Heat transfer analysis of solar-driven high-temperature thermochemical reactor using NiFe-Aluminate RPCs

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2021-03, Vol.46 (16), p.10104-10118
• Main Authors: Shuai, Yong, Guene Lougou, Bachirou, Zhang, Hao, Zhao, Jiupeng, Ahouannou, Clément, Tan, Heping
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fluid-solid interface; High-temperature heat transfer; Hydrogen; NiFe-Aluminate porous media; Solar thermochemical
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.03.240

Converting solar energy efficiently into hydrogen is a promising way for renewable fuels technology. However, high-temperature heat transfer enhancement of solar thermochemical process is still a pertinent challenge for solar energy conversion into fuels. In this paper, high-temperature heat transfer enhancement accounting for radiation, conduction, and convection heat transfer in porous-medium reactor filled with application in hydrogen generation has been investigated. NiFe-Aluminate porous media is synthesized and used as solar radiant absorber and redox material. Experiments combined with numerical models are performed for analyzing thermal characteristics and chemical changes in solar receiver. The reacting medium is most heated by radiation heat transfer and higher temperature distribution is observed in the region exposed to high radiation heat flux. Heat distribution, O2 and H2 yield in the reacting medium are facilitated by convective reactive gas moving through the medium's pores. The temperature gradient caused by thermal transition at fluid-solid interface could be more decreased as much as the reaction chamber can store the transferred high-temperature heat flux. However, thermal losses due to radiation flux lost at the quartz glass are obviously inevitable. •Region exposed to high radiation flux exhibits higher temperature distribution.•Thermal loss due to radiation loss at the quartz glass is obviously inevitable.•Efficient thermal reduction of NiFe-Aluminate RPCs results in higher O2 and H2 yield.•NiFe-Aluminate RPCs exhibits excellent thermal stability and durability.