IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/appene/v256y2019ics0306261919315958.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Performance investigation of a hybrid photovoltaics and mid-temperature methanol thermochemistry system

Author

Listed:
  • Zhu, Tao
  • Li, Qiang
  • Xuan, Yimin
  • Liu, Dong
  • Hong, Hui

Abstract

This work theoretically and experimentally presents a high-efficiency solar system which integrates photovoltaic cells and methanol thermal decomposition to make full use of the full-spectrum solar energy. In this optimized system, spectral beam splitting technology is used to split the solar spectrum into several wavebands. The spectrum suitable for photovoltaic conversion is directly converted to electricity using photovoltaic cells. The rest of the spectrum is converted into chemical energy of syngas (to be stored and converted to electricity on demand) via a mid-temperature solar-thermochemical process of methanol vapor decomposition reaction. A theoretical model is established and predicts that the electrical efficiency of the hybrid system could surpass 35%. The best system electrical efficiency, that we have experimentally demonstrated, was as high as 31.18% for a concentration ratio as low as 56 and a solar thermal temperature as low as 265 °C. The comparison to existing solar systems indicates that this proposed solar system has a great potential for efficient utilization of solar energy in large scale. This work paves the way to high-efficiency and full-spectrum utilization of solar energy.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhu, Tao & Li, Qiang & Xuan, Yimin & Liu, Dong & Hong, Hui, 2019. "Performance investigation of a hybrid photovoltaics and mid-temperature methanol thermochemistry system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:256:y:2019:i:c:s0306261919315958
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.113908
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306261919315958
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.113908?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Li, Wenjia & Hao, Yong & Wang, Hongsheng & Liu, Hao & Sui, Jun, 2017. "Efficient and low-carbon heat and power cogeneration with photovoltaics and thermochemical storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 1523-1531.
    2. Bai, Zhang & Liu, Qibin & Lei, Jing & Jin, Hongguang, 2018. "Investigation on the mid-temperature solar thermochemical power generation system with methanol decomposition," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C), pages 56-65.
    3. Hong, Hui & Liu, Qibin & Jin, Hongguang, 2012. "Operational performance of the development of a 15kW parabolic trough mid-temperature solar receiver/reactor for hydrogen production," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 90(1), pages 137-141.
    4. Kannan, Nadarajah & Vakeesan, Divagar, 2016. "Solar energy for future world: - A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 1092-1105.
    5. Zhang, Yanwei & Xu, Chenyu & Chen, Jingche & Zhang, Xuhan & Wang, Zhihua & Zhou, Junhu & Cen, Kefa, 2015. "A novel photo-thermochemical cycle for the dissociation of CO2 using solar energy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 156(C), pages 223-229.
    6. Sargunanathan, S. & Elango, A. & Mohideen, S. Tharves, 2016. "Performance enhancement of solar photovoltaic cells using effective cooling methods: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 382-393.
    7. Pavlović, Tomislav M. & Radonjić, Ivana S. & Milosavljević, Dragana D. & Pantić, Lana S., 2012. "A review of concentrating solar power plants in the world and their potential use in Serbia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(6), pages 3891-3902.
    8. Liu, Ming & Steven Tay, N.H. & Bell, Stuart & Belusko, Martin & Jacob, Rhys & Will, Geoffrey & Saman, Wasim & Bruno, Frank, 2016. "Review on concentrating solar power plants and new developments in high temperature thermal energy storage technologies," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 1411-1432.
    9. 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.
    10. Othman, M.Y. & Hamid, S.A. & Tabook, M.A.S. & Sopian, K. & Roslan, M.H. & Ibarahim, Z., 2016. "Performance analysis of PV/T Combi with water and air heating system: An experimental study," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 716-722.
    11. Mojiri, Ahmad & Taylor, Robert & Thomsen, Elizabeth & Rosengarten, Gary, 2013. "Spectral beam splitting for efficient conversion of solar energy—A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 28(C), pages 654-663.
    12. Wang, Yangjie & Li, Qiang & Li, Dianhong & Hong, Hui, 2018. "Thermodynamic analysis for a concentrating photovoltaic-photothermochemical hybrid system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 528-536.
    13. Yadav, Deepak & Banerjee, Rangan, 2016. "A review of solar thermochemical processes," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 497-532.
    14. Hafez, A.Z. & Yousef, A.M. & Harag, N.M., 2018. "Solar tracking systems: Technologies and trackers drive types – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 754-782.
    15. Tiwari, G.N. & Mishra, R.K. & Solanki, S.C., 2011. "Photovoltaic modules and their applications: A review on thermal modelling," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(7), pages 2287-2304, July.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Lu, Kegui & Yu, Qiongwan & Zhao, Bin & Pei, Gang, 2023. "Performance analysis of a novel PV/T hybrid system based on spectral beam splitting," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 207(C), pages 398-406.
    2. Zhao, Ning & Wang, Jiangjiang, 2024. "Solar full spectrum management in low and medium temperature light-driven chemical hydrogen synthesis - A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 196(C).
    3. Hong, Wenpeng & Li, Boyu & Li, Haoran & Niu, Xiaojuan & Li, Yan & Lan, Jingrui, 2022. "Recent progress in thermal energy recovery from the decoupled photovoltaic/thermal system equipped with spectral splitters," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    4. Zhao, Ning & Wang, Jiangjiang & Tian, Yuyang & Yao, Zibo & Yan, Suying, 2024. "Numerical study on a novel solar-thermal-reaction system for clean hydrogen production of methanol-steam reforming," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 222(C).
