This work presents a dynamic model of a 1 MWth continuous hydrogen production plant using a CeO_2 thermochemical cycle. In this approach, a heliostat field model is added to the usual components of the plant. The novelty of our methodology lies in the availability and flexibility to study the dynamic performance of a hydrogen production plant. The effects of the direct normal irradiation (DNI), temperature and hydrogen production rates on the efficiency of hydrogen production are investigated. In this respect, a seasonal control strategy is implemented to obtain a continuous production of hydrogen by modifying the mass flow rates of Ceria at the inlet of the reactors. Continuous hydrogen production was obtained over a year of operation and the maximum production rate obtained was 1.71 10~(-3) kg s~(-1). The annual solar-to-fuel efficiency of this plant was nearly 20%.
展开▼
