scholarly journals Analysis of Solar Receiver Performance for Chemical-Looping Integration With a Concentrating Solar Thermal System

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiwen Ma ◽  
Janna Martinek
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Thermal Power ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Chemical Looping ◽  
Receiver Design ◽  
Peak Shaving ◽  
Thermochemical Processes ◽  
Solar Thermochemical ◽  
Solar Receiver

This paper introduces a chemical-looping configuration integrated with a concentrating solar thermal (CST) system. The CST system uses an array of mirrors to focus sunlight, and the concentrated solar flux is applied onto a solar receiver to collect and convert solar energy into thermal energy. The thermal energy then drives a thermal power cycle for electricity generation or provides an energy source to chemical processes for material or fuel production. Considerable interest in CST has been driven by power generation with its capability to store thermal energy for continuous electricity supply or peak shaving. However, CST systems have other potential to convert solar energy into fuel or support thermochemical processes. The chemical-looping configuration integrated with the CST system can be a platform for implementing various solar-thermochemical processes. The chemical-looping configuration integrated with a CST system has potential applications for thermochemical energy storage and solar thermochemical hydrogen production. To use the solar energy efficiently and effectively, a high-temperature reactor receiver is a key component in the chemical-looping system. This paper shows a novel planar-cavity receiver design and its performance analyzed by solar-tracing and thermal-modeling methods for solar integration in a CST system.

scholarly journals Analysis of Solar Receiver Performance for Chemical-Looping Integration With a Concentrating Solar Thermal System

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiwen Ma ◽  
Janna Martinek
Keyword(s):  
Energy Storage ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Thermal Power ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Chemical Looping ◽  
Receiver Design ◽  
Peak Shaving ◽  
Thermochemical Processes ◽  
Solar Receiver

This paper introduces a chemical-looping configuration integrated with a concentrating solar thermal (CST) system. The CST system uses an array of mirrors to focus sunlight, and the concentrated solar flux is applied to a solar receiver to collect and convert solar energy into thermal energy. The thermal energy then drives a thermal power cycle for electricity generation or provides an energy source to chemical processes for material or fuel production. Considerable interest in CST energy systems has been driven by power generation, with its capability to store thermal energy for continuous electricity supply or peak shaving. However, CST systems have other potential to convert solar energy into fuel or to support thermochemical processes. Thus, we introduce the concept of a chemical-looping configuration integrated with the CST system that has potential applications for thermochemical energy storage or solar thermochemical hydrogen production. The chemical-looping configuration integrated with a CST system consists of the following: a solar-receiver reactor for solar-energy collection and conversion, thermochemical energy storage, a reverse reactor for energy release, and system circulation. We describe a high-temperature reactor receiver that is a key component in the chemical-looping system. We also show the solar-receiver design and its performance analyzed by solar-tracing and thermal-modeling methods for integration within a CST system.

Prototype of Middle-Temperature Solar Receiver/Reactor With Parabolic Trough Concentrator

2007 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongguang Jin ◽  
Jun Sui ◽  
Hui Hong ◽  
Zhifeng Wang ◽  
Danxing Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Methanol Decomposition ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Solar Reactor ◽  
Middle Temperature ◽  
Solar Thermochemical ◽  
Solar Receiver

This paper manufactured an original middle-temperature solar receiver/reactor prototype, positioned along the focal line of one-axis parabolic trough concentrator, representing the development of a new kind of solar thermochemical technology. A 5kW prototype solar reactor at around 200–300°C, which is combined with a linear receiver, was originally manufactured. A basic principle of the design of the middle-temperature solar reactor is identified and described. A representative experiment of solar-driven methanol decomposition was carried out. Experimental tests were conducted from 200°C to 300°C under mean solar flux of 300–800W∕m2 and at a given methanol feeding rate of 2.1L∕h. The conversion of methanol decomposition yielded up to 50–95%, and the efficiency of solar thermal energy conversion to chemical energy reached 30–60%. The experimental results obtained here prove that the novel solar receiver/reactor prototype introduced in this paper can provide a promising approach to effectively utilize middle-temperature solar thermal energy by means of solar thermochemical processes.

scholarly journals Analysis of Planar-Cavity Receiver Reactor for Solar Thermochemical Dry-Reforming

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Gifford ◽  
Patrick Davenport ◽  
Zhiwen Ma ◽  
Janna Martinek ◽  
Craig Turchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Power Generation ◽  
Energy Storage ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Methane Reforming ◽  
Transfer Coefficients ◽  
Efficient Operation ◽  
Thermochemical Processes ◽  
Solar Thermochemical ◽  
Solar Receiver

