Solar Thermal Energy Conversion System

Abstract

High-temperature solar thermal energy will be the most promising energy source for hydrogen production by pyrolysis of water. It is well known that such high-temperature energy is currently widely used as solar thermal power generation. High-temperature heat can be obtained from sunlight by concentrating and converting the light coming straight from the sun, which is called direct normal irradiation. In general, the higher the light concentration, the higher the temperature. There are four types of collector technology currently in widespread use, but the parabolic trough and power tower are typical. It is very important to note that the characteristic of the solar thermal power generation is a decoupling of the time zone for obtaining the energy of the sun and the use of the energy. The decoupling can be accomplished by means of thermal energy storage system at a relatively low cost. In the daytime, electricity is generated by using solar thermal energy from the solar collector, and surplus thermal energy is stored in the storage system. And the electricity can be supplied by using the stored thermal energy during nighttime. It is important that the storage system of sufficient capacity enables an around-the-clock generation. In hydrogen production, stable operation is crucial due to the heat supply around the clock. Therefore, it is considered that the technology of solar heat acquisition and its storage can greatly contribute to hydrogen production.