The constantly growing demand for energy and the consequent depletion of fossil
fuels have led to a drive for energy that is environmentally friendly, efficient and
sustainable. A viable source with the most potential of adhering to the criteria is
nuclear-produced hydrogen. The hybrid sulphur cycle (HyS) is the proposed electrothermochemical
process that can produce the energy carrier, hydrogen. The HyS
consists of two unit operations, namely the electrolyzer and the decomposition
reactor, that decomposes water into hydrogen and oxygen. A techno-economic
evaluation of the technology is needed to prove the commercial potential of the cycle.
This research project focuses on determining the hybrid sulphur cycle’s
recommended operating parameter range that will support economic viability whilst
maintaining a high efficiency. This is done by comparing the results of an evaluation
of four case studies, all operating under different conditions.
The technical evaluation of the research project is executed using the engineering
tool Aspen PlusTM. The models used to achieve accurate results were OLI Mixed
Solvent Electrolyte, oleum data package for use with Aspen PlusTM, which provides
an accurate representation of the H2SO4 properties, and ELECNRTL to provide an
accurate representation of H2SO4 at high temperature conditions. This evaluation
provides insight into the efficiency of the process as well as the operating conditions
that deliver the highest efficiency. The economic evaluation of the research project
determines the hydrogen production costs for various operating conditions. These
evaluations provide a recommended operating parameter range for the HyS to obtain
high efficiency and economic viability. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/4144 |
| Date | January 2010 |
| Creators | Cilliers, Joe-Nimique |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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