Reaction device for a thermochemical reactor system, and thermochemical reactor system

Abstract

A reaction device (1) for a thermochemical reactor system (100) is proposed, having at least one base device (3) and having at least one solid-medium block (5), wherein the at least one solid-medium block (5) is arranged on the base device (3), wherein the at least one solid-medium block (5) extends along an axial direction and consists of at least one thermochemical reaction material, wherein the at least one solid-medium block (5) has at least one shaft (7, 9) that has at least one inlet opening (9a) and / or at least one outlet opening.

Description

[0001] Reaction device for a thermochemical reactor system and thermochemical reactor system

[0002] The present invention relates to a reaction device for a thermochemical reactor system and a thermochemical reactor system.

[0003] It is known to use a redox material for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas. The redox material is used in redox cycles for water and CO2 splitting. The redox material is heated for chemical reduction. Initial approaches use solar energy for heating, with the redox material absorbing concentrated solar radiation.

[0004] Initial concepts envisage using a particulate solid medium for solar hydrogen production using such thermochemical cycles. In this process, the solid medium is thermally reduced at high temperatures via a chemical reaction with the help of solar energy, thus activating it for the subsequent reaction. Steam is then added to this at a later point. The medium is oxidized by the oxygen in the water, producing hydrogen. To continue the cycle, the oxidized medium must be reduced again at high temperatures. In the known cycles, the particles fall freely through the focus of the concentrated solar radiation or are moved by it. The particles are then moved into a reactor to carry out the oxidation.Although such processes have the advantage of a continuous process, there are problems with particle abrasion, dust formation due to particle abrasion and particle transport.

[0005] There are also so-called solid-state receivers, in which the medium is permanently installed in the receiver and is alternately reduced and oxidized in a batch process. These receivers have disadvantages because the process is not continuous.

[0006] With the known receivers there is also the fundamental problem of missing or insufficient recuperation of heat between the reduction and the oxidation step.

[0007] DE 10 2018 201 319 A1 discloses a system in which blocks of redox material are transported through the receiver by means of a conveyor system. Transporting the blocks through the receiver is problematic due to the high temperatures involved.

[0008] The basic problem is that the blocks of thermochemical reaction material, some of which have very high temperatures, have to be transported and must be easy to heat within the framework of a reaction cycle, whereby a beneficial reaction with a reaction fluid must also be possible.

[0009] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a reaction device for a thermochemical reactor system with a reaction material, which is advantageously heatable and advantageously enables a reaction with a reaction fluid. It is further the object of the present invention to provide a thermochemical reactor system with such a reaction device.

[0010] The reaction device according to the invention is defined by the features of claim 1. The thermochemical reactor system according to the invention is defined by the features of claim 17.

[0011] The reaction device according to the invention for a thermochemical reactor system comprises at least one base device and at least one solid medium block, wherein the at least one solid medium block is arranged on the base device. The at least one solid medium block extends along an axial direction and consists of a thermochemical reaction material. The at least one solid medium block has at least one shaft with at least one inlet opening and / or at least one outlet opening.

[0012] The solid medium block can be advantageously handled via the base device to transport the reaction device as part of a thermochemical cycle in a thermochemical reactor system. For this purpose, a transport device can, for example, engage the base device.

[0013] By providing at least one shaft in the solid medium block, which has at least one inlet opening and / or at least one outlet opening to the outside, the solid medium block can be advantageously heated as part of a thermochemical cycle and a reaction with a reaction fluid can also advantageously take place, since not only external surfaces of the solid medium block are available for heat exchange and reaction, but also inward-facing surfaces formed by the at least one shaft can be used for heat exchange and as a reaction surface. The shaft enables, for example, solar radiation or thermal radiation used to heat the reaction material to penetrate deep into the interior of the at least one solid medium block. Improved heat exchange takes place due to the radiation transport along the shaft direction.The solid medium block can be designed as an open-pore body. For example, the flow of a reaction fluid through the shaft can advantageously occur in that the reaction fluid is guided through the shaft into the interior of the solid medium block and flows out through the pores. By providing at least one inlet opening and / or at least one outlet opening of the at least one shaft, the reaction fluid can flow completely through the solid medium block, so that a reaction can advantageously take place. This at least one inlet opening and / or at least one outlet opening can also be accessible via a channel in the base device. It can also be provided that the at least one shaft in the solid medium block has an inlet opening and at least one outlet opening and thus penetrates the solid medium block.Preferably, the at least one shaft extends in the axial direction and / or in a direction transverse to the axial direction. Depending on the orientation of the shaft, the shaft can advantageously serve for heat transport into the interior of the reaction material or for transport and reaction with the reaction fluid.

