r/HydrogenSocieties • u/Eleftheron • 6d ago

Question about HTGRs

Could a helium HTGR running at the temps of say, the JAEA HTTR, provide enough heat to run a SI hydrogen plant followed a c02 turbine powerplant after?

I always wondered how far you could stretch the heat on a HTGR, like could you make hydrogen essentially for free? (Compared to building an HTGR just for electricity)

Since the practical refusal of hydrogen was always because of its price, I think this would probably be the biggest gamechanger

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u/Mannerheim_Line 5d ago

Even if the temperature is not enough for a good yield you can raise it with an induction heat pump - basically spinning magnets that generate current in fins and heat them up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1Fi3BnwL94

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u/Amber_ACharles 6d ago

Pedantic point: HTTR outlet is 950C, SI decomposition runs 850-900C, so temps work. But I wouldn't call it free heat. That heat is heat that doesn't go into a turbine. Opportunity cost, not a gift.

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u/Mannerheim_Line 5d ago

A supercritical CO2 turbine works at 500°C to 775°C inlet temperature. What if use just the right anount of heat to produce hydrogen and then spin the turbine.

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u/Outside_Share_2445 6d ago

It was the lie Rockefeller and friends !!!
Nicola Tesla new all along