4.7 Article

Oriented radiation regulation via forward and backward scattering of foam structural catalyst in thermochemical reactor for enhanced solar to fuel conversion

Related references

Note: Only part of the references are listed.
Article Engineering, Chemical

Lattice Boltzmann study on the effect of hierarchical pore structure on fluid flow and coke formation characteristics in open-cell foam for dry reforming of methane

Yixiong Lin et al.

Summary: Constructing open-cell foam with hierarchical pore structure can improve coke formation resistance in dry reforming of methane, providing a theoretical basis and technical guidance for designing and developing open-cell foam reactors.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE (2023)

Article Thermodynamics

Efficient direct solar-driven thermochemical energy storage of (AlMgFeMn) OxCaCO3 pellets in a fluidized bed reactor

Hangbin Zheng et al.

Summary: This paper demonstrates highly efficient and stable direct solar-driven thermochemical energy storage in fluidized reactors using (AlMgFeMn)OxCaCO3 pellets. The pellets showed excellent long-term stability and improved solar-thermal conversion efficiency compared to white (AlMg)OxCaCO3 pellets. The presence of poly-oxide (AlMgFeMn)Ox crystals and steam played a positive role in enhancing reaction kinetics and stability.

ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT (2023)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Performance improvement of a solar volumetric reactor with passive thermal management under different solar radiation conditions

Yong-Jian Yang et al.

Summary: In order to counteract the effects of solar radiation fluctuation, phase change material (PCM) was employed in the solar volumetric reactor. A new design, SVR2, was proposed to address issues of high temperature, slow charging-discharging rate, and fluctuating methane conversion. Simulation results showed that SVR2 achieved a lower maximum temperature and higher methane conversion rate compared to the conventional SVR1 under natural solar radiation fluctuation.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY (2023)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Radiative intensity regulation to match energy conversion on demand in solar methane dry reforming to improve solar to fuel conversion efficiency

Xuhang Shi et al.

Summary: To improve the energy conversion efficiency of solar to fuel, this study proposes a method of regulating radiative intensity to match energy conversion demand in solar methane dry reforming. The design of solar spots and biomimetic leaf hierarchical porous structures is optimized, resulting in a better radiative intensity field matching. Experimental and numerical studies show that by using this method, the methane conversion rate and solar thermochemical energy storage efficiency can be increased by 4.6% and 6.1%, respectively, achieving ideal synergy between real temperature field distribution and theoretical temperature requirement.

RENEWABLE ENERGY (2023)

Article Environmental Sciences

A Review of Radiative Heat Transfer in Fixed-Bed Particle Solar Receivers

Guilong Dai et al.

Sustainability (2023)

Article Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Scalable Bio-Skin-Inspired Radiative Cooling Metafabric for Breaking Trade-Off between Optical Properties and Application Requirements

Xinping Zhang et al.

Summary: Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) is a zero-energy cooling technology that aims to reduce global fossil energy consumption and has gained significant interest. However, balancing the pursuit of ultrahigh dual-band optical properties and compatibility with multiple functional requirements remains a major challenge for PDRC.

ACS PHOTONICS (2023)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Ni-phyllosilicate nanotubes coated by CeO2 for ultra-efficiency of 36.9% and near-limit CO2 conversion in solar-driven conversion of CO2-to-fuel

Hang Shi et al.

Summary: In this study, a novel strategy of direct photothermocatalytic CO2 reduction is proposed, achieving high-yield synthesis gas through a unique nanocomposite of ceria-coated Ni-phyllosilicate nanotubes (Ni-psnts@CeO2). The strategy demonstrated record-high solar-to-fuel efficiency (36.9%) and high production rates of H2 and CO (120.90 and 136.84 mmol gcat min-1) with a high CO2 conversion rate (90.4%) close to the thermodynamic limit. Additionally, the nanocomposite exhibited excellent long-term durability with a low carbon deposition rate (1.3 x 10-4 gc gcat h-1) under UV-vis-IR irradiation for 100 hours, indicating its potential for solar-driven CO2-to-fuel conversion.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2023)

Article Thermodynamics

Integrated design of solar concentrator and thermochemical reactor guided by optimal solar radiation distribution

Xin-Yuan Tang et al.

Summary: This study presents an integrated design method for improving the performance and safety of solar thermochemical reactors by optimizing the solar radiation distribution. The optimized energy distribution enhances energy conversion and reduces reaction temperature, leading to improved reactor performance under different operating conditions. The secondary concentrator design further enhances reactor performance and maintains stability.

ENERGY (2023)

Article Thermodynamics

Design and optimization of solar-dish volumetric reactor for methane dry reforming process with three-dimensional optics-CFD method

Ji-Long Yao et al.

