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Experimental investigation of hydrogen production integrated methanol steam reforming with middle-temperature solar thermal energy

Author

Listed:
  • Liu, Qibin
  • Hong, Hui
  • Yuan, Jianli
  • Jin, Hongguang
  • Cai, Ruixian

Abstract

Developing a hydrogen production method that utilizes solar thermal energy in an effective manner is a great challenge. In this paper we propose a new approach to solar hydrogen production with the integration of methanol steam reforming and middle-temperature solar thermal energy. An experiment on hydrogen production is conducted using a 5-kW solar reactor at 150-300 °C under atmosphere pressure. The 5-kW solar receiver/reactor is fabricated and positioned along the focal line of one-tracking parabolic trough concentrator. As a result, the chemical conversion of methanol can reach levels higher than 90%, and the volumetric concentration of hydrogen in the gas products can account for 66-74% above the solar flux of 580 W/m2. The obtained maximum hydrogen yield per mole of methanol is 2.65-2.90 mol, approaching the theoretical maximum value, and the experimentally obtained thermochemical efficiency of solar thermal energy converted into chemical energy is in the range of 30-50%, which is competitive with other high-temperature solar thermochemical processes. A kinetic model of solar-driven methanol steam reforming related to solar flux is also derived based on the experimental data. The promising results demonstrate that this solar-driven hydrogen production method can be feasible in practical applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Qibin & Hong, Hui & Yuan, Jianli & Jin, Hongguang & Cai, Ruixian, 2009. "Experimental investigation of hydrogen production integrated methanol steam reforming with middle-temperature solar thermal energy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 86(2), pages 155-162, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:86:y:2009:i:2:p:155-162
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zedtwitz, P.v. & Steinfeld, A., 2003. "The solar thermal gasification of coal — energy conversion efficiency and CO2 mitigation potential," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 28(5), pages 441-456.
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