A functional PV-driven accelerated water electrolysis system and its process for solar hydrogen generation

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a functional (photovoltaic) PV-driven accelerated water electrolysis system for solar hydrogen production, which has two components: a functional PV panel and an accelerated water electrolysis device. The present invention provides a functional PV-driven accelerated water electrolysis (F-PV-WE) system. The present invention provides a process of using integrated functional PV with accelerated water electrolysis for multi-product production including hydrogen, oxygen, and hypochlorite, while reducing energy and environmental footprint.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention provides a functional (photovoltaic) PV-driven accelerated water electrolyzer system for solar hydrogen production. In particular, the present invention provides a functional PV-driven water electrolyzer system having two components including a functional PV panel and an accelerated water electrolyzer. More specifically, the present invention provides a functional PV-driven accelerated water electrolyzer (F-PV-WE) system. Furthermore, the present invention provides a process that uses integrated PV with the mature technology of accelerated water electrolysis for multi-product production including hydrogen, oxygen, and hypochlorite while reducing energy and environmental footprint. [Background technology]

[0002] Development of PEMFCs as a carbon dioxide (CO2)-free, cost-effective, robust and scalable alternative to non-renewable energy sources is one of the barriers to large-scale adoption of PEMFCs in India, along with a lack of hydrogen infrastructure.

[0003] Solar fuels can be produced in three ways, including (1) PV-based systems to convert solar energy into electricity and then drive water electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen; (2) design of PEC or photocatalytic systems in which the water splitting reaction is directly driven by light without the need for separate electricity generation; and (3) photothermal systems to provide heat to induce water splitting in the presence of a redox substrate such as ceria, or to provide heat and photons to a mixture of water and donor to drive a chemical reaction such as photothermal reforming of a donor or oxidative hydrolysis of zinc, etc.

[0004] US Patent No. 7,674,358 B2 discloses a method for constructing a solar hydrogen generation system and describes system optimization. The system utilizes a photovoltaic module and an electrolyte solution to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

[0005] US Patent No. 7,241,950 (B2) uses a water-permeable electrode for electrochemical splitting of water having a light-sensitive catalytic material layer, a polymer electrolyte membrane layer, a metal substrate layer disposed therebetween and directly adjacent to the polymer electrolyte membrane layer, and at least one photovoltaic device connected in series to the light-sensitive catalytic material layer and disposed between the light-sensitive catalytic material layer and the metal substrate layer.

[0006] Reference may be made to US Patent No. 7,645,930 (B2). An embodiment of this invention includes a process for transmitting power generated by a PV array to an electrolyzer and transferring heat from the PV array to the electrolyzer. The resulting process produces renewable hydrogen from solar energy at a lower cost per kg.

[0007] China Utility Model No. 205046202 discloses a solar photovoltaic water electrolysis hydrogen device, which includes a solar photovoltaic board subassembly, a solar control wear, a solar cell, a rectifying pressure regulation circuit, a salt electrolysis device and a hydrogen plant.

[0008] Reference may be made to another patent 201717005199 which claims the use of an electrode having a titanium substrate, an inner catalytic coating comprising oxides of tantalum, ruthenium and iridium, and an outer catalytic coating comprising oxides of titanium, ruthenium, and at least one of nickel, iron and cobalt, for the electrolytic treatment of dilute solutions of sodium chloride.

[0009] Reference may be made to patent 201917033891 which claims the use of electrodes made of one or more metals, having an anode coated with platinum and / or one or more oxides of iridium, ruthenium, tin, rhodium, or tantalum (optionally alloyed with antimony and / or manganese), and a cathode coated with platinum and / or one or more oxides of iridium, ruthenium, and titanium.

[0010] Reference may be made to US Patent No. 7,931,795 (B2) for a novel and economical on-site electrochemical-based membrane cell-based process capable of producing high concentration sodium hypochlorite and / or elemental chlorine gas in any ratio required by the needs of a water or wastewater treatment plant. The system uses membrane cell-based electrolysis equipment and utilizes novel process modifications and sensors to enable unmanned control and safe operation of the process.

[0011] Nasser Abu Ghalwa et al. (Arabian Journal of Chemistry (2011), doi:10.1016 / j.arabjc.2011.08.006) used two modified electrodes (Pb / PbO2 and C / PbO2) prepared by electrodeposition of lead oxide layers on lead and carbon substrates. A maximum concentration of about 2% NaOCl was determined using a NaCl solution (20g / L) at a temperature of 10°C, an electrolysis time of 60 minutes and a current of 1A / cm 2 and a solution pH equal to 12.

[0012] S. Yu. Bashtan et al. (Desalination 126, (1999) 77-82) investigated the electrochemical synthesis of NaOCl in a membrane electrolyser using an alumina-zirconia ceramic membrane with a titanium anode coated with cobalt oxide. The overall optimum conditions for the setup were: 60 mA / cm 2 and NaCl concentration of 25 g / L. Under these conditions, the NaCl consumption was found to be 2.4 Kg / Kg of NaOCl at a current efficiency of 77%.

[0013] LN Fesenko et al. (Solid State Phenomena Submitted: 2018-07-02 ISSN: 1662-9779, Vol. 284, pp. 807-813) developed a technology to produce NaOCl from the concentrate of a reverse osmosis system. 2+ , Mg 2+ , and SO4 2-The concentrate containing ions of was subjected to reagent treatment in the following sequence: first with barium compounds, and second with carbonates and sodium hydroxide.

[0014] A. Kraft et al. (Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 29: 861-868, 1999) studied the electrochemical generation of hypochlorite in very dilute chloride solutions using platinum and an iridium oxide-coated titanium expanded metal electrode as the anode. The rate of active chlorine generation on IrO2 was found to be higher than that on platinum.

[0015] Husam D. Al-Hamaiedeh (Desalination and Water Treatment, 51:16-18, 3521-3526, DOI: 10.1080 / 19443994.2012.749576) used saltwater from the Dead Sea (with a salinity value of about 30%) as a chloride source in the electrochemical production of active chlorine (AC) compounds.

[0016] Vishwa Bhatt et al. (Journal of Energy Chemistry (2016), doi: 10.1016 / j.jechem.2016.09.006) present a theoretical framework for modeling silicon-based integrated PV-EC devices. This theoretical framework is used to analyze the coupling and kinetic losses of a silicon solar cell-based integrated PV-EC water splitting system under varying temperature and illumination.

[0017] Sang Youn Chae et al. (Solar Energy, Volume 135, October 2016, pp. 821-826) evaluated a tandem solar cell with a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and a CuInxGa1xSySe1y (CIGS) bottom subcell for photovoltaic cell (PV)-assisted water splitting applications. Two cobalt complexes ([Co(bpy)3]2+ / 3+ and [Co(phen)3]2+ / 3+) were tested as redox couples in the DSSC subcell.

