, the first turbine 200 is a steam turbine. The solar light collecting unit 202 may generate and provide heat 208 to the steam generating unit 204 as described throughout this document. The solar light collecting unit 202 is a mirror and / or a mirror for collecting sunlight and providing sufficient heat to heat water at a temperature of 300 to 1000 DEG C or 1 to 20 bar at a pressure of 20 to 200 bar or at a temperature of about 720 to 1350 DEG C Temperature solar collector including a system (e.g., a solar farm). In a preferred embodiment, the solar collector is a computer controlled mirror (e.g., heliostats) that moves itself along the changing direction of sunlight for a day. Steam generating unit 204 is coupled to first turbine 200 as described throughout this document. For example, when the first turbine 200 is a steam turbine, the steam generator unit 204 may generate a steam feeder 210 and a steam feeder 108. Steam feeder 210 may generate and provide mechanical energy 120 and reduced-pressure steam stream 212 to the first turbine. In the steam generating unit 204, the water 214 may enter the steam generating unit 204 and be pressurized and / or heated to produce the steam feeder 210.

B. Photovoltaic system with cooling unit

In some aspects of the invention, the solar power generation system of the present invention may include a cooling unit. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a solar power generation system 300 having a solar power generation turbine unit 106 and an electrolysis unit 102 coupled to a cooling unit 302. As shown in Fig. The cooling unit 302 includes a second turbine 304, a second generator unit 306, a third turbine 308, a third generator unit 310 and a heat transfer unit 312. In another aspect of the invention, the electrolytic unit is provided with a compressed air stream 116 (see, e.g., FIG. 1B) used to sweep the oxygen produced in one of the electrodes of the electrolytic unit to produce an oxygen- (112). In system 300, the hydrogen gas stream 110 may exit the electrolysis unit 102 and expand at the second turbine 304 at a temperature of 800-1000 C and a pressure of 1-10 bar. The expansion of the hydrogen gas stream 110 in the second turbine 304 produces a mechanical energy 316 and a hot hydrogen gas stream 318. The resulting mechanical energy 316 is provided to a second generator unit 306 that produces electrical energy 320 provided to the electrolysis unit 102. The electrical energy 320 may be used to power an electrolysis unit 102 or other device, such as an air supply unit 114, for example. The hot hydrogen gas stream 118 may be exchanged for heat in the heat transfer unit 312 to exit the second turbine 304 and form a cooled hydrogen gas stream 322 and recovered heat energy 324 . The recovered heat energy 324 may be transferred to the steam generation unit 106. Similarly, the oxygen-rich gas stream 112 may exit the electrolysis unit 102 having a temperature of 800-1000 < 0 > C and a pressure of 10 bar and be expanded in the third turbine 308. The expansion of oxygen in the third turbine 308 develops a mechanical energy 326 and a high temperature oxygen rich gas stream 328. The generated mechanical energy 326 may be provided to a third generator unit 310 that produces power 330. Power 330 may be used to power electrolysis unit 102 or other equipment. In some embodiments, power 320 and power 330 may enter the electrolysis unit at the same inlet. Power can be connected to the electrolysis unit through one or more inlets. The hot oxygen-rich gas stream 318 exchanges heat in the heat transfer unit 312 to exit the third turbine 308 and form a cooled oxygen gas stream 332 and recovered heat energy 324 ' Can receive. The heat energy 324 'recovered from the heat recovery unit 312 may be transferred to the steam generation unit 106. It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 3, the recovered heat energy 324 'is combined with the recovered heat energy 324, but the heat energy 324' may be provided separately to the vapor generating unit 106 . The cooled hydrogen gas stream 322 and the cooled oxygen enriched gas stream may have a final temperature at or near room temperature and may, for example, have a temperature of 20 to 30 占 폚 or 25 占 폚. Although the heat transfer unit 312 is depicted as a unit, one or more units may be required to maintain a sufficient temperature differential for heat transfer. For example, the heat transfer unit 312 may perform heat exchange with the hot hydrogen stream 318 and the hot oxygen stream 328 to produce a cooled hydrogen stream 322 and a cooled oxygen enriched stream 332 One or more heat exchangers may be coupled in series or in parallel. The cooled hydrogen gas stream 314 may be used for downstream chemical processing, storage, transportation or sale. The cooled oxygen gas stream 318 may be used in a downstream chemical process or in a transport device, storage, transportation or sale. The generated electrical energy 320, 330 may be used to power the electrolysis unit 102 coupled with the electrical energy 118 or to power other equipment requiring electrical energy.

