High temperature gas-cooled reactor hydrogen production and energy storage

Can high-temperature gas-cooled reactor produce hydrogen?

Sakaba, N. et al. (2008), “Hydrogen production by high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. Conceptual design of advanced process heat exchangers of the HTTR-IS hydrogen production system”, Nippon-Genshiryoku-Gakkai-Wabun-Ronbunshi, 7(3), 242-256. Science Direct Database (2001-2010).

Are HTGR reactors suitable for nuclear hydrogen production?

HTGR is another reactor type with great potential for development and are considered the most suitable for hydrogen production due to high exit temperatures and their inherent safety features [ 19 ]. However, there are few studies on the evaluation of nuclear hydrogen production related to HTGR.

Can a high temperature gas cooled nuclear reactor be combined with SOE?

Coupling of high temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactors with SOE was studied. Power load of the HTGR was modulated between 25% and 100%. Current density of electrolysis was adjusted to control the process. The maximum amount of hydrogen produces hourly was 2,800 tons. Efficiency of SOE in the system varied between 49.86 and 89.11%.

Which type of nuclear reactor is used for hydrogen production?

Most of the reported studies have adopted SCWR as the nuclear reactor type used for the system. HTGR is another reactor type with great potential for development and are considered the most suitable for hydrogen production due to high exit temperatures and their inherent safety features [ 19 ].

Why should the operating temperature of a nuclear reactor be increased?

Moreover, the main incentive for increasing the operating temperature is the possible use of the reactor heat generation for hydrogen production from water splitting through high temperature processes (either a thermo-chemical process or high temperature electrolysis), the efficiency of which drastically increases above 900°C.

Can nuclear heat be used for hydrogen production?

Elder, R. and Ray, A. (2009), “Nuclear heat for hydrogen production: coupling a very high/high temperature reactor to a hydrogen production plant”, Prog. Nucl. Energy, 51, 500-25.