Summary: Solar thermochemical methane dry reforming process has potential for energy storage. Current researches mainly focus on developing efficient catalysts and optimizing solar reactor operation, but there is still a lack of research on comparing different reactor structures and optimization strategies for chemical conversion process improvement. In this study, a three-dimensional optical-CFD model is established to investigate the effects of reactor structure design, catalyst distribution, and thermal conductivity on methane dry reforming. The results show that cylindrical porous foam reactor has higher efficiency and better conversion performance. Catalyst distribution significantly affects reactor performance and adjusting catalyst distribution can improve it. Heat transfer ability of the absorber affects temperature gradient but has little effect on the conversion. Relative position of solar reactor influences light propagation and reaction process. These findings provide valuable references for future high-temperature solar thermochemical reactor studies.

ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT (2023)

Article Thermodynamics

Pore-scale evaluation on a volumetric solar receiver with different optical property control strategies

Xue Chen et al.

Summary: A pore-scale flow and heat transfer model is developed to investigate the thermal and hydrodynamic performance of a volumetric solar receiver under highly concentrated irradiation. Three-dimensional simulations are conducted based on the Weaire-Phelan structure modeling an open-cell ceramic foam absorber. The study predicts and compares the energy conversion characteristics of two ceramic materials (SiC and Al2O3). Various control approaches for the optical property of the solar absorber are introduced and analyzed. Results show that SiC absorber outperforms Al2O3 absorber and the optical property of the absorber front region significantly affects overall performance. Decreasing absorptivity and spectral selective design have positive impacts, with spectral selective improvement showing the highest effectiveness. Additionally, adding a porous fused silica as the front absorber layer effectively shifts the high-temperature area inward with a slight decrement in efficiency, and honeycomb structure exhibits advantages over foam silica.

ENERGY (2023)

Article Thermodynamics

Design and evaluation of a quasi-monochromatic and high-energy flow thermophotovoltaic test system

Xiu-Li Liu et al.

Summary: The energy conversion efficiency of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells was studied under different spectral energy and a test system was designed to evaluate its performance. The spectral energy transfer and temperature of primary devices were analyzed using Monte Carlo ray tracing and finite volume method. Results showed that the energy transfer efficiency of the newly designed test system was above 14%. The design efficiency of the testing system varied with the temperature of the radiation source, ranging from 14.11% to 14.87%. The energy conversion efficiency of the GaSb cell was 20.37% and 22.85% for radiation source temperatures of 2000 K and 2500 K, respectively. This work provides theoretical guidance for developing a quasi-monochromatic and high-energy flow thermophotovoltaic test system.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2023)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Analysis of structure-induced performance in photothermal methane dry reforming reactor with coupled optics-CFD modeling

Hao-Ye Zheng et al.

Summary: Structural design and optimization play a crucial role in enhancing the performance of solar reactors. A coupled optics-CFD model was developed to study the impact of structural parameters on the photothermal chemical conversion process in a solar methane dry reforming reactor. The results provide valuable guidance for the design and optimization of solar-type reactors.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2022)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Analysis of biomimetic hierarchical porous structure regulating radiation field to improve solar thermochemical performance based on minimum Gibbs free energy

Xuhang Shi et al.

Summary: This study proposes the idea of regulating the radiation field to match the solar thermochemical energy conversion on-demand, and introduces a biomimetic hierarchical porous structure as a solar thermochemical reactor to improve the conversion efficiency.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY (2022)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Drop-in fuels from sunlight and air

Remo Schappi et al.

Summary: This article discusses the potential of using solar-driven thermochemical processes to produce carbon-neutral transportation fuels by capturing H2O and CO2 from the atmosphere. This method can be effectively implemented in desert regions and has been tested on a pilot scale.

NATURE (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Fabrication of a Ceramic Foam Catalyst Using Polymer Foam Scrap via the Replica Technique for Dry Reforming

Rungsima Yeetsorn et al.

Summary: This study investigates the manufacture of ceramic foam catalyst supports using a polymeric sponge replica process and polymer foams as a template. The cell architectures of polyurethane and polyvinyl alcohol foams are suitable for catalyst support preparation. The rheology of catalyst solution, polymer decomposition rate, and sintering rate greatly affect the characteristics of ceramic foam catalysts.

ACS OMEGA (2022)

Article Thermodynamics

Effect analysis of edge layers on volumetric radiative properties of nickel foams

Jia-Qi Li et al.