C. Photovoltaic power generation system including a photovoltaic steam turbine unit

In some aspects of the invention, the solar power generation system 400 includes a first turbine that converts heat to power. 4, the solar power generation turbine unit 106 includes a first turbine 200, a solar unit 202, a boiler 402, a condenser 404, and a pump 406. The solar unit 202 may be a high temperature solar collector for sunlight collection that can provide sufficient heat to heat water in the boiler 402 to 300 to 600 占 폚 at a pressure of 20 to 200 bar. The pump 406 draws the water vapor 408 from the condenser 404 to the boiler 402. The pump 406 pressurizes the steam 408 to enter the boiler 402 with the high pressure steam 410. In boiler 402, high pressure water vapor 410 is heated by solar energy 208 and optionally evaporates water to heat energy 322 (e.g., see the heat recovery system described in FIG. 3) May be provided to other devices from the steam source 210 and the steam supply 108. In a preferred aspect, the generated steam is high pressure steam. The boiler 402 is any conventional solar boiler. In some instances, the boiler 402 is a boiler, such as where the first boiler converts the drawn water to saturated steam and then the second boiler heats the steam to produce superheated steam.

A steam feeder 210, which is part of the steam feeder, may exit the boiler 402 and enter the first turbine 200. The first turbine 200 expands the steam 210 to produce the mechanical energy 120 and the vapor 212 expanded at low pressure. Mechanical energy (shart work) 120 may be provided to the first generator unit 104 that generates electrical energy 118 and supplies it to the electrolysis unit 102. The expanded steam 212 may exit the first turbine 200 and enter the condenser 404. In the condenser 404, the expanded vapor 212 is cooled at a constant pressure to condense the vapor. In some embodiments, the vapor 212 is cooled to a temperature and pressure to produce saturated steam. A portion of the generated steam vapor supply 108 exits the boiler 402 and enters the electrolysis unit 202. The amount of steam provided to the electrolysis unit 102 can be adjusted by the valve 412. [ As shown in Fig. 4, all the heat and electric energy necessary for operating the electrolysis unit 102 without using fossil fuels are provided, so that no carbon dioxide is generated during use. In some embodiments, the cooling unit 302 may not be used.

D. Photovoltaic Power Generation System with Solar Power Gas Turbine Unit

In some aspects of the invention, the solar power turbine unit 106 includes a solar power generation gas turbine that uses a suitable working fluid such as air or carbon dioxide. 5 shows a solar power generation system 500 including a first generator unit 104, an electrolysis unit 102, a solar light unit 202, a steam generating unit 204, And a turbine (200). As shown in Fig. 5, the first turbine 200 is a gas turbine. The first turbine 200 provides mechanical energy 120 to the generator 104 that produces the power 118 supplied to the electrolysis unit 102. The electrolysis unit 102 produces a hydrogen gas stream 110 and an oxygen-enriched gas stream 112 as described throughout this document. For example, an oxygen-rich gas stream is a mixture of compressed air stream 116 and oxygen produced in the electrolysis unit 102. As described above, the resulting hydrogen gas stream 110 or oxygen rich gas stream 112 is expanded through the turbines 304 and 308, and the expanded gas is heated when passing through the heat transfer unit 312 Exchange. The heat 324, 324 'recovered from the heat transfer unit 312 can be transferred to the steam generation unit 204 and used as a heat source in generating steam in the system 500.

