Solar-cell-electrolysis

Overall, the method would seem to offer the potential for efficiencies in the range of 5-10 %. This range is close to that projected for practical solar cell/electrolysis of water systems. Given that these technologies are relatively well established, photo-electrochemical methods must aspire to significantly higher efficiencies or lower costs to be considered a viable option. 

PV/electrolysis setup using the GaInP2/GaAs dual-junction solar cell. 

Photoelectrochemical water-splitting is a combination of solar cell with electrolysis in a electrolyte, and has been actively studied. However, the selection of the photo semiconductors is so tightly limited that photoelectrochemical methods can hardly compete with the combined system of solar cell with electrolysis. 

Water splitting can be accomplished via techniques such as electrolysis, photoelectrolysis, thermochemical, and biophotolysis. Electrolysis, thermochemical, and biophotolysis techniques are discussed in Chapter 2. Chapters 3-7 are dedicated to the discussion of photoelectrolysis. Chapter 8 discusses water electrolysis using energy derived from solar cells. Although each technique has its... 

Ohmori T, Go H, Yamaguchi N, Nakayama A, Mametsuka H, Suzuki E (2001) Photovoltaic water electrolysis using the sputter-deposited a-Si/c-Si solar cells, Int J Hydrogen Energy 26 661-664... 

The electrodeposition of CdS films on conductive substrates from aqueous solutions is a low-cost process, which is well suited for the preparation of film solar cells. Polycrystalline CdS films of good quality were obtained by electrolysis with rectangular voltages on indium... 

In evaluation of the potential objects which are to define respective options to be taken into a consideration there are 99 objects. In this exercise we will focus our attention on the following hydrogen energy systems Fossil-Reforming-Intemal Combustion Engine System, Natural Gas Steam Reforming-Fuel Cell System, Nuclear Power-Electrolysis-Fuel Cell System, Solar Power-Electrolysis-Fuel Cell System, Wind Power-Electrolysis-Fuel Cell System, Biomass-Reforming-Gas Turbine System. 

Solar power-electrolysis-storage-fuel cell system (SPESFCS)... 

Power plants using fuel cells can now take the place of the present polluting coal or oil-based (indirect) electricity-producing plants. However, in a further development, it would be possible to extract COz from the atmosphere, and H2 from solar-driven electrolysis, to produce methanol with zero net injection of C02 into the atmosphere. These plants would at first ran on hydrogen from these fossil fuels, the attraction being the reduction of pollution and the increase in the conversion efficiency. To what extent the latter two commodities would be supplied from remote sites, or collected onsite at... 

The reflected infrared radiation is gathered by a fiber-optics light pipe and conducted to the high-temperature solid-oxide electrolysis cell. The electrical output of the solar cells also powers the electrolysis cells. About 120 megajoules are needed—whether in electrical or thermal form, or both—to electrolyze water and generate 1 kg of hydrogen. The result is that more of the solar energy is used for... 

The uncertainties in this cost analysis arise principally from the early stage of technology development for solar concentrators, high-efficiency solar cells, and solid oxide electrolysis cells. There are many positive indications that these technologies can progress and achieve their performance and cost potentials, but additional work will be needed. 

The hybrid solar concentrator is a potential leap frog technology that may rapidly lower the cost of clean hydrogen in light of the following the imminent market entry of CPV systems for electricity production solar cell efficiencies above 40%, with clearer ideas for 50%-efficient solar cells and the opportunity to use wasted solar heat for augmenting solar electrolysis. 

Unlike room temperature solar PV and photoelectrochemical electrolysis, the hybrid approach utilizes energy of the full solar spectrum, leading to substantially higher solar energy efficiencies. The IR radiation is energetically insufficient to drive conventional solar cells, and this solar radiation is normally discarded (by reflectance or as re radiated heat.) On the other hand, in the hybrid approach, as seen in Fig. 2... 

---