Solar Thermal Hybrids STEP: A different solar energy conversion process The Solar Thermal Electrochemical Production

of energetic molecules

Stuart Licht slicht@gwu.edu

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The Solar Thermal Generation of Electricity is evolving rapidly

STEP is our new hybrid solar thermal process. Its synergy is fundamentally capable of higher solar energy efficiency.

Rather than electricity, STEP produces as a product staples, such as fuel, metals and bleach.

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STEP (Solar Thermal, Electrochemical Production) is a process to

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The STEP (Solar Thermal, Electrochemical Production) Process

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Weʼve been interested in solar H2"(solar electrochemical water splitting) " "" as an alternative to fossil fuels" 14:15

STEP hydrogen generation

STEP hydrogen generation

Today with our friends at Lynntech, Inc., a STEP type hydrogen generator is in development for the US Air Force.

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Could STEP replace today’s alkali chlor process for bleach production?

The alkali chlor process consumes ~1% of the world's generated electricity, thereby releasing CO2, to make chlorine for bleach. Instead STEP uses the decrease of chloride electrolysis potentials, which are on the order of volts per 1000°C temperature change.

Envisioning a Renewable Chemical Economy Ex: Can we scale STEP for solar seawater desalinization forming bleach & metals?

Excess solar thermal maintains a molten chloride bath; which in tandem:

1)  Vaporizes seawater for desalinization, or water splitting.

2)  Provides for molten chloride electrolysis. Seawater is 3.5 wt %

in dissolved salt, principally 0.5 M

NaCl, and 0.05 M MgCl2.

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Goal: Efficient, low cost, high rate iron production without carbon dioxide emission.

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STEP is a new process using well established components

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STEP (Solar Thermal, Electrochemical Production) is a process to

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