Use of a Xe-100 Reactor has been found to have favorable properties when paired with a hydrogen producing Sulfur-Iodine Thermo-Chemical Process. This process has been chosen due to the robust nature of the safety concerns in merging a hydrogen-based system with a nuclear system. A Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) is being done for this cogeneration system due to the associated risk factors of using hydrogen in proximity to a nuclear reactor. Dymola is currently being used to simulate the cogeneration process.
Team: Miriam Matthew, Alexander Patterson, Alexis Figueroa, Peter Vincello, Nicholas March
Project Advisors: Prof. Wei Ji
Members of the design group
Project Motivation
This projects goal is to prove the basis for the incorporation of Nuclear Energy as a source of safe, reliable, and clean energy for industrial and chemical processes. Nuclear energy is also the only credible non-carbon option for industrial heat applications compared to other green energy sources. By incorporating the use of nuclear energy into the production of hydrogen this project also serves as a benchmark for feasibility for any project with fewer defined storage or production risks at lower temperatures. The use of an SMR also aides in proving system coupling as a possible and potentially very profitable endeavor when considering the cost savings of an SMR.
Figure 1- Nuclear Reactor Analyzed.
Project Description
Use of a Xe-100 Reactor has been found to have favorable properties when paired with a hydrogen producing Sulfur-Iodine Thermo-Chemical Process. This process has been chosen due to the robust nature of the safety concerns in merging a hydrogen-based system with a nuclear system. A Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) is being done for this cogeneration system due to the associated risk factors of using hydrogen in proximity to a nuclear reactor. Dymola is currently being used to simulate the cogeneration process.
Figure 2 – Dymola simulation.
Results and Accomplishments
To date, a working model of the coupled system in Dymola has been completed, showing the heat and electrical outputs can sustain the industrial reaction, an analysis of regulations regarding nuclear and industrial processes has allowed a preliminary heat and electrical system design to be made, and initial financial analysis shows what states can be targeted for the incorporation of this nuclear energy system.