High Temperature Hydrogen Production Process : a new Task from the
International Energy Agency / Hydrogen Implementing Agreement
G. RODRIGUEZ(i), S. POITOU(i), C. MANSILLA(i), N. HAQUET(i) C. SATTLER(ii), M.
ROEB(ii), G. KOLB(iii), N. SIEGEL(iii), A. GIACONIA(iv), R. LIBERATORE(iv), P.
TARQUINI(iv), A. MEIER(v), R. ALLEN(vi), J.C. HOGUET(vii), R. MOLINER(viii), M.
GASIK(ix), A. LOKKILUOTO(ix), S. EBBESEN(x)
: CEA, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, France / gilles.rodriguez@cea.fr, (ii) : DLR, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft und Raumfahrt,
Germany / Christian.Sattler@dlr.de, (iii) : SNL, Sandia National Laboratories, USA / gjkolb@sandia.gov, (iv) : ENEA, Ente per le Nuove
tecnologie, l'Energia e l'Ambiente, Italy / alberto.giaconia@casaccia.enea.it, (v) : PSI, Paul Scherrer Institut, Switzerland /
Anton.Meier@psi.ch, (vi) : University of Sheffield, UK / r.w.k.allen@sheffield.ac.uk, (vii) : CPERI, Chemical Process Engineering Research
Institute, Greece / jch@cperi.certh.gr, (viii) : CSIC, Instituto de Carboquimica, Spain / rmoliner@icb.csic.es, (ix) : Helsinki University of
technology, Finland / mgasik@cc.hut.fi, (x) : RISOE, Risoe National Laboratory, Denmark / sune.ebbesen@risoe.dk
(i)
Key words: hydrogen massive production, thermochemical, electrolysis, heat source, nuclear and solar heat,
safety, costs.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Abstract : The International Energy Agency (IEA) is conducting a broad programme on energy research, data
compilation, publications and public dissemination of the latest energy policy analysis and recommendations on
good practices. Current work focuses on climate change policies, market reform, energy technology
collaboration and outreach to the rest of the world. Recently CEA has proposed to the IEA/Hydrogen
Implementing Agreement (IEA/HIA) to launch an experts group review to work on a new task named as : High
Temperature Process (HTP) for Hydrogen Production. This task – referenced as Task n°25 – is a four year
project that has officially started by a kick-off meeting on October 2007, preceded by a project definition phase
in January 2007. The experts group aims at focusing on Zero-carbon emissions, high temperature, massive
hydrogen production processes. The family of processes included within this task are all over 500°C and are
belonging to one of this following family : all thermochemical cycles, high temperature electrolysis, hybrid
systems coupling thermal decomposition and electrolytic decomposition, direct catalytic decomposition of water
with separation using ceramic membranes, and plasma-chemical decomposition of water.
The heat source to allow these processes to operate can come either from solar concentrator or from High
Temperature Nuclear Reactors. Therefore, the overall goal of this expert group would be to share worldwide
existing knowledge on HTPs and develop objective expertise on global assessment for HTPs to be integrated in
hydrogen production road mapping. For this, a comparison of the different process will be done. The purpose of
this paper is to present the project program, organisation and roadmap for the coming years.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
1
Introduction
In process using thermal sources, high temperatures
usually imply an increased potential for high
efficiencies. But in other way these process in a
temperature range of over 500°C will need several
technological breakthrough and improvement in
particular in terms of material developments. Thus,
there is a need to identify the most suitable
temperature for the optimum between efficiency
and technology constraints.
Through the International Energy Agency
organisation, CEA has proposed to the Hydrogen
Implement Agreement Executive Committee to
animate an expert group dealing with the definition
of the high temperature hydrogen production
processes running either with solar or nuclear heat
source. This project has been accepted and
referenced as Task n°25.
The purpose of Task 25 is to support production of
massive quantities of H2 with zero-CO2 emission
through use of high temperature processes (over
500°C) coupled with nuclear and solar heat sources.
The overarching objective is to share existing
worldwide knowledge on high temperature
17th WHEC – 15-19 June, 2008, Brisbane, Australia
processes (HTPs) and further to develop expertise
in global assessment of the HTPs that can be
integrated in Hydrogen Production Road Mapping.
The specific objectives are :
 To identify and classify HTPs and establish
different and coherent criteria for each
family
of
HTPs,
based
on
a
scientific/technological approach.
