Solar Thermochemical Energy Conversion

In this chapter, an overview of solar energy systems utilized for thermochemical energy conversing processes are presented, covering the information from fundamentals to advanced cycles and from applications to case studies. In addition, numerous thermochemical cycles are included for discussion and evaluation, and among these cycles, sulfur iodine, copper chlorine, and magnesium chlorine thermochemical cycles are selected for further analyses and assessments. The discussion proceeds from single-step thermochemical water-splitting processes, to two-step and multistep processes, followed by introduction of hybrid cycles. Furthermore, multiple processes for solar-to-useful commodities conversion are defined, illustrated, and discussed in this chapter. Moreover, two case studies using solar thermochemical cycles are presented for multigeneration purposes.