Fundamental study of novel mid- and low-temperature solar thermochemical energy conversion

Abstract

A new approach to application of mid- and low-temperature solar thermochemical technology was introduced and investigated. Concentrated solar thermal energy in the range of 150―300℃ can be efficiently converted into high-grade solar fuel by integrating this technique with the endothermic reaction of hydrocarbons. The conversion mechanism of upgrading the low-grade solar thermal energy to high-grade chemical energy was examined based on the energy level. The new mechanism was used to integrate two novel solar thermal power systems: A solar/methanol fuel hybrid thermal power plant and a solar-hybrid combined cycle with inherent CO2 separation using chemical-looping combustion, for developing highly efficient solar energy use to generate electricity. An innovative prototype of a 5-kW solar receiver/reactor, as the key process for realizing the proposed system, was designed and manufactured. Furthermore, experimental validation of energy conversion of the mid- and low-temperature solar thermochemical processes were conducted. In addition, a second practical and viable approach to the production of hydrogen, in combination with the novel mid- and low-temperature solar thermochemical process, was proposed and demonstrated experimentally in the manufactured solar receiver/reactor prototype through methanol steam reforming. The results obtained here indicate that the development of mid- and low-temperature solar thermochemical technology may provide a promising and new direction to efficient utilization of low-grade solar thermal energy, and may enable step-wise approaches to cost-effective, globally scalable solar energy systems.