Numéro |
J. Phys. IV France
Volume 09, Numéro PR3, March 1999
Proceedings of the 9th SolarPACES International Symposium on Solar Thermal Concentrating TechnologiesSTCT 9 |
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Page(s) | Pr3-313 - Pr3-318 | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:1999348 |
Proceedings of the 9th SolarPACES International Symposium on Solar Thermal Concentrating Technologies
STCT 9
J. Phys. IV France 09 (1999) Pr3-313-Pr3-318
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:1999348
High-Temperature Solar Technology, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
© EDP Sciences 1999
STCT 9
J. Phys. IV France 09 (1999) Pr3-313-Pr3-318
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:1999348
Solar thermal production of zinc : Program strategy and status of research
A. Weidenkaff, M. Brack, S. Möller, R. Palumbo and A. SteinfeldHigh-Temperature Solar Technology, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
Abstract
The solar thermal production of zinc is considered for the conversion of solar energy into storable and transportable chemical fuels. The ultimate objective is to develop a technically and economically viable technology that can produce solar zinc. The program strategy for achieving such goal involves research in two paths : a direct path via the solar thermal splitting of ZnO, and an indirect path via the solar carbothermal and CH4-thermal reduction of ZnO. The chemical thermodynamics and kinetics for both paths are briefly reviewed. A vortex-flow solar reactor for reducing ZnO with CH4 is also described. Solar tests conducted at PSI solar furnaces in the temperature range 1000-1600 K yielded high chemical conversion to zinc.
© EDP Sciences 1999