Novel solar technologies and SOEC integration for synthetic fuels

Project Description

In its 2030 goals, the EU is strongly pushing on renewable energy sources (RES) as well as on alternative fuels to increase the EU fuel independency. The achievement of this goal is only possible if several technologies and processes are integrated and developed further. Such is the case of concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies, hydrogen production via solid oxide electrolyser cells (SOEC), and solar photovoltaics (PV). These three technologies have been constantly developing during the last years and are seen as part of the solution for a less carbon-intensive energy sector. In CSP applications, the developments in materials and designs allow for higher temperature operation. These high temperatures (700-900°C) are suitable for high temperature electrolysis processes via SOEC. In the hydrogen production sector, SOECs are getting less expensive and its operation more stable. Additionally, high temperature electrolysis systems can be coupled to synthetic fuels (e.g. methanol) production units and make for more efficient systems thanks to wasted heat utilization. Additionally, PV systems’ costs have experienced an important reduction thanks to its high penetration and are a suitable electricity source for plants like the one proposed in this project.

The objective of this project is to develop - and apply to a case study – a techno-economic model to evaluate the feasibility of a solar fuel plant. This plant would consist on a CSP tower (heat source) using air as heat transfer fluid and packed bed system for thermal energy storage. Coupled to the tower there would be a SOEC system integrated with a methanol production unit. Additionally, a PV system (with a storage solution) will provide the electricity required by the SOEC and the methanation process. Such model could be built upon already existing CSP models in DYESOPT (a KTH in-house modeling tool for thermal systems design and performance evaluation), or in any other tool/software that is suitable for such end.

Specific objectives of this thesis are:

• To perform a literature review on high temperature CSP air systems; packed bed storage solutions, high temperature hydrogen generation, and synthetic fuels markets and production.
• To define relevant key performance indicators for assessing the system’s technical, economic and environmental performance.
• To develop a techno-economic model of the plant.
• To determine the most suitable integration option (CSP + SOEC + SynFuel)
• To evaluate the techno-economic performance of the proposed layout under different market and boundary conditions.

Main Deliverables

The main deliverables of the project include:

• Final thesis report and presentation of the project.
• Flexible techno-economic models: model scripts and user guidelines / instructions.

Duration

The project should start in January 2022 the latest, with a duration of 6 months.
Specific earlier starting date to be discussed.

Location

KTH - Energy Technology Department.

Contact persons

Main supervisor

Supervisor and contact person 

Examiner