Nuclear Hydrogen Production: Modeling and Preliminary Optimization of a Helical Tube Heat Exchanger

Lorenzo Bolfo,Francesco Devia,Guglielmo Lomonaco

doi:10.3390/en14113113

Lorenzo Bolfo, Francesco Devia + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/en14113113

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Abstract

Hydrogen production is a topical issue in an energy scenario where decarbonization is a priority, especially with reference to the transport sector that has a great weight on global emissions. Starting from this consideration, GIF (Generation-IV International Forum) investigated the possibility to produce hydrogen by nuclear energy. The “classic” strategy is based on the use of nuclear as energy source for the electrolysis; but on the medium-long term, a more sustainable and smart approach could be founded on the use of thermochemical processes (e.g., I-S) that require a direct coupling of a chemical plant to a nuclear reactor. In order to develop this strategy, it is mandatory to design and optimize all the key components involved in this complex plant. In this study, we developed the 3D-CAD and CFD models of the intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) installed in the Japanese HTTR nuclear power plant. This component is extremely important for both the safety of the two plants and the stability of the whole hydrogen production plant. Initially, our model (developed by AutoCAD 3D and implemented in Star CCM+) was validated on the basis of experimental data available in literature; then, an initial optimization of the IHX testing innovative materials, such as Alloy 617 and ODS–MA754, and a different primary coolant (supercritical CO2) was performed.

Highlights

Decarbonization is one of the main final targets in any field of energy production in the present and in the future decades
Hydrogen production is a topical issue in an energy scenario where decarbonization is a priority, especially with reference to the transport sector that has a great weight on global emissions
The “classic” strategy is based on the use of nuclear as energy source for the electrolysis; but on the medium-long term, a more sustainable and smart approach could be founded on the use of thermochemical processes (e.g., I-S) that require a direct coupling of a chemical plant to a nuclear reactor

Summary

Introduction

Decarbonization is one of the main final targets in any field of energy production in the present and in the future decades. It is possible to recognize this process in the rush for the development of new kind of engines that could exploit primary energy sources with low impact in terms of CO2 emissions and research and application focus on electric and hybrid vehicle as well as on fuels with a lower CO2 footprint In this frame, it is important to recall that hydrogen is an “energy carrier” and not a primary energy source and the effectiveness of its use as low impact fuel depends strongly on the technology which is used to produce the hydrogen itself, in order to generate a positive effect on transport, whose incidence is growing more and more [1,2,3]. A potential solution comes out from the use of hydrogen as an innovative energy vector that could replace traditional fossil fuels

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