Abstract: Concentrated solar energy can be used as the source of heat at above 1000 °C for driving key energy-intensive industrial processes, such as cement manufacturing and metallurgical extraction, contributing to their decarbonization. The cornerstone technology is the solar receiver mounted on top of the solar tower, which absorbs the incident high-flux radiation and heats …
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy – A techno-economic and environmental evaluation of the integration of direct air capture with hydrogen derivatives production
Abstract: Carbon-neutral fuels are key to decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. Solar redox cycles can produce them by creating oxygen vacancies in a metal oxide capable of splitting water and CO2. The resulting synthesis gas can be processed into a liquid fuel like methanol. To close the carbon cycle, feedstock CO2 can be captured from the atmosphere …
Published at Solar Energy – Solar concentrator layout and performance analysis for multi-aperture receiver-reactors in high-temperature applications
Abstract: Promising new receiver-reactor concepts with multiple apertures have been proposed for high temperature solar thermochemical hydrogen production. However, limited information about suitable solar concentrator designs consisting of heliostat fields and secondary concentrators is available so far. The goal of this study is a detailed investigation of the effect of selected solar concentrator design parameters …
SWISS signs long-term offtake agreement for solar jet fuel from Synhelion
Press Release Zurich, December 16, 2025 Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) and Swiss cleantech company Synhelion have signed a long-term offtake agreement for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). From 2027, SWISS will purchase at least 200 tons of solar jet fuel from Synhelion annually, pioneering the use of this innovative fuel in civil aviation. The agreement …
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Published at Solar Energy – Effects of concentrated solar–integrated packed-bed thermal energy storage operation on solid oxide electrolysis cell performance
Abstract: The use of renewable energy in the context of green hydrogen production requires suitable energy storage technologies to compensate for intermittent wind and solar resources. High-temperature electrolysis is a promising way to produce hydrogen as it has the highest electrical efficiency by using steam instead of liquid water compared to low temperature electrolysis. Here, …
Published at Applied Thermal Engineering – Dynamic heat transfer model for thermal energy storage using metal wool–phase change material composites
Abstract: Decarbonisation of the energy sector is critical for climate change mitigation, with the power sector remaining a major contributor to global emissions. Concentrating solar power (CSP) technology combined with thermal energy storage (TES) presents a promising solution to overcome this challenge. TES systems, particularly those utilising phase change materials (PCMs), offer efficient energy storage …
Published at Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assesments – On-sun performance and stability of graphene nanofluids in concentrating direct absorption solar collectors
Abstract: The Performances of direct absorption solar collectors (DASC) are limited by the stability of the nanofluid’s optical properties. This study investigates the performance and long-term stability of a graphene-based nanofluid under real on-sun operating conditions using an experimental parabolic trough pilot. The on-sun experiments were complemented with a detailed off-sun experimental evaluation of the …
Aluminum melted with Annular Fresnel solar at over 700°C
Pour of molten alumimum melted with Annular Fresnel solar collectors Solar researchers at Fraunhofer Chile have designed, built, and tested a complete solar collector and crucible system for melting and recycling aluminum, heated by Annular Fresnel solar collectors. In Annular Fresnel, each mirror is flat, like a Fresnel mirror, but arranged in a circle, enabling …
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Tallying a year’s sun on solar calcination with sCO2 cycles
solar tower sCO2 cycle calcination Solar calcination + sCO2 cycle In a year-round California-based study, a Chilean research team has continued to advance a potentially more cost-effective and efficient form of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) that leverages limestone’s heat generation during calcination. In this new solar tower form of CSP, the solar receiver in the …
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Published at Applied Energy – A review of the performance and application of molten salt-based phase change materials in sustainable thermal energy storage at medium and high temperatures
Abstract: Growing energy demand and environmental pollution issues are placing greater demands on sustainable thermal energy storage. Research indicates that molten salt phase change materials (MSPCMs) represent a promising alternative for thermal energy storage (TES), effectively addressing the energy supply-demand imbalance. These salts typically have a range of excellent properties, such as high energy storage …

