Using Solar Energy Continuously Through Day and Night for Methane Reforming – An Experimental Demonstration

Kurzfassung

A new concept of solar receiver/reactor is developed which combines catalytic methane reforming and air heating for solar energy storage in a single volumetric absorbing monolith. A 5 kW scale prototype has been developed and tested. The design includes a silicon carbide volumetric absorber with separate channels for heating air and for the endothermic methane reforming reaction. The energy transferred to the air stream can potentially be stored and used to provide heat for methane reforming reaction during nighttime operation. The flow rate of the air stream can also be adjusted to match variations in the solar input, such as during cloud passing, so that a constant stream of fuel products are produced even with variable solar input. Preliminary testing of the prototype has been performed using simulated solar energy provided by Xenon-arc lamps. An example test result is presented showing conversion of methane, steam, and carbon dioxide to products of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in one set of channels while air is heated in the other set of channels. Methane conversion rates and outlet gas compositions are given, and a total efficiency of the device is calculated.