In the system 500, the solar unit 106 includes a first turbine 200, a steam generating unit 204, and a solar unit 202. The steam generating unit 204 may be provided with a heat recovery steam generator capable of recovering heat from one or more sources and generating steam. The steam generating unit 204 may include any pump or water inlet and outlet required to provide sufficient vapor (e.g., high pressure steam) to the electrolysis unit 102. 5, the steam generating unit 204 includes a first heat exchanger 502 that receives a heated fluid 504 (e.g., heated air or carbon dioxide) from a first turbine 200 . The heated fluid 504 may be used as a working fluid in the first heat exchanger 502 to provide heat for steam generation from the water. Although only one heat exchanger is shown in the vapor generating unit 204, one or more heat exchangers can be used to maintain sufficient heat exchange. For example, the steam generating unit 204 may have one or more shell and tube heat exchangers. The steam 208 generated in the steam generating unit 204 is discharged and flows into the electrolysis unit 102, and the electrolysis unit 102 is placed in a state sufficient to electrolyze and dissociate the steam into hydrogen and oxygen.

 The partially cooled fluid 506 exits the heat exchanger 502 and enters the compressor 508. The partially cooled fluid 506 in the compressor 508 is compressed to form the compressed fluid 510. The pressurized fluid 510 exits the compressor 508 at a pressure of 1 to 20 bar and enters the second heat exchange unit 512. Compressed air may have a temperature of about 250 to 300 캜 when entering the second heat exchange unit 512. The second heat exchange unit 512 may include one or more heat exchangers. As shown in FIG. 5, the second heat exchange unit 512 includes three heat exchangers 514, 516, 518. The heat exchangers 514, 516 and 518 are coupled to the solar unit 202. The solar units 202 collect a plurality of solar collectors, mirrors, and lenses that collect sunlight at sufficiently high temperatures in excess of 500-1000 ° C to provide heat to each of the heat exchangers 514, 516, . The solar unit 202 may provide a desired amount of heat to the heat exchangers 514, 516, 518. For example, as the pressurized fluid 510 passes through the heat exchangers 514, 516, 518, the pressurized fluid in each heat exchanger until the temperature of the pressurized fluid reaches about 720 to 1350 ° C at a pressure of 1 to 20 bar Can be gradually heated. The hot compressed fluid (520) exits the heat exchange unit (514) and enters the first turbine (200). In the first turbine 200 the hot compressed air 520 is sufficiently expanded to produce the mechanical energy 120 provided to the first generator unit 104 and the compressor 508. The hot exhaust stream 504 exits the first turbine 200 and enters the heat exchanger 502 to continue thermodynamic circulation. 5, the combination of the first heat exchanger 502, the compressor 508, the heat exchanger 514, and the first turbine 200 may constitute a closed Braille circulation. However, this can be used for other thermodynamic heat recovery circulation. In some embodiments, some or all of the compressed fluid 510 may be at a sufficient temperature that the heat exchange unit 512 is not needed and thus the compressed fluid stream 510 'may be sent directly to the first turbine 200 have. A portion of the pressurized fluid 510 may be regulated by a valve 522. The photovoltaic turbine unit 106 described for the system 500 provides an efficient "green" system for producing heat as the energy required for electrolysis of water with minimal carbon dioxide emissions.

E. Photovoltaic Combined Cycle System

In some embodiments, the solar power combined cycle system may be used to generate steam and electricity for the electrolysis unit 102. Figures 6 and 7 schematically illustrate a solar power combined cycle system 600. The system 600 includes the features of the solar power turbine system described in FIG. 5 in which the steam turbine 602 is combined with the backpressure steam turbine 602. Referring to FIG. 6, the backpressure steam turbine 602 is used to provide additional mechanical energy to the first generator unit 104. The backpressure steam turbine (602) receives the steam supply (604) from the steam generation unit (204). A steam supply 604 may be generated in the steam generation unit 204 as described throughout this document. The expansion of the steam feeder 604 in the backpressure steam turbine 602 produces additional mechanical energy 606 that may be provided to the first generator unit 104. The expanded vapor stream 608 exits the backpressure steam turbine 602 and enters the electrolysis unit 102 which is used as a source of heated water in the production of hydrogen and oxygen. In some embodiments, the expanded vapor stream 608 is mixed with the vapor feed 108 entering the electrolysis unit 102. In some embodiments, the expanded vapor stream 608 is mixed with the vapor feed 108 entering the electrolysis unit 102.

