Design and Analysis of a Nuclear Hydrogen Production System by Methanol Reforming Using Light Water Reactor (LWR)

Abstract Hydrogen is a multiple energy carrier, which can help tackle various critical energy challenges and transition towards green and zero-carbon industries. There are numerous hydrogen production methods, including methane steam reforming, electrolysis of water, and the iodine-sulfur thermochemical cycle. These methods typically require a significant amount of electricity and heat, aligning well with the benefits of nuclear power. Nuclear energy is a reliable, low-carbon power source that generates high energy output. Nuclear reactors can produce a continuous supply of heat and electricity. It is necessary for the production of clean hydrogen, which reduces both infrastructure and hydrogen costs. Light-water nuclear reactors (LWRs) currently comprise over 80 percent of all commercial nuclear reactors worldwide. Improving their overall utilization capacity is crucial for enhancing the economics of commercial nuclear reactors. This study proposed utilizing a methanol steam reforming process technology for hydrogen production, which can be applied to LWR. The technology utilizes steam that produced from the light-water nuclear reactor to produce hydrogen. The steam is also a heat source for the methanol steam reforming hydrogen production reaction. It combines the steam with either pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or membrane separation purification technology to purify the hydrogen in the product gas, resulting in a reliable and high purity supply of hydrogen that could be 99.99%. This system for producing hydrogen using nuclear energy comprises a LWR combined with methanol hydrogen reforming. The study investigated outlet parameters of LWR and determined optimal reaction conditions for producing hydrogen through methanol reforming using nuclear energy. The process operates at temperatures between 200°C and 300°C and at pressures ranging from 1.0 MPa to 1.8MPa. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen production from LWR. Additionally, the purification unit separates and purifies the hydrogen product gas to enhance hydrogen purity and minimize impurity effects on hydrogen equipment, thereby supporting the comprehensive use of nuclear energy and expanding the availability of hydrogen. This study compares the economic viability of two systems: a light water reactor combined with methanol reforming for hydrogen production and one that uses electrolysis of water for hydrogen production. Our findings indicate that methanol steam reforming using the light water reactor system is more cost-effective than water electrolysis using the same system. This study aims to design a hydrogen production system that is appropriate for use in a light water nuclear reactor and contributes to the effective utilization of nuclear energy.