Azadeh Mirvakili

This study explores the feasibility of employing a concentrating solar system as an energy source for the endothermic steam reforming reaction, aiming to mitigate the production of environmental pollutants in the synthesis gas production process. Three distinct scenarios are presented to facilitate the energy requirements for the reforming reaction. In the first scenario, energy is solely supplied through combustion. The second scenario introduces a solar tower for daytime energy supply, complemented by conventional fuel usage during night time or when solar radiation is insufficient. A volumetric receiver utilizing air as the heat transfer fluid is incorporated into the solar system. The third scenario incorporates a solar tower system, coupled with a latent heat energy storage system to provide energy during periods with limited solar input. All three scenarios are simulated using MATLAB and EES software. Subsequently, comprehensive analyses, including thermodynamic, exergy-economic, environmental, and sensitivity analyses, are conducted for each scenario. Under the specified conditions, the first scenario yields a net power of 5.52 megawatts, with reported energy and exergy efficiencies of 52.61% and 40.69%, respectively, and a fuel consumption rate of 0.7 kg/s. In the second scenario, utilizing 525 heliostats, the net power is 5.31 MW, and the energy and exergy efficiencies are 48.10% and 38.93%, respectively. The third scenario, with 1256 heliostats, achieves a net power of 5.43 megawatts, accompanied by energy and exergy efficiencies of 41.68% and 35.47%, respectively.