[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment, several shafts are provided that are at least partially connected to one another. In particular, all shafts can be connected to one another.

[0015] The shafts can, for example, have a minimum diameter of their cross-section of at least 10 mm. Within the scope of the invention, a shaft is understood to be a defined, directed recess that is introduced into the material of the solid medium block.

[0016] In an embodiment with a solid medium block, it can be provided that a first shaft extends in the axial direction and a plurality of second shafts extend transversely to the axial direction and are connected to the first shaft. Such a configuration has proven particularly advantageous because the second shafts extending transversely to the axial direction are advantageously suitable for radiation and fluid transport into the interior of the solid medium block, and the first shaft, which extends in the axial direction, is advantageously suitable for heat exchange and fluid transport.

[0017] In particular, the reaction device according to the invention can be provided with a plurality of solid medium blocks, for example at least two solid medium blocks, which are stacked on top of one another, for example, in the axial direction. These can be stacked on the base device so that a type of tower shape is formed. At least one shaft can be formed in each of the solid medium blocks. In this way, the reaction device according to the invention can be designed flexibly, since, for example, the number of solid medium blocks and the configuration of the solid medium blocks can be designed flexibly. Furthermore, simplified production is possible, since the plurality of stackable solid medium blocks can be designed in a smaller size compared to embodiments with a single solid medium block. It is also possible to replace individual solid medium blocks if they are damaged.

[0018] In principle, it is also possible for a solid media block to be composed of several sub-blocks. Such a design can facilitate simplified production, as smaller units can be produced that are later assembled.

[0019] Even in a configuration of the reaction device with multiple solid medium blocks, it can be provided that a first shaft extends in the axial direction through the multiple solid medium blocks, and in each or some of the solid medium blocks, at least one second shaft is arranged, which extends transversely to the axial direction and is connected to the first shaft. In this embodiment, too, the first shaft, which extends in the axial direction, can advantageously be used for heat exchange and fluid transport, and the second shafts, for example, for radiation and fluid transport.

[0020] Each of the solid medium blocks can have a centering device for aligning the corresponding solid medium block with an adjacent solid medium block. The centering device ensures that the solid medium blocks are aligned with each other during stacking, so that, for example, the first shaft formed in the solid medium blocks is aligned accordingly.

[0021] The centering device can, for example, form a projection that is adapted to a recess in an adjacent solid medium block and engages the recess for alignment with an adjacent solid medium block. The centering device can, for example, form at least one pin that engages a corresponding hole in an adjacent solid medium block. It is also possible for an opening in a solid medium block forming the first shaft to be surrounded by a protruding collar that engages a corresponding recess in the adjacent solid medium block. Of course, the centering device can also have a plurality of projections that engage corresponding recesses in an adjacent solid medium block.

[0022] It can be provided that several solid medium blocks are attached to one another via a connecting device. This can be done, for example, by means of a screw connection. The connecting device ensures sufficient stability of the reaction device. The connecting device can also comprise one or more rods that are pushed through recesses in the solid medium blocks to connect the solid medium blocks.

[0023] The solid medium blocks can have identical or different shapes. The stack of solid medium blocks can thus be flexibly designed and, for example, advantageously adapted to a thermochemical reactor system. For example, the arrangement of solid medium blocks can be adapted to a heating chamber of the thermochemical reactor system, and in particular to a heat or radiation distribution in the heating chamber. The arrangement of the solid medium blocks can also be adapted to a reactor, for example, to the flow of reaction fluid in the reactor.

[0024] The solid medium blocks can each have a circular-cylindrical shape or a cylindrical shape with a polygonal cross-section. Such shapes are particularly suitable for stacking several solid medium blocks on top of each other.

[0025] It can be provided that the at least one solid medium block or blocks are produced using a 3D printing process. In this way, any desired shape of the solid medium blocks can be advantageously created.