7, a solar power generation system 700 includes a solar power generation unit 106, a first generator unit 104, an electrolysis unit 102, a cooling unit 300, And a fourth generator unit 704. The backpressure steam turbine 702 provides mechanical energy to the fourth generator unit 704 and the fourth generator unit 704 generates electrical energy 706 for the electrolysis unit 102. Steam feeder 708, which is part of steam feeder 108, is used in backpressure steam turbine 702. The steam supply 708 generates the mechanical energy 710 and the hot expanded steam 712 that are expanded in the steam generation unit 204 to be used as a water source in the electrolysis unit 102. As shown in FIG. 7, the hot expanded steam 712 is combined with the steam feeder 108 before entering the electrolysis unit 102. It should be appreciated that the hot expanded steam 712 may be provided directly to the electrolysis unit. In some embodiments, the cooling unit 302 may not be used in the system 600, 700 as described in Figures 6 and 7. The combined circulating power system described in Figures 6 and 7 provides a new "green" system with excellent thermal efficiency that produces the energy required for the hydrolysis reaction without causing carbon dioxide emissions.

F. Method of producing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas

Hydrogen and oxygen gases may be produced from water using the systems (100 to 700) described throughout this document. In one non-limiting method, water in the form of vapor may be provided to the electrolysis unit 102 from the solar power turbine unit 106. Steam can be produced using the systems (400 to 700) described in Section C-E of this manual. In the electrolysis unit 102, the vapor is in a state sufficient to generate hydrogen and oxygen. In some embodiments, hydrogen and oxygen may be collected separately in the electrolysis unit 102 or collected as a single gas stream and separated in a unit coupled to the electrolysis unit. Hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, or both, may be provided in one or more storage units, chemical processing units, delivery units, or any combination thereof. Since no fossil fuels are used to generate electricity in the systems 100-700 and carbon based feedstocks are not used, this system produces minimal carbon dioxide.

The systems 100-700 may be automated with appropriate sensors or thermocouples to acquire data during the process. The acquired data may be transmitted to one or more computer systems. A computer system may include a machine-readable medium or application associated with a CPU or an application that may store instructions or bundles of instructions and, if executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform a method and / . ≪ / RTI > For example, when entering data from sensors or thermocouples, the opening and closing of valves associated with the inlet and outlet of fluid flow, various turbines, compressors, heat exchangers, generators, electrolysis units, etc., should be controlled. Such a machine may include any suitable processing platform, computing platform, computing device, processing device, computing system, processing system, computer, processor, and the like, and may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware or software have. A machine-readable medium or article may be, for example, any suitable type of memory unit, memory device, memory article, memory medium, storage device, storage article, storage medium or storage unit such as memory, removable or non- , Removable or non-removable media, digital or analog media, hard disk, floppy disk, storage only Compact disk (CD-ROM), recordable compact disk (CD-R), rewritable compact A compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), a compact disk recordable (CD-R), an optical disk, a magnetic medium, a magnetooptical medium, a detachable memory card or disk, various types of digital versatile disks (DVD), tape, cassette, or the like. The instructions may include any suitable type of code, such as source code, translated code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, and the like. The instructions can be implemented using any appropriate high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, translation, or interpretive programming language, such as those containing C, C ++, Java, BASIC, Perl, Matlab, Pascal, Visual BASIC, have. The computer system may further include a display device such as a monitor, a directional input device such as a zero, a numeric input device such as a keyboard, and a mouse.

