CHEMICAL ENERGY CONVERSION TECHNOLOGIES FOR EFFICIENT ENERGY USE

Abstract

Energy conversion technologies using chemical reaction are introduced. Thermal energy conversion by chemical heat pumps and a hydrogen production system is shown mainly as efficient energy utilization technology utilizing chemical reaction ability. Chemical reaction would be useful for thermal energy management, because heat density of chemical changes is relatively higher than one of physical changes, which are used in conventional conversion system. Then, reversible chemical reaction is expected to have potential for thermal energy conversion, storage and utilization process in the next generation. The know-how of development of energy conversion system utilizing reversible chemical reactions is explained using chemical reaction equilibrium analysis. Chemical heat pump for thermal energy storage and conversion, and hydrogen production utilizing separation process are reviewed as practical example. Possibility of chemical energy conversion methodology would be understood from this section.