Solar upgrading of fuels for generation of electricity

This paper presents a novel process comprising solar upgrading of hydrocarb ons by steam reforming in solar specific receiver-reactors and utilizing th e upgraded, hydrogen- rich fuel in high efficiency conversion systems, such as gas turbines or fuel cells. In comparison to conventionally heated proc esses about 30% fuel can be saved with respect to the same specific output. Such processes can be used in small scale as a stand-alone system for off- grid markets as well as in large scale to be operated in connection with co nventional combined-cycle plants. The complete reforming process will be de monstrated in the SOLASYS project, supported by the European Commission in the JOULE/THERMIE framework. The project has been started in June 1998. The SOLASYS plant is designed for 300 kW(el) output, it consists of the solar field, the solar reformer and a gas turbine, adjusted to operate with the r eformed gas. The SOLASYS plant will be operated at the experimental solar t est facility of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. Start-up of th e pilot plant is scheduled in April 2001. The midterm goal is to replace fo ssil fuels by renewable or non-conventional feedstock in order to increase the share of renewable energy and to establish processes with only minor or no CO2 emission. Examples might be upgrading of bio-gas from municipal sol id waste as well as upgrading of weak gas resources.