Engineering Scoping Study of the Production of Hydrogen and Oxygen from the Cerium Oxide-Sodium Phosphate/Carbonate Thermochemical Cycle

摘要

One potential industrial application of solar energy is for the production of hydrogen (and oxygen) using a cycle of thermochemical reactions. This report provides a preliminary evaluation of the engineering feasibility of such an operation based on the cerium oxide-sodium phosphate/carbonate thermochemical cycle to produce 2 metric tons of hydrogen per day. Material and heat balances were developed, and equipment was sized. The preliminary pilot plant layout was then compared with a plant of the same capacity for producing hydrogen by the electrolysis of water. The use of water electrolysis seems superior and cheaper in all respects. 7 figures, 4 tables. (ERA citation 09:025590)