Second Law Analysis of a Solar Methane Reforming System

AbstractIn this paper, we present the results of a Second Law analysis of a highly efficient, solar thermochemical reaction system for the production of syngas using micro- and meso-channel process technology. The evaluation includes the initial conversion of solar energy/exergy into physical energy/exergy and its subsequent conversion into chemical energy/exergy through the catalytic, endothermic reforming reaction, including quantifications of exergy destruction for components and the overall system. Possible applications include the combustion of the product syngas in a hybrid, solar/natural gas power plant, providing an efficient solar augment to the natural gas fuel; the thermochemical storage of solar energy, as part of an open or closed-cycle storage process; the production of hydrogen for use in fuel cells and for other purposes; and the production of synthetic fuels such as methanol or long-chain hydrocarbons. The analyses show that the overall process is exergetically-efficient and consistent with First Law and economic analyses. Finally, opportunities for improving the exergetic efficiency of the process are identified and discusse