Thermochemical conversion of solar energy by steam reforming of methane

G. De Maria, C.A. Tiberio, L. D'Alessio, M. Piccirilli, E. Coffari and M. Paolucci

Energy, 1986, vol. 11, issue 8, 805-810

Abstract: In synthesis-gas-production plants, the reforming of hydrocarbons usually takes place at operating temperatures that are readily available in solar furnaces. A description is given here of experimental research into the feasibility of performing the endothermic reaction CH4 + H2O → CO + 3H2 by means of solar energy. A new design solar reformer prototype has been tested in the small solar furnace operating at the University of Rome. Reactions, carried out at atmospheric pressure and at temperatures ranging from 680–750 °C, show that conversions as high as 80% of equilibrium are obtainable. The heat of combustion of the reformed gas is 20% higher than that of the CH4, which means that about 30% of the focused solar energy is stored chemically.

Date: 1986
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:11:y:1986:i:8:p:805-810

DOI: 10.1016/0360-5442(86)90019-8

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