Comparison of Capital Cost Estimates and Process Efficiencies for Hydrogen Production by Thermochemical Cycles and Water Electrolysis

摘要

A survey of capital cost estimates and process efficiencies for two different technologies for producing hydrogen from water has been completed. Thermochemical cycles show costs ranging from $600 to 1100/kW H sub 2 while advanced methods of water electrolysis were estimated in the range of $700 to 1100/kW H sub 2 . In general, efficiencies for thermochemical cycles were higher at 40 to 55%, than for water electrolysis systems at 30 to 40%. In all evaluations of new technology, careful attention must be paid to the assumptions underlying the derived cost and efficiency to ensure that design conditions conform to achievable results. (ERA citation 05:027047)