Solar thermochemical production of hydrogen: Steady-state and dynamic modeling of a Hybrid- Sulfur Process coupled to a solar tower

Kurzfassung

Thermo-chemical cycles for water splitting are considered as a promising alternative of emission-free routes of massive hydrogen production – with potentially higher efficiencies and lower costs compared to low temperature electrolysis of water. The hybrid-sulphur cycle was chosen as one of the most promising cycles from the ‘sulphur family’ of processes. Specific attention is put to the dynamics of the process. The process is separated into two different parts – one in steady-state, the other one imposed by transients. This allows considering concepts of coupling such a process to a concentrating solar system and analyse them with respect to energy and mass flows. Process efficiencies are calculated based on conservative assumptions revealing the most important development tasks for the future.