THERMAL EFFICIENCY IN HYDROGEN PRODUCTION: ANALYSING SPIRAL BAFFLED JACKETED REACTORS IN THE Cu-Cl CYCLE

Abstract

This study conducts a heat transfer analysis on a three-phase oxygen reactor equipped with a spiral baffled jacket, assessing the number of reactors needed to achieve various hydrogen production rates through enough heat input. It explores the efficiency of helium gas and molten CuCl in transferring heat from the jacket to the process side of the reactor. Considering a nuclear reactor as the primary heat source for the Cu-Cl cycle, the analysis focuses on two nuclear reactor types: the CANDU Super Critical Water Reactor (CANDU-SCWR) and the High Temperature Gas Reactor (HTGR). Findings indicate that the major thermal resistance in the jacketed oxygen reactor system stems from the reactor wall, contributing approximately 80% to the total thermal resistance due to conduction. The study suggests that the SCWR requires a higher heat transfer rate compared to the HTGR. In terms of fluid choice for the jacket's service side, helium gas is recommended over molten CuCl for better heating efficiency. Furthermore, the analysis concludes that determining the oxygen reactor's size should be based on heat balance calculations, rather than material balance considerations.