Solar Fuels
Short description
The research is focused on high-temperature thermochemical processes that efficiently convert concentrated solar energy into storable and transportable fuels. In the long term, H2O/CO2-splitting thermochemical cycles mainly based on metal oxide redox reactions will be developed to produce H2 and CO (syngas), which can be further processed to synthetic liquid fuels (e.g., diesel, jet fuel). In the shorter term, carbonaceous feedstock (fossil fuels, biomass, C-containing wastes) is being solar-upgraded and transformed into valuable fuels via gasification and reforming processes.
The participants of this coordinated RTD activity cover a broad spectrum of fundamental and applied research that will enhance process knowledge and generate crucial information about the technologies viable for further development to industrial scale.
Main technical features
Near-term processes such as solar steam reforming of natural gas or solar steam gasification of carbonaceous materials will be studied both conceptually and experimentally using innovative solar chemical reactors for different feedstock including coal, coke, carbonaceous wastes and various types of biomass. Fundamental work encompasses solar reactor and systems modelling, thermodynamic and kinetic analyses of pertinent chemical processes as well as comprehensive characterisation of feedstock and products. Further optimization of solar reforming and gasification technologies at laboratory scale (1-10 kWth) and demonstration of their technical and economic feasibility at pilot scale (200-500 kWth) is targeted together with the preparation of MW-scale pre-commercialisation plants.
Long-term solar fuel production technologies for H2 and syngas production will be studied and innovative solar chemical reactor concepts will be experimentally tested at laboratory scale and pilot scale.
Thermochemical cycles based on metal oxide redox reactions require further RTD efforts for process optimisation and subsequent pilot demonstration of their technical and economic feasibility. For the most advanced processes, conceptual designs and economic analyses of industrial plants will be performed based on test results and validated reactor models.
Innovative aspects
The participants of this coordinated RTD activity cover a broad spectrum of fundamental and applied research that will enhance process knowledge and generate crucial information about the technologies viable for further development to industrial scale.
Applications
- Evaluation of Solar receivers in real conditions
- Design of solar receiver for high temperature
Related documents
Type of partner sought
enterpriseTasks to be performed by the partner you are looking for.
The partner sought should:
- inlicense the tool and take care of its maintenance, development and commercialisation
The owner will take care of providing all the necessary technical support.
Mr Vidal ALFONSO (CIEMAT)