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Efficient solar power generation combining photovoltaics and mid-/low-temperature methanol thermochemistry

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  • Li, Wenjia
  • Hao, Yong

Abstract

A hybrid solar power generation system integrating a solar photovoltaic (PV) module and a solar thermochemical module is proposed based on methanol thermochemistry. Sunlight is concentrated by trough mirror collectors and partially converted to electricity by PV cells overlain on the surface of a solar thermochemical reactor. An endothermic chemical process of methanol (e.g., decomposition) within the reactor then absorbs the “waste heat” of the PV cells and simultaneously cools the cells. During this process, the low-level thermal energy from the sunlight is upgraded to high-level chemical energy in syngas, which is stored and burned to generate electricity when necessary. Analysis indicates that the theoretical net solar-electric efficiency of the hybrid system could be as high as 45% and relatively insensitive to operation temperature and pressure. Additionally, the system exhibit a good potential in solar energy storage, and capable of providing stable electricity supply around the clock. The PV–thermochemical hybrid system might suggest a promising approach for efficient and stable power generation from solar energy.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Wenjia & Hao, Yong, 2017. "Efficient solar power generation combining photovoltaics and mid-/low-temperature methanol thermochemistry," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 202(C), pages 377-385.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:202:y:2017:i:c:p:377-385
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.05.086
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    4. Zhang, Yidian & Guo, Shaopeng & Tian, Zhenyu & Zhao, Yawen & Hao, Yong, 2019. "Experimental investigation of steam reforming of methanol over La2CuO4/CuZnAl-oxides nanocatalysts," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 254(C).
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    6. Wang, Jiangjiang & Ma, Chaofan & Wu, Jing, 2019. "Thermodynamic analysis of a combined cooling, heating and power system based on solar thermal biomass gasification☆," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 247(C), pages 102-115.
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    8. Ying Yang & Yingjie Li & Xianyao Yan & Jianli Zhao & Chunxiao Zhang, 2021. "Development of Thermochemical Heat Storage Based on CaO/CaCO 3 Cycles: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-26, October.
    9. Fang, Juan & Wu, Handong & Liu, Taixiu & Zheng, Zhimei & Lei, Jing & Liu, Qibin & Jin, Hongguang, 2020. "Thermodynamic evaluation of a concentrated photochemical–photovoltaic–thermochemical (CP-PV-T) system in the full-spectrum solar energy utilization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    10. Zhao, Kai & Tian, Zhenyu & Zhang, Jinrui & Lu, Buchu & Hao, Yong, 2023. "Methanol steam reforming reactor with fractal tree-shaped structures for photovoltaic–thermochemical hybrid power generation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 330(PB).
    11. Wang, Qiushi & Duan, Liqiang & Zheng, Nan & Lu, Ziyi, 2023. "4E Analysis of a novel combined cooling, heating and power system coupled with solar thermochemical process and energy storage," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).
    12. Qu, Wanjun & Hong, Hui & Li, Qiang & Xuan, Yimin, 2018. "Co-producing electricity and solar syngas by transmitting photovoltaics and solar thermochemical process," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C), pages 303-313.
    13. Li, Wenjia & Ling, Yunyi & Liu, Xiangxin & Hao, Yong, 2017. "Performance analysis of a photovoltaic-thermochemical hybrid system prototype," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 204(C), pages 939-947.
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    15. Ling, Yunyi & Li, Wenjia & Jin, Jian & Yu, Yuhang & Hao, Yong & Jin, Hongguang, 2020. "A spectral-splitting photovoltaic-thermochemical system for energy storage and solar power generation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).

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