A PVTC system integrating photon-enhanced thermionic emission and methane reforming for efficient solar power generation

A new photovoltaic-thermochemical (PVTC) conceptual system integrating photon-enhanced thermionic emission (PETE) and methane steam reforming is proposed. Major novelty of the system lies in its potential adaptivity to primary fuels (e.g. methane) and high efficiencies of photovoltaic and thermochemical power generation, both of which result from its operation at much elevated temperatures (700-1000 degrees C) compared with conventional photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems. Analysis shows that an overall power generation efficiency of 45.3% and a net solar-to-electric efficiency of 39.1% could be reached at an operating temperature of 750 degrees C, after considering major losses during solar energy capture and conversion processes. The system is also featured by high solar share (37%) in the total power output, as well as high energy storage capability and very low CO2 emissions, both enabled by the integration of methane reforming with photovoltaic generation at high temperatures. (C) 2017 Science China Press. Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science China Press. All rights reserved.