Production of hydrogen from solar radiation at high efficiency
OwnerJohn Beavis Lasichinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Method and apparatus for producing hydrogen by conversion of solar energy into thermal and electrical energy for electrolysis of steam.
Claims18
A method of producing hydrogen by the electrolysis of steam, the method comprising, converting solar radiation into thermal energy and electrical energy, and using a part of the thermal energy to convert water into steam and to heat the steam to a temperature of at least 700.degree. C., and using the electrical energy and the remaining part of the thermal energy to operate an electrolysis cell to decompose the steam and to produce hydrogen and oxygen, with the thermal energy providing at least a part of the endothermic component of the electrolysis reaction and to significantly reduce the additional external electrical energy required to operate the electrolytic cell and increasing the efficiency of hydrogen production.
An apparatus for producing hydrogen by electrolysis comprising:
- an electrolysis cell having an inlet for steam and outlets for hydrogen, oxygen, and excess steam,
- means for separating solar radiation, by wavelength, into a first wavelength component and a second wavelength component, said first wavelength component being relatively shorter than said second wavelength component,
- electrical energy conversion means for receiving and converting said first (shorter) wavelength component into electrical energy, and
- thermal energy conversion means for receiving and converting said second (relatively longer) wavelength component into thermal energy,
- said electrical energy conversion means and said thermal energy conversion means being arranged in series or in parallel relationship for providing energy required for converting water into steam and for operating the electrolysis cell to decompose the steam into hydrogen and oxygen at high temperature of at least 700.degree.C.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.