High Concentration Optical System for Solar Fuel Production via Cerium Oxide Thermochemical Cycle

The integration of solar energy into hydrogen fuel production marks a key step towards sustainable energy. This study, which is part of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action called “TOPCSP”, aims to optimize the design of a concentrated solar power system tailored for high-temperature applications such as thermochemical cycles for hydrogen production. The system features a point-focus tower with compound parabolic concentrators as secondary concentrator to maximize solar radiation capture and to minimize receiver thermal losses, enhancing the efficiency of the solar-to-fuel conversion. Hydrogen is produced through a two-step thermochemical cycle using non-stoichiometric ceria, designed for high efficiency and scalability. Through theoretical modeling and simulations, this work presents an optimal optical configuration that boosts hydrogen production rates and reduces overall system costs.