Development of the low temperature Cu-Cl thermochemical cycle.

Abstract

Argonne National Laboratory is developing low temperature thermochemical cycles designed to split water and produce hydrogen at 550 C or less. The hybrid copper-chloride (Cu-Cl) cycle is one of the most promising cycles for this temperature region. This cycle consists of three thermal reactions and one electrochemical reaction. The experimental status of each of these reactions is described briefly. The results of the first Aspen simulation, based on experimental results and process design goals, are presented. A preliminary estimate of the open cycle efficiency of the Cu-Cl cycle has been calculated from the simulation. The closed cycle efficiency may be increased significantly when the Cu-Cl cycle is mated with the HTGR.