Characteristics of CO2CH4 reforming-methanation cycle relevant to the solchem thermochemical power system

Abstract The CO 2 CH 4 reforming-methanation chemical cycle provides an attractive means of transporting solar energy to a central station in accord with the Solchem concept. The CO 2 CH 4 working fluid permits use of low temperature pipelines, in constrast to H 2 OCH 4 , and has low toxicity, in contrast to SO 3 . Thermochemical receivers are expected to operate at or above the carbon removal temperature. Catalyst specificity is required in the methanator to provide high methanation temperature without carbon deposition. Methanator operation at 500°C may be achievable.