Nuclear Energy

Hydrogen Production Using Reduced Temperature

Related Patents:  8,132,410

Contact: David R. Anderson

Phone: (208) 526-0837

E-mail:  Send E-mail

The INL has developed a novel process for producing hydrogen using a reduced outlet temperature of Very High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor. This process uses a combination of hydrogen recycle, a molten salt or helium, and a supercritical CO2 cycle. This method preheats the feed, reduces pumping power in the primary side and/or thermal transmission piping, and converts the power unit, achieving a high electrical conversion efficiency of 45%. This process reduces the operating outlet temperature of Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) from 900 C to 700 C, and can thus reduce the need for high temperature structural materials for the VHTR and thermal transmission piping and heat exchangers.