Thermochemical cycles for water splitting are considered as a promising emission-free route of large scale hydrogen production. The direct conversion of thermal energy into chemical energy potentially yields increased efficiencies and reduced costs compared to low temperature electrolysis of water. Feasibility and efficiency forecasts consider the hybrid-sulphur cycle (HyS) as one of the most promising candidates among other thermochemical cycles. Coupling of concentrated solar power (CSP) into this process is a major research area at DLR. Within the European research project SOL2HY2, the process key components are demonstrated at relevant scale.
This paper shows the application of several CAE Tools within the scope of the SOL2HY2 project tasks. Engineering approaches to address sizing, operational parameters and boundaries, flow homogeneity are illustrated, applying Numerical Equation Solving, CFD Simulations, Raytracing Tools and CAD. Detailed CFD, FEM and dynamic models, currently being developed, will be validated with the experimental results to improve and extrapolate the receiver/reactor design to industrial scale.