Christopher Perkins1, Paul Lichty2, and Alan W. Weimer2. (1) Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, CO 80309-0424, (2) Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, CO 80309-0424
Concentrated sunlight can be used to directly drive high temperature chemical reactions such as metal oxide reduction for water splitting thermochemical cycles and biomass conversion to syngas. Annual average solar to reactor efficiencies approach 45% for reactor operating temperatures in the range of 1300 to 1800 C. Materials challenges dominate the process for temperatures above 1300 C, while operation at or below 1300 C can be carried out using high temperature metal alloys.
The specific example of hydrogen production using concentrated sunlight will be presented for both water splitting thermochemical cycles and biomass conversion followed by water gas shift. Experimental results will be presented for both cases along with an economic profitability analysis. Design considerations will be discussed for solar fields and receivers. Critical challenges facing solar-thermal processing will be discussed.