Thermodynamic analysis of alternate energy carriers, hydrogen and chemical heat pipesThe paper discusses the production concept and efficiency of two new energy transmission and storage media intended to overcome the disadvantages of electricity as an overall energy carrier. These media are hydrogen produced by water-splitting and the chemical heat pipe. Hydrogen can be transported or stored, and burned as energy is needed, forming only water and thus obviating pollution problems. The chemical heat pipe envisions a system in which heat is stored as the heat of reaction in chemical species. The thermodynamic analysis of these two methods is discussed in terms of first-law and second-law efficiency. It is concluded that chemical heat pipes offer large advantages over thermochemical hydrogen generation schemes on a first-law efficiency basis except for the degradation of thermal energy in temperature thus providing a source of low-temperature (800 K) heat for process heat applications. On a second-law efficiency basis, hydrogen schemes are superior in that the amount of available work is greater as compared to chemical heat pipes.
Document ID
19770050522
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Cox, K. E. (New Mexico, University Albuquerque, N. Mex., United States)
Carty, R. H. (New Mexico Univ. Albuquerque, NM, United States)
Conger, W. L. (New Mexico Univ. Albuquerque, NM, United States)
Soliman, M. A. (New Mexico Univ. Albuquerque, NM, United States)
Funk, J. E. (Kentucky, University Lexington, Ky., United States)