Studies on Copper Chlorine Thermochemical Cycle For Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Hydrogen is green fuel for future. Currently major hydrogen sources are based on the crude oil. Concept of hydrogen production from water splitting using electrolysis is very old. But it is not economically feasible. If hydrogen can be produced from water through economically feasible process, then it is best sustainable fuel option and one of potential solution for the current energy and environmental problems. Towards better economic feasibility of water splitting for hydrogen production, using solar energy is best option. Many papers have been published about thermochemical cycles but overall problems associated with the various techniques are not discussed. This report addresses various routes for the hydrogen production from water using solar energy and also discusses various problems reported by various researchers. Copper chlorine cycle is selected for further study due to lower tem- perature requirement in whole process. Various problems associated with copper chlorine thermochemical cycle for hydrogen production are highlighted. Various solutions to make it more economically feasible are also discussed. It is expected that this report will provide better understanding for hydrogen production from water splitting reaction using copper chlorine thermochemical cycle. The ve step copper chlorine cycle consists of copper chlorination (hy- drogen production), electrolysis, drying, hydrolysis and decomposition step. The highest temperature required within all ve steps is 530 C. Experiments for all ve steps have been carried out separately and products of all steps were con rmed with basic properties and stoichiometric calculations. Economic feasibility of the process is a major challenging step. In the present study, complete material and energy balance calculations were carried out for production of 1 mole of hydrogen. Experiments were con- ducted for all ve steps separately. Recovery and recycle of CuCl2 and HCl were done successfully and reuse of the same within process is demonstrated. Com- plete heat exchanger network is generated based on proposed material and energy balance using pinch analysis.