[0018] Monika Gupta et al. (Advanced Materials Research Vol. 67 (2009) pp. 95-102) present a study on 120 MeV Ag9+ irradiated zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films obtained by sol-gel-spin coating on TCO glass plates. Films irradiated with fluences of 5×1011, 3×1012, 5×1012, and 2×1013 ions cm-2 were optically characterized for band gap determination.

[0019] SM Ho et al. (Asian Journal of Chemistry; Vol. 31, No. 1 (2019), 18-24) provide an overview of photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation, progress, and ongoing sprints. Here, various metal chalcogenides were deposited on metal oxides (TiO2 and Fe2O3) to improve the photoelectrochemical performance by reducing the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and to promote hole transport at the metal chalcogenide / metal oxide / electrolyte interface.

[0020] Cunping Huang (Solar Energy, 91 (2013) 394-401, http: / / dx.doi.org / 10.1016 / j.solener.2012.09.009) studied solar hydrogen production by direct current pulsed electrochemical oxidation of aqueous ammonium sulfite, one key step in the solar sulfur-ammonia (S-NH3) thermochemical water splitting cycle.

[0021] Yosuke Kageshima et al. (Scientific Reports, 6:24633, DOI::10.1038 / srep24633) investigated a novel "photovoltaic (PV) + electrolyzer" concept that uses a simple, compact, completely self-contained, unbiased device for solar-powered overall water splitting.

[0022] Xiaofei Zhang et al. (Nano Energy, Volume 48, June 2018, pp. 481-488) investigated high-performance carbon nanoparticles for light harvesting, synthesized by a simple and efficient method. A highly efficient solar thermoelectric generator (STEG) was constructed by in-situ coating the nanoparticles onto a commercial thermoelectric generator.

[0023] KA Walczak et al. (Adv. Energy Mater, 2017, 1602791, DOI:10.1002 / aenm.201602791) investigated a safe and practical solar-powered hydrogen generator that must be capable of efficient and stable operation under diurnal cycles with complete separation of gaseous H2 and O2 products. In this work, a novel architecture that meets all of these requirements is presented.

[0024] Hongsheng Wang et al. (Energy Conversion and Management, Volume 210, April 15, 2020, 112699) proposed a novel hydrogen generation system that combines PV cells and photon-enhanced thermionic emission cells (PETE) with a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC).

[0025] From the above literature, it can be concluded that there is a need for hydrogen production using functional PV panels and accelerated water electrolysis devices.

[0026] Due to the continuous increase in the consumption of electrical energy in recent decades, there is a great demand to enhance power generation. To achieve this, renewable energy sources are the best option. Solar energy is the best alternative to existing technologies for the generation of electrical energy. As the efficiency of PV panels is affected by various parameters such as ultraviolet light, dust, dirt, excessive heat, and temperature, there is a need to enhance the overall performance of PV panels. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0027] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,674,358 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 7,241,950 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 7,645,930 [Patent Document 4] China Utility Model No. 205046202 Specification [Patent Document 5] 201717005199 [Patent Document 6] 201917033891 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 7,931,795 [Non-patent literature]

[0028] [Non-Patent Document 1] Nasser Abu Ghalwa et al., Arabian Journal of Chemistry (2011), doi:10.1016 / j.arabjc.2011.08.006 [Non-Patent Document 2] S. Yu. Bashtan et al., Desalination 126, (1999) 77-82 [Non-Patent Document 3] L.N. Fesenko et al., Solid State Phenomena Submitted: 2018-07-02 ISSN: 1662-9779, Vol. 284, pp. 807-813 [Non-Patent Document 4] A. Kraft et al., Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 29: 861-868, 1999 [Non-Patent Document 5] Husam D. Al-Hamaiedeh, Desalination and Water Treatment, 51:16-18, 3521-3526, DOI: 10.1080 / 19443994.2012.749576 [Non-Patent Document 6] Vishwa Bhatt et al., Journal of Energy Chemistry (2016), doi: 10.1016 / j.jechem.2016.09.006 [Non-Patent Document 7] Sang Youn Chae et al., Solar Energy, Volume 135, October 2016, pp. 821-826 [Non-Patent Document 8] Monika Gupta et al., Advanced Materials Research Vol. 67 (2009) pp. 95-102 [Non-Patent Document 9] S.M. Ho et al., Asian Journal of Chemistry; Vol. 31, No. 1 (2019), 18-24 [Non-Patent Document 10] Cunping Huang, Solar Energy, 91 (2013) 394-401, http: / / dx.doi.org / 10.1016 / j.solener.2012.09.009 [Non-Patent Document 11] Yosuke Kageshima et al., Scientific Reports, 6:24633, DOI::10.1038 / srep24633 [Non-Patent Document 12] Xiaofei Zhang et al., Nano Energy, Volume 48, June 2018, pp. 481-488 [Non-Patent Document 13] KA Walczak et al., Adv. Energy Mater, 2017, 1602791, DOI:10.1002 / aenm.201602791 [Non-Patent Document 14] Hongsheng Wang et al., Energy Conversion and Management, Volume 210, April 15, 2020, 112699 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0029] The main objective of the present invention is to provide a functional PV-driven accelerated water electrolysis (F-PV-WE) system for solar hydrogen production, which includes two components: a functional PV panel and an accelerated water electrolysis device.

[0030] Another objective of the present invention is to replace the conventional PV panel with a functional PV panel retrofitted with a Peltier device having a V-trough concentrator coupled to a solar PV panel for hydrogen production.

[0031] Yet another objective is to develop an accelerated water electrolysis device that addresses the critical issue of lack of hydrogen infrastructure by providing an alternative renewable energy source that is cost-effective, robust, scalable and has minimal carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for large-scale deployment of PEMFCs.

[0032] Yet another objective is to develop a cost-effective, robust, scalable, and minimal carbon dioxide (CO2) emission PV-driven accelerated water electrolysis system for hypochlorite mixed oxide disinfectant.

[0033] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop an accelerated electrochlorination system in which the electricity required is reduced over conventional electrochlorination systems by using inorganic donors (sacrificial and non-sacrificial).

[0034] Yet another objective is to integrate / integrate PV with accelerated water electrolysis for multi-product generation including hydrogen, oxygen, and hypochlorite while reducing the energy and environmental footprint. [Means for solving the problem]

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, a functional PV power accelerated water electrolysis system for solar hydrogen production and a method for its production is provided, the system comprising: i. a functional solar PV panel (2); ii. Accelerated water electrolysis device (3) Equipped with.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, a functional solar PV panel (2) is fabricated from a reflector (1) and a heat harvesting system with a hydrophobic coating on the panel, increasing efficiency by 6-8% over commercially available panels. In another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a stand-alone integrated system with non-sacrificial electrodes with or without a sacrificial anode, which increases efficiency of the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) by 1.2-1.5 times and reduces footprint.

