High Temperature Solar Electrothermal Processing.
Abstract
Chemical transformation at a given temperature and pressure requires a total energy input, Delta H of the chemical reaction. The minimum amount of energy which must be supplied as (electrical) work is Delta G of the reaction. The rest may be supplied as process heat or as work. Since Delta H of most chemical reactions is relatively independent of temperature, and Delta G decreases with temperature, there is an energy advantage in conducting electrolytic separations at high temperatures. At sufficiently high temperatures all of the necessary energy may be solar process heat, replacing all of the electrical energy input, as we have experimentally observed. We conducted analytical and experimental studies high temperature electrolysis in a highly concentrating solar furnace as well as in an electric furnace. We sought and found suitable materials for the construction of electrodes and cells and appropriate reactions which will acquire technological significance, designed and built receivers for sunlight and reactors which can interface with them, acquired operating experience with them, and conducted electrochemical and thermochemical measurements. (jhd)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 18, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA207555
Entities
People
- Edward A. Fletcher
Organizations
- University of Minnesota