Prospects for the role of magnesium in solar-hydrogen energy-system

• The storage and transport of hydrogen to end users is studied.
• Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) soluble in sea water is recovered using solar energy.
• MgCl2 is used next to produce magnesium metal, a reliable source of stored energy.
• Magnesium is used on site, to construct a galvanic cell to generate electricity.
• Electric current is used to electrolyze water producing hydrogen.

It is most common to talk about energy systems that would utilize solar energy to split water to produce hydrogen. This way, solar energy has been stored in the form of hydrogen, being an ideal energy-carrier. However we are still facing the problem of how to store and transport hydrogen to end users? The overall scope of the proposed energy scheme involves using solar to vaporize a dynamic stream of pre-concentrated sea water (brine) flowing along an inclined Preferential Salt Separator (P.S.S.). This evaporation process takes place by direct solar radiation or by using a heating system powered by a photovoltaic source. Magnesium chloride salts soluble in sea water, will separate as end product. Fresh water will be produced as a byproduct as well. Anhydrous magnesium chloride is collected and then electrolyzed next to produce magnesium metal using energy generated by solar power. Once produced, magnesium represents a reliable source of stored energy that could be exported by air, sea or other means of transportation to remote locations for power-generation. Magnesium is used on site, to construct a galvanic cell that consists of magnesium/iron electrodes generating electricity. Water introduced to the cell is electrolyzed to produce hydrogen. Another option is to use magnesium as a storage-medium to store hydrogen in the form of magnesium hydride.