Energy and Exergy Analyses of a Copper-Chlorine Thermochemical Water Decomposition Pilot Plant for Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Nuclear-based hydrogen production via thermochemical water decomposition using a copper-chlorine (Cu-Cl) cycle consists of a series of chemical reactions which split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Energy and exergy analyses are reported here of a planned Cu-Cl pilot plant, including the relevant chemical reactions. The reference environment is taken to be at a temperature of 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure (1 atm). The reaction heat, exergy destruction and efficiencies in each chemical reaction vary with the reaction temperature and ambient temperature. A parametric study with variable reaction and ambient temperatures is performed and results are illustrated.