Modular Stackable Hydrogen Storage Using Solar Heat for SOECs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen production through renewable energy sources is cost-prohibitive and energy-intensive, limiting the deployment of high-efficiency Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC) due to the high capital investment and energy demands of existing concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies.
Innovation Solution
A modular, sequential heat collection system utilizing sun and air to generate high-temperature heat, integrating a series of Fresnel lenses and a progressive absorber, combined with a Stirling engine and thermal energy storage, to power a high-temperature steam electrolyzer for efficient hydrogen production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies are used to provide high-temperature heat for SOEC systems, then low-cost electricity and high-temperature heat source are achieved, but the systems are enormous to build or require large capital investment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heat collection system into multiple modular stages, each consisting of Fresnel lenses and absorbers that can be independently deployed. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high-temperature heat collection through multiple smaller units rather than one large complex system, reducing capital investment while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical stacking arrangement where multiple heat collection modules are positioned at different heights and orientations. This dimensional approach allows the system to capture solar energy from multiple angles simultaneously, achieving high-temperature heat without requiring a large horizontal footprint, thus reducing system complexity.
2Productivity
If high-temperature electrolysis is used to generate hydrogen, then efficient hydrogen production is achieved, but the process needs steam at temperatures of 850 to 950 deg C. requiring fossil fuel or nuclear power plants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts solar energy, which is normally available only during daytime, into high-temperature heat through Fresnel lenses and absorbers that can store thermal energy. This allows the system to produce hydrogen efficiently using renewable solar energy instead of fossil fuels or nuclear power, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the heat source by using concentrated solar power to achieve 850 to 950 deg C., which is the optimal temperature range for high-efficiency electrolysis. This parameter change enables efficient hydrogen production while using renewable energy sources, resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful emissions.
3Reliability
If Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) systems are deployed, then high efficiency hydrogen conversion is achieved, but the energy demand is considerably high, affecting growth and deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat collection system with the electrolysis system in an integrated configuration. The Fresnel lenses and absorbers are positioned to directly illuminate the SOEC system, combining heat and power generation into a single unified system. This integration reduces the overall energy demand by utilizing the heat required for electrolysis from the same solar energy source, thereby supporting high conversion efficiency while reducing total energy consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves a cost-effective, fully renewable, and greenhouse-gas emission-free hydrogen generation with a capacity factor of up to 100%, reducing costs to $1.50 per kg and enabling scalable, distributed hydrogen production.
Implementation Method 1
The system utilizes sun and air for collection and transfer of heat through a sequential heat collection system that utilizes sun and air for collection and transfer of heat
Implementation Method 2
a series of Fresnel lenses and a progressive absorber
Implementation Method 3
integrating a series of Fresnel lenses and a progressive absorber, combined with a Stirling engine and thermal energy storage
Implementation Method 4
an electrolyzer coupled to the heat exchanger and to the thermal engine, the electrolyzer using the electricity generated by the thermal engine to electrolyze the steam
Implementation Method 5
a heat exchanger thermally-coupled to receive the heated medium, the heat exchanger using the heated medium to generate steam
Implementation Method 6
combined with a Stirling engine and thermal energy storage
Data Source
AI summary
Hydrogen is produced using high temperature heat from a progressive heat collection system that utilizes sun and air for collection and transfer of heat. Thermal energy from the sun superheats the water into steam and also powers a Stirling engine based electrical generator for operating a high temperature steam electrolyzer.