Summary: This study analyzed the effect of edge layers on the volumetric radiative properties of open-cell nickel foam. Pore-scale simulation was conducted to examine the ligament morphology and optical properties of the foam samples. The results showed that at least three foam cells are required to accurately characterize volumetric radiative transfer. Additionally, the presence of edge layers led to underestimation of extinction coefficients and potential overestimation of scattering coefficients. The scattering albedos approached the reflectivity of the nickel component, indicating a predominantly backward scattering behavior.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCES (2022)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

High efficient thermochemical energy storage of methane reforming with carbon dioxide in cavity reactor with novel catalyst bed under concentrated sun simulator

J. F. Lu et al.

Summary: The thermochemical energy storage performance of methane reforming with carbon dioxide in a cavity reactor under a concentrated sun simulator has been studied both experimentally and numerically. A novel catalyst bed structure with Ni/Al2O3 particles and perforated quartz encapsulation is proposed, which allows for high bed temperature and greenhouse effect, resulting in high chemical energy storage efficiency and total energy utilization efficiency of up to 41.1% and 80.3%, respectively.

RENEWABLE ENERGY (2022)

Article Thermodynamics

Effect of diameter distribution of particles on methane steam reforming in multi-channel grille-sphere composite packed bed

Zhihong Wu et al.

Summary: This study investigated the effect of different diameter distribution of particles on methane steam reforming in a packed bed reactor using the equivalent medium method. The results showed that optimizing the diameter distribution of variable particles in radial and axial direction can significantly improve the efficiency of the packed bed reactor.

ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT (2022)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Cascade and hybrid processes for co-generating solar-based fuels and electricity via combining spectral splitting technology and membrane reactor

Bingzheng Wang et al.

Summary: This study proposes a novel system that integrates PV modules and membrane reactors via spectral splitting technology to improve the efficiency of solar energy utilization for co-generating fuels and electricity. The system achieves high energy efficiency, increased PV efficiency, reduced temperature, and high methane conversion rate. This has important implications for future solar energy utilization.

RENEWABLE ENERGY (2022)

Article Thermodynamics

Dynamic behavior of solar thermochemical reactors for fuel generation: Modeling and control strategies

Haodong Huang et al.

Summary: Solar thermochemical water splitting is an efficient method to convert solar energy into renewable fuels. This study developed a multi-physical model to analyze the dynamic behavior of the reactor under varying solar irradiations. Two control strategies were proposed to alleviate the negative effect of decreased direct normal irradiation (DNI) on the reactor efficiency.

ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT (2022)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Low-Cost and Large-Scale Producible Biomimetic Radiative Cooling Glass with Multiband Radiative Regulation Performance

Xinping Zhang et al.

Summary: This study proposes the concept of utilizing biomimetic beetle cuticle structure for efficient radiative regulation and presents a low-cost biomimetic radiative cooling glass. The glass achieves multi-band spectral regulation, high transparency, esthetics, and energy conservation.

ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Integrated solar-driven high-temperature electrolysis operating with concentrated irradiation

Meng Lin et al.

Summary: This study introduced an integrated reactor concept for high-temperature electrolysis to convert concentrated solar energy into fuels and chemical feedstock. Experimental results suggested that endothermal operation can improve performance and predict promising solar-to-hydrogen efficiency.

JOULE (2022)

Article Engineering, Chemical

Structured silicalite-1 encapsulated Ni catalyst supported on SiC foam for dry reforming of methane

Huanhao Chen et al.

Summary: A new Ni@S1-SiC catalyst prepared using a one-pot method showed significantly improved anti-sintering and anti-coking performance in dry reforming of methane, with high CO2/CH4 conversions and H2/CO molar ratios. The catalyst exhibited high stability, low pressure drop, and excellent anti-sintering and anti-coking abilities due to the combination of zeolite encapsulated Ni catalysts and SiC foam.

AICHE JOURNAL (2021)

Article Energy & Fuels

Conceptual design of porous volumetric solar receiver using molten salt as heat transfer fluid

Shen Du et al.

Summary: A porous volumetric solar receiver using molten salt as the heat transfer fluid shows higher thermal efficiency compared to traditional air receivers, with a 9.6% improvement at an outlet temperature of 1000 K. The molten salt receiver has a large heat storage capacity and efficient convective heat transfer, requiring a smaller mass flow rate and resulting in significantly smaller pressure drop. Additional research on this type of receiver is outlined for experimental verification and application with high temperature molten salt.

APPLIED ENERGY (2021)

Article Engineering, Chemical

Lattice Boltzmann simulation of multicomponent reaction-diffusion and coke formation in a catalyst with hierarchical pore structure for dry reforming of methane

Yixiong Lin et al.