Example

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of specific embodiments. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize a variety of non-critical parameters that may be altered or modified to yield essentially the same result.

Example 1

(Calculation showing the efficiency of a PV system including a photovoltaic gas turbine unit)

Calculation to demonstrate the efficacy and benefits of the present invention is presented below with reference to FIG. Fig. 8 is a schematic view of Fig. 5 showing a solar power generation turbine unit of the present invention including a closed-loop gas turbine unit; Fig.

A total of 214.82 kWh of solar energy is collected by the solar unit 202. In the heat exchangers 514, 516, 518 coupled to the solar units 202, these solar energy is further transferred to the working fluid. Considering 50% efficiency in the heat exchanger, the heat energy carried by the fluid 520 is:

214.82 kWh x 50% = 120.91 kWh (IV)

Fluid 520 enters first turbine 200 where hot compressed air 520 is sufficiently expanded to produce mechanical energy 120. Assuming 80% of the gas turbine efficiency, the total amount of energy in stream 120 can be calculated as:

120.91 kWh x 80% = 96.73 kWh (V)

The mechanical energy of the stream 120 is provided to the first generator unit 104 and the compressor 508 at a rate of 85% to 15%, respectively. Accordingly, the mechanical energy provided to the first generator unit 104 is as follows:

96.73 kWh x 85% = 82.22 kWh (VI)

Typically, an electric generator has an efficiency of about 90%. Thus, the generated power 118 is:

82.22 kWh x 90% = 74 kWh (VII)

The power 118 ultimately enters the electrolysis unit 102. In the simplest case, it is assumed that 18 kg of water in the stream 108 flows directly into the electrolysis unit 102. With water and electric power, hydrogen and oxygen gas are produced in the electrolysis unit 102. Calculate the amount of hydrogen produced using the low calorific value (LHV) of hydrogen, 33.31 kWh / kg and 90% of electrolysis:

74 kWh x 90% / 33.31 kWh / kg = 2 kg (VIII)

Finally, the amount of oxygen produced can be quantified based on the chemical reaction of the water splitting given in equation (III) and the molecular weight of each chemical component:

(2 kg / 0.2 g / mol) x 0.5 x 32 g / mol = 16 kg (IX)

Summarizing this embodiment, using the method of the present invention, a total of 214.82 kWh of solar energy and 18 kg of water are used to produce 2 kg of hydrogen gas and 16 kg of oxygen gas. Note that there is no carbon dioxide formed in the entire process. In a simple comparison, if we produce the same amount of hydrogen and oxygen gas using thermochemical splitting of water, the energy supply will be fossil fuels of natural gas, not sunlight, and will produce about 117 pounds of carbon dioxide; If the energy supply is gasoline, about 157 pounds of carbon dioxide will be generated; If the energy supply is coal (lignite), about 215 pounds of carbon dioxide will be generated.

Claims (20)

