Open-loop transport of solar energy using natural-gas networks
Conference
·
OSTI ID:6274230
This paper examines the feasibility of transporting solar energy via a thermochemical-energy process and natural-gas networks. The high-temperature solar energy from a central receiver is converted to chemical-bond energy by steam reforming of natural gas to synthesis gas: HEAT + CH/sub 4/ + H/sub 2/O ..-->.. CO + 3H/sub 2/. The synthesis gas is dehydrated and transported in the natural-gas pipeline. At the user end, the synthesis gas is methanated to produce synthetic natural gas (SNG) and to release the stored energy: CO + 3H/sub 2/ ..-->.. CH/sub 4/ + H/sub 2/O + HEAT. The recovered heat is used in an industrial park to produce 944 GJ/h (895 MBtu/h) of 4.14 MPa (600 psig), and 400/sup 0/C (750/sup 0/F) superheated steam which is piped to 10 equal-sized user facilities clustered in the industrial park. The SNG is distributed to natural-gas users. Two cases were examined - a new pipeline and an existing pipeline. The new pipeline must be 76 cm (30 in.) in diameter to carry the same fuel-gas energy using synthesis gas as is carried in a 51-cm (20-in.) natural-gas line. The synthesis gas system is more efficient than molten-draw-salt energy transport for transport distances greater than about 50 km (30 miles). The solar system with transport is cost-effective compared with residual-oil or natural-gas-fired boilers. In the second case, an existing 76-cm line, pipeline operations both at capacity and at half-capacity with natural-gas transmission were considered. For an existing line operating near capacity, there is a negative incentive to carry solar energy via synthesis gas, because the total energy flow decreases significantly relative to natural gas. If the existing line is operating at half-capacity or less prior to conversion, there is then an incentive to transport solar energy via synthesis gas. This case, then, becomes more cost-effective than a new pipeline.
- Research Organization:
- Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-77CH00178
- OSTI ID:
- 6274230
- Report Number(s):
- SERI/TP-234-1816; CONF-830622-6; ON: DE83009104
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Open-loop transport of solar energy using natural gas networks
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· Proc. Annu. Meet. - Am. Sect. Int. Sol. Energy Soc.; (United States)
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OSTI ID:5060516
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Related Subjects
08 HYDROGEN
080103 -- Hydrogen-- Production-- Steam Reformer Processes
14 SOLAR ENERGY
140505* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photochemical
Photobiological
& Thermochemical Conversion-- (1980-)
140905
CENTRAL RECEIVERS
CHEMICAL HEAT PIPES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COST
ENERGY
HEAT
HEAT PIPES
METHANATION
PIPELINES
PROCESS HEAT
REFORMER PROCESSES
SOLAR PROCESS HEAT
SOLAR RECEIVERS
STEAM REFORMER PROCESSES
080103 -- Hydrogen-- Production-- Steam Reformer Processes
14 SOLAR ENERGY
140505* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photochemical
Photobiological
& Thermochemical Conversion-- (1980-)
140905
CENTRAL RECEIVERS
CHEMICAL HEAT PIPES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COST
ENERGY
HEAT
HEAT PIPES
METHANATION
PIPELINES
PROCESS HEAT
REFORMER PROCESSES
SOLAR PROCESS HEAT
SOLAR RECEIVERS
STEAM REFORMER PROCESSES