[0037] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a functional PV (85cm x 80cm x 12cm) driven accelerated water electrolysis system (42cm x 55cm x 6cm) electrolysis chamber is retrofitted with light illumination effect by tungsten bulbs using water electrolysis of two anode plates of mixed metal oxide coated titanium electrodes and three uncoated cathode plates for hydrogen production at the cathode, oxygen at the anode and hypochlorite in solution, the system is standalone and includes the following components: i. A reflector (1) (85cm x 80cm) retrofitted to the solar PV panel with photonic wavelengths to increase the electrical output of the PV panel; ii. Functional solar PV panels (2) (85cm x 80cm) with increased electrical output to operate an accelerated water electrolysis device; iii. An accelerated water electrolysis device (3) (42 cm x 55 cm x 6 cm) having an enhanced water electrolysis rate and including components (4 to 12); iv. A solution inlet (4) (diameter 2 cm) with a tungsten lamp fixed in the chamber for introducing an electrolytic solution into the chamber, the latter being for light illumination effect; v. A 4 cm x 3.5 cm solution level indicator (5) for checking the solution level in the electrolysis chamber to ensure immersion of the Ti electrode; vi. A 23 cm x 30 cm x 22 cm reaction chamber (6) for carrying out a PV-based water electrolysis reaction within the chamber; vii. A hydrogen outlet (7) with a diameter of 3 cm for collecting hydrogen gas; viii.300cm 2 a Ti electrode (8) made by coating with a mixed metal oxide having a surface area of ​​100 nm to provide a surface for the redox reaction at the cathode and an anode for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions; ix. A 2cm x 4.5cm on / off switch (9) to start / stop the water electrolysis reaction; x. A 13cm x 13cm cooling fan (10) for maintaining the temperature of the electrical circuitry; xi. A 7 cm x 7 cm voltmeter (11) to indicate the DC voltage supplied for water electrolysis; xii. A 7 cm x 7 cm ammeter (12) to indicate the DC current supplied for water electrolysis; xiii. An accelerated water electrolysis device (3) having an electrolytic solution and retrofitted with light illumination effects by tungsten bulbs, using water electrolysis of two plates of titanium electrodes coated with mixed metal oxides to produce hydrogen at the cathode, oxygen at the anode and hypochlorite in solution, said system also comprising components 1-12 connected to a functional PV panel (85cm x 80cm x 12cm).

[0038] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an advanced water electrolysis device with dimensions of 85 cm×80 cm×12 cm is retrofitted behind a functional PV panel (85 cm×80 cm×12 cm) for an integrated compact system of water electrolysis between an electrolytic solution and two plates of titanium electrodes coated with mixed metal oxides for hydrogen production at the cathode, oxygen at the anode, and hypochlorite in solution, said system also comprising components (1), (2), (4), (5), (7), (8), (9), (11), and (12).

[0039] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing i. preparing a sacrificial electrolyte solution and a non-sacrificial electrolyte solution as a donor, the electrocatalyst solution having a pH in the range of 5.0-6.0, 7.0-7.2, and 9.0-12.0; ii. filling the obtained electrolytic solution of step (i) into an accelerated water electrolysis device up to a maximum reactor capacity of 8L / 12L; iii. connecting the electrodes to the terminals (positive and negative) of a voltage regulator and applying a voltage in the range of 3-4 volts at a temperature in the range of 32-36°C with or without illumination to produce hydrogen (2-42 lph) and oxygen (0-12.6 lph), with sodium hypochlorite (stable range of 0-13%) being produced as a by-product; A method is provided that includes:

[0040] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the donor is selected from NaCl, hydrogen peroxide, 3% NaCl + 1% H2O2, potassium permanganate (KMnO4), sodium sulfide, sodium borohydride (NaBH4), heteropolyacids, ethanol, urea, or combinations thereof.

[0041] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sacrificial and non-sacrificial electrodes (anodes and cathodes) are selected from titanium electrodes, aluminum electrodes, steel electrodes, nickel electrodes with and without mixed metal oxide coating.

[0042] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the non-sacrificial electrode is a titanium electrode having a mixed metal oxide coating of ruthenium and iridium salts, the sacrificial electrode is an aluminum electrode (anode) and the non-sacrificial electrode is a titanium (cathode) electrode having a mixed metal oxide coating, and the surface area of ​​said electrodes is less than 360 cm 2 It was.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the invention, the method uses a non-sacrificial Ti mixed metal coated electrode, a sacrificial anode (steel) and a non-sacrificial Ti mixed metal coated cathode using 0-3% NaCl and 0-1% H2O2 as donors, a sacrificial anode (aluminum) and a non-sacrificial Ti mixed metal coated cathode using 0-3% NaCl as donor, and a sacrificial anode (aluminum) and a non-sacrificial Ti mixed metal coated cathode using Na2S as donor to produce approximately (2-42 lph) hydrogen, oxygen (0-12.6 lph), and sodium hypochlorite (stable range of 0-13%) in an electrolyte volume of 1 liter to 25 liters, the change in electrolyte volume relative to reactor volume is between 8-12 L to 35-40 L, and upon illumination, the hydrogen evolution rate (HER) is enhanced by 1.5-2.0 times, all other conditions and parameter ranges remaining the same.

[0044] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0045] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1 is a flow chart of solar hydrogen production according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a stand-alone system for solar hydrogen generation using (i) a functional PV panel, also called a broadband absorption cell due to the fact that in addition to absorbing visible photons, UV and IR photons are absorbed, and (ii) an accelerated water electrolysis device for donor-assisted water electrolysis, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a standalone compact system for solar hydrogen production with a reflector (1), functional solar PV panel (2), and enhanced water electrolysis device (3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a functional PV panel having a functional coating, a heat harvesting device, and a reflector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an accelerated water electrolysis apparatus housing with a solution inlet (4), solution level indicator (5), reactor chamber (6), hydrogen outlet (7), electrodes (8), on / off switch (9), cooling fan (10), voltmeter (11), and ammeter (12) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]FIG. 1 illustrates an integrated system for solar hydrogen production using functional PV panels retrofitted with an enhanced water electrolysis device (13) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The present disclosure should be understood to include all such variations and modifications. The present disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions, and compounds referred to or shown in this specification, individually or collectively, and includes any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.

[0048] definition For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain terms and examples used herein are explained here.These definitions should be read in light of the remainder of the present disclosure and understood as by those skilled in the art.Terms used herein have meanings that are recognized and known by those skilled in the art, but for convenience and completeness, certain terms and their meanings are provided below.

[0049] The present invention has other advantages and features that will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Although the invention has been disclosed with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.

[0051] Throughout this specification and claims, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the following terms take on the meanings expressly associated therewith herein: The meanings of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on." With reference to the drawings, like numbers indicate parts throughout the figures. Additionally, reference to the singular includes reference to the plural unless otherwise stated or inconsistent with the disclosure herein.

