The PLR PTCS-31 Solar Photothermal Catalysis Simulation Experimental System integrates a horizontal solar-thermal collection reactor, a controllable light field, and a multi-point temperature measurement design. Using high-power LEDs that simulate solar radiation as the sole energy input, it enables the construction of a high-temperature, controllable, and well-characterized pure photothermal environment indoors. This platform provides a direct and feasible solution for reproducing and systematically investigating high-temperature photothermal reactions under laboratory conditions.
Indoor, stable solar-irradiation experiments enabled by LED light sources simulating sunlight;
High-absorption, low-emissivity collector tubes combined with a “U”-shaped reactor design, supporting localized high-temperature experiments up to 500 °C within a central 100 mm region;
Compared with outdoor environments, the system offers higher stability, stronger internal heat accumulation, and a more uniform thermal field;
Stable experimental conditions, with the temperature in the U-shaped reaction zone being minimally affected by gas flow rate;
Large-area, high-intensity, high-uniformity illumination: uniformity on the illuminated surface of the collector tube exceeds 90%, with an initial maximum irradiance ≥300 mW/cm2;
Easy open-and-close structural design, facilitating component replacement, maintenance, and servicing.
Gas-phase pollutant desulfurization and denitrification (photothermal catalytic degradation of SO₂ and NOx)
Gas–solid reactions such as methane reforming, CO₂ hydrogenation, and CO hydrogenation synthesis
Photothermal / thermal utilization processes where reactants and products are in gas or gas–solid phases, under low-to-medium pressure and below medium-temperature conditions
No.1 Three-Stage Tunable LED Light Source
The light source consists of LED modules covering different wavelength bands, allowing independent adjustment of ultraviolet/visible and near-infrared intensities to achieve zoned control of “reaction light” and “heating light.” On the illuminated surface of the collector tube, light uniformity exceeds 90%, with an initial maximum irradiance ≥300 mW/cm2. By precisely tuning the power of each stage, users can simulate the solar spectrum or selectively enhance specific wavelength bands to investigate the influence of spectral composition on catalytic reactions. This flexible spectral control capability enables independent evaluation of photochemical and thermal effects, effectively addressing the limitation of conventional systems where spectral components cannot be independently controlled.
No.2 500 °C Pure Photothermal Temperature Field
By using a high-power LED array that simulates solar radiation as the sole heat source, a stable high-temperature irradiated environment can be generated indoors. The core component is a specially customized high-absorption / low-emissivity vacuum collector tube, inside which a U-shaped quartz reaction tube is inserted. In the central region of the collector tube (approximately 10 cm in length), pure photothermal heating temperatures exceeding 500 °C can be achieved, meeting the requirements of high-temperature gas–solid photothermal catalytic reactions. This design effectively fills the gap in laboratory-scale availability of high-temperature pure photothermal environments.
No.3 Multi-Point Temperature Monitoring Structure
Multiple thermocouple ports are reserved at different positions along the reaction tube, enabling real-time monitoring of temperature distribution within the reaction zone. Researchers can obtain true temperature data at the catalyst bed inlet, middle, and outlet, rather than relying solely on external wall temperatures. This design overcomes previous limitations in measuring local true temperatures and provides reliable data for kinetic and mechanistic analysis. Capturing local temperature variations also helps verify hotspot effects in catalysts; when combined with infrared imaging techniques, it allows comprehensive characterization of the dynamic temperature field during reactions.
No.4 Optimized System Structure and Operating Platform
The entire system adopts an integrated, box-type design with a small footprint, making it convenient for indoor laboratory installation. The photothermal reaction chamber and control cabinet are designed as separate units; the upper reaction chamber can be easily opened and closed, facilitating replacement of catalyst reaction tubes and maintenance of collector components. A water-cooling circulation system effectively controls LED light source temperature, ensuring stable long-term operation. The graphical user interface supports segmented and time-programmed control of light intensity, real-time display of multi-point temperatures inside the reaction tube, and automatic recording with one-click data export. This transforms photothermal catalysis experiments from “complex setups” into “repeatable, quantifiable, and streamlined operations.”
In summary, by constructing an indoor, spectrally tunable pure photothermal field reaching up to 500 °C and enabling precise multi-point temperature characterization, the PLR PTCS-31 Solar Photothermal Catalysis Simulation Experimental Systemprovides more controllable and quantifiable experimental conditions for mechanistic studies and performance evaluation of photothermal catalytic systems. This platform helps advance photothermal processes from qualitative observation toward quantitative analysis, laying a solid experimental foundation for the fundamental research and technological development of solar-driven reactions.
| Main Unit | |
|---|---|
| Reaction tube dimensions | Φ10 × Φ7 × 400 mm |
| Reaction tube material | Quartz glass (stainless steel optional) |
| Maximum temperature | ≥500 °C (at maximum power, ±5 cm from center) |
| Initial optical power vs. current | 1 sun @ 32%; 2 sun @ 62%; 3 sun @ 100% |
| Standard collector tube dimensions | Φ58 × Φ43 × 330 mm |
| Standard collector tube material | High borosilicate glass |
| Collector tube operating temperature | 5–300 °C for long-term use; at 300–500 °C, absorption coating detachment may occur—close temperature monitoring and timely replacement are recommended |
| Water-Cooled Light Source | |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Φ58 × Φ43 × 330 mm |
| Adjustable parameters | Adjustable light power |
| Power | 1500 W (600 W cooling + 900 W light source) |
| Rated voltage | AC 220 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Operating ambient temperature / humidity | 0–45 °C (no condensation, no icing) |
| Storage ambient temperature / humidity | -10–60 °C, 30%RH–85%RH (no condensation, no icing; below 0 °C, coolant in the chiller must be drained) |
