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Open-loop transport of solar energy using natural-gas networks

Author
Nix, R. G.
Published
United States : [publisher not identified], 1983
Springfield, Va.: National Technical Information Service, [approximately 1983]
Physical Description
microfiche : negative ; 11 x 15 cm

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Summary
This paper examines the feasibility of transporting solar energy via a thermochemical-energy process and natural-gas networks. The high-temperature solar energy from a central receiver is converted to chemical-bond energy by steam reforming of natural gas to synthesis gas: HEAT + CH/sub 4/ + H/sub 2/O ..-->.. CO + 3H/sub 2/. The synthesis gas is dehydrated and transported in the natural-gas pipeline. At the user end, the synthesis gas is methanated to produce synthetic natural gas (SNG) and to release the stored energy: CO + 3H/sub 2/ ..-->.. CH/sub 4/ + H/sub 2/O + HEAT. The recovered heat is used in an industrial park to produce 944 GJ/h (895 MBtu/h) of 4.14 MPa (600 psig), and 400/sup 0/C (750/sup 0/F) superheated steam which is piped to 10 equal-sized user facilities clustered in the industrial park. The SNG is distributed to natural-gas users. Two cases were examined - a new pipeline and an existing pipeline. The new pipeline must be 76 cm (30 in.) in diameter to carry the same fuel-gas energy using synthesis gas as is carried in a 51-cm (20-in.) natural-gas line. The synthesis gas system is more efficient than molten-draw-salt energy transport for transport distances greater than about 50 km (30 miles). The solar system with transport is cost-effective compared with residual-oil or natural-gas-fired boilers. In the second case, an existing 76-cm line, pipeline operations both at capacity and at half-capacity with natural-gas transmission were considered. For an existing line operating near capacity, there is a negative incentive to carry solar energy via synthesis gas, because the total energy flow decreases significantly relative to natural gas. If the existing line is operating at half-capacity or less prior to conversion, there is then an incentive to transport solar energy via synthesis gas. This case, then, becomes more cost-effective than a new pipeline.
Report Numbers
DE83009104; SERI/TP-234-1816; CONF-830622-6
Other Subject(s)
Collection
NTIS collection.
Note
DOE contract number: AC02-77CH00178
OSTI Identifier 6274230
Research organization: Solar Energy Research Inst. (SERI), Golden, CO (United States).
View MARC record | catkey: 47329192