[0052] Tables, figures, and protocols have, where appropriate, been presented by conventional representations in the drawings showing only the specific details pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the invention, so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the descriptions herein.

[0053] To address the large demand for enhanced power generation, renewable energy sources are the best option. Solar energy is the best alternative to existing technologies for the generation of electrical energy. As the efficiency of PV panels is affected by various parameters such as ultraviolet light, dust, dirt, excessive heat, and temperature, there is a need to enhance the overall performance of the PV panels. By using Peltier devices, the overall performance of the PV panels can be enhanced to a certain extent by harvesting the excess heat and thereby increasing the power output. The conventional PV panels can be replaced by functional PV panels.

[0054] Therefore, to achieve the objectives of the present invention, the present invention relates to an eco-friendly functional PV-driven accelerated water electrolysis system for solar hydrogen with simultaneous generation of oxygen and hypochlorite with reduced energy and environmental footprint compared to commercial water electrolysis devices or their counterparts. Specifically, the present invention focuses on the enhanced performance of solar panels and reduced power consumption through the use of donors and photo-illumination for the benefit of resulting lower cost and reduced emissions.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, a functional PV-driven accelerated water electrolysis system for solar hydrogen production and a method for its production is provided, said system comprising a functional solar PV panel (2) and an accelerated water electrolysis device (3).

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, a functional solar PV panel (2) is fabricated from a reflector (1) and a heat harvesting system with a hydrophobic coating on the panel, increasing efficiency by 6-8% over commercial panels, including a standalone integrated system with non-sacrificial electrodes with or without a sacrificial anode, which increases efficiency of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by 1.2-1.5 times and reduces footprint. Figure 3 represents a complete functional PV-driven accelerated water electrolyzer system for solar hydrogen generation, with two components: a functional PV panel (2, Figure 4) and an accelerated water electrolyzer (3, Figure 5). Figure 4 represents the detailed structure of a functional PV panel with a mixed oxide nanoparticle coating on the PV panel with a V-trough glass reflector 1 for efficiency improvement due to increased reflection resulting in increased photon path length and heat generation, and a retrofitted Peltier device fixed behind the PV panel. Type 1 has a hydrophobic coating to prevent aerosol and particulate deposition, Type 2 has a V-trough concentrator to concentrate photons and heat and improve efficiency by about 10-12%, Type 3 has a Peltier device to harvest heat and improve efficiency by 10-12%, and Type 4 combines hydrophobic coating, V-trough concentrator, and Peltier device in one, improving efficiency by 20-24% and extending shelf life. The energy output, i.e. electricity, generated from the functional PV panel is then fed to an accelerated water electrolysis device, as shown in Figure 5, for hydrogen generation. Figure 5 shows an accelerated water electrolysis device (fabricated using fiber reinforced plastic material) where the electrolysis solution is filled from a solution inlet retrofitted with a light illumination effect of a tungsten bulb 4, and a solution level indicator 5 is used to check the solution level in the electrolysis chamber 6 to ensure that the Ti electrodes 8 are immersed in the electrolyte solution. Ti electrodes used for PV-based electrolysis, where three plates are uncoated (blank) Ti electrodes and the remaining two plates are coated with a mixed metal oxide coating (mixed metal oxide coated). The power supply unit, with an on / off switch 9, a cooling fan 10, a voltmeter 11 and an ammeter 12, is used to supply DC electricity to activate water electrolysis for hydrogen production.The produced hydrogen gas is then collected via the hydrogen outlet 7. Figure 6 represents an integrated system for solar hydrogen generation using a functional PV panel integrated as a single compact system with an accelerated water electrolysis device 13 for water electrolysis.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, a functional PV-driven stand-alone accelerated water electrolyzer system for solar hydrogen production and a method for the production are provided, including the following as shown in Figures 1 to 6 with detailed dimensions: i. A reflector (1) (85cm x 80cm) retrofitted to a solar PV panel with photon wavelengths to increase the electrical output of the PV panel. ii. Functional solar PV panel (2) (85 cm x 80 cm) with increased electrical output to run an accelerated water electrolysis device. iii. An accelerated water electrolysis device (3) (42 cm x 55 cm x 6 cm) having an enhanced water electrolysis rate and comprising components (4-12). iv. A solution inlet (4) (diameter 2 cm) with a tungsten lamp fixed in the chamber for introducing the electrolytic solution into the chamber, the retrofit tungsten lamp is for light illumination effect. v. A 4 cm x 3.5 cm solution level indicator (5) for checking the solution level in the electrolysis chamber to ensure immersion of the Ti electrode. vi. A 23 cm x 30 cm x 22 cm reaction chamber (6) for carrying out the PV-based water electrolysis reaction within the chamber. vii. A 3 cm diameter hydrogen outlet (7) for collecting hydrogen gas. viii.300cm 2 A Ti electrode (8) was fabricated with a mixed metal oxide coating having a surface area of ​​100 nm to provide a surface for the redox reaction at the cathode and an anode for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. ix. A 2 cm x 4.5 cm on / off switch (9) to start / stop the water electrolysis reaction. x. A 13cm x 13cm cooling fan (10) to maintain the temperature of the electrical circuits. xi. A 7 cm x 7 cm voltmeter (11) to indicate the DC voltage supplied for water electrolysis. xii. A 7 cm x 7 cm ammeter (12) to indicate the DC current supplied for water electrolysis. xiii. An accelerated water electrolysis device (3) having an electrolytic solution and retrofitted with light illumination effect by tungsten bulbs, using water electrolysis of two plates of titanium electrodes coated with mixed metal oxides for hydrogen production at the cathode, oxygen at the anode and hypochlorite production in solution, said system also comprising components i-xii connected to a functional PV panel (85cm x 80cm x 12cm).

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, a functional PV-driven accelerated water electrolysis system for solar hydrogen production is provided, where an accelerated water electrolysis device with dimensions of 85 cm×80 cm×12 cm is retrofitted behind a functional PV panel (85 cm×80 cm×12 cm) for an integrated compact system of water electrolysis between an electrolytic solution and two plates of titanium electrodes coated with mixed metal oxides for hydrogen production at the cathode, oxygen at the anode, and hypochlorite in solution, said system also comprising components (1), (2), (4), (5), (7), (8), (9), (11), and (12).

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, a functional PV-driven accelerated water electrolysis system for solar hydrogen production is provided, in which the donor is selected from NaCl, 3% NaCl, hydrogen peroxide, 3% NaCl + 1% H2O2, potassium permanganate (KMnO4), sodium sulfide, sodium borohydride (NaBH4), heteropolyacid, ethanol, urea, or combinations thereof, and the sacrificial and non-sacrificial electrodes (anode and cathode) are selected from titanium electrodes, aluminum electrodes, steel electrodes, and nickel electrodes with and without mixed metal oxide coating.

