Optimization of solar powered hydrogen production using photovoltaic electrolysis devices

Gibson, Thomas L.; Kelly, Nelson A.

doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2008.05.106

Cited by 230 publications

(119 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…The low efficiency of the PV electrolysis (~2-6%) prevents its use for large-scale hydrogen production. 137 Low solar energy density, variations in energy content of solar radiation, low operating current density, and expensive and unstable electrode materials make large-scale application of PV electrolysis infeasible at this stage. 138 PEC cells, also known as dye-sensitized solar cells or Grätzel cells, 139 are based on the sensitization of wide band gap semiconductors by dyes capable of using solar energy (i.e., visible light).…”

Section: Future Trendsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis

Santos¹,

Sequeira²,

Figueiredo³

2013

Quím. Nova

389

226

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Recebido em 13/12/12; aceito em 28/5/13; publicado na web em 17/7/13Water electrolysis is one of the simplest methods used for hydrogen production. It has the advantage of being able to produce hydrogen using only renewable energy. To expand the use of water electrolysis, it is mandatory to reduce energy consumption, cost, and maintenance of current electrolyzers, and, on the other hand, to increase their efficiency, durability, and safety. In this study, modern technologies for hydrogen production by water electrolysis have been investigated. In this article, the electrochemical fundamentals of alkaline water electrolysis are explained and the main process constraints (e.g., electrical, reaction, and transport) are analyzed. The historical background of water electrolysis is described, different technologies are compared, and main research needs for the development of water electrolysis technologies are discussed.

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Section: Future Trendsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis

Santos¹,

Sequeira²,

Figueiredo³

2013

Quím. Nova

389

226

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Additionally, a DC-DC converter was used. The efficiency of the MPPT and the DC-DC converter were each assumed to be 95% (Gibson and Kelly, 2008).…”

Section: Csp Performance Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

Techno-economic modeling and optimization of solar-driven high-temperature electrolysis systems

Lin

Haussener

2017

Solar Energy

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a b s t r a c tWe present a techno-economic analysis of solar-driven high-temperature electrolysis systems used for the production of hydrogen and synthesis gas. We consider different strategies for the incorporation of solar energy, distinguished by the use of differing technologies to provide solar power and heat: (i) thermal approaches (system 1) using concentrated solar technologies to provide heat and to generate electricity through thermodynamic cycles, (ii) electrical approaches (system 2) using photovoltaic technologies to provide electricity and to generate heat through electrical heaters, and (iii) hybrid approaches (system 3) utilizing concentrated solar technologies and photovoltaics to provide heat and electricity, respectively. We find that system 3 generates hydrogen at a high efficiency (g STF = 9.9%, slightly lower than the best performing system 1 with 10.6%) and at a low cost (C fuel = $4.9/kg, lowest cost of all three systems) at reference conditions, providing evidence for the competitiveness of this hybrid approach for scaled solar hydrogen generation. Sensitivity analysis indicates an optimal working temperature for system 3 of 1350 K, which balances the increased thermal receiver losses with the reduced electrolysis cell potential when increasing the temperature. Lower working pressure always favors high system efficiency and low cost. The working current densities for thermoneutral voltage were determined for various temperature and pressure combinations, and trends for efficient and cost-effective thermoneutral operation were identified. The water conversion extent was optimized to avoid mass transport limitations in the electrodes while ensuring large fuel generation rates. For synthesis gas production, a H 2 /CO molar ratio of 2 can be achieved by tuning the inlet feeding molar ratio of CO 2 / H 2 O, temperature, and pressure. This study introduces a flexible simulation framework of solar-driven high-temperature electrolysis systems allowing for the assessment of competing solar integration approaches and for the guidance of the operational conditions maximizing efficiency and minimizing cost, providing pathways for scalable solar fuel processing.

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“…Laboratory-scale demonstrations of these systems have achieved remarkable performances. Systems based on III-V semiconductors have been developed and show efficiencies up to 18% STH using concentrated solar irradiation (19,35), whereas systems based on Si PV cells have achieved efficiencies above 10% (86)(87)(88)(89)(90)91). More recently, solution-processed perovskite-based PV components together with earth-abundant electrocatalysts have been used to drive the watersplitting reaction at high efficiency levels, up to 12.3% STH (92) (Figure 3c).…”

Section: Photovoltaics-driven Electrolysis Devicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Integrated Device View on Photo-Electrochemical Solar-Hydrogen Generation

Modestino

Haussener

2015

Annu. Rev. Chem. Biomol. Eng.

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Devices that directly capture and store solar energy have the potential to significantly increase the share of energy from intermittent renewable sources. Photo-electrochemical solar-hydrogen generators could become an important contributor, as these devices can convert solar energy into fuels that can be used throughout all sectors of energy. Rather than focusing on scientific achievement on the component level, this article reviews aspects of overall component integration in photo-electrochemical water-splitting devices that ultimately can lead to deployable devices. Throughout the article, three generalized categories of devices are considered with different levels of integration and spanning the range of complete integration by one-material photo-electrochemical approaches to complete decoupling by photovoltaics and electrolyzer devices. By using this generalized framework, we describe the physical aspects, device requirements, and practical implications involved with developing practical photo-electrochemical water-splitting devices. Aspects reviewed include macroscopic coupled multiphysics device models, physical device demonstrations, and economic and life cycle assessments, providing the grounds to draw conclusions on the overall technological outlook.

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Optimization of solar powered hydrogen production using photovoltaic electrolysis devices

Cited by 230 publications

References 12 publications

Hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis

Hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis

Techno-economic modeling and optimization of solar-driven high-temperature electrolysis systems

An Integrated Device View on Photo-Electrochemical Solar-Hydrogen Generation

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