Abstract Concentrating solar thermal (CST) systems can be leveraged to provide not only heat for power generation, but also for energy storage and thermochemical fuel production. Such solar thermochemical processes have been studied conceptually, from solar thermochemical hydrogen production (STCH) and thermochemical energy storage (TCES), to gasification, reforming, and fuel upgrading by various means. The solar receiver and reactor are critical components in the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy in the form of “solar fuels’. For effective conversion of solar energy within a coupled solar receiver-reactor, extremely high temperatures are required, thereby demanding a high solar concentration ratio (CR) for efficient operation. This creates a design challenge for the receiver-reactor, as many thermochemical processes involve gas or gas-solid systems that are limited by low heat transfer coefficients. A unique receiver design is proposed that has the potential to incorporate various high-temperature thermochemical processes such as TCES-assisted power generation, methane reforming, or STCH processes. Modeling this receiver and its potential applications requires a full three-dimensional model that accurately captures the interconnected effects of receiver geometry, spatial solar irradiance, complex radiation, reaction kinetics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer. In this paper we analyze a CST system integrated with this unique planar-cavity receiver-reactor design using the developed model. The model presented in this paper showed where improved thermal management was needed to achieve suitable receiver performance when a dry-methane reforming process is implemented.

Ceramic Technology for Solar Thermal Receivers

1983 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-79
Author(s):  
A. A. Kudirka ◽  
R. H. Smoak
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Ceramic Materials ◽  
Ceramic Technology ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Receiver Design ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Energy Applications ◽  
Temperature Capability ◽  
Solar Applications

Development of ceramic receiver technology for advanced solar thermal energy applications is being pursued in order to achieve significant reductions in energy cost and increase the potential application of solar thermal energy. Basically, structural ceramics are being seriously considered for solar applications because of their high temperature capability, their nonstrategic nature, and their potential for low cost. In this paper, candidate ceramic materials for solar receivers and their characteristics are described, potentially applicable fabrication and processing methods are discussed, and their applicability and promise for solar receivers is assessed. Receiver design requirements as well as system requirements for solar applications are reviewed. Promising areas of application of ceramic receivers in the near future are also discussed. Current ceramic receiver development status and plans are described, including one receiver which has been successfully tested at gas exit temperatures of up to 1425°C.

Micro Solar Thermal Collector Glazing for Enhanced Thermal Energy Harvesting

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Ogbonnaya ◽  
L. Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Capture Efficiency ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Collector Plate ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
Solar Thermal Collector

Increasing focus on alternative energy sources has produced significant progress across a wide variety of research areas. One particular area of interest has been solar energy. This has been true on both large and small-scale applications. Research in this paper presents investigations into a small-scale solar thermal collector. This approach is divergent from traditional micro solar photovoltaic devices, relying on transforming incoming solar energy to heat for use by devices like thermoelectrics. The Solar Thermal Collector (STC) is constructed using a copper collector plate with electroplated tin-nickel selective coating atop the collector surface. Further, a unique top piece is added to trap thermal energy and reduce convective, conductive, and radiative losses to the surrounding environment. Results show a capture efficiency of 92% for a collector plate alone when exposed to a 1000 W/m2 simulated solar source. The addition of the top “glazing” piece improves capture efficiency to 97%. Future work will integrate these unique devices with thermoelectric generators for electric power production. This will yield a fully autonomous system, capable of powering small sensors or other devices in remote locations or supplementing existing devices with renewable energy.

System and component modelling of a low temperature solar thermal energy conversion cycle

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 51-62
Author(s):  
Shadreck M. Situmbeko ◽  
Freddie L. Inambao
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Solar Field ◽  
Conversion Technology