[0060] The present disclosure provides a functional PV-driven accelerated water electrolysis system developed based on the following: i) Develop accelerated water electrolysis equipment with reduced energy and environmental footprint An accelerated water electrolysis device with reduced electricity consumption using organic and inorganic donors for multi-product generation including hydrogen, oxygen, and mixed oxide biocides. ·An accelerated water electrolysis device with reduced electricity consumption using organic and inorganic donors for solar hydrogen and hypochlorite production with minimal oxygen production. · An accelerated water electrolysis device with reduced electricity consumption using organic and inorganic donors for solar oxygen and hypochlorite production with minimal hydrogen production. ii) Develop functional PV panels to utilize UV, IR light, and heat, either alone or in combination.

[0061] The present invention provides a) functional PV panels with improved efficiency and b) a new class of donor-based accelerated water electrolysis devices that reduce electricity consumption using donors with dual functions and properties of reducing electricity and functioning of residual / unreacted donors as disinfectants. Electricity requirements are significantly reduced, thus addressing the explicit objective of reducing electricity consumption. These systems have shown improved performance in solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency compared to their commercial counterparts in the market.

[0062] The following criteria were considered for donor utilization: Safety, affordability, availability and practicality ·Non-toxic Pollution Equilibrium -Potential to reduce electricity consumption Possibility of generating hydrogen and oxygen

[0063] The present invention specifically deals with the environmentally friendly integration of functional PV panels to power an accelerated water electrolysis device. The process flow diagram is shown in Figure 2.

[0064] The present invention discloses the use of BBC (broadband absorption photovoltaic cells) for improved electrical efficiency and the use of a hybrid, modular, portable, transformative, broadband absorption photovoltaic cell (BBC)-based photocatalytic water electrolysis device to deliver hydrogen gas. Enhancement of the water electrolysis process through innovations including illumination, photocatalysis, and plasmonics and the use of donors such as sodium chloride, sodium hypochlorite, HPA / HPB, and sodium sulfide to split water is disclosed herein. The generation of redox shuttles to couple with the water electrolysis device to reduce energy requirements and the use of functional PV panels by harvesting heat via Peltier devices and nanofluids is also provided.

[0065] Although the subject matter has been described in some detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof, other forms are possible, and therefore, the spirit and scope of the disclosure should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

[0066] (Example) The following examples are given for illustrative purposes and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0067] Example 1 The present invention provides a functional PV power accelerated water electrolysis system for solar hydrogen production and a method for its production, said system comprising (i) a functional solar PV panel (2) and (ii) a accelerated water electrolysis device (3).

[0068] The systems included stand-alone integrated systems with non-sacrificial electrodes with or without a sacrificial anode that improved the efficiency of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by 1.2-1.5 times and reduced footprint.

[0069] A functional PV (85cm x 80cm x 12cm) driven accelerated water electrolysis system (42cm x 55cm x 6cm) electrolysis chamber was retrofitted with light illumination effect by tungsten bulbs using water electrolysis of two anode plates of mixed metal oxide coated titanium electrodes and three uncoated cathode plates for hydrogen production at the cathode, oxygen at the anode and hypochlorite in solution, the system was standalone and comprised of components 1-12 as described in the overview of the invention.

[0070] Various systems of accelerated water electrolysis devices and functional PV panels are shown below. A) Design of an accelerated water electrolysis device for multi-product (hydrogen, oxygen, and disinfectant) generation. The system details are as follows: i) Sacrificial donor assisted water electrolysis with and without illumination. ii) Utilization of photocatalytically generated non-sacrificial redox shuttles such as HPA / HPB to reduce the electrical requirements in water electrolysis devices, with and without illumination. iii) Plasmonic heating for improved water splitting, with and without illumination.

[0071] Accelerated water electrolysis device for hydrogen production with simultaneous generation of oxygen and hypochlorite. · Conditions for the production of solar hydrogen, oxygen (minimum), and mixed oxide fungicides (Figure 3). When a higher voltage was applied across the electrodes, it was observed that electrolysis of the NaCl+H2O2 solution produced hydrogen-rich gas in addition to the formation of the mixed oxide germicide. · Conditions for the generation of solar hydrogen (minimum), oxygen, and mixed oxide disinfectants. When a lower voltage was applied across the electrodes, it was observed that electrolysis of the NaCl+H2O2 solution produced oxygen-enriched gas in addition to the formation of the mixed oxide germicide.

[0072] The system was designed to produce solar hydrogen and oxygen using an accelerated water electrolysis device coupled with PV panels.

[0073] The system was useful for solar hydrogen production with simultaneous oxygen generation and liquid-based sterilization, i.e., hypochlorite-based mixed oxidant solution. The present invention provides a practical, non-polluting technology for producing hydrogen that can be used as a fuel for a variety of applications.

[0074] The system utilized a donor-assisted water electrolysis system for the production of hydrogen. The process utilized a brine solution combined with peroxide as the electrolyte along with the use of titanium electrodes coated with mixed metal oxides.

[0075] A DC current was supplied to the mixed metal oxide coated titanium electrodes and the produced hydrogen and oxygen were analyzed using a thermal conductivity detector (TCD) with nitrogen as the carrier gas. The performance of the accelerated water electrolysis device for hydrogen production with simultaneous production of oxygen and hypochlorite varied with the functionality of different donors.

[0076] Hydrogen was produced by electrolysis of brine (a solution of sodium chloride) in a thoroughly mixed cell. Na + and Cl - A direct current was passed through a solution of sodium chloride (table salt) containing 1-5% hydrogen peroxide and 1-5% NaCl to produce chlorine at the anode and hydrogen at the cathode. In the present invention, a combination of 1-5% hydrogen peroxide and 1-5% NaCl was used to arrive at optimal conditions for producing solar hydrogen-enriched gas and hypochlorite, or solar oxygen-enriched gas and hypochlorite.

[0077] Hydrogen production using ethanol as a donor,An alcohol-based electrolysis system for hydrogen production was studied using ethanol (C2H5OH).,Ethanol was also found to produce hydrogen at a relatively high production rate when used in an alkaline medium (1N NaOH solution).

[0078] For hydrogen production, shuttles based on HPA (heteropolyacid) or electron-coupled proton buffer (ECPB) were investigated. Heteropolyacid (HPA) had strong proton conducting ability and redox properties. HPA could accommodate excess electrons due to its high oxidizability. The mixed valence (+5, +6) reduced system exhibited a deep blue color that justified the name Heteropoly Blue (HPB). HPB is an e - It acted as an enrichment center, an antenna molecule for harvesting visible light, and a proton reservoir capable of releasing hydrogen at the reduction site. Hydrogen was produced at relatively high production rates using the HPA / HPB shuttle under acidic conditions.

