SULPHURREAL
An innovative thermochemical cycle based on solid sulphur for integrated long-term storage of solar thermal energy
Informazioni Generali
- Coordinatore:
- DLR - GERMAN AEROSPACE CENTER E.V. (Germania)
- Responsabile ENEA:
- SAU GIOVANNI SALVATORE - TERIN-SSI-EAT (CASACCIA)
- Ruolo ENEA:
- PARTNER
- Sito WEB:
- https://sulphurreal.eu/
Descrizione e Attività
Descrizione Generale
SULPHURREAL aims at demonstrating and validating a breakthrough approach for next generation, carbon-free, direct conversion of
solar energy into chemicals storable for a virtually unlimited time, based on elemental sulphur produced and consumed on-demand via a
solar-aided thermochemical cycle. The project is targeted on the one hand to develop disruptive catalytic technologies for the two catalytic
steps of this solid sulphur thermochemical cycle, namely the high- (800-850 C) and medium- (600-650 C) temperature catalytic SO3
splitting to SO2 and oxygen and the subsequent disproportionation of SO2 to solid sulphur and sulphuric acid. The research line involves
identifying, developing and testing novel catalysts and reactor designs under operating conditions so that these two, less developed
steps of the cycle cf. sulphur combustion, can be integrated and performed in sequence with maximum compatibility in a first-of-its
kind integrated approach. Innovations to be introduced concern not only novel catalyst compositions but also novel reactor designs and
methods of applying and distributing the catalysts within the reactors, to achieve maximum utilisation of the active catalytic materials and
optimal combination of improved performance, conversion efficiency and process cost reduction. On the other hand, SULPHURREAL
will further develop and upscale a first-of-its-kind sulphur burner operating at power density > 5 MW/ m³ at ambient pressure and
having demonstrated potential for prolonged operation at power densities of > 75 MW/cbm for typical operating pressure of 15 bar by
simulations. The proposed combination integrates renewable energy sources (solar energy) with valorisation of non-CRM substances
currently produced as industrial by-products from oil and gas (solid sulphur) and steel industries (Fe-containing slags) and industrial-scale
chemicals production (sulphuric acid industry) in absolute accordance with a circular economy environment and industrial symbiosis.
Attività svolta da ENEA
ENEA è leader dei WP3 “Sulphur dioxide disproportionation catalysts” e WP6 ”Sulphur dioxide disproportionation reactor”.
E' inoltre presente nei seguenti WP: 1 'Project coordination and management; 2 'Sulphur trioxide splitting catalysts'; 4 Advanced materials shaping; 8 System integration, Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment; 9 Knowledge and innovation management, dissemination and communication.
Programmi Europei
- Programma:
- HORIZON EUROPE (2021-2027) → EIC - European Innovation Council (EIC Grants)
Dati Finanziari (in euro)
Costo Eleggibile
- Progetto:
- 3.982.134,00
- ENEA:
- 527.625,00
Contributo
- Al progetto:
- 3.982.133,00
- A ENEA:
- 527.625,00
Durata del Progetto
- Anno di stipula e Durata:
- 2023 - 36 mesi
- Periodo:
- 01-10-2023 → 30-09-2026