Solar thermochemical energy conversion

This chapter presents an overview of solar energy systems utilized for thermochemical energy conversion processes, covering the information from fundamentals to advanced cycles and from applications to case studies. In addition, numerous thermochemical cycles are included for discussion and evaluation. Among these cycles, sulfur iodine, copper chlorine, and magnesium chlorine thermochemical cycles are selected for further analyses and assessments. The discussion proceeds from single-step thermochemical water-splitting processes to two-step and multistep processes, followed by the introduction of hybrid cycles. Furthermore, multiple methods for solar-to-useful commodities conversion are introduced, illustrated with specific details, and discussed in this chapter. Moreover, several case studies using solar thermochemical cycles and concentrated solar energy are presented for multigeneration purposes.