Engineering Systems Analysis of a Hybrid Quantum/Thermal Process for Fuels and Chemicals Production

摘要

A systems analysis of a thermally decoupled quantum/thermal solar conversion system if performed to determine the relative cost advantage of this system over a thermal-only system. This hybrid system split the solar spectrum into two parts; sending the short-wavelength fraction to a quantum receiver and the long-wavelength fraction to a thermal receiver. An efficiency greater than either system acting alone can be achieved. The primary analysis is done on a 100 MWe central power tower using a Rankie cycle power plant to convert thermal energy to electrical energy and that then produces hydrogen by electrolysis. The hybrid plant uses the same thermal conversion system, and adds a photoelectrochemical process for the quantum system. When optimistic assumption regarding the performance of the photoelectrochemical process are made, a 10% reduction in hydrogen production cost is achieved when compared to the thermal-only system. There is little or no advantages to the hybrid system when the assumptions are less optimistic. A brief, but similar analysis of a hybird system for the production of a high value chemical, caprolactam, shows that a significant cost reduction is possible. These results suggest that the economic attractiveness of hybrid conversion depends on the product. (ERA citation 11:015904)