[0079] B) Functional PV Panel Design A functional PV panel has the following modifications: i) A solar PV panel with a Peltier module. ii) V-trough concentrator coupled with solar PV panel. iii) Hydrophobic coating to prevent dust. a) Peltier module (thermoelectric device): A device composed of p-type and n-type semiconductors. This structure can be used to convert thermal energy into electricity by using a principle known as the Seebeck effect. Thermoelectric (TE) power generation occurs when a voltage is generated from a temperature difference across two dissimilar semiconductor materials.

[0080] The captured solar and Peltier energy was stored in a battery. The hybrid extended cell life, improved performance, and offered operational advantages in a variety of environmental conditions. A Peltier device with a water jacket was used to harvest heat from the PV panels which was used to heat water. The heated water could be used for a variety of applications.

[0081] b) V-trough concentrator combined with solar PV panel A conventional PV panel was retrofitted with two reflective surfaces on two of its parallel sides. The reflective surfaces were positioned at an angle such that the incident solar radiation was reflected and evenly distributed at the panel surface, which increased the output power and thereby the efficiency of the panel. Experiments were performed with the experimental setup given below and the data are summarized in the table given in the Output section of the table. An improvement of about 10% in the electrical efficiency of a 10W PV panel was observed. A schematic diagram of the system is shown in Figure 4.

[0082] C) Accelerated donor-assisted electrochlorination process The system was customized for the generation of hypochlorite-based mixed oxidant solutions for use as disinfectants.

[0083] Sodium hypochlorite was produced by electrolysis of brine (a solution of sodium chloride). Electrochlorination produced a weak hypochlorite (<10 g / l) solution that was easy to handle and avoided many of the safety hazards associated with the use of purchased liquid chlorine and bulk sodium hypochlorite.

[0084] Na + and Cl - A direct current was passed through a solution of sodium chloride (table salt) containing sodium hypochlorite (NaCl) to produce chlorine at the anode and hydrogen at the cathode. The mixture of catholyte, anolyte, and sodium ions in the solution produced sodium hypochlorite (Na + OCl - ) was produced. This process had the advantage that hypochlorite solution could be produced on-site (if required), thus avoiding the risks of transporting, storing, and handling liquid and gaseous chlorine and the difficulty of meeting all the required associated safety measures. Operation of a simple on-site generation system begins with the use of a brine solution (3%).

[0085] The obtained hypochlorite concentrations were found to be between 0.5 and 0.7 using titanium-based commercial electrodes with energy requirements of 4–4.5 kW / h.

[0086] The accelerated electrochlorination process reduced the electrical potential required for the above reaction by using inorganic donors and disinfectants such as peroxide and hypochlorite.

[0087] Thus, sodium hypochlorite solutions of various concentrations (1-14%) have been produced in an accelerated electrochlorination process in the presence of donors using conventional electrolysis equipment, which produces mixtures of hypochlorite and other oxidants, called hypochlorite-based mixed oxidant solutions.

[0088] Thus, the developed process was found to be relatively safe for on-site generation of hypochlorite solution for disinfecting surfaces and was scalable from 500ml / h to 2 litres / h.

[0089] Donor-assisted electrochlorination hypochlorite generation was based on the utilization of a donor that could reduce the electricity requirements and possibly generate / add additional oxidant. It also had the potential to reduce the energy footprint by accelerating the electrochlorination with minimal energy input. The process reduced the environmental footprint, i.e., reduced energy input, with a resulting minimal CO2 emission. The resulting hypochlorite solution was mixed with an in situ generated oxidant or unused donor (as oxidant), or with a by-product reaction (as oxidant) and found application as a disinfectant with significantly improved bactericidal efficacy. The hypochlorite-based mixed oxidant solution obtained by the accelerated electrochlorination system using 3% brine had a high bactericidal potential compared to conventional hypochlorite and could be used as a disinfectant. The concentration of stable hypochlorite solutions was found to be in the range of 1-7% for the various donor systems exemplified. D) Integrated stand-alone system for solar hydrogen and oxygen generation i) Standalone energy-efficient Peltier-based functional PV panel coupled with an energy-efficient accelerated water electrolyzer system using sacrificial / non-sacrificial donors (Figure 3). ii) A standalone energy-efficient functional PV panel having a V-trough concentrator coupled with an accelerated water electrolyser system using sacrificial / non-sacrificial donors (Figure 3). iii) A standalone energy efficient functional PV panel having a V-trough concentrator and Peltier coupled with an accelerated water electrolyser system using sacrificial / non-sacrificial donors. iv) An all-in-one, compact and modular system through the integration of functional PV panels with energy-efficient, non-sacrificial redox shuttle-based accelerated water electrolysis devices (Figure 6). v) An integrated system through the integration of a functional PV panel with improved energy efficiency and a sacrificial electrode-based water electrolysis device using sacrificial and non-sacrificial donors (Figure 6). vi) An all-in-one, compact and modular system with integration of an energy efficient accelerated water electrolyser coupled with a parabolic dish for harvesting and generating electricity by Peltier / TEG. vii) An all-in-one, compact and modular system with the integration of an energy-efficient accelerated water electrolysis device (pyroelectric water splitting) coupled with a Peltier device for harvesting heat and generating electricity. viii) An all-in-one, compact and modular system with integration of an energy-efficient accelerated photocatalytic water electrolysis device coupled with a Peltier device for harvesting heat and generating electricity. ix) An all-in-one, compact and modular system with the integration of an energy-efficient accelerated photocatalytic water electrolysis device coupled with a photocatalytic Peltier device for heat harvesting and electricity generation. x) An all-in-one, compact and modular system through the integration of a functional PV panel with a retrofitted water electrolysis device (skirted type) using non-sacrificial donors and electrodes. xi) An all-in-one, compact and modular system with the integration of functional PV panels and a retrofitted water electrolysis device (bottom reactor type with separator).

[0090] Example 2 The accelerated water electrolysis device produced solar hydrogen using a donor. The system also produced sodium hypochlorite (for certain donors), which is widely used as a disinfectant. The steps involved are as follows: a) Electrolyte solutions were prepared according to the specific concentrations of the donors such as 3% NaCl, 1% H2O2, 3% NaCl+1% H2O2. The volume of electrolyte solutions (sacrificial and non-sacrificial) used during the experiments was 700 ml. The electrolyte solutions were further classified into three categories: neutral, acidic, and alkaline. b) The solution was filled to a certain level in a water electrolysis device (acrylic reactor). The electrodes were connected to the respective terminals (positive and negative) of a voltage regulator. The study was carried out at room temperature, 32-36 °C, and 4 volts, using titanium electrodes (mixed metal oxide coated). The surface area of ​​the electrodes was 380 cm 2 It was. c) A specific voltage was applied using a voltage regulator and the outlet of the water electrolyser was connected to a GC for analysis of the hydrogen and oxygen produced.

[0091] The hydrogen production rates using various donors and their combinations were investigated and are summarized in Table 1.

