Solar thermochemical reforming of natural gas via metal oxide based redox reactions

Abstract

This paper reports the thermodynamic analysis of Sm2O3 based solar thermochemical CH4 reforming process. Thermodynamic equilibrium compositions of the syngas production via CH4 reforming via Sm2O3 reduction as a function of reaction temperature were determined. Second law thermodynamic analysis was performed to determine the cycle efficiency and solar to fuel energy conversion efficiency attainable without heat recuperation.