Solar-powered electrolytic cell

In order to maximize electrolyzer efficiency, the available solar energy has to be equally distributed by the power controller (PoC-2) among the cell electrodes and the rate of electrolyte circulation has to be matched to the electrolyzer loading. The other contribution to efficiency is minimizing pumping costs, which is achieved by the use of variable-speed pumps and by circulating only as much electrolyte as the power distribution controller (PoC-2) requires to maximize efficiency. 

New advances of the other two electrolytic cells reported in Fig. 2.4 have been recently encouraged to exploit the higher potentialities of PEM and solid oxide technologies, as electrolyser components to be integrated in plants based on wind and solar renewable sources [76, 77] or nuclear power [78], respectively. 

A solar-powered electrolytic cell can produce hydrogen from water when the sun is shining. The hydrogen made in this way could be converted back to water to generate electricity and could also be used to power fuel-cell vehicles. 

Improved stability of quasi-soHd-state dye-sensitized solar cell based on poly (ethylene oxide)-poly (vinylidene fluoride) polymer-blend electrolytes. Journal of Power Sources, 185,2008,1492-1498. 

Fig. 5.2 The n-Cd(Se,Te)/aqueous Cs2Sx/SnS solar cell. P, S, and L indicate the direction of electron flow through the photoelectrode, tin electrode, and external load, respectively (a) in an illuminated cell and (b) in the dark. For electrolytes, m represents molal. Electron transfer is driven both through an external load and also into electrochemical storage by reduction of SnS to metaUic tin. In the dark, the potential drop below that of tin sulfide reduction induces spontaneous oxidation of tin and electron flow through the external load. Independent of illumination conditions, electrons are driven through the load in the same direction, ensuring continuous power output. (Reproduced with permission from Macmillan Publishers Ltd [Nature] [60], Copyright 2009)...

Fig. 15.12. Daily variation in electrolytic hydrogen production rate (1), the solar array temperature (2), and radiation power density (3). Single crystalline silicon solar cells, SPE electrolyzer location, Cape Canaveral, Florida. The time scale denotes minutes elapsed from 5 a.m. (Reprinted from Yu. I. Khar-kats, Electrochemical Storage of Solar Energy, in Environmental Oriented Electrochemistry, C. A. C. Sequeira, ed., Fig. 5, p. 477, copyright 1994. Reproduced with kind permission of Elsevier Science-NL, Sara Burgerhartstraat 25,1055 KV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.)...

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