(569bq) Design and Optimization of an Upscaled Photocatalytic System for Continuous Hydrogen Production Using Solar and LED Light Sources

In the context of depleting energy sources and the challenges of harnessing renewable energy, hydrogen stands out as a crucial energy vector due to its low emissions and high energy density. A significant obstacle in renewable hydrogen production is achieving continuous operation. This study addresses the design and optimization of a pilot-scale hydrogen production system that harnesses both solar and artificial light sources for sustained hydrogen generation, with a focus on managing the heat generated by the artificial light within the system.

A lab-scale photoreactor equipped with a solar simulator and variable-wavelength LED PCBs, facilitated an investigation into design parameters essential for system scalability. This included evaluating the impacts of light source type, LED wavelength, and power optimization, alongside theoretical analysis on heat and light transfer, and catalyst stability. Post-assembly, the system was optimized for photocatalytic solution residence times and flow rates, thermal regulation, hydrogen separation efficiency, and solar and LEDs light intensity.

Findings indicate artificial light significantly increases hydrogen production by an order of magnitude compared to solar, with optimal performance at 385 nm using a carbon organic framework (COF) catalyst. While solar light passively aids reaction heating, enhancing hydrogen yield, LED power emerged as critical, with optimum optical power at 240 mW/cm2. The system efficiently managed LED heat and achieved solar light intensity equivalent to two suns through optimized photoreactor geometry.

This work demonstrates the feasibility and scalability of using both solar and LED lighting for sustained hydrogen production. The main conclusion from this study is the existence of substantial upscaling challenges despite the demonstrated potential. These encompass thermal management beyond the lab scale, ensuring photocatalyst stability and efficiency over time, and achieving unified system integration for consistent real-world performance. Future efforts will aim at increasing system efficiency and sustainability while addressing these significant technical and operational obstacles.