Design and Construction of a Cascading Pressure Reactor Prototype for Solar Thermochemical Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Recent work regarding the efficiency maximization for solar thermochemical fuel production in two step cycles has led to the design of a new type of reactor—cascading pressure reactor—in which the thermal reduction step of the cycle is completed in multiple stages. This approach allows lower thermal reduction pressures than feasible in single staged reactors, and decreases required pump work, allowing higher solar to hydrogen efficiencies compared to single staged reactors. Here we report on the design and construction of a prototype cascading pressure reactor and testing of some of the key components. We especially focus on the technical challenges particular to the design, and their solutions.