Concentrated
solar energy
H 2
Recycle
Hydrolysis reactor
xM + yH 2 O = M x O y + yH 2
M x O y
M x O y
H 2 O
M
O 2
1
2
Solar reactor
M x O y = xM + O 2
y
2
Rotary
joint
Water/gas
Feeder
Ceramic
inlets/outlets
insulation
ZnO
Zn + 1 O 2
Cavity2
receiver
Quartz

window

Concentrated
solar
radiation
FIGURE 11.3 Thermochemical route based on metal oxide–redox reactions. (From
Meier,  A. and Sattler, C., “Solar fuels from concentrated sunlight,” SolarPACES, Solar Power
and Chemical Energy Systems, IEA report, 2009.)
FIGURE 11.4 Rotary solar reactor for the thermal dissociation of zinc oxide to zinc and
oxygen at above 1700°C. (From Meier, A. and Sattler, C., “Solar fuels from concentrated
sunlight,” SolarPACES, Solar Power and Chemical Energy Systems, IEA report, 2009.)