THERMOCHEMICAL HYDROGEN PRODUCTION USING SOLAR ENERGY (THERMODYNAMICS, SECOND LAW, COLLECTOR).

摘要

In order that solar energy may be fully utilized as a renewable energy source, a convenient and economical method of energy storage must be developed. Hydrogen is proposed as that storage medium. Furthermore, it is proposed that a thermochemical water splitting process be used to produce this hydrogen.; Solar collectors are analyzed using both the First and Second Law of Thermodynamics. It is demonstrated that the Second Law is the appropriate design tool for the selection of the collector as well as the collector operating temperature.; Thermochemical processes which require thermal energy at or near the optimum collector temperature are investigated to determine which are the most promising based on economics, separation and corrosion problems, system complexity, and safety hazards.; A proposed system design, including controls and operating temperatures, is presented for the most promising thermochemical process.