| Abstract: | In this paper we discuss the proposals for processes which have already been realised in form of bench scale units or which have been planned, as well as those which have a high degree of development potential. A part of these cycles have in common the splitting of sulfuric acids which causes corrosion problems unsolved up to now. The essential part of the metal/metal hydride-processes is a hydrogen permeable membrane which separates the hydrogen acceptor from the water containing electrolyte melt. Actually we are intending to build up a lab cycle using a TiNi-basis membrane. The metal membranes offer a number of further interesting applications, such as (1) hydrogen production from gas mixtures at high temperatures, and (2) tritium separation from the helium of the HTR primary cooling circuit. A further promising process is the hydrocarbon hybrid cycle, in which the reduction of methanol to methane and oxygen is the key reaction. Till now we can detect a methane yield of up to 50%. An interesting combined procedure for the production of hydrogen and electricity is proposed, where sulphuric acid is decomposed by means of coal. The detailed mass and energy balance shows an efficiency of up to 57%. Thermodynamic analysis for the watersplitting cycles indicates efficiencies of up to 50%. Further research and development work is necessary in order to solve material problems and to demonstrate the suitability and availablity of the techniques using larger scale laboratory and prototype units. |
