Solar thermochemical production of hydrogen--a review

The use of solar energy in recent years has reached a remarkable edge. The continuous research for an alternative power source due to the perceived scarcity of fuel fossils is its driving force. It has become even more popular as the cost of fossil fuel continues to rise. The earth receives in just 1 h, more energy from the sun than what we consume in the whole world for 1 year. Its application was proven to be most economical, as most systems in individual uses requires but a few kilowatt of power. This paper reviews the present day solar thermal technologies. Performance analyses of existing designs (study), mathematical simulation (design) and fabrication of innovative designs with suggested improvements (development) have been discussed in this paper.

A review of solar thermal technologies

The use of central receiver system (CRS) for electricity production promises to be one of the most viable options to replace fossil fuel power plants. Indeed, research and development activities on its basic subsystems have been booming rapidly since 1980s. This paper reviews the most important studies on the major components of central receiver solar thermal power plants including the heliostat field, the solar receiver and the power conversion system. After an overview of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technology, current status and applications of the CRSs are highlighted. Next, a detailed literature survey of existing design comprising optical, thermal and thermodynamic analysis, and techniques used to assess components have been arranged. This is followed by experimental investigations in which design concepts are established. The last section contains recent subsequent improvement of such key components as heliostat, receiver and hybrid solar gas turbine that are boosting in many R&D activities merging international collaboration during the past 30 years.

A review of studies on central receiver solar thermal power plants

Concentrated solar energy provides a virtually unlimited source of clean, non-polluting, high-temperature heat. This article reviews the underlying principles of concentrating solar radiation and describes the latest technological advances and future prospects of solar thermal power and thermochemical fuel production.

Concentrating solar thermal power and thermochemical fuels

Paradigm shift in urban energy systems through distributed generation: Methods and models

https://elib.dlr.de/46328/1/solargasturbinesystems_SE80(2006).pdf

Solar gas turbine systems: Design, cost and perspectives

This paper presents a novel process comprising solar upgrading of hydrocarbons by steam reforming in solar specific receiver-reactors and utilizing the upgraded, hydrogenrich fuel in high efficiency conversion systems, such as gas turbines or fuel cells. In comparison to conventionally heated processes about 30% of fuel can be saved with respect to the same specific output. Such processes can be used in small scale as a stand-alone system for off-grid markets as well as in large scale to be operated in connection with conventional combined-cycle plants. The complete reforming process will be demonstrated in the SOLASYS project, supported by the European Commission in the JOULE/THERMIE framework. The project has been started in June 1998. The SOLASYS plant is designed for 300 kW el output, it consists of the solar field, the solar reformer and a gas turbine, adjusted to operate with the reformed gas. The SOLASYS plant will be operated at the experimental solar test facility of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. Start-up of the pilot plant is scheduled in April 2001. The midterm goal is to replace fossil fuels by renewable or non-conventional feedstock in order to increase the share of renewable energy and to establish processes with only minor or no CO 2 emission. Examples might be upgrading of bio-gas from municipal solid waste as well as upgrading of weak gas resources.

Solar Upgrading of Fuels for Generation of Electricity

Achieving solar produced electricity at a reasonable price with large utility-size units is a worldwide goal. This can be achieved by high efficiency systems and hardware cost reduction. The ORMAT Brayton cycle solar hybrid gas turbine is a step in this direction. ORMAT took part in several solar projects in which it contributed to the solarization of the complete power block. This paper describes the main tasks involved in solarization, and includes experimental test results where helicopter turboshaft gas turbines were used. The paper reviews several solar projects and mainly the SOLGATE project during the years 2001-2003. During 2002-2003 the turbine was operated in Spain, combined with three volumetric receivers. The initial goal of achieving 800°C at the receiver outlet was achieved and is reported on below. The successful tests have encouraged the continuation of work using gas turbines of 10 MW and above, which has already commenced.

Gas Turbine “Solarization”-Modifications for Solar/Fuel Hybrid Operation

Adapting a gas turbine to high-temperature solar receivers and solar tower technology constitutes real progress towards commercial solar power utilization with high efficiency combined cycle power system. Solar gas turbine systems can also be adapted to hybrid solar/fossil fuel operation, thanks to its high efficiency conversion, relatively small solar field, and quick response to load fluctuations, low CO2 emissions, easy start, and more effective equipment utilization. ORMAT initiated adaptation and modification of gas turbines for solar energy applications in the early 1990s in cooperation with the Weizmann Institute of Science and later with the Boeing Corporation, with the support of the United States Israel Science and Technology Foundation (USISTF). Ultimately, the concept reached its successful realization (2001–2004) in the solar tower Plataforma Solar de Almeria (Spain) which has three solar receivers and a receiving system designed and supplied by the German Aerospace Center DLR.Copyright © 2005 by ASME

Adaptation and Modification of Gas Turbines for Solar Energy Applications

Solar energy can be utilized to drive chemical processes to produce syngas, a hydrogen rich fuel that can be used for power generation. ORMAT took part in the Solasys project in which syngas was produced by a reforming process driven by solar energy. The solar energy was concentrated in a volumetric receiver. ORMAT presented two modes of operation for introducing syngas to a gas turbine. One mode of syngas only and the second for utilization of mixtures of LPG and syngas. Modification of a gas turbine to be fueled only with syngas, incorporated modifications in the combustion chamber, fuel system and control system. The gas turbine which operated on mixtures of LPG and syngas was not modified but an external fuel mixing system was added ahead of its gas line. It operated smoothly with the mixed fuel, with minimum drop in performance up to about 40% syngas in the mixture, contributing approximately 20% of solar energy to the electric power production with up to 80% syngas mass fraction in the fuel.

Chemi Sugarmen

Papers

Solar gas turbine systems: Design, cost and perspectives

Solar Upgrading of Fuels for Generation of Electricity

Gas Turbine “Solarization”-Modifications for Solar/Fuel Hybrid Operation

Adaptation and Modification of Gas Turbines for Solar Energy Applications

Modification of Gas Turbines and Operation with Solar Produced Syngas