Evaluation of a Sabatier Reaction Utilizing Hydrogen Produced by Concentrator Photovoltaic Modules under Outdoor Conditions

Abstract

Power to gas (P2G) process chains have tremendous potential to enhance energy systems because of the capability of solar energy to convert solar radiation into electrical energy as well as the increasing use of specific gases as a means to store the resulting energy. Utilizing sunlight, photovoltaic systems are capable of producing useful gases such as hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4). These gases are utilized in gas grids, transportation, and heavy industry. In employing a sunlight-derived gas, H2 production, by water disbanding, needs to be cost-effective with tremendous adaptability. New powerful solar to gas conversion system modules have been successfully carried out in the University of Miyazaki, Japan. These systems contain DC/DC converters and electrolyzer sets linked in parallel with efficient three concentrator photovoltaics (CPV). The performance of the solar to methane conversion process and power consumption analysis will be the focus of the current research. Efficiencies of 97.6% of CO2 to CH4 conversion and 13.8% for solar to methane on a clear sunny day were obtained by utilizing highly efficient CPV modules connected with multiple converters, electrochemical cells, and reactors fixed with Ni-based catalysts.

Keywords

• concentrator photovoltaic
• DC/DC converter
• hydrogen generation
• Ni-based catalyst
• proton exchange membrane electrolysis
• solar to gas