Concentrated Solar Receiver and Reaction Chambers for Hydrogen Production using Solar Energy

Case ID:
UA23-149
Invention:

This technology is a solar receiver tower that has a set of reciprocally rotatable chambers that receive different amounts of solar energy at the tower. This differentiates the temperatures of each chamber to house different stages of thermochemical reactions for hydrogen production. Using solar energy to produce hydrogen for fuel is a solution for long-term solar energy storage. 

Background:
The problem with current technologies for producing hydrogen fuel is that they are not sustainable, efficient, or cost-effective. Traditional hydrogen production methods, such as steam reforming and partial oxidation, rely on fossil fuels, which are finite and produce greenhouse gases during the production process. Other methods, such as electrolysis, are energy-intensive and require large amounts of electricity, making them costly and inefficient.

This technology addresses these issues by using solar energy to produce hydrogen. By utilizing the different temperatures of each chamber in the tower, the technology is able to produce hydrogen more efficiently and at a lower cost compared to traditional methods. Additionally, the use of solar energy makes the process sustainable and reduces the production of greenhouse gases.

Applications: 

  • Hydrogen production
  • Long-term solar energy storage


Advantages: 

  • Utilizes renewable and sustainable source of energy (solar)
  • Decreases reliance on finite fossil fuels for hydrogen production
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional hydrogen production methods
  • Increases efficiency and lowers costs compared to traditional hydrogen production methods
  • Offers a solution for long-term solar energy storage
  • Increases the feasibility and viability of using hydrogen as a fuel source
Patent Information:
Contact For More Information:
Tariq Ahmed
Sr Licensing Manager, College of Engineering
The University of Arizona
tariqa@tla.arizona.edu
Lead Inventor(s):
Peiwen Li
Keywords: