2023-06-20 18:42:17
The German WZR ceramic solutions starts with the 3D printing of cerium oxide components with a very complex lattice structure. These parts are a key component in the installation for making green hydrogen using a solar thermochemical process. WZR has purchased the Lithoz CeraFab S65 LCM printer for this purpose.
WZR, which has almost twenty years of experience with ceramic 3D printing, is part of the Redox3D project. This is done in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center DLR. Together they investigate the optimal lattice structure so that the solar heat can optimally penetrate the cerium oxide components. The aim of the project is to build an installation for the production of green hydrogen.
3D printer essential
The first phase of the three-year project is regarding finding the optimization of various 3D printing techniques to control the processing of the ceramic material. The second phase is regarding creating the optimal structure. This structure must ensure that the solar heat penetrates as much as possible into the component in order to use the energy as much as possible. The success of the project depends, among other things, on the accuracy and reproducibility of the CeraFab S65 System 3D printer of interest. WZR selected the Lithoz 3D printer following research. It will be their first DLP printer.
That’s how the process works
In the process that WZR and DLR develop a receiver module, the cerium oxide component, is heated to 1400 to 1500 degrees C. The deeper the penetration of the solar energy, the more optimal the process. At this high temperature, a little oxide is released. No phase change takes place. The receiver is then cooled down and comes into contact with water vapor at a certain temperature. As soon as it hits the surface, the water vapor splits into hydrogen and oxygen. Both organizations want to repeat this cycle thousands of times with the same 3D printed component. Solar energy and the 3D printed cerium oxide part are the key components in this process.
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