Abstract
In this chapter, various integrated systems for nuclear hydrogen production are presented. Generation IV nuclear reactors and their conceptual processes are presented. Particular attention is given to VHTR and SWCR reactors, which represent two different alternatives for future development of nuclear-based hydrogen production at a large scale. The VHTR integrated system will generate hydrogen by methods adapted to high-temperature heat requirements of over 1,100 K. The SWCR is suitable for processes at intermediate temperatures at around 800 K. Due to its higher temperature, the VHTR (and its variants) can be used with high-temperature electrolysis, as well as the sulfur–iodine and hybrid sulfur thermochemical cycle, and the copper–chlorine cycle as well. The hybrid copper–chlorine cycle is adaptable for the linkage with lower temperature nuclear reactors. Selected integrated systems for nuclear-based conversion of coal and natural gas to hydrogen are also presented. These systems are relevant during the transition period until a future hydrogen economy is implemented. A system that integrates a nuclear reactor with a copper–chlorine cycle and a desalination process is also presented. This type of integration is attractive because it produces fresh water from brackish or sea water which is then used partially as process water for hydrogen production and partially for drinking water.
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Naterer, G.F., Dincer, I., Zamfirescu, C. (2013). Integrated Nuclear Hydrogen Production Systems. In: Hydrogen Production from Nuclear Energy., vol 8. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4938-5_7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4938-5_7
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