Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Catalytic Reaction System is a reaction device that converts solar energy into chemical energy, consisting of a photovoltaic power generation system, reaction system, and control system.
North China Electric Power University customizes the PLR-PVERS solar photovoltaic electrochemical reaction system and the solar photovoltaic photoelectrochemical catalytic reaction system. Compared with the photovoltaic electrochemical reaction system, the photovoltaic photoelectrochemical catalytic reaction system couples the perspective reactor for photocatalytic water splitting based on photovoltaic power generation and achieves the purpose of synergistic photoelectric water splitting.
The thin-layer structure used in the photovoltaic photoelectrochemical catalytic reaction system not only reduces the solution thickness and improves sunlight transmittance but also addresses the uneven distribution of reactants caused by low diffusion rates.
The innovative 3x3 array structure is adopted for the placement of photoelectrodes inside the reactor, fixing 9 pieces of 80 mm x 80 mm photoelectrodes in a 250 mm x 250 mm reactor. This arrangement avoids issues such as uneven surfaces of photoelectrode materials due to the large area of the photoelectrode plate, significantly increases the stability of the photoelectrode plate, and maximizes the specific surface area of the photoelectric catalytic material, achieving a higher catalytic efficiency.
| Electrocatalytic Reaction System | Photoelectrocatalytic Reaction System | ||
| Electrode Size | 250 mm x 250 mm nickel mesh 250 mm x 250 mm x 0.5 mm foam nickel 250 mm x 250 mm x 0.4 mm titanium fiber felt coated with ruthenium-iridium electrode |
80 mm x 80 mm x 2.3 mm photoelectrode 9 pieces; 250 mm x 250 mm x 0.4 mm titanium fiber felt electrode |
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| Power Output | Voltage | 0~12 V | |
| Current | 0~80 A | 0~12.5 A | |
| Current Density | 50 mA/cm² | 20 mA/cm² | |
| Proton Exchange Membrane | 280 mm x 280 mm x 0.5 mm Composite membrane |
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| Reactor Size | 380 mm x 350 mm x 50 mm | ||
| System Size | Length x Width x Height | 900 mm x 700 mm x 970 mm (exhaust pipe detachable, excluding exhaust pipe) | |
| Footprint | Approximately 1 m² | ||
| Weight | 50 kg | 38 kg | |
| Angle Adjustment Range | 0~90° | 0~60°, reactor and photovoltaic panel synchronized adjustment | |
| Liquid Flow Rate | 0.1～1 L/min | ||
| Hydrogen Production Rate | 10 L/h | ||
Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Catalytic Reaction System's photovoltaic power generation system converts solar energy into electrical energy, stored in a battery. The voltage-regulated power module adjusts the output current of the battery to meet the reaction conditions. The reaction module can decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen through photoelectric catalytic reaction or electrocatalytic reaction, achieving the final energy conversion. The control system can control reaction conditions and monitor reaction status. This green and sustainable hydrogen production method not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also provides endless possibilities for future energy reserves.
The main structure of the Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Catalytic Reaction System is shown in the figure below:
Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Catalytic Reaction System, as an instrument that can provide environmentally friendly and efficient hydrogen production capabilities, has a wide range of applications. It can not only provide hydrogen for green energy but also be applied in fuel cells, energy storage systems, and industrial production.
1. Sun Tracking
The photovoltaic panel of the Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Catalytic Reaction System is equipped with an irradiance detector, which can real-time measure the irradiance intensity of the environment where the photovoltaic panel is located. Adjust the inclination angle of the photovoltaic panel based on the irradiance intensity to maximize the utilization of solar energy.
2. Efficient Utilization
The reactor of the Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Catalytic Reaction System has a plate structure, which can effectively increase the surface area of the electrode catalytic material, allowing the catalyst to make more effective contact with the reactants. The thin-layer structure of the reactor can reduce the problem of uneven distribution of reactants caused by low diffusion rates, reduce the occurrence of side reactions, and improve product selectivity. The flow system of the reactor can enhance the transfer rate of electrons and protons during the catalysis process, thereby increasing the reaction rate.
3. Energy Saving and Environmental Protection
The Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Catalytic Reaction System obtains the required electrical energy from the sun, and the reaction process does not generate greenhouse gases. Compared to other methods such as thermal power generation, photovoltaic power generation has lower environmental impact, making it known as "green electricity." The produced electricity is used to generate clean energy hydrogen through photoelectric (electric) catalysis, aligning with the concept of green development.
4. Real-time Monitoring
The Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Catalytic Reaction System can real-time online monitor parameters such as irradiance intensity, voltage, current, hydrogen production, pH value, and temperature to adjust reaction conditions and optimize reaction efficiency.
5. Graded Circulation
The Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Catalytic Reaction System uses a miniature pump to drive liquid flow, ensuring sufficient contact between the reaction solution and the electrode. At the same time, a gas pump is installed at the product end to promptly separate and collect the gas products generated during the reaction process from the liquid, effectively improving circulation efficiency and reaction rate.
6. Flexible Design
The Solar Photovoltaic Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Catalytic Reaction System can be customized according to requirements for reactor size, circulation power system, and monitoring system to meet the needs of different application scenarios.
