Open AccessA 25.1% Efficient Stand‐Alone Solar Chloralkali Generator Employing a Microtracking Solar Concentrator
Author(s) -
Chinello Enrico,
Modestino Miguel A.,
Coulot Laurent,
Ackermann Mathieu,
Gerlich Florian,
Psaltis Demetri,
Moser Christophe
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
global challenges
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2056-6646
DOI - 10.1002/gch2.201700095
Subject(s) - photovoltaic system , electrolysis , materials science , anode , renewable energy , solar energy , optoelectronics , electrical engineering , process engineering , engineering , chemistry , electrode , electrolyte
Chlorine is a large‐scale chemical commodity produced via the chloralkali process, which involves the electrolysis of brine in a membrane‐based electrochemical reactor. The reaction is normally driven by grid electricity; nevertheless, the required combination of voltage–current can be guaranteed using renewable power (i.e., photovoltaic electricity). This study demonstrates an off‐grid solar‐powered chlorine generator that couples a novel planar solar concentrator, multijunction InGaP/GaAs/InGaAsNSb solar cells and an electrochemical cell fabricated via additive manufacturing. The planar solar concentrator consists of an array of seven custom injection‐molded lenses and uses microtracking to maintain a ± 40° wide angular acceptance. Triple‐junction solar cells provide the necessary potential (open‐circuit voltage, V OC = 3.16 V) to drive the electrochemical reactions taking place at a De Nora DSA insoluble anode and a nickel cathode. This chloralkali generator is tested under real atmospheric conditions and operated at a record 25.1% solar‐to‐chemical conversion efficiency (SCE). The device represents the proof‐of‐principle of a new generation stand‐alone chlorine production system for off‐grid utilization in remote and inaccessible locations.