[0026] The at least one solid medium block or blocks can consist of a porous monolithic material. The material can, for example, be sponge-shaped or have a framework structure. The pore size can, for example, be a maximum of 5 mm, preferably a maximum of 2 mm. In principle, pores in the material can also be channel-shaped, with such pores having, for example, a narrowest cross-section with a maximum diameter of 5 mm, preferably 2 mm. Such a configuration has the advantage that radiation penetrating the pores can be advantageously absorbed and, at the same time, a large surface area facing the gas space is present, which promotes the exchange between the gas phase and the solid medium block.

[0027] For example, the at least one solid medium block or the solid medium blocks may be made of CeO2, doped CeO2, Cu2O / CuO, MnsO MnZoS, COO / CO3O4, ferrites (Ax Fe3-xO4) or perovskites.

[0028] Such materials have proven particularly advantageous for thermochemical cycles.

[0029] In an embodiment with multiple solid medium blocks, it can be provided that the solid medium blocks consist of different materials. In other words, one solid medium block can consist of a different material than an adjacent solid medium block. The stack of solid medium blocks can thus be flexibly designed and, for example, advantageously adapted to a thermochemical reactor system. For example, the material selection of the solid medium blocks can be adapted to a heating chamber of the thermochemical reactor system and, in particular, to a heat or radiation distribution in the heating chamber. The material selection of the solid medium blocks can also be adapted to a reactor, for example, to the flow of reaction fluid in the reactor.

[0030] The invention can also provide for the base device to be made of the same material as the at least one solid medium block or one of the solid medium blocks. For example, the base device can also be integrally connected to the at least one solid medium block or one of the solid medium blocks.

[0031] The invention further relates to a thermochemical reactor system having a heating chamber and at least one reactor and having at least one reaction device according to the invention, wherein the at least one reaction device can be heated in the heating chamber and a thermochemical reaction with a reaction fluid can be carried out in the reactor.

[0032] The thermochemical reactor system according to the invention can advantageously carry out a thermochemical cycle, for example a redox cycle.

[0033] For example, the solid medium block or the solid medium blocks of the reaction device according to the invention can consist of a redox material.

[0034] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the following figures. They show:

[0035] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a reaction device according to the invention,

[0036] Fig. 2 is a schematic detailed representation of a solid medium block of a reaction device according to the invention and

[0037] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a thermochemical reactor system according to the invention.

[0038] In Fig. 1, a reaction device 1 according to the invention for a thermochemical reactor system 100 is shown schematically.

[0039] The reaction device 1 consists of a base device 3 and a plurality of solid medium blocks 5. The solid medium blocks 5 are stacked on the base device 3. The solid medium blocks 5 have a circular cylindrical shape, so that stacking can be carried out advantageously. The solid medium blocks 5 extend along an axial direction.

[0040] As best seen in Fig. 2, which schematically illustrates a solid medium block 5, the solid medium blocks 5 have a central opening which, when arranged side by side, forms a first shaft 7. In a direction transverse to the axial direction, the solid medium blocks 5 each have a plurality of second shafts 9 which form an inlet opening 9a on the lateral surface of the solid medium blocks 5 and which open into the first shaft 7. The second shafts 9 thus have an outlet opening leading to the first shaft 7. The first shaft 7 and the second shafts 9 ensure that, on the one hand, when the solid medium blocks 5 are heated, the thermal energy can be advantageously carried into the interior of the solid medium blocks 5 and, moreover, that a reaction fluid can advantageously flow through the solid medium blocks 5 during a thermochemical reaction.

[0041] For example, when the solid medium blocks 5 are heated by means of concentrated solar radiation, solar radiation radiated onto the second shafts 9 can advantageously reach the interior of the solid medium blocks 5. Such radiation transport is also advantageously possible when heated by means of thermal radiation.

[0042] Heat can advantageously be transported through the first shaft 7 via an ambient fluid, so that a relatively uniform heating of the solid medium blocks 5 can be achieved.

[0043] Furthermore, during a thermochemical reaction, a reaction fluid can advantageously flow through the solid medium blocks 5, for example by the reaction fluid flowing through the inlet opening 9a of the second shafts 9 into the interior and then along the first shaft 7.

[0044] The solid media blocks 5 may further comprise a centering device 11. The centering device 11 may, for example, consist of projections 13 that engage in corresponding recesses 15 of an adjacent solid media block 5.

