Abstract: Apparatus and methods for augmenting the Mark 13a process of Van Zelzen et al., by providing for the addition of dispatchable energy storage and/or additional waste stream treatments. Sulfur-containing stack gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels for electricity production are cleaned, removing the sulfur by use of the Bunsen reaction. The process produces hydrogen and sulfuric acid as byproducts. The hydrogen output of the process can be used to co-produce electricity in a reversible fuel cell, and optionally can be stored so that electricity can be produced during periods of high demand. Optionally the hydrogen can be reacted with air-nitrogen or nitrogen from the combustion gasses to produce ammonia. The sulfuric acid can optionally be reacted with iron or aluminum to produce iron or aluminum sulphates and additional electricity. In addition, mercury removal from the gas emissions from burning fossil fuels (primarily coal) can be performed.

Abstract: A comprehensive energy system is provided in which a fossil fuel-burning electric utility plant is operated in conjunction with a hydrogen production and utility load leveling unit, a CO.sub.2 recovery and methanol synthesis unit, and a Bunsen reactor which reacts Br.sub.2 and SO.sub.2 to from HBr and H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, while cleaning a utility stack gas.

Abstract: A method for the joint i) abatement of emission of a "greenhouse" gas by removing carbon dioxide from an effluent and ii) manufacture of methanol by reaction of hydrogen with carbon dioxide which includes:a) reacting carbon dioxide in the effluent by flowing contact of the effluent with a bed of basic metal oxide at a temperature suitable to form a metal carbonate,b) then stopping the effluent flow after said bed has become substantially converted to the carbonate,c) heating the carbonate to a temperature suitable to release carbon dioxide,d) then mixing the released carbon dioxide with hydrogen while passing the mixture over a catalyst of another metal oxide at a suitable temperature and pressure for a reaction, and thereby forming methanol.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods used to preheat a working fluid for a subsequent solar-driven dissociation reaction. The working fluid is first passed through a blackbody receiver where it absorbs thermal energy, and is subsequently exposed to direct solar radiation. The present invention allows the working fluid to absorb relatively large amounts of solar energy at elevated temperatures, while the blackbody absorber remains at a relatively low temperature, thus minimizing energy losses through reradiation and enhancing the efficiency of the overall energy exchange. Also disclosed is a non-driven-flow fluid absorption receiver for preferred use with a Stirling engine incorporating absorption of infrared radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method used to preheat a working fluid for a subsequent solar-driven dissociation reaction. The working fluid is first passed through a blackbody receiver where it absorbs thermal energy, and is subsequently exposed to direct solar radiation. The present invention allows the working fluid to absorb relatively large amounts of solar energy at elevated temperatures, while the blackbody absorber remains at a relatively low temperature, thus minimizing energy losses through reradiation and enhancing the efficiency of the overall energy exchange.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for the electrolytic, thermal, and photolytic production of hydrogen and oxygen. In the first step of the cycle a concentrated hydrohalic acid solution is electrolyzed to produce hydrogen, halogen, and dilute hydrohalic acid solution. In the second, or hydrogen halide formation and electrolyte reformation step, the halogen is reacted with steam in a gas phase thermal and photolytic process to reform the hydrogen halide and produce oxygen. An advantage of the novel reformation step is the ability to utilize a contaminated water feedstream for the production of the reusable hydrogen halide.The present invention also provides both an apparatus and method for the radiation-augmented electrolytic and thermal production of hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: Disclosed are both an apparatus and method for the radiation-augmented electrolytic production of alkali metal hydroxide, molecular halogen, and hydrogen.Reduction of electrical energy requirements is achieved by using radiation to activate photo-sensitive metallic hexahalide ions, which reduces the electrolysis electrode potential. By utilizing radiation-augmented electrolysis, the conventional halogen oxidation reaction is replaced by oxidation of a metallic hexahalide, which occurs at a lower overvoltage and smaller reversible cell potential. Radiant energy thus replaces electrical energy for the production of alkali metal hydroxide, molecular halogen, and hydrogen. Since the action of radiation on the oxidized form of the metallic hexahalide, in the presence of a concentrated halide ion, leads to the production of free halogen gas, the net products are not modified by use of the metallic hexahalide, but the energy requirement of the process is reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method used to preheat a working fluid for a subsequent solar-driven dissociation reaction. The working fluid is first passed through a blackbody receiver where it absorbs thermal energy, and is subsequently exposed to direct solar radiation. The present invention allows the working fluid to absorb relatively large amounts of solar energy a elevated temperatures, while the blackbody absorber remains at a relatively low temperature, thus minimizing energy losses through reradiation and enhancing the efficiency of the overall energy exchange.

Abstract: A closed loop power regeneration system combines chlorine and hydrogen to form hydrogen chloride at high temperatures and pressure. The high temperature, high pressure hydrogen chloride is used to drive a turbine after which the heat from the hydrogen chloride is extracted for use in a regeneration system. The hydrogen chloride is converted to hydrogen and chlorine in the regeneration system. In the regeneration system copper and cuprous chloride react with the hydrogen chloride at a temperature of at least about 200.degree. C. to generate cuprous chloride, cupric chloride and molecular hydrogen. In a second reactor containing cuprous chloride and cupric chloride the extracted thermal energy from the hydrogen chloride is utilized to generate copper, cuprous chloride and molecular chlorine. The molecular chlorine and hydrogen are recombined to form hydrogen chloride in the system. In an alternative embodiment, silver is used as a reagent rather than copper and cuprous chloride.