Application fo CAE Tools for design and scaling of a solar reactor and receiver for acid splitting for the HyS process at pilot plant scale

Abstract

Thermochemical cycles for water splitting are considered as a promising emission free route of large scale hydrogen production. The direct conversion of thermal energy into chemical energy, potentially yields increased efficiencies and reduced costs compared to low temperature electrolysis of water. Feasibility and efficiency forecasts consider the hybrid-sulphur cycle (HyS) as one of the most promising candidates among other thermochemical cycles. Within the European research project SOL2HY2, the process key components are demonstrated at relevant scale. Coupling of concentrated solar power (CSP) into this process is a major res arch area at DLR. This paper shows the application of several CAE Tools within the scope of the SOL2HY2 project tasks in order to develop a solar receiver and reactor as part of a demonstration plant for sulphuric acid cracking on DLR´s solar tower in Juelich, Germany. Engineering approaches to address sizing, operational parameters and boundaries, flow homogeneity are illustrated, a plying Numerical Equation Solving, CFD Simulations, Raytracing Tools and CAD. Detailed models currently being developed will be validated with the experimental results to improve and extrapolate the receiver/reactor design to industrial scale.