Application of Sun Tracking Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Technology with Parabolic Reflectors to Power an Electrolysis System for Yielding Green Hydrogen from Potable Water

¹ School of Graduate Studies, Mapúa University, Intramuros Manila, Philippines
² School of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Energy Engineering, School of Graduate Studies, Mapúa University, Intramuros Manila, Philippines

^* Corresponding author: ajrparawan@mymail.mapua.edu.ph, rgtayactac@mapua.edu.ph

Abstract

Hydrogen energy, a clean and sustainable energy source, has received much attention recently. Water electrolysis combines the cathode’s hydrogen evolution process with the anode’s oxygen evolution reaction, which is a potential approach for producing hydrogen. High-grade energy is needed for advanced solar energy utilization technology such as electrolysis to provide the most compact, and efficient application. Electrical and thermal energy needs may be satisfied by concentrated solar power (CSP) technology. Utilizing CSP technology with parabolic reflectors has several advantages, including a proven track record of financial return on investment, a well-developed technology, and simplicity of integration with other renewable energy sources or fossil fuels. Given the world’s current environmental status and the continuing degradation of fossil fuel supplies, the direct use of potable water as a medium for hydrogen synthesis has emerged as a hot research issue. Because of its availability in the Philippines and how it can be produced by desalinating seawater, immediate use of potable water as the medium for water electrolysis can minimize the cost of hydrogen generation. Research on yielding hydrogen gas as an alternative energy source by an electrolysis system powered by sun-tracking CSP with parabolic reflectors was thoroughly done to gather data. Results show that green hydrogen gas can indeed be yielded and can be more effective with the use of sun-tracking CSP.