Performance predictions for solar-chemical converters based on photoelectrochemical I-V curves
Texas Instruments' solar energy system contains a solar-chemical converter (SCC) which converts solar energy into chemical energy via the electrolysis of hydrobromic acid (HBr) into hydrogen (H/sub 2/) and bromine (Br/sub 2/). Previous predictions of SCC performance have employed electrical dry-probe data and a computer simulation model to predict the H/sub 2/ generation rates. The method of prediction described here makes use of the photoelectrochemical Icurves to determine the ''wet'' probe parameters of V /SUB oc/ J /SUB sc/ FF, and efficiency for anodes and cathodes. The advantages of this technique over the dry-probe/computer simulation method are discussed. A comparison of predicted and measured H/sub 2/ generation rates is presented. Solar to chemical efficiencies of 8.6% have been both predicted and measured for the electrolysis of 48% HBr to hydrogen and bromine by a full anode/cathode array. Individual cathode solar to hydrogen efficiencies of 9.5% have been obtained.
- Research Organization:
- Texas Instruments, Incorporated, Dallas, Texas
- OSTI ID:
- 5244269
- Journal Information:
- J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States), Vol. 132:6
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Electrode materials for hydrobromic acid electrolysis in Texas Instruments' solar chemical converter
Production of hydrogen from renewable resources. Final subcontract report
Related Subjects
08 HYDROGEN
HYDROBROMIC ACID
PHOTOELECTROLYSIS
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION
PHOTOELECTROLYTIC CELLS
PERFORMANCE
BROMINE
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
PRODUCTION
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROLYSIS
ELECTROLYTIC CELLS
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
HALOGENS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INORGANIC ACIDS
LYSIS
NONMETALS
PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
SIMULATION
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
140505* - Solar Energy Conversion- Photochemical
Photobiological
& Thermochemical Conversion- (1980-)
080101 - Hydrogen- Production- Electrolysis