| Abstract: | Hybrid thermochemical water splitting systems are disclosed that
thermally reduces metal oxides particles to displace some but not all of
the electrical requirements in a water splitting electrolytic cell. In
these hybrid systems, the thermal reduction temperature is significantly
reduced compared to two-step metal-oxide thermochemical cycles in which
only thermal energy is required to produce hydrogen from water. Also,
unlike conventional higher temperature systems where the reduction step
must be carried out under reduced oxygen pressure, the reduction step in
the proposed hybrid systems can be carried out in air, allowing for
thermal input by a solar power tower with a windowless, cavity receiver. |