With the increasing consumption of fossil fuels and the growing concern over global warming, the synthesis of green fuels using solar energy has become a focal research topic for scientists. Currently, there are two main ways to convert solar energy into fixed fuels:
(1) Direct use of photocatalysts to decompose water and produce hydrogen under light.
(2) Converting solar energy into heat or electricity and then coupling it with other technologies to produce green fuels.
Converting solar energy into electricity through solar panels and using that electricity for water electrolysis to produce hydrogen is considered a highly efficient approach in current solar energy utilization. The team led by Academician Li Can from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, proposed the "Hydrogen Farm" project in the journal "Angew" in the paper titled "A Hydrogen Farm Strategy for Scalable Solar Hydrogen Production with Particulate Photocatalysts." The project aims to convert solar energy into methanol fuel, achieving STC (Solar-to-Chemical) > 1.9% and STH (Solar-to-Hydrogen) > 1.8%.
To promote the construction of the "Hydrogen Farm" project and further explore the research and development of the coupling of photovoltaic power generation and electrocatalysis for the preparation of green fuels, Poefile Technology has launched the PLR-PVERS series Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Reaction System.
The PLR-PVERS series Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Reaction System consists of photovoltaic equipment, customized catalytic reactors, circulation systems, monitoring and control systems, support frames, collection and emission systems, and associated equipment.
The catalytic reactor is divided into a pure electrocatalytic reactor and a photoelectrocatalytic reactor with a light window, aiming to build a photovoltaic + photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production reaction device. It achieves the photoelectrochemical (PEC) catalytic decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen under acidic and alkaline conditions, with a catalytic hydrogen production efficiency of up to 10 L/h, meeting outdoor use requirements.
Real-time tracking system, maximizing solar light utilization
The PLR-PVERS series Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Reaction System is equipped with a photovoltaic panel with an irradiance detector to measure the photovoltaic irradiance in real-time. It adjusts the tilt angle of the photovoltaic panel based on irradiance to maximize the photovoltaic panel's light energy utilization.
Plate reactor structure, improving electrocatalytic reaction efficiency
The PLR-PVERS series Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Reaction System configures the reactor as a plate-type structure, significantly increasing the surface area of the electrode catalytic material compared to a volumetric tank-type electrolytic cell. This allows the catalyst to more effectively contact the reactants;
The thin-layer structure reduces the thickness of the solution layer, reduces uneven distribution of reactants due to low diffusion rates, reduces the occurrence of side reactions, and improves product selectivity;
The flow system can increase the transfer rate of electrons and protons during the catalytic process, improving reaction rates.
Flexible reactor design, meeting reactions at different scales and conditions
The plate structure of the PLR-PVERS series Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Reaction System can be quickly expanded and optimized as needed. Reactor sizes can be selected as 5×5, 10×10, 15×15, 20×20, 25×25 cm2, and can also be customized, matching corresponding photovoltaic power supply systems, monitoring and control systems, and circulation systems to meet yield and efficiency requirements at different scales and conditions.
A photoelectrocatalytic reactor with a light window can also be customized, with a light-receiving area of up to 625 cm2 (25 cm×25 cm). The catalyst's light-receiving area is larger during the reaction process, and the reactor's angle can be adjusted in real-time to improve the catalyst's light efficiency.
Multi-functional monitoring system to ensure safe and controllable large-scale hydrogen production
The PLR-PVERS series Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Reaction System can real-time monitor parameters such as irradiance intensity, voltage, current, hydrogen production, pH value, and temperature. This allows for adjusting reaction conditions and optimizing reaction results.
Graded circulating power system to ensure timely separation of reaction efficiency and products
The PLR-PVERS series Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Reaction System uses a miniature pump to drive liquid flow, ensuring full contact between the reaction solution and the electrode. At the same time, a gas pump is configured at the product end to promptly separate and collect the gaseous products generated during the reaction from the liquid, effectively improving circulation efficiency and reaction efficiency.
▲ Particularly suitable ● Moderately suitable ○ Can be used
▲ Photoelectrolysis for hydrogen and oxygen production demonstration
● Small-scale water electrolysis for experimental verification of methods and process conditions
| Electrocatalytic Reaction System | Photoelectrocatalytic Reaction System | |||
| Electrode Size |
|
|
||
| Power Output | Voltage | 0 ~ 12 V | ||
| Current | 0 ~ 80 A | 0 ~ 20 A | ||
| Current Density | 50 mA/cm2 | 20 mA/cm2 | ||
| Proton Exchange Membrane |
|
|||
| Reactor Size | 380 mm × 350 mm × 50 mm | |||
| System Size | Length × Width × Height | 900 mm×700 mm×970 mm (Exhaust pipe is removable, excluding exhaust pipe) | ||
| Footprint | Approximately 1 m2 | |||
| Total Weight | Approximately 50 kg | Approximately 38 kg | ||
| Angle Adjustment Range | 0~90°, adjustable every 10° | 0~60°, reactor and photovoltaic panel angle adjustment | ||
| Liquid Flow |
0.1~1 L/min |
|||
| Temperature Range | 10~60°C, (customizable for high-temperature models) | |||
