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Numerical study on a novel parabolic trough solar receiver-reactor and a new control strategy for continuous and efficient hydrogen production

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  • Cheng, Ze-Dong
  • Leng, Ya-Kun
  • Men, Jing-Jing
  • He, Ya-Ling

Abstract

In this paper, a novel parabolic trough solar receiver-reactor is proposed for continuous and efficient hydrogen production via the methanol-steam reforming reaction. With a concentric through-type tube introduced for thermal energy storage, this novel system canbe effectively applied for better solar thermochemical energy conversion and management. The proposed novel system and the corresponding original system, as well as direct/indirect control strategies and parameter optimizations, were then fully investigated. This was numerically carried out by a proposed three-dimensional comprehensive model based on the finite volume method, combined with the Monte Carlo ray-tracing method and the comprehensive kinetic model of the methanol-steam reforming reaction. It is revealed that the proposed novel system has much better comprehensive characteristics and performance than that of the corresponding original system. These previously incompatible requirements, both an affordable temperature rise per unitreceiver-reactor length and a nearly complete methanol conversion rate, can be achieved simultaneously in this novel system. It is also found that the previously sensitive process of the methanol-steam reforming reaction can be controlled separately or jointly, by adjusting more control variables introduced in the novel system. Moreover, this novel system could also have great potential to be improved, by tuning corresponding key operating parameters such as the inlet temperature, the flowmodel and the concentric tube geometry. The energy distribution of the collected solar radiation and working temperature characteristics could also be further controlled or optimized. It could provide significant guidance for similar solar-driven thermochemical applications for continuous and efficient hydrogen production.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng, Ze-Dong & Leng, Ya-Kun & Men, Jing-Jing & He, Ya-Ling, 2020. "Numerical study on a novel parabolic trough solar receiver-reactor and a new control strategy for continuous and efficient hydrogen production," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 261(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:261:y:2020:i:c:s0306261919321324
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.114444
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    Cited by:

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    2. Wang, Qiliang & Pei, Gang & Yang, Hongxing, 2021. "Techno-economic assessment of performance-enhanced parabolic trough receiver in concentrated solar power plants," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 167(C), pages 629-643.
    3. 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).
    4. Abayomi A. Adebiyi & Katleho Moloi, 2024. "Renewable Energy Source Utilization Progress in South Africa: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-21, July.
    5. Zeng, Zilong & Jing, Dengwei & Guo, Liejin, 2021. "Efficient hydrogen production in a spotlight reactor with plate photocatalyst of TiO2/NiO heterojunction supported on nickel foam," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C).
    6. Yu, Qinghua & Ao, Rui & Yan, Fuwu & Liu, Xuan & Li, Yongliang, 2024. "Numerical analysis on ammonia decomposition for hydrogen production in a membrane reactor assisted by a parabolic trough solar collector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C).
    7. Liang, Huaxu & Wang, Fuqiang & Yang, Luwei & Cheng, Ziming & Shuai, Yong & Tan, Heping, 2021. "Progress in full spectrum solar energy utilization by spectral beam splitting hybrid PV/T system," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    8. Zhang, Peiye & Liu, Ming & Zhao, Yongliang & Yan, Junjie, 2023. "Performance analysis on the parabolic trough solar receiver-reactor of methanol decomposition reaction under off-design conditions and during dynamic processes," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 583-597.

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