[0045] The centering device 11 can also, for example, have a protruding edge around the central opening, which engages in a corresponding annular recess in the adjacent solid medium block 5 for centering the solid medium blocks 5 relative to one another. Furthermore, adjacent solid medium blocks 5 can be fastened to one another by connecting devices (not shown), for example, by screwing.

[0046] In this way, the reaction device 1 according to the invention can be designed to be stable.

[0047] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a thermochemical reactor system 100 according to the invention.

[0048] The reactor system 100 includes a heating chamber 102 that can be heated by concentrated solar radiation. The concentrated solar radiation can enter the heating chamber 102 via radiation openings 104.

[0049] Several reactors 106 are arranged in the heating chamber 102. The reaction devices 1 according to the invention are arranged in the reactors 106. The individual reaction devices 1 can be transported into the heating chamber 102 by means of transport devices 108, which lift the reaction devices 1 so that the solid medium blocks 5 of the reaction device 1 are located in the heating chamber 102 and can be heated therein.

[0050] After heating the reaction devices 1, they can be lowered by means of the transport device 108 so that they are located in the reactor 106. A thermochemical reaction with a reaction fluid can then be carried out in the reactor 106.

[0051] The solid medium blocks 5 can be manufactured, for example, using a 3D printing process.

[0052] For example, the solid medium blocks 5 can be made of a porous monolithic material. A porous monolithic material has the advantage that it forms a particularly large surface area and a reaction with a reaction fluid can take place in a particularly advantageous manner. List of reference symbols

[0053] Reaction device Base device Solid medium block First shaft Second shaft a Inlet opening 1 Centering device 3 Projection 5 Recess 00 Reactor system 02 Heating chamber 04 Radiation opening 06 Reactor 08 Transport device

Claims

Claims: Reaction device (1) for a thermochemical reactor system (100), comprising at least one base (3) and at least one solid medium block (5), wherein the at least one solid medium block (5) is arranged on the base (3), the at least one solid medium block (5) extending along an axial direction and consisting of at least one thermochemical reaction material, the at least one solid medium block (5) having at least one shaft (7, 9) with at least one inlet opening (9a) and / or at least one outlet opening. Reaction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one shaft (7, 9) extends in an axial direction and / or in a direction transverse to the axial direction. Reaction device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by several shafts (7, 9) that are at least partially interconnected.Reaction device according to claim 3, characterized in that a first shaft (7) extends in the axial direction and several second shafts (9) extend transversely to the axial direction and are connected to the first shaft (7). Reaction device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by several solid medium blocks (5) stacked on top of each other in the axial direction, wherein at least one shaft (7, 9) is formed in each of the solid medium blocks (5). Reaction device according to claim 5, characterized in that a first shaft (7) extends axially through the multiple solid medium blocks (5) and at least one second shaft (9) is arranged in each or a part of the solid medium blocks (5), the second shaft extending transversely to the axial direction and connected to the first shaft (7). Reaction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one solid medium block (5) or the solid medium blocks (5) each consist of multiple sub-blocks connected to one another. Reaction device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that each solid medium block (5) has a centering device (11) for aligning a solid medium block (5) with an adjacent solid medium block (5).Reaction device according to claim 8, characterized in that the centering device (11) has a projection (13, 17) which is adapted to a recess (15) in an adjacent solid medium block (5) and engages in the recess (15) for alignment with an adjacent solid medium block (5). Reaction device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that several solid medium blocks (5) are attached to one another via a connecting device. Reaction device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the solid medium blocks (5) have identical or different shapes. Reaction device according to any one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the solid medium blocks (5) are made of identical or different material. A reaction device according to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that the solid medium blocks (5) each have a circular cylindrical shape or a cylindrical shape with a polygonal cross-section. A reaction device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the at least one solid medium block (5) or the solid medium blocks (5) are manufactured by 3D printing. A reaction device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the at least one solid medium block (5) or the solid medium blocks (5) consist of a porous monolithic material. A reaction device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the at least one solid medium block (5) or the solid medium blocks (5) consist of CeC₆, doped CeC₆, Cu₂O / CuO, MnsCu / MnsCh, COO / CO₃O₄, ferrites (AxFes-xCu), or perovskites.Thermochemical reactor system (100) with a heating chamber (102) and at least one reactor (106) and with at least one reaction device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the at least one reaction device (1) can be heated in the heating chamber (102) and can be subjected to a thermochemical reaction with a reaction fluid in the reactor (106).

Images