Solar thermal energy (STE) technology refers to the conversion of solar energy to readily usable energy forms. The most important component of a STE technology is the collectors; these absorb the shorter wavelength solar energy (400-700nm) and convert it into usable, longer wavelength (about 10 times as long) heat energy. Depending on the quality (temperature and intensity) of the resulting thermal energy, further conversions to other energy forms such as electrical power may follow. Currently some high temperature STE technologies for electricity production have attained technical maturity; technologies such as parabolic dish (commercially available), parabolic trough and power tower are only hindered by unfavourable market factors including high maintenance and operating costs. Low temperature STEs have so far been restricted to water and space heating; however, owing to their lower running costs and almost maintenance free operation, although operating at lower efficiencies, may hold a key to future wider usage of solar energy. Low temperature STE conversion technology typically uses flat plate and low concentrating collectors such as parabolic troughs to harness solar energy for conversion to mechanical and/or electrical energy. These collector systems are relatively cheaper, simpler in construction and easier to operate due to the absence of complex solar tracking equipment. Low temperature STEs operate within temperatures ranges below 300oC. This research work is geared towards developing feasible low temperature STE conversion technology for electrical power generation. Preliminary small-scale concept plants have been designed at 500Wp and 10KWp. Mathematical models of the plant systems have been developed and simulated on the EES (Engineering Equation Solver) platform. Fourteen candidate working fluids and three cycle configurations have been analysed with the models. The analyses included a logic model selector through which an optimal conversion cycle configuration and working fluid mix was established. This was followed by detailed plant component modelling; the detailed component model for the solar field was completed and was based on 2-dimensional segmented thermal network, heat transfer and thermo fluid dynamics analyses. Input data such as solar insolation, ambient temperature and wind speed were obtained from the national meteorology databases. Detailed models of the other cycle components are to follow in next stage of the research. This paper presents findings of the system and solar field component.

Pengujian Alat Pengering Surya Sederhana dan Modifikasi Menjadi Alat Pengering Hybrid

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Irvan ◽  
Dewi Sri Jayanti ◽  
Raida Agustina
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Solar Irradiation ◽  
Biomass Combustion ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Green Beans ◽  
Average Temperature

Abstrak.  Pengering hybrid merupakan pengering yang menggunakan dua atau lebih sumber energi untuk proses penguapan air. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah memodifikasi alat pengering surya sederhana menjadi alat pengering hybrid dengan tambahan energi panas dari pembakaran tempurung kelapa untuk melakukan uji pengeringan pada kacang hijau. Distribusi suhu rata-rata pada alat pengering hybrid pengeringan kacang hijau menggunakan energi panas matahari, kombinasi dan biomassa masing-masing adalah 49oC,50oC dan 35oC dengan iradiasi matahari masing-masing menggunakan energi panas matahari dan kombinasi adalah 360,47W/m2 dan 362,79W/m2. Kelembaban relatif pada alat pengering hybrid saat pengeringan kacang hijau menggunakan energi panas matahari, kombinasi dan biomassa masing-masing adalah 44,69%, 45,69% dan 57,75%. Kecepatan udara pada alat pengering hybrid saat pengeringan kacang hijau menggunakan energi panas matahari, kombinasi dan biomassa masing-masing adalah 0,11 m/s , 0,1 m/s dan 0,08 m/s. Pengeringan kacang hijau menggunakan sumber panas dari energi matahari, sumber panas kombinasi energi matahari dengan pembakaran biomassa dan menggunakan energi pembakaran biomassa menghasilkan kadar air akhir biji kacang hijau masing-masing sebesar 8,42%, 8,27% dan 10,75%. Besarnya energi biomassa yang dihasilkan saat pengering selama 10 jam adalah 272,142 MJ. Besarnya energi matahari saat pengeringan kacang hijau menggunakan sumber energi matahari dan sumber panas kombinasi energi matahari dengan pembakaran biomassa adalah 3,22 MJ dan 3,14 MJ.Testing of Simple and Modified Solar Dryers Become a Hybrid Dryer ToolAbstract. A hybrid dryer is a dryer that uses two or more sources of energy for the evaporation process of water. The purpose of this study is to modify the simple solar drying tool into a hybrid drying tool with additional heat energy from coconut shell combustion to test drying on green beans. The average temperature distribution of green peanut drying dryers using solar thermal energy, combination and biomass are respectively 49oC, 50oC and 35oC with solar irradiation each using solar thermal energy and the combination is 360,47W/m2 and                362, 79   W/m2. The relative humidity in the hybrid drier when drying green beans using solar thermal energy, combination and biomass are 44.69%, 45.69% and 57.75%, respectively. The air velocity in the hybrid drier when drying green beans using solar thermal energy, combination and biomass are 0.11 m/s, 0.1 m/s and       0.08 m/s respectively. Drying of green beans using a source of heat from solar energy, a combination of solar energy sources with biomass combustion and using biomass combustion energy to produce the final content of green beans seeds by 8.42%, 8.27% and 10.75% respectively. The amount of biomass energy produced during drying for 10 hours is 272,142 MJ. The amount of solar energy during drying of green beans using solar energy sources and the combined heat source of solar energy with biomass burning is 3.22 MJ and 3.14 MJ.

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