SOLAR PRODUCTION OF FUELS AND COMMODITIES

The research program ARROPAR-CEX proposes a multidisciplinary analysis on novel concepts of indirectly heated receivers / particle reactors for solar applications under extreme conditions. Extreme operating conditions are understood to be those which involve the combination of high irradiance, in excess of 1000 kW/m2, and very high temperatures, typically above 800 °C.

ARROPAR-CEX is divided into three sub-projects in order to achieve significant advancements in several scientific and technological knowledge areas, which together will lead to the development and subsequent commercial deployment of new devices, materials and methodologies in concentrating solar thermal energy, responding to the "Safe, Efficient and Clean Energy" challenge of the Spanish Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation: Within objective 2, CIEMAT will study new multifunctional ceramic materials for solar applications under extreme conditions, focusing on the development of ceramic components that are adapted to operating conditions beyond the current state-of-the-art.

For this, the development of novel multifunctional composite materials is envisaged, which will enhance the stability of the component under pressure / vacuum at high temperatures and reduce its losses by thermal emission. Thermochemical processes require thermally and chemically stable reactor wall materials, which can withstand severe operating conditions suitable for specific solar fuels production. Reactor materials of construction comprising walls, the cavity lining, insulation, and shell need to fulfil the thermal and chemical requirements of severe operating conditions at high temperatures and under high-flux solar radiation.

IMDEA Energía (Coordinator), Centro de Investigación en Nanomateriales y Nanotecnología (CINN) and CIEMAT.