INVESTIGATION OF NEW SOLAR REGENERATIVE FUEL CELL SYSTEMS
Abstract
Solar energy conversion by fuel cells regenerated either photochemically or thermally was evaluated. For the photochemical systems, it was concluded that only a very small number of known reactions could ever form the basis of a practical solar energy converter by virtue of their having threshold wavelengths which are too short. Of the ones which meet this qualification, most are unattractive either because of thermal degradation reactions or because measured quantum efficiencies were too low. A system based on I might be feasible since it meets the criteria. Conclusions about the thermal systems are less definite at present mostly because the relative importance of the criteria are less well understood. The tentative conclusions are that most systems considered would not be feasible for one or more of several reasons. Melting points of some components are often too high, or the rate of change of potential with temperature is too low to allow an acceptable cell emf within a reasonable temperature interval. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 10, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0274387
Entities
People
- John J. Rowlette