Analysis of Solar Heating Integration in a Liquid Metal Reactor for Hydrogen Production

Abstract

This study analyses the integration of concentrating solar energy with a liquid metal reactor for methane pyrolysis, configured as a vertical column. It compares two irradiation strategies: distributing radiation along the entire column height versus focusing it on the middle section. Parameters such as irradiance, total power, methane mass flow, and residence time are assessed. Both configurations present advantages and disadvantages, but designs achieving very high temperatures are preferred over those prioritizing thermal homogeneity. The findings provide insights for optimizing solar reactors for efficient hydrogen production.