THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES FOR HYDROGEN PRODUCTION.

In this article a review is made of the thermochemical methods for hydrogen production, underlining their thermal efficiency, both theoretical and practical. The experimental work carried out at the Euratom J. R. C. of Ispra on the plant chemistry and on plant construction materials is described. The computer program OPTIMO for mass and thermal balance determination is then discussed, with particular emphasis on thermal optimization and heat exchangers. The possibilities are also examined of hybrid cycles, in which part of the energy for water splitting is supplied by a photolytic or electrolytic step.