On the study of hydrogen production from water using solar thermal energy

Theoretical thermal efficiency of hydrogen production by one-step water splitting utilizing solar heat at high temperatures is calculated. Carnot efficiency is assumed for the conversion of effective work input, and the solar collection efficiency is considered for the total energy input. The overall efficiency shows its maximum in the range of temperature between 1500 and 2700 K depending upon the solar concentration ratio and the method of product separation. The technical feasibility of direct splitting method is discussed on the basis of those calculated results.