Hybrid sulfur cycle flowsheets for hydrogen production using high-temperature gas-cooled reactors

Two hybrid sulfur (HyS) cycle process flowsheets intended for use with high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) are presented. The flowsheets were developed for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) program, and couple a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer for the SO2-depolarized electrolysis step with a silicon carbide bayonet reactor for the high-temperature decomposition step. One presumes an HTGR reactor outlet temperature (ROT) of 950 °C, the other 750 °C. Performance was improved (over earlier flowsheets) by assuming that use of a more acid-tolerant PEM, like acid-doped poly[2,2′-(m-phenylene)-5,5′-bibenzimidazole] (PBI), instead of Nafion®, would allow higher anolyte acid concentrations. Lower ROT was accommodated by adding a direct contact exchange/quench column upstream from the bayonet reactor and dropping the decomposition pressure. Aspen Plus was used to develop material and energy balances. A net thermal efficiency of 44.0–47.6%, higher heating value basis is projected for the 950 °C case, dropping to 39.9% for the 750 °C case.

► Two hybrid sulfur cycle flowsheets are presented that combine a bayonet decomposition reactor with a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer.
► Aspen Plus material and energy balances are provided.
► One flowsheet can be used with a 950 °C reactor to make hydrogen at 44.0–47.6% net thermal efficiency, HHV basis.
► The other flowsheet can be used with a 750 °C reactor to make hydrogen at 39.9% net thermal efficiency, HHV basis.