[0092] [Table 1]

[0093] Example 3 The study was carried out using a non-sacrificial electrode, i.e., a (mixed metal oxide coated) titanium electrode. All steps were the same as mentioned in the above example. The concentration of H2O2 was constant and the study was carried out at various concentrations of NaCl, electrolyzed at 4 volts. The hydrogen production rate of the system is summarized in table 2.

[0094] [Table 2]

[0095] Example 4 A combination of NaCl and H2O2 was used as the electrolyte solution. The concentration of NaCl was constant and studies were carried out at various concentrations of H2O2, subjected to 4 volts for electrolysis. The steps involved were the same as given in the above example. The hydrogen production rate of the system is summarized in table 3.

[0096] [Table 3]

[0097] Example 5 This study was carried out varying the voltage supply for hydrogen production of 3% NaCl and 3% NaCl + 1% H2O2. The voltage was varied for the electrolyte using a voltage regulator. The study was carried out at 1, 2, 4, and 5 volts using a Ti electrode (table 4). The steps involved were the same as given in the example above.

[0098] [Table 4]

[0099] At higher concentrations of peroxide (3% NaCl + 5% H2O2), oxygen-enriched gas was obtained, whereas at lower concentrations of peroxide (3% NaCl + 0.5% H2O2), hydrogen generation was significantly enhanced.

[0100] Example 6 The study was carried out at 4 V using a Ti electrode with different concentrations of H2O2 as donor for hydrogen production (table 5). The steps involved were the same as given in the above example.

[0101] [Table 5]

[0102] Example 7 A similar study as described in Example 1 was carried out using a non-sacrificial donor at 3 volts and the electrode used was a Ti electrode. The steps involved were the same as those described in the above example. For each hydrogen production rate, a HPA (heteropolyacid) solution was analyzed. The HPA used in the experiment was phosphomolybdic acid (PMA). The hydrogen production rate of the system is given in table 6.

[0103] [Table 6]

[0104] Example 8 The effect of alkaline electrolyte on hydrogen production with organic donors was studied. The electrode used was a titanium electrode. All steps involved were the same as given in the above example. The hydrogen production rate of the system is summarized in table 7.

[0105] [Table 7]

[0106] Example 9 A similar study was carried out using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as the donor at 3 volts. The steps involved were the same as those mentioned in the above example. A 100 ppm NaBH4 solution was prepared and analyzed for hydrogen production using a titanium electrode. The hydrogen production rate of the system is summarized in table 8.

[0107] [Table 8]

[0108] Example 10 Combinations of NaOH and CO2 were studied for hydrogen production. CO2 gas was bubbled into the NaOH solution at 0.25-0.5 lpm. The electrolyte solution was electrolyzed at 4 volts using titanium electrodes. The hydrogen production data of the solutions are summarized in table 9.

[0109] [Table 9]

[0110] Example 11 Sewage samples were collected from the open drain and experiments for hydrogen production using different donors were carried out at 4V and the results are summarized in table 10 below.

[0111] [Table 10]

[0112] Example 12 A similar study was carried out using potassium permanganate (KMnO4) as the donor at 4 volts. The steps involved were the same as those described in the example above. Solutions of neutral KMnO4 (0.5% KMnO4), alkaline KMnO4 (0.1N NaOH + 0.5% KMnO4), and a combination of 3% NaCl and 0.5% KMnO4 were prepared and analyzed for hydrogen and oxygen evolution, respectively, with the results summarized in table 11 below.

[0113] [Table 11]

[0114] Example 13 The studies were carried out using sacrificial (aluminum) and non-sacrificial (titanium) electrodes at varying voltages such as 0.5V, 1V, 1.5V, 3V etc. The steps involved were the same as mentioned in the above example. 1M Na2S solution (13%) was prepared and analyzed for hydrogen production using both electrodes respectively and the results are summarized in table 12 below.

[0115] [Table 12]

[0116] Example 14 The studies were carried out using sacrificial (aluminum) and non-sacrificial (titanium) electrodes at various concentrations of Na2S such as 0.5M, 1M, 2M at 1 V. The steps involved were the same as those mentioned in the above example and the results are summarized in table 13 below.

[0117] [Table 13]

[0118] Example 15 The concentration of the donor (H2O2) was varied to study the resulting hypochlorite concentration at the same voltage (5V) for a specific duration (30 min), and the results are summarized in table 14 below.

[0119] [Table 14]

[0120] Example 16 Varying hypochlorite concentrations using 1% H2O2 as the donor were studied at various voltages ranging from 1 to 5 volts. The results are summarized in table 15 below.

[0121] [Table 15]

[0122] Electrolysis of a 3% NaCl + 1% H2O2 solution at 5 V yields approximately 0.12 mmol / hr-cm of the electrode. 2 The reaction was accompanied by the production of oxygen as a by-product at a rate of 1.0.

[0123] (Example 17) The stability of hypochlorite solutions generated using different concentrations of H2O2 at the same voltage was studied after 1 and 3 days. The mixed oxide solutions were found to be fairly stable with 1% H2O2 as the donor at 1 V. The stability data is summarized in table 16 below.

[0124] [Table 16]

[0125] (Example 18) The stability of hypochlorite solutions generated using different concentrations of H2O2 at the same voltage was studied after 1 and 3 days. The mixed oxide solutions were found to be fairly stable with 1% H2O2 as the donor at 1 V. The stability data is summarized in table 17 below.

[0126] [Table 17]

[0127] (Example 19) The study was carried out using a non-sacrificial electrode, i.e., titanium electrode (mixed metal oxide coated), by using light illumination (tungsten lamp) which helps to accelerate the reaction mechanism. The experiments were carried out at 2 V and 2-2.5 A with 3% NaCl and 1% H2O2. (Table 18).

[0128] [Table 18]

[0129] (Example 20) Studies were carried out on functional PV panels retrofitted with V-trough glass reflector and heat harvesting device (Peltier device) with PMMA hydrophobic coating on the surface of the panel, which improved the shelf life of the PV panel and increased the electrical efficiency by 6-8% over commercial panels. The results for the system are summarized in table 19. The % improvement in electrical output of F-PV design over commercial PV panel is as follows: % improvement in electrical output of PV panel with V-trough reflector = 4-5%. % improvement in electrical output of PV panel with V-trough reflector and Peltier device = 4-5%. % improvement in electrical output of PV panel with V-trough reflector and Peltier device with cooling i.e. functional PV panel = 6-8%.

[0130] [Table 19]

[0131] Advantages of the invention Functional (photovoltaic) PV panels provide increased electrical efficiency while improving the shelf life and safety of solar panels, thus reducing CAPEX and OPEX, and utilize unused UV and IR photons by harvesting heat via Peltier devices and nanofluids.

[0132] Hybridization of water electrolysis devices with photocatalytic and plasmonic innovations enhances the rate of H2 generation, resulting in reduced OPEX. The use of inorganic and organic donors enhances the rate of H2 generation, resulting in reduced OPEX.

