Design and construction of a cascading pressure reactor prototype for solar-thermochemical hydrogen production

Publication Date

2016

Description

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—the cascading pressure reactor—in which the thermal reduction step of the cycle is completed in multiple stages, at successively lower pressures. This approach enables lower thermal reduction pressures than in single-staged reactors, and decreases required pump work, leading to increased solar to fuel efficiencies. 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.

Journal

AIP Conference Proceedings

Volume

1734

First Page

120001

Department

Mechanical Engineering

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4949203

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