1. A solar power generation system for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water,
An electrolysis unit configured to generate a hydrogen gas and an oxygen gas from water, the gas comprising an at least one first product outlet for a steam feed inlet and a hydrogen gas, an oxygen gas, or both;
A first generator unit configured to supply electricity to the electrolysis unit; And
And a solar power generation turbine unit configured to drive the first generator unit and supply steam to the steam supply inlet,
The solar power generation turbine unit includes:
(i) a first turbine coupled to the first generator unit, the first turbine configured to provide a shaft operation to the first generator unit;
(Ii) a vapor generating unit coupled to the vapor supply inlet of the electrolysis unit and configured to hold water; And
(iii) a solar unit configured to generate and provide heat to the steam generating unit. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a product cooling unit coupled to the electrolysis unit and configured to receive and reduce the temperature of the generated hydrogen gas or oxygen gas, or preferably both. 3. The method of claim 2,
The product cooling unit includes:
(i) a second turbine coupled to the second generator unit, the second turbine configured to provide power to the second generator unit;
(ii) a heat transfer unit coupled to the steam generating unit and configured to transfer heat generated from the product cooling unit to the steam generating unit,
Wherein the second turbine is configured to receive the generated hydrogen gas or oxygen gas, or both. The method of claim 3,
And the second generator unit is configured to supply electricity to the electrolysis unit. 5. The method of claim 4,
The product cooling unit includes a third turbine coupled to the second generator unit or the third generator unit and configured to provide power to the second generator unit or the third generator unit,
The third turbine is configured to receive the generated hydrogen gas or oxygen gas, or both,
And the third generator unit is configured to supply electricity to the electrolysis unit. The method according to claim 1,
The solar power generation turbine unit includes:
(I) a first turbine coupled to the first generator unit, the first turbine configured to provide a shaft operation to the first generator unit;
(ii) said steam generating unit including a boiler configured to hold water and produce steam, said steam generating unit coupled to said steam supply inlet of said electrolysis unit;
(iii) a solar unit configured to generate and provide heat to the boiler; and
(iv) a condenser,
The boiler being connected to the first turbine and configured to transfer steam from the boiler to the first turbine,
The first turbine being connected to the condenser and being configured to transfer steam from the first turbine to the condenser,
The condenser being configured to condense the vapor delivered from the turbine into a liquid,
Wherein the condenser is coupled to the boiler and is configured to transfer the liquid to the boiler. The method according to claim 1,
The solar power generation turbine unit is a closed-loop gas turbine unit,
The closed-loop gas turbine unit includes:
(I) a first turbine coupled to the first generator unit and configured to provide a shaft operation to the first generator unit;
(ii) a steam generating unit coupled to the first turbine and including a first heat exchanger for receiving a fluid heated from the first turbine, the steam generating unit being coupled to the steam supply inlet of the electrolysis unit, 1 Heat is transferred from the heated fluid in the heat exchanger to water to produce vapor and cooled fluid;
(iii) a solar unit configured to generate and provide heat to the cooled fluid; Including,
The first heat exchanger being coupled to a compressor and configured to transfer the cooled fluid to the compressor,
The compressor being connected to a second heat exchanger formed to heat the cooled fluid with heat generated by the solar unit,
And the second heat exchanger is coupled to the first turbine to transfer the heated fluid to the first turbine. 8. The method of claim 7,
The solar power generation system further includes a back pressure steam turbine unit,
Wherein the back pressure steam turbine unit is coupled to the first heat exchanger and is configured to receive steam from the heat exchanger. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein said back pressure steam turbine unit comprises a fourth turbine coupled to said first generator unit and configured to provide a shutoff operation to said first generator unit. 9. The method of claim 8,
The back pressure steam turbine unit includes a fourth turbine coupled to the fourth generator unit and configured to provide power to the fourth generator unit,
And the fourth generator unit is configured to supply electricity to the electrolysis unit. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the steam generated by the steam generating unit is pressurized steam. The method according to claim 1,
The solar power generation system does not produce carbon dioxide during use. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the generated hydrogen gas or the generated oxygen gas or both are each used in a downstream chemical process. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the electrolysis unit comprises two or more product outlets, the first product outlet is for hydrogen gas, and the second product outlet is for oxygen gas. 15. The method of claim 14,
The solar power generation system further comprises an air supply unit coupled to the electrolysis unit,
Wherein the air supply unit provides air to the oxygen release surface of the electrolysis unit to produce a mixture of oxygen and air from the second outlet. A method of generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from water using the solar power generation system of claim 1,
The method comprising treating the water with sufficient electrolysis conditions to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. 17. The method of claim 16,
The method may include providing hydrogen gas to one or more storage units, a chemical treatment unit, a transport unit, or any combination thereof, and / or providing hydrogen gas to one or more of the storage unit, chemical treatment unit, Further comprising the step of providing a gas. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the generated hydrogen gas or generated oxygen gas or both are each used in a downstream chemical process. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein carbon dioxide is not produced by said solar power generation system. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the water is in the form of steam produced by the steam generating unit.

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