Publication Date

2022

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Shamim, Tariq

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

The use of conventional fossil fuels to generate power has caused great harm to the environment. These fossil fuels, when burnt, release copious amounts of CO_2, causing global warming. Therefore, it is imperative that current energy sources are substituted with renewable energy sources. However, the critical obstacle with renewable energy sources is their intermittency. Solar energy is being captured through photovoltaic plants and concentrated solar power plants. Photovoltaic plants use batteries, which makes the storage of energy limited. Furthermore, an alternative downside is that the constant use of many batteries will considerably increaseincrease the project’s cost. Concentrated solar power plants utilize thermal storage systems which have the potential to store energy efficiently. Among the thermal storage systems present, Thermo-chemical energy storage is an area of study that can answer the storage problems of renewable energy owing to its high energy density. Thermo-chemical energy works on reversible chemical reactions in which energy is absorbed or released. Calcium Carbonate and Ammonia have proven to be two promising chemicals in the chemical looping process. Previous studies were predominantly focused on improving the reactor design and increasing the reactivity of the materials. There is not enough research in the field of parametric study for TCES. This study investigates the effects of operating parameters for a proposed concentrated solar power plant that uses TCES. With the results acquired, a comparison between the Ammonia looping and Calcium looping methods can be made. Furthermore, improvements in the existing systems can be attained, which will focus on upgrading the performance characteristics of the power plant. The results determined that Ammonia looping gives better performance characteristics for the chosen system. As these TCES systems involve chemicals operating at high temperatures, it was considered optimal to introduce poly-generation, which would produce dry steam that can be used to treat chemically contaminated water.

Extent

94 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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