A solar driven hybrid sulfur cycle based integrated hydrogen production system for useful outputs

Abstract

Renewable energy resources play a critical role in taking the place of fossil fuels to slow global warming. To make better use of these sources, multigenerational integrated systems that generate multiple beneficial outputs from the same inputs are required. This study describes a multigeneration system that utilizes a hybrid sulfur (HyS) cycle to produce hydrogen. The HyS cycle is a thermochemical-electrochemical cycle that relies on high-grade heat to function effectively. Concentrated solar power (CSP) technology, specifically solar power towers, can provide the high-grade heat required for the cycle. A thermochemical heat pump is also integrated into the current system to achieve the 800 °C temperature required for SO3 decomposition. In this regard, a multigeneration solar tower-based system with a thermal energy storage option is proposed to generate useful outputs of hydrogen and freshwater. The energy and exergy efficiencies for the overall system are determined to be 8.15% and 3.73%, respectively. Furthermore, this integrated system represents a promising solution for renewable hydrogen production and freshwater generation.