Summary: By investigating the hierarchical structure-performance relationship in dry reforming of methane, the effects of hierarchical pore geometrical parameters on coke formation and catalytic performance were studied, providing insights into the deactivation and reaction-diffusion mechanism of the catalyst. Competitive relationship between heterogeneous reaction and intraparticle diffusion was utilized to identify optimal values for defining hierarchical pore structure, leading to maximum catalytic performance and coking resistance under specific reaction conditions.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE (2021)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Catalytic performance of Samarium-modified Ni catalysts over Al2O3-CaO support for dry reforming of methane

Zahra Taherian et al.

Summary: In this study, the addition of samarium to Ni catalyst through impregnation method successfully decreased the average Ni crystallite size and specific surface area, resulting in improved catalytic activity, enhancing the methane dry reforming process.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY (2021)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Monolithic SiC-foam supported Ni-La2O3 composites for dry reforming of methane with enhanced carbon resistance

Zhige Zhang et al.

Summary: By modifying the catalyst structure, a Ni-La2O3/SiC-foam nanocomposite catalyst with enhanced performance was successfully prepared, significantly improving the methane and carbon dioxide conversion rates, while also exhibiting stronger resistance to coke deposition and Ni sintering.

FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY (2021)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Efficient radiative cooling coating with biomimetic human skin wrinkle structure

Ziming Cheng et al.

Summary: This study proposes a novel approach using biomimetic wrinkle structure combined with optimized particles to achieve efficient optical property regulation in radiative cooling materials. The large-scale radiative cooling coating demonstrated high reflectance of solar irradiance and high emissivity in the atmospheric window band. Outdoor-building tests confirmed significant reductions in indoor air temperature and energy-saving rates exceeding 50% when using the coating.

NANO ENERGY (2021)

Article Thermodynamics

Design and experimental study of a 30 kWe adjustable solar simulator delivering high and uniform flux

Jikang Wang et al.

Summary: A new high-flux solar simulator (HFSS) was designed to achieve good compromise between flux uniformity and peak flux. Error and sensitivity analysis confirmed the feasibility of the HFSS, showing that the system performance can meet the experimental requirements.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2021)

Article Thermodynamics

Mid/low-temperature solar hydrogen generation via dry reforming of methane enhanced in a membrane reactor

Qiuling Zhao et al.

Summary: The study proposes a solar thermochemical system integrating a parabolic trough solar collector and a membrane reactor for dry reforming of methane, achieving high-purity hydrogen production at a lower reaction temperature. The system exhibits high first-law thermodynamic efficiency and solar-to-fuel efficiency, showcasing efficient utilization of methane exergy for solar energy storage and hydrogen generation with negative CO2 emissions.

ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT (2021)

Article Chemistry, Physical

High-Throughput Screening of Alloy Catalysts for Dry Methane Reforming

Ya-Xin Yu et al.

Summary: Dry methane reforming (DMR) is a promising technique that aims to convert greenhouse gases into useful chemical feedstocks. By analyzing catalytic activity trends and screening alloy catalysts, it may help address the issue of greenhouse gas conversion.

ACS CATALYSIS (2021)

Article Energy & Fuels

Solar-Enhanced CO2 Conversion with CH4 over Synergetic NiCo Alloy Catalysts with Light-to-Fuel Efficiency of 33.8%

Xianglei Liu et al.

Summary: The use of NiCo alloy catalyst enables efficient solar-driven CO2 conversion with high light-to-fuel efficiency, attributing to photo-enhanced reactant activation and synergistic catalysis to inhibit carbon formation.

SOLAR RRL (2021)

Review Energy & Fuels

Dry reforming of methane using various catalysts in the process: review

Rattanvir Singh et al.

BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY (2020)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Phosphorus-tuned nickel as high coke-resistant catalyst with high reforming activity

Xinhe Wang et al.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY (2020)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Recent advances in process and catalyst for CO2 reforming of methane

Ziwei Li et al.

RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS (2020)

Article Thermodynamics

Radiative characteristics of Voronoi open-cell foams made from semitransparent media

Yang Li et al.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER (2019)

Review Chemistry, Physical

Solar-versus Thermal-Driven Catalysis for Energy Conversion

Yufei Zhao et al.

JOULE (2019)

Article Energy & Fuels

A solar methane reforming reactor design with enhanced efficiency

Jian Jin et al.

APPLIED ENERGY (2018)

Article Thermodynamics

Thermal dosage investigation for optimal temperature distribution in gold nanoparticle enhanced photothermal therapy

Yatao Ren et al.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER (2017)

Article Energy & Fuels

Modelling of solar thermochemical reaction systems

Vincent M. Wheeler et al.

SOLAR ENERGY (2017)

Article Thermodynamics

Thermal performance analysis of porous media receiver with concentrated solar irradiation

Fuqiang Wang et al.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER (2013)