Abstract: An integrated solar hydrogen production module includes a plurality of PV cells supported on a housing of the module. The module has an energy storage system which includes a rechargeable metal ion battery and a flow battery. The metal ion battery is charged by the PV cells. An electrolyser for converting water to gaseous hydrogen and oxygen can be powered directly by the PV cells or by either of the rechargeable metal ion battery and a flow battery. The PV cells, the metal-ion battery, the flow battery membrane and the electrolyser are electrically coupled together and integrated into or carried by the module housing. Electrically powered and solar thermal heaters can be incorporated into or with the module to heat the water in the electrolysers. A pump pressurises the water to facilitate the pressurisation of hydrogen and oxygen produced by the electrolysis.

Abstract: A plant uses one or more renewable energy sources to facilitate the processing of a hydrocarbon to produce hydrogen, syngas or other products. One renewable energy source is solar energy, which may be harnessed by (a) directly heating a thermal storage medium by way of a concentrated solar thermal (CST) plant; (b) converting the solar energy using photovoltaic cells to produce electricity and using the electricity to heat the thermal storage medium, (c) a combination of both, or (d) converting the solar energy using photovoltaic cells to produce electricity and using the electricity to heat a reactor by way of resistive or inductive heating. The thermal storage medium, when used, is arranged to store enough thermal energy to enable 24-hours a day processing of the hydrocarbon. Electricity derived from PV cells may be used to enable the production of heat for processing when radiant energy from the sun is insufficient.

Abstract: An integrated solar hydrogen production module includes a plurality of PV cells supported on a housing of the module. The module has an energy storage system which includes a rechargeable metal ion battery and a flow battery. The metal ion battery is charged by the PV cells. An electrolyser for converting water to gaseous hydrogen and oxygen can be powered directly by the PV cells or by either of the rechargeable metal ion battery and a flow battery. The PV cells, the metal-ion battery, the flow battery membrane and the electrolyser are electrically coupled together and integrated into or carried by the module housing. Electrically powered and solar thermal heaters can be incorporated into or with the module to heat the water in the electrolysers. A pump pressurises the water to facilitate the pressurisation of hydrogen and oxygen produced by the electrolysis.