Modelling and development of photoelectrochemical reactor for H2 production

Carver, C.; Ulissi, Zachary W.; Ong, C. K.; Dennison, Stephen; Kelsall, G. H.; Hellgardt, Klaus

doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.07.012

Cited by 78 publications

(72 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…35 The most commonly used membrane material is peruoro-sulfonic acid (PFSA), available commercially as NaonÒ. 36 Staffell and Ingram 37 estimated the primary energy requirement for producing PFSA membranes to be 16 times higher than for producing polyethylene.…”

Section: Membrane Fabricationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Net primary energy balance of a solar-driven photoelectrochemical water-splitting device

Zhai

Haussener

Ager

et al. 2013

Energy Environ. Sci.

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A fundamental requirement for a renewable energy generation technology is that it should produce more energy during its lifetime than is required to manufacture it. In this study we evaluate the primary energy requirements of a prospective renewable energy technology, solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) production of hydrogen from water. Using a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, we evaluate the primary energy requirements for upstream raw material preparation and fabrication under a range of assumptions of processes and materials. As the technology is at a very early stage of research and development, the analysis has considerable uncertainties. We consider and analyze three cases that we believe span a relevant range of primary energy requirements: 1550 MJ m À2 (lower case), 2110 MJ m À2(medium case), and 3440 MJ m À2 (higher case). We then use the medium case primary energy requirement to estimate the net primary energy balance (energy produced minus energy requirement) of the PEC device, which depends on device performance, e.g. longevity and solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency. We consider STH efficiency ranging from 3% to 10% and longevity ranging from 5 to 30 years to assist in setting targets for research, development and future commercialization. For example, if STH efficiency is 3%, the longevity must be at least 8 years to yield a positive net energy. A sensitivity analysis shows that the net energy varies significantly with different assumptions of STH efficiency, longevity and thermo-efficiency of fabrication. Material choices for photoelectrodes or catalysts do not have a large influence on primary energy requirements, though less abundant materials like platinum may be unsuitable for large scale-up. Broader contextLong term concerns about climate change and fossil fuel depletion will require a transition towards energy systems powered by solar radiation or other renewable sources. Existing solar energy systems have critical constraints that may limit their scale-up, such as land-use requirements for biomass-based systems, and lack of inexpensive large-scale storage options for photovoltaic electricity. A solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting device could generate storable chemical fuel (hydrogen) directly from water and sunlight. The global research attention on PEC technology and its application has been increasing in recent years. However, a fundamental requirement for a renewable energy generation technology is that it should produce more energy during its lifetime than is required to manufacture it. No such net energy analysis of PEC devices has been published to date. In this study we use a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to evaluate the primary energy requirements for production of PEC devices, and present net energy results under a range of assumptions of fabrication processes, materials, solar-to-hydrogen efficiency and device longevity.

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Section: Membrane Fabricationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Net primary energy balance of a solar-driven photoelectrochemical water-splitting device

Zhai

Haussener

Ager

et al. 2013

Energy Environ. Sci.

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“…[13][14][15] On the PEC system level, models of the coupled charge and species conservation, fluid flow and electrochemical reactions were recently developed. 16,17 The latter studies revealed how PEC systems should be designed with minimal resistive losses and low crossover of hydrogen and oxygen by use of a non-permeable separator.…”

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confidence: 99%

Calculation of the Energy Band Diagram of a Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Cell

et al. 2014

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“…On the other hand, electronic transport can be limiting when electrodes are based on transparent conducting oxides such as indium-or fluorine-doped tin oxide. Such back contacts have low conductivity and fail even at dimensions of a few cm 2 [47].…”

Section: Engineering Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Solar Hydrogen Reaching Maturity

Rongé

Bosserez

Huguenin

et al. 2015

Oil Gas Sci. Technol. – Rev. IFP Energies nouvelles

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-Increasingly vast research efforts are devoted to the development of materials and processes for solar hydrogen production by light-driven dissociation of water into oxygen and hydrogen. Storage of solar energy in chemical bonds resolves the issues associated with the intermittent nature of sunlight, by decoupling energy generation and consumption. This paper investigates recent advances and prospects in solar hydrogen processes that are reaching market readiness. Future energy scenarios involving solar hydrogen are proposed and a case is made for systems producing hydrogen from water vapor present in air, supported by advanced modeling.Résumé -L'hydrogène solaire arrive à maturité -Des efforts toujours plus importants sont consacrés au développement de matériaux et de processus permettant la production d'hydrogène par dissociation d'eau utilisant l'énergie solaire. Le stockage d'énergie solaire par voie chimique résout les problèmes associés à la nature intermittente de cette ressource. La génération et la consommation d'énergie sont ainsi découplées. Cet article examine les récents progrès obtenus sur les processus permettant la production d'hydrogène solaire prêts pour commercialisation. Il propose également des scénarios énergétiques innovants utilisant l'hydrogène solaire. Enfin, un dispositif permettant la production d'hydrogène utilisant la vapeur d'eau présente dans l'air ambiant est étudié avec l'appui de la modélisation numérique.

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Modelling and development of photoelectrochemical reactor for H2 production

Cited by 78 publications

References 26 publications

Net primary energy balance of a solar-driven photoelectrochemical water-splitting device

Net primary energy balance of a solar-driven photoelectrochemical water-splitting device

Calculation of the Energy Band Diagram of a Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Cell

Solar Hydrogen Reaching Maturity

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