The Photochemical Heat Pipe

• The performance of a solar collector system for high temperature heat delivery based on a photochromic reaction is discussed. The system consists of a non-focusing collector and a reactor integrated into a flow system. In the collector, kept close to ambient temperature, the chemical potential of the photochromic system is increased through an endothermic photochemical reaction and is used to drive the reverse thermal reaction taking place in the reactor at a high temperature. No separation of the photoproducts is involved. Accordingly, the highest temperature at which heat can be delivered from the reactor is determined by the maximum attainable photostationary state in the collector and not, as in a conventional flat-plate collector, by heat-loss from the collector to the surroundings. Accordingly, the highest temperature at which heat can be delivered from the reactor is determined by the maximum attainable photostationary state in the collector and not, as in a conventional flat-plate collector, by heat-loss from the collector to the surroundings. The functioning of the device is exemplified by calculations for a model system utilizing the photodissociation of gaseous nitrosylchloride. The results show that it should be possible to build a system which, on a clear day, delivers about 100 W heat at temperature above 200°C for each m2 collector area. A tenfold reduction in the radiation flux density of the incident light will only slightly reduce output efficiency.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Naturresursteknik -- Annan naturresursteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Environmental Engineering -- Other Environmental Engineering (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Environmental engineering

Miljöteknik

Environmental technology

Miljöteknik

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)