[0133] The integrated system is a hybrid, modular, portable and transformative system for delivering hydrogen gas, thus reducing CAPEX and OPEX. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1 Reflector, V-trough glass reflector 2 Functional solar PV panels, Functional PV panels 3 Accelerated water electrolysis device 4 Solution inlet, tungsten bulb 5 Solution Level Indicator 6 Reaction chamber, reactor chamber, electrolysis chamber 7 Hydrogen outlet 8 Ti electrode, electrode 9 On / Off Switch 10 Cooling fan 11. Voltmeter 12 Ammeter 13 Accelerated water electrolysis device

Claims

1. A functional (photovoltaic) PV powered water electrolysis system for solar hydrogen production, said system comprising: i. a functional solar PV panel (2); ii. An accelerated water electrolysis device (3); Equipped with The functional solar PV panel (2) is fabricated from a reflector (1) and a heat harvesting system with a hydrophobic coating on the PV panel, which has an efficiency of 6-8% higher than commercial panels. A functional PV powered water electrolysis system.

2. 11. The functional PV power promoted water electrolyzer system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a stand-alone integrated system having non-sacrificial electrodes with or without a sacrificial anode, which provides 1.2-1.5 times increased efficiency of the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and reduced footprint.

3. The electrolysis chamber of said functional PV (85cm x 80cm x 12cm) driven water electrolysis device system (42cm x 55cm x 6cm) is retrofitted with light illumination effect by tungsten bulbs using water electrolysis of two anode plates of titanium electrodes coated with mixed metal oxides and three uncoated cathode plates to produce hydrogen at the cathode, oxygen at the anode and hypochlorite in solution, said system is stand-alone and includes the following components: i. A reflector (1) (85cm x 80cm) retrofitted to a solar PV panel with photonic wavelengths to enhance the electrical output of the PV panel; ii. A functional solar PV panel (2) (85 cm x 80 cm) with increased electrical output to operate the accelerated water electrolysis device; iii. An accelerated water electrolysis device (3) (42 cm x 55 cm x 6 cm) having an enhanced water electrolysis rate and including components (4-12); iv. A solution inlet (4) (diameter 2 cm) with a tungsten lamp fixed in the chamber for introducing an electrolytic solution into the chamber, the retrofit tungsten lamp being for light illumination effect; v. A 4 cm x 3.5 cm solution level indicator (5) for checking the solution level in the electrolysis chamber to ensure immersion of the Ti electrodes; vi. a 23 cm x 30 cm x 22 cm reaction chamber (6) for carrying out a PV-based water electrolysis reaction within said chamber; vii. A hydrogen outlet (7) with a diameter of 3 cm for collecting hydrogen gas; viii. 300cm ２ a Ti electrode (8) made by coating with a mixed metal oxide having a surface area of ​​100 nm to provide a surface for the redox reaction at the cathode and an anode for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions; ix. A 2 cm x 4.5 cm on / off switch (9) for starting / stopping the water electrolysis reaction; x. A 13cm x 13cm cooling fan (10) to maintain the temperature of the electrical circuitry; xi. A 7 cm x 7 cm voltmeter (11) for indicating the DC voltage supplied for water electrolysis; xii. A 7 cm x 7 cm ammeter (12) for indicating the DC current supplied for water electrolysis; xiii. An accelerated water electrolysis device (3) using two plates of titanium electrodes coated with mixed metal oxides, with an electrolytic solution and retrofitted with a light illumination effect by a tungsten bulb; Equipped with 2. The functional PV power enhanced water electrolysis system of claim 1.

4. 4. The functional PV power promoted water electrolysis system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the promoted water electrolysis device with dimensions of 85cm x 80cm x 12cm is retrofitted behind the functional PV panel (85cm x 80cm x 12cm) for an integrated compact system for electrolysis of water between the electrolysis solution and two plates of titanium electrodes coated with mixed metal oxides to produce hydrogen at the cathode, oxygen at the anode and hypochlorite in the electrolysis solution, said system also comprising components (1), (2), (4), (5), (7), (8), (9), (11) and (12).

5. 2. A method for solar hydrogen production by a functional PV power-assisted water electrolysis system as claimed in claim 1, said method comprising: i. preparing a sacrificial electrolyte solution as a donor and a non-sacrificial electrolyte solution, the electrocatalyst solutions having a pH in the ranges of 5.0-6.0, 7.0-7.2, and 9.0-12.0; ii. filling the obtained electrolytic solution of step (i) into an accelerated water electrolysis device up to a maximum reactor capacity of 8 L / 12 L; iii. Connecting the electrodes to the terminals (positive and negative) of a voltage regulator and applying a voltage in the range of 3-4 volts at a temperature in the range of 32-36°C with or without illumination to produce hydrogen (2-42 lph) and oxygen (0-12.6 lph), with sodium hypochlorite (stable range of 0-13%) being produced as a by-product; A method comprising:

6. The donor is NaCl, hydrogen peroxide, 3% NaCl + 1% H ２ O ２ , potassium permanganate (KMnO ４ ), sodium sulfide, sodium borohydride (NaBH ４ 6. The method of solar hydrogen production by a functional PV power promoted water electrolysis system of claim 5, wherein the catalyst is selected from the group consisting of a heteropolyacid, ethanol, urea, or a combination thereof.

7. 6. The method of solar hydrogen production by a functional PV-driven water electrolyzer system as described in claim 5, wherein the electrodes (anode and cathode) are sacrificial or non-sacrificial electrodes selected from titanium electrodes, aluminum electrodes, steel electrodes, or nickel electrodes with and without mixed metal oxide coating.

8. The non-sacrificial electrode is a titanium electrode having a mixed metal oxide coating selected from r and iridium salts, the sacrificial electrode is an aluminum electrode (anode), and the surface area of ​​the electrode is at least 360 cm ２ 8. A method for solar hydrogen production by the functional PV-driven water electrolysis system according to any one of claims 5 to 7,

9. The method comprises the steps of: a non-sacrificial Ti mixed metal oxide coated electrode; 0-3% NaCl as a donor; and 0-1% H ２ O ２ and a sacrificial anode (steel) using 0-3% NaCl as the donor and a non-sacrificial Ti mixed metal coated cathode with Na ２ 9. A method of solar hydrogen generation by a functional PV-driven water electrolyzer (without illumination) system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, using a sacrificial anode (aluminum) using S and a non-sacrificial Ti mixed metal coated cathode to produce hydrogen (2-42 lph), oxygen (0-12.6 lph) and sodium hypochlorite (stable range of 0-13%) with an electrolyte volume of 1 liter to 25 liters, the change in the electrolyte volume to the reactor volume is between 8-12 L to 35-40 L, and when illuminated, the hydrogen generation rate (HER) is enhanced by a factor of 1.5-2.0, all other conditions and parameter ranges remaining the same.

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