How do you design a solar thermal reactor for CO2 reduction?

2 Reactor material

The next step is to select the material that can withstand the high temperatures, pressures, and corrosive environments of the solar thermal reactor. The material should also have good thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and chemical stability. Some common materials used for solar thermal reactors are ceramics, such as alumina, zirconia, or silicon carbide, or metals, such as stainless steel, nickel, or iron alloys.

3 Reactor geometry

The third step is to design the geometry of the reactor that optimizes the solar radiation absorption, the reaction kinetics, and the heat and mass transfer. The geometry should also minimize the heat losses, the pressure drops, and the parasitic power consumption. Some factors that affect the reactor geometry are the shape, size, orientation, and configuration of the reactor components, such as the aperture, the cavity, the catalyst bed, or the heat exchanger.

4 Reactor operation

The fourth step is to determine the operating conditions of the reactor that achieve the desired performance and efficiency. The operating conditions include the temperature, pressure, concentration, and flow rate of the reactants and products, as well as the solar irradiance and the concentration ratio of the solar concentrator. The operating conditions should also account for the variations in the solar input, the ambient conditions, and the reactor dynamics.

5 Reactor testing

The fifth step is to test the reactor in a laboratory or a field setting to evaluate its functionality, reliability, and safety. The testing should measure the key parameters, such as the solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency, the fuel yield and quality, the heat losses and gains, the reaction rates and selectivity, and the emissions and byproducts. The testing should also identify and resolve any technical issues, such as leaks, cracks, clogging, or fouling.

6 Reactor scaling

The final step is to scale up the reactor from a prototype to a commercial scale, taking into account the economic, environmental, and social factors. The scaling should consider the cost, availability, and durability of the materials and components, the integration and compatibility of the reactor with other systems, such as the solar concentrator, the fuel storage and distribution, or the grid connection, and the impact and benefits of the reactor on the climate, energy security, and society.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?