Solar Concentrator Reactor for High Temperature Thermochemical Processes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for oxygen extraction from lunar and Martian regolith, such as hydrogen reduction, carbothermal reduction, and molten oxide electrolysis, face inefficiencies and high energy requirements, particularly in achieving high temperatures necessary for vapor phase pyrolysis, which has potential but is underdeveloped due to energy demands.
Innovation Solution
The Solar Concentrating Oxygen Reactor for Continuous Heating and Extrusion of Regolith (SCORCHER) system uses concentrated solar energy to heat lunar regolith to over 2,200°C, employing a falling particle reactor design with continuous slag extrusion for efficient oxygen extraction through carbothermal reduction and vapor phase pyrolysis, maximizing solar absorptance and reaction area, and enabling thermal energy storage and secondary resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional oxygen extraction methods (hydrogen reduction, carbothermal reduction, molten oxide electrolysis) are used, then oxygen can be produced from lunar and Martian regolith, but high energy requirements and high temperatures are needed which reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermal heating systems with a solar concentrator system that uses optical energy (sunlight) to directly heat regolith particles. The solar concentrator focuses solar radiation onto the particles, eliminating the need for conventional heaters and reducing electrical energy consumption while achieving the high temperatures required for oxygen extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating method from conventional thermal conduction/convection to direct solar radiation heating. By using a solar concentrator, the system achieves higher temperatures more efficiently, transforming the energy input method to improve overall productivity while reducing energy waste
2Ease of manufacture
If vapor phase pyrolysis is used for oxygen extraction, then single-step simplicity and multiple material extraction potential are achieved, but very high temperatures are required which increase energy demands
Solution Approach 1:
The solar concentrator system replaces conventional high-energy heating systems with optical energy concentration. By focusing solar radiation directly onto regolith particles in the vapor phase pyrolysis process, the system achieves the required very high temperatures without the excessive energy demands of conventional heating methods, maintaining process simplicity while reducing energy consumption
3Productivity
If batch processing is used for oxygen extraction, then processing can be completed, but production rates are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous processing system where regolith particles are continuously fed through the solar concentrator heating zone and oxygen is continuously extracted. This eliminates the batch processing interruptions, maintaining high production rates while reducing total processing time through uninterrupted operation
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
SCORCHER achieves high solar thermal efficiency, reduces electrical power requirements, enables continuous oxygen production, increases oxygen yields, and facilitates thermal energy storage, making it suitable for lunar and terrestrial high-temperature processes, including biochar and biofuel production, and industrial decarbonization.
Implementation Method 1
a solar concentrator directing solar energy to a defined irradiating location within the enclosed vessel volume
Implementation Method 2
the solar energy directed by the solar concentrator to the defined irradiating location irradiates the particles of the particle stream to produce a thermochemical reaction
Implementation Method 3
employing a falling particle reactor design with continuous slag extrusion for efficient oxygen extraction through carbothermal reduction and vapor phase pyrolysis
Implementation Method 4
employing a falling particle reactor design with continuous slag extrusion for efficient oxygen extraction through carbothermal reduction and vapor phase pyrolysis
Implementation Method 5
maximizing solar absorptance and reaction area
Data Source
AI summary
A solar concentrator reactor system and method of use for high temperature thermochemical processes. In one embodiment, the solar concentrator reactor system produces a thermochemical reaction of irradiated particles within an enclosed vessel volume of a solar concentrator reactor. In one aspect, the solar concentrator reactor system uses a solar concentrator to irradiate particles of a particle stream within an enclosed vessel volume of a solar concentrator reactor. The thermochemical reaction yields a chemical change of the feedstock and/or phase transition of the feedstock such as the production of a molten reacted material from a solid particulate feed. In one embodiment, the particles are a lunar regolith and the thermochemical reaction yields oxygen.