Aspects of Hydrogen Production Using a SuperCritical Water-Cooled Nuclear Reactor

Abstract

Thermochemical processes such as the copper chlorine (Cu-Cl) cycle decompose water to produce hydrogen as an alternative method to fossil fuel based production. An external energy source must be used to supply the high-temperature heat requirements of the cycle. Some Generation IV nuclear reactor design concepts operate at conditions which are sufficient to provide the necessary heat energy. Heat exchangers may provide an interface by which thermal energy is transferred from reactor coolant at 25 MPa and 625°C to a Cu-Cl based hydrogen- production facility. Characteristics of a connection between a nuclear power plant and a hydrogen production facility are discussed.