Temperature distribution effects in solar hydrothermal reactors
Por:
Ortega-Balbuena A., Villafán-Vidales H.I., Martínez-Manuel L., Ruiz-Rendón G., Arreola-Ramos C.E., Arcelus-Arrillaga P.
Publicada:
1 ene 2026
Resumen:
© 2026 The AuthorsHydrothermal processes in subcritical water conditions are promising methods for transforming wet biomass residues into biofuels. Recently, concentrated solar thermal energy has been proposed as the primary heat source for these processes, aiming to reduce environmental impacts and promote its economic feasibility. The coupling of both technologies requires technological advances to develop a reaction system that integrates heating with concentrated solar energy and can withstand the high temperatures and pressures required for hydrothermal operation. Therefore, understanding the temperature distribution in solar hydrothermal reactors is crucial for their future development and efficient operation. In this work, an experimental study about the temperature distribution in a solar hydrothermal reactor prototype using infrared thermography was performed. Thermal images provided valuable information for detecting and quantifying thermal gradients and hotspots under two operational modes: with and without rotation. The analysis also included hydrothermal experiments using agave bagasse and pinewood to investigate the effect of thermal gradients on product distributions and yields. The main results indicated that the operational mode of the reactor has a strong influence on its thermal behavior and on biomass conversion. In static operation, the reactor reached higher temperatures but developed large and unstable thermal gradients. In contrast, rotary operation resulted in lower maximum temperatures, yet heating was more uniform, with stable gradients. Hydrothermal conversion experiments confirmed that the rotary system reduces yield fluctuations, producing consistent bio-oil and biochar yields compared to static form of operation. The results of this work provide valuable information for the design of hydrothermal systems that use concentrated solar energy as a heat source.
Filiaciones:
Instituto de Energías Renovables, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Priv. Xochicalco S/N, 62580, Temixco, Mexico
CONAHCYT, Centro de Investigaciones en Óptica A.C. Unidad Aguascalientes, Prol. Constitución 607, 20200, Aguascalientes, Mexico
Instituto de Carboquímica, CSIC, Miguel Luesma Castán 4, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
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