    5. Ruan, Zhao-Hui & Gao, Peng & Yuan, Yuan & Tan, He-Ping, 2022. "Theoretical estimation of temperature-dependent radiation properties of molten solar salt using molecular dynamics and first principles," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 246(C).
    6. Ziyati, Dounia & Dollet, Alain & Flamant, Gilles & Volut, Yann & Guillot, Emmanuel & Vossier, Alexis, 2021. "A multiphysics model of large-scale compact PV–CSP hybrid plants," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 288(C).
    7. Xing, Xueli & Xin, Yu & Sun, Fan & Qu, Wanjun & Hong, Hui & Jin, Hongguang, 2021. "Test of a spectral splitting prototype hybridizing photovoltaic and solar syngas power generation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 304(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Sathe, Tushar M. & Dhoble, A.S., 2017. "A review on recent advancements in photovoltaic thermal techniques," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 645-672.
    2. Hong, Wenpeng & Li, Boyu & Li, Haoran & Niu, Xiaojuan & Li, Yan & Lan, Jingrui, 2022. "Recent progress in thermal energy recovery from the decoupled photovoltaic/thermal system equipped with spectral splitters," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    3. Li, Jinyu & Yang, Zhengda & Han, Xinlu & Ge, Yi & Wang, Yiya & Dong, Qiwei & Huang, Chenxing & Li, Huanan & Chen, Pengyu & Lin, Riyi, 2023. "Thermodynamic investigation of spectral splitting hybrid system integrated Cassegrain concentrator and mid/low-temperature solar thermochemical storage," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    4. Hirbodi, Kamran & Enjavi-Arsanjani, Mahboubeh & Yaghoubi, Mahmood, 2020. "Techno-economic assessment and environmental impact of concentrating solar power plants in Iran," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    5. Guo, Yongpeng & Chen, Jing & Song, Hualong & Zheng, Ke & Wang, Jian & Wang, Hongsheng & Kong, Hui, 2024. "A review of solar thermochemical cycles for fuel production," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 357(C).
    6. Tang, Sanli & Hong, Hui & Jin, Hongguang & Xuan, Yimin, 2019. "A cascading solar hybrid system for co-producing electricity and solar syngas with nanofluid spectrum selector," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 248(C), pages 231-240.
    7. Moghadam, Saman Salehi & Gholamian, Mohammad Reza & Zahedi, Rahim & Shaqaqifar, Maziar, 2024. "Designing a multi-purpose network of sustainable and closed-loop renewable energy supply chain, considering reliability and circular economy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 369(C).
    8. Delise, T. & Tizzoni, A.C. & Menale, C. & Telling, M.T.F. & Bubbico, R. & Crescenzi, T. & Corsaro, N. & Sau, S. & Licoccia, S., 2020. "Technical and economic analysis of a CSP plant presenting a low freezing ternary mixture as storage and transfer fluid," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 265(C).
    9. 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).
    10. Wu, Jinshun & Zhang, Xingxing & Shen, Jingchun & Wu, Yupeng & Connelly, Karen & Yang, Tong & Tang, Llewellyn & Xiao, Manxuan & Wei, Yixuan & Jiang, Ke & Chen, Chao & Xu, Peng & Wang, Hong, 2017. "A review of thermal absorbers and their integration methods for the combined solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) modules," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 839-854.
    11. Ajbar, Wassila & Parrales, A. & Huicochea, A. & Hernández, J.A., 2022. "Different ways to improve parabolic trough solar collectors’ performance over the last four decades and their applications: A comprehensive review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    12. Wu, Yunyun & Lou, Jiahui & Wang, Yihan & Tian, Zhenyu & Yang, Lingzhi & Hao, Yong & Liu, Guohua & Chen, Heng, 2024. "Performance evaluation of a novel photovoltaic-thermochemical and solid oxide fuel cell-based distributed energy system with CO2 capture," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 364(C).
    13. Bai, Zhang & Liu, Qibin & Gong, Liang & Lei, Jing, 2019. "Application of a mid-/low-temperature solar thermochemical technology in the distributed energy system with cooling, heating and power production," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C), pages 1-1.
    14. Islam, Md Tasbirul & Huda, Nazmul & Abdullah, A.B. & Saidur, R., 2018. "A comprehensive review of state-of-the-art concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies: Current status and research trends," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 987-1018.
    15. Peiró, Gerard & Gasia, Jaume & Miró, Laia & Prieto, Cristina & Cabeza, Luisa F., 2016. "Experimental analysis of charging and discharging processes, with parallel and counter flow arrangements, in a molten salts high temperature pilot plant scale setup," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 394-403.
    16. Wang, Yangjie & Li, Qiang & Xuan, Yimin, 2019. "Thermal and chemical reaction performance analyses of solar thermochemical volumetric receiver/reactor with nanofluid," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
    17. Yin, Ershuai & Li, Qiang & Xuan, Yimin, 2018. "A novel optimal design method for concentration spectrum splitting photovoltaic–thermoelectric hybrid system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 519-532.
    18. Li, Guiqiang & Xuan, Qingdong & Pei, Gang & Su, Yuehong & Ji, Jie, 2018. "Effect of non-uniform illumination and temperature distribution on concentrating solar cell - A review," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 1119-1136.
    19. Gharat, Punit V. & Bhalekar, Snehal S. & Dalvi, Vishwanath H. & Panse, Sudhir V. & Deshmukh, Suresh P. & Joshi, Jyeshtharaj B., 2021. "Chronological development of innovations in reflector systems of parabolic trough solar collector (PTC) - A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    20. Jia, Yuting & Alva, Guruprasad & Fang, Guiyin, 2019. "Development and applications of photovoltaic–thermal systems: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 249-265.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:256:y:2019:i:c:s0306261919315958. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/405891/description#description .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.