Huadian Technology ›› 2021, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (11): 110-127.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-1951.2021.11.013

• Prospective Technologies • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Review and prospects of two-step solar thermochemical cycle for preparing fuels based on metal oxides

MA Tianzeng1,2(), FU Mingkai1(), REN Ting1(), LI Xin1,2,*()   

  1. 1. Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
    2. School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
  • Received:2021-07-19 Revised:2021-08-27 Online:2021-11-25 Published:2021-11-16
  • Contact: LI Xin E-mail:matianzeng@mail.iee.ac.cn;fumingkai@mail.iee.ac.cn;renting0203@mail.iee.ac.cn;drlixin@mail.iee.ac.cn

Abstract:

Clean fuels can be prepared by two-step solar thermochemical cycle based on metal oxides. This method is expected to be an effective way to carbon neutrality for its high theoretical efficiency and zero CO2 emissions. However, its energy conversion efficiency from solar energy to chemical energy is unsatisfactory. The analysis on the method is made from the oxide pairs, reactor design and optimization of multi-energy complementation systems, and focuses on the factors affecting the conversion efficiency of solar energy to chemical energy. In terms of materials, we expound the development history of oxide pairs and point out the importance of DFT and machine learning in oxide pairs screening. Considering the characteristics of different materials, the application scope, advantages and disadvantages of foam ceramic/honeycomb-structure reactors, particle reactors and membrane reactors are analyzed. Proper porosity and particle radius can speed up the heating rate of the oxide pairs, and effectively reduce heat loss. At the same time, large-scale continuous design can also improve the efficient use of solar energy. In terms of system optimization, the roles of new technologies,such as digital twins,in multi-energy complementary systems are comprehensively analyzed. In the end, the prospects of high-temperature solar thermochemical cycle for preparing fuels and the suggestions for the technology are put forward.

Key words: carbon neutrality, solar energy, thermochemistry, solar hydrogen production, energy conversion efficiency, oxide pairs, reactor, digital twins, multi-energy complementary system

CLC Number: