Solar thermochemical hydrogen production: Experimental analysis and modelling of a solar reactor for decomposi-tion of sulphuric acid

Abstract

Solar thermal hydrogen production with sulphur based thermochemical cycles can reach significantly higher efficiency than conventional water electrolysis. For these cycles decomposition of sulphuric acid is a key step allowing to couple concentrated solar radiation into the process. DLR developed a two-chamber test reactor to technically realise and experimentally analyse this reaction in the solar furnace in Cologne. Moreover, a model of the second reaction chamber for decomposition of SO3 was implemented and validated by experimental data.