Published at Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments – Energy systems capacity planning under high renewable penetration considering concentrating solar power

Abstract: With the rapid development of renewable generation and the promotion of “Clean Heating”, the uncertainty of renewables as well as rising energy demand has posed significant problems to the energy system’s economical and flexible operation. As a renewable energy generation technology, concentrating solar power (CSP) with thermal energy storage (TES) offers a promising approach …

Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells – Incorporation of CaZrO3 into calcium-based heat carriers for efficient solar thermochemical energy storage

Abstract Calcium-based materials (CaCO3/CaO) have shown significant potential for use in thermochemical energy storage systems for concentrated solar power generation due to their low-cost, high-energy storage efficiency, and operational temperature range. However, the energy storage performance of calcium-based heat carriers degrades rapidly over cycles due to high-temperature sintering, limiting practical applications. In this study, we …

Published at Renewable Energy – Feasibility study: Economic and technical analysis of optimal configuration and operation of a hybrid CSP/PV/wind power cogeneration system with energy storage

Abstract: In this study, a hybrid photovoltaic-wind-concentrated solar power renewable energy system and two cogeneration models are proposed. Evaluation criteria are employed, including the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and the loss of power supply probability (LPSP). The optimal configuration and dynamic dispatch strategy of the hybrid system are determined through multi-objective optimization using the …

Published at Energy – Analysis of heat and mass transfer in a porous solar thermochemical reactor

IMAGE©Synhelion – solar heat for industry Abstract: Solar thermochemistry shows great potential as a viable solution for addressing the challenge of energy storage. The design of the reactor is still challenging the development and rapid upscaling of solar thermal conversion and storage processes. This study presents a novel reactor capable of gas reheating and develops …

Published at Energy Conversion and Management – Research progress on metal oxide oxygen carrier materials for two-step solar thermochemical cycles in the last five years

Full-size image Abstract: In the evolving landscape of sustainable energy solutions, the approach of two-step solar thermochemical cycles assumes a position of paramount importance. Metal oxide oxygen carriers, integral to the functioning of these cycles, play a pivotal role in harnessing solar energy for the production of CO and H2 through two-step chemical reactions involving …

SolarPACES Conference 2024 – First Announcement and Call for Papers

SolarPACES 2024 First Announcement SolarPACES (Solar Power and Chemical Energy Systems) is pleased to announce the 2024 Conference to be held from October 8-11, 2024, in Rome, Italy. SolarPACES is the premier international network advancing research, development, and commercial deployment of concentrating solar thermal technologies. This year, we will be in Italy, where history and modernity go hand in …

Published at Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research – Solar Thermochemical Production of Syngas from H2O and CO2─Experimental Parametric Study, Control, and Automation

Abstract: We report on an experimental parametric study performed on a modular and fully automated solar fuel system for the solar-driven thermochemical splitting of CO2 and H2O. Concentrated solar energy is used as the source of high-temperature process heat for effecting a ceria-based redox cycle, producing syngas with a tailored H2/CO ratio. We determine the influence …

Published at Applied Energy – A review of solar thermochemical cycles for fuel production

Abstract: Solar-driven CO2/H2O splitting via a two-step solar thermochemical cycle is a promising approach for fuel production and carbon neutrality to address the intermittent instability and low energy density of solar energy while taking advantage of its clean and nonpolluting nature. However, current experimental efficiencies are still below theoretical levels due to various limitations such …

China Solar Thermal Alliance has published the Blue Book of China’s Concentrating Solar Power Industry in 2023

The 2023 edition of China’s very detailed Blue Book updates the current status of China’s CSP development, with the enabling legislation listed by month and by province, and provides all the details of the operation of the eight CSP projects completed by the end of 2023. This includes the power prices and investment costs of …

DLR Research Position: Recycling potential of production units for solar fuels

PhD process engineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering or similar (f/m/x) Starting date immediately Duration of contract 3 years Remuneration up to German TVöD 13 Type of employment Part-time The vision of the DLR Institute for Future Fuels is to develop technological solutions that enable the cost-effective production of fuels, hydrogen, or even commodities in the …