Solar Thermal Energy Utilization: German Studies on Technology and Application. Volume 3: Solar Thermal Energy for Chemical Processes

754 Pages·1987·23.67 MB·English

DEUTSCHE FORSCHUNGS- UNO VERSUCHSANSTALT
FOR LUFT- UNO RAUMFAHRT E.V. (DFVLR)
SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY
UTILIZATION
German Studies on Technology and Application
Editor: M. Becker
Volume3:
SolarThermal Energy for Chemical Processes
EXIRA
MATERIALS
extras.springer.com
Springer-Verlag
Berlin Heidelberg GmbH 1987
Dr.-lng. Manfred Becker
Hauptabteilung Energietechnik der
Deutschen Forschungs-und Versuchsanstalt fi..ir Luft-und Raumfahrt e. V. (DFVLR), Kbln
Additional material to this book can be downloaded from http://extras.springer.com
ISBN 978-3-540-18032-6 ISBN 978-3-662-09933-9 (eBook)
DOI 10.1007/978-3-662-09933-9
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Preface
The energy crisis in 1973 and 1979 initiated a great number of
activities and programs for low and high temperature applica
tion of solar energy. Synthetic fuels and chemicals produced by
solar energy is one of them, where temperatures in the range of
600-1000°C or even higher are needed. In principle such high
temperatures can be produced in solar towers. For electricity
production, the feasibility and operation of solar tower plants
has been examined during the SSPS - project (Small Solar Power
System) in Almeria, Spain.
The objective of Solar Thermal Energy Utilization is to extend
the experience from the former SSPS - program in to the field
of solar produced synthetic fuels. New materials and technolo
gies have to be developed in order to research this goal.
Metallic components now in use for solar receivers need to be
improved with respect to transient operation or possibly
replaced by ceramics. High temperature processes, like
steam-methane reforming, coal conversion and hydrogen produc
tion need to be developed or at least adapted for the unconven
tional solar operation. Therefore Solar Thermal Energy Utiliza
tion is a long term program, which needs time for its develop
ment much more time than the intervals expected in between
further energy crisis. The "Studies on Technology and Applica
tion on Solar Energy Utilization" is a necessary step in the
right direction in order to prepare for the energy problems in
the future.
Prof. Dr. H. F. Knoche
Rheinisch-Westfalische Technische Hochschule Aachen,
Federal Republic of Germany
v
SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY UTILIZATION
German Studies on Technology and Application
Volume 3: Solar Thermal Energy for Chemical Processes
Contents
Page
Steam Reforming of Methane Utilizing Solar Heat 1
W.O. Muller, Lurgi, Frankfurt
Solar Steam Reforming of Methane (SSRM) 179
Program Proposals
A. Kalt, DFVLR, Koln
Solar Steam Reforming of Methane - Program Proposals - 195
U. Leuchs, Interatom, Bergisch-Gladbach
Comparative Investigations and Ratings of Different 251
Solar Systems Using Tubular Steam Reformers
w. D. Muller, Lurgi, Frankfurt and
H. Fuhrmann, MAN-Technologie GmbH, Munchen
Process Synthesis of a Gasification Process 547
Modified for High Solar Energy Integration
G. Birke, R. Reimert, Lurgi, Frankfurt
Utilization of Solar Energy for Hydrogen Production 621
by High Temperature Electrolysis of Steam
E. Erdle, J. Gro~, V. Meyringer,
Dornier, Friedrichshafen.
Index of Authors 763
VI
Volume 1: General Investigations on Energy Availability
Yearly Yield of Solar CRS-Process Heat and Temperature
of Reaction, P. Koepke, H. Quenzel, R. Sizmann,
Universitat-Munchen
Literature Survey in the Field of Primary and Secondary
Concentrating Solar Energy Systems Concerning the Choice
and Manufacturing Process of Suitable Materials,
A. Grychta, J. Kaufmann, P. Lippert, G. Lensch,
NU-Tech, Neumunster
Considerations and Proposals for Future Research and
Development of High Temperature Solar Processes,
F. Boese, P.E. Huber, H.W. Kappler, J. Lammers,
Motor Columbus, Stuttgart
Volume 2:. Technologies of Heat Exchangers
(Receiver/Reformer) and Storage
Volumetric Ceramic Receiver Cooled by Open Air Flow
- Feasibility Study -, K. Freudenstein, B. Karnowsky
Interatom, Bergisch-Gladbach
A Multistage Steam Reformer Utilizing Solar Heat,
W. Jager, U. Leuchs, W. Siebert,
Interatom, Bergisch-Gladbach
Layout of High Temperature Solid Heat Storages,
H. Kalfa, Chr. Streuber, Didier, Wiesbaden
Expert Opinion and Co-operation in the Development
Program High Temperature Storage Tank, Th.J. Bohn,
K. Werner, W. Bitterlich, F.J. Josfeld, Uni-Essen GHS
VII
PART I
(LURGI)
STEAM REFORMING OF METHANE UTILIZING
SOLAR HEAT
W,D, MULLER
LURGI, FRANKFURT
Contents
Steam Reforming of Methan Utilizing Solar Heat (Part I)
Purpose of Study and First Conclusions 4
2 Investigation of Overall Systems 7
3 Concepts of Solar Energy Coupling 10
4 Description of Various Reforming Systems 13
Including Tables I to IV
5 Conceptual Design of Reactors 30
6 Receiver Designs and Heat Carrier Systems 33
(MAN-Report)
7 Testing of a Concept at Almeria, Spain 63
8 Conclusions 64
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1. PURPOSE OF STUDY AND FIRST CONCLUSIONS
There is a worldwide interest to use solar energy
to save or substitute fossil material, which is taken
as fuel or chemical feedstock in present technologies.
Among the possibilities, which are studied in detail for
such substitution of fossil energy by solar energy,
the reforming of methane with water vapour may have
a good chance for application as this process pre
dominantly is used for the production of several basic
materials in chemistry, as ammonia, methanol and hydro
gen. This process needs as endothermic reaction a high
portion of energy for firing, which may be substituted
by solar energy.
Among the possibilities to introduce such solar
radiation to the pDocess there are two basic modes:
an integrated and a separated solution.
In the integrated solution catalyst containing re
forming tubes are direct·ly radiated by the (reflected)
solar energy. Solar receiver and chemical reformer
form an integrated unit.
In the separated solution the (reflected) solar energy
is heating up in tne solar receiver any heat carrying
medium, which is recycled, and which on its part is
heating the chemical reactor, which may be arranged
separate from the receiver.
It was the purpose of this study to generate data that
would allow a preselection of a system, i.e. integrated
or separated solution, which is being thought to be
superior to the other and which should be further
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