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Thermodynamic analysis of the co-production of zinc and synthesis gas using solar process heat

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  • Steinfeld, A.
  • Larson, C.
  • Palumbo, R.
  • Foley, M.

Abstract

We present a solar thermochemical process that combines the reduction of zinc oxide with the reforming of natural gas (NG) for the co-production of zinc and syngas. The overall reaction may be represented by ZnO+CH4 = Zn+2H2+CO. The maximum possible overall efficiency is assessed for an ideal, closed cyclic system that recycles all materials and also for a more technically-feasible open system that allows for material flow into and out of the system. Assuming that the equilibrium chemical composition is obtained in a blackbody solar reactor operated at 1250 K, 1 atm, and with a solar power-flux concentration of 2000, closed-cycle efficiencies vary between 40 and 65%, depending on recovery of the product sensible heat. Under the same baseline conditions, open-cycle efficiencies vary between 36 and 50%, depending on whether a Zn/O2 or an H2/O2 fuel cell is employed. Compared to the HHV of methane for generating electricity, the proposed solar open-cycle process releases half as much CO2 to the atmosphere. The process modelling described in this paper establishes a base for evaluating and comparing different solar thermochemical processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Steinfeld, A. & Larson, C. & Palumbo, R. & Foley, M., 1996. "Thermodynamic analysis of the co-production of zinc and synthesis gas using solar process heat," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 21(3), pages 205-222.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:21:y:1996:i:3:p:205-222
    DOI: 10.1016/0360-5442(95)00125-5
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    Cited by:

    1. Jafarian, Mehdi & Arjomandi, Maziar & Nathan, Graham J., 2014. "A hybrid solar chemical looping combustion system with a high solar share," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 69-77.
    2. Jafarian, Mehdi & Arjomandi, Maziar & Nathan, Graham J., 2014. "The energetic performance of a novel hybrid solar thermal & chemical looping combustion plant," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 74-85.
    3. Yadav, Deepak & Banerjee, Rangan, 2016. "A review of solar thermochemical processes," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 497-532.
    4. Adinberg, Roman & Epstein, Michael, 2004. "Experimental study of solar reactors for carboreduction of zinc oxide," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 29(5), pages 757-769.
    5. Yadav, Deepak & Banerjee, Rangan, 2022. "Thermodynamic and economic analysis of the solar carbothermal and hydrometallurgy routes for zinc production," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 247(C).
    6. Halmann, M. & Frei, A. & Steinfeld, A., 2002. "Thermo-neutral production of metals and hydrogen or methanol by the combined reduction of the oxides of zinc or iron with partial oxidation of hydrocarbons," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 27(12), pages 1069-1084.
    7. Jafarian, Mehdi & Arjomandi, Maziar & Nathan, Graham J., 2013. "A hybrid solar and chemical looping combustion system for solar thermal energy storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 671-678.
    8. Silakhori, Mahyar & Jafarian, Mehdi & Arjomandi, Maziar & Nathan, Graham J., 2019. "The energetic performance of a liquid chemical looping cycle with solar thermal energy storage," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 93-101.
    9. 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.
    10. Jafarian, Mehdi & Arjomandi, Maziar & Nathan, Graham J., 2017. "Thermodynamic potential of molten copper oxide for high temperature solar energy storage and oxygen production," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 201(C), pages 69-83.
    11. Wieckert, Christian & Palumbo, Robert & Frommherz, Ulrich, 2004. "A two-cavity reactor for solar chemical processes: heat transfer model and application to carbothermic reduction of ZnO," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 29(5), pages 771-787.
    12. Michalsky, Ronald & Parman, Bryon J. & Amanor-Boadu, Vincent & Pfromm, Peter H., 2012. "Solar thermochemical production of ammonia from water, air and sunlight: Thermodynamic and economic analyses," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 42(1), pages 251-260.

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