Analysis of a Novel Process with Integrated CO2 CaptureUsing Coal and Thermal Energy from a High-Temperature Nuclear Reactorfor the Production of Hydrogen and Electric Power

摘要

A novel process generating hydrogen and electric power with very high efficiency and integratedCO2 capture has been developed. Thermal energy from a high-temperature (about 900°C)nuclear reactor (HTNR) and a solid carbonaceous fuel (coal) are used as input energy to the process.The process is a true "zero emission process" because (a) no NOX is formed during coalcombustion with sulfuric acid, and (b) the combustion products SO2 and CO2 are removed separatelyas compressed liquids from the overall process. A detailed description of the process ispresented. The thermodynamic modeling of the process was carried out using the commercial processsimulator Aspen Plus. Hydrogen and electric energy are generated by the process with anoverall efficiency that is significantly higher than the efficiencies of competing processes generatingeither one of the products using solid fuels or heat from a HTNR. In addition to the results ofthe thermodynamic analysis, a brief overview of the economic feasibility of the process is shownincluding estimates for the product costs. To understand the cost-formation process in the system,an exergoeconomic analysis has been carried out. The main results are also discussed here.