Invention:
This invention is a novel apparatus and method for powering high-temperature chemical reactions, such as calcination, using a solar powered reactor for direct air capture (DAC) of CO2. The system features a tower-mounted reactor positioned above a field of twisting heliostats, which concentrate sunlight into a thermally insulated chamber. Within the chamber, sunlight is converted into thermal radiation to drive endothermic reactions in radially arranged processing tubes. The reactor is equipped with mechanisms for controlled feeding of solid reactants, gas collection, and solid product retrieval, ensuring efficient energy utilization and minimal resource waste. This is specifically for powering high temperature chemical reactions using solar energy, targeting it with heliostat technology.
Background:
Currently, 40 billion tons of CO2 are burned per year with an accumulated excess of 1 trillion tons of CO2 in the atmosphere. High-temperature chemical reactions, such as calcination in cement production or other industrial processes, typically rely on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Solar thermal technologies have emerged as a promising alternative, but existing systems often struggle with inefficiencies in light capture, thermal conversion, and reactant processing. This invention addresses these challenges by employing a field of twisting heliostats to achieve precise sunlight focus, paired with an innovative reactor design for optimized heat distribution and reaction control. This technology is a step towards eliminating global climate change, which is a global priority.
Applications:
- Concentrated solar power
- CO2 sequestering
- Solar powered reactor
- Direct air capture
- CO2 burial
Advantages:
- Atmospheric CO2 removal
- Renewable energy utilization
- Climate-conscious energy advancement
