Efficiency and cost advantages of an advanced-technology nuclear electrolytic hydrogen-energy production facilityThe concept of an advanced-technology (viz., 1985 technology) nuclear-electrolytic water electrolysis facility was assessed for hydrogen production cost and efficiency expectations. The facility integrates (1) a high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor (HTGR) operating a binary work cycle, (2) direct-current (d-c) electricity generation via acyclic generators, and (3) high-current-density, high-pressure electrolyzers using a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE). All subsystems are close-coupled and optimally interfaced for hydrogen production alone (i.e., without separate production of electrical power). Pipeline-pressure hydrogen and oxygen are produced at 6900 kPa (1000 psi). We found that this advanced facility would produce hydrogen at costs that were approximately half those associated with contemporary-technology nuclear electrolysis: $5.36 versus $10.86/million Btu, respectively. The nuclear-heat-to-hydrogen-energy conversion efficiency for the advanced system was estimated as 43%, versus 25% for the contemporary system.
Document ID
19770053492
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Donakowski, T. D. (Institute of Gas Technology Chicago, IL, United States)
Escher, W. J. D. (Institute of Gas Technology Chicago, IL, United States)
Gregory, D. P. (Institute of Gas Technology Chicago, Ill., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1977
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Meeting Information
Meeting: Symposium on Synthetic fuels processing: Comparative economics