 To establish the state of the art and
investigation of the existing knowledge,
programs, projects on HTPs and other
innovative ideas for massive production of
hydrogen.
2
Task Description
2.1
Organisation
Task 25 was approved in late 2007 with a three year
term of operation. Task 25 research will focus on
three process families :
 steam electrolysis,
 thermochemical cycles (including pure and
hybrid thermochemical processes),
 and innovative direct water splitting.
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The objective is to manage a group of experts in
this task that will contribute to :
- exchange points of view and recent R&D
achievements,
- write and compile key documents that will
help the scientific community and
particularly OECD in their evaluation of
these processes to contribute to the future
hydrogen economy deployment.
The organisation of the expert group is leaded by an
Operating Agent designated by the country who got
the initiative of this group (CEA : Atomic Energy
Commission from France in that specific case) and accepted by all the other countries through the
IEA/HIA Executive Committee representatives.
The expert group is holding a meeting every
semester and results from this group are presented
every semester to the IEA/HIA Executive
Committee by the Operating Agent (G. Rodriguez
from CEA).
2.2
Members
All members are recognised as experts in their field
and are nominated by the representative of their
respective country, belonging to the IEA/HIA
executive Committee. The list of members
presented below is not definitive and new members
and/or new countries can always join this expert
group. For instance, at the time of this publication,
Task 25 is under discussion to welcome members
from India and South Africa.
France : CEA : G. Rodriguez, S. Poitou, C.
Mansilla
Independent expert : J.L. Rouyer
Spain : Instituto de Carboquimica : R. Moliner
Italy : ENEA : A. Giaconia, P. Tarquini, R.
Liberatore
Switzerland : PSI : A. Meier
Germany : DLR : C. Sattler, M. Roeb
USA : Sandia National Lab : G. Kolb, N. Siegel
Greece : CPERI : J.C. Hoguet
Finland : Helsinki University of Technology : M.
Gasik, A. Lokkiluoto
Denmark : RISOE : S. Ebbensen
2.3
Subtask
The program to be done in Task 25 is splitted in
four subtasks, which are listed and described below.
Subtask A - Scientific, Technological Review and
Analysis of Temperature Processes and State of the
Art (Subtask Leader: C. Sattler, DLR)
The objective of this subtask is the development of
summary sheets describing every process using the
same evaluation method presentation format. This
will include worldwide mapping and technical
review of the high temperature process studies and
development, database (relevant papers, books and
websites). The review and state of the art of
different processes will be done as an update of
some precedent relevant works already done and
worldwide recognised.
17th WHEC – 15-19 June, 2008, Brisbane, Australia
Subtask B - Development of a Methodology
Approach and Integration of HTPs (Subtask leader :
A. Giaconia, ENEA)
This subtask will define the main criteria for
integration of HTPs into the hydrogen chain,
including the interface and primary energy source.
It will apply a methodology and multi-criteria
approach to assess and compare the different HTPs.
Subtask B will focus on proving tools designed to
pilot the technological choices and economical
aspects (definition of the relevant Figure Of Merit),
making it possible to meet the increasing demand
on the hydrogen as energy vector and at what price.
Subtask C - Establishment of Benchmarks,
Recommendations for HTP R&D and Future
Industrial Deployment (Subtask leader : to be
determined)
Subtask C will identify the most promising
technologies and recommendations for R&D needs
based on the Subtask A review. It will develop
studies and recommendations to meet the needs in
large future facilities and / or demonstration
programs required to facilitate accelerated
introduction of HTPs. All subject treated in this
task are focused in a view of a future industrial
deployment in short, medium or long term.
Subtask D - Coordination and Links with Other
International Organizations; Dissemination of
Information (Subtask Leader and Operating Agent :
Gilles Rodriguez, CEA)
Subtask D will focus on developing and ensuring
coherence between this task and other projects and
groups. It will also facilitate exchanges and
utilization of experimental facilities. The purpose of
this task also consists in promoting the knowledge
of the High Temperature Hydrogen Production
Process with the help of several and original
communicative tools.
3
Activities and Results in 2007
3.1
Expert meetings
 Project Definition Phase (PDP) meeting
This meeting had been done at Cadarache castle
(CEA - France) on the 22nd and 23rd of January
2007 and had gathered a panel of 19 experts coming
from 9 different countries. This preliminary
meeting was established to get opinion of different
experts on the Program Of Work of this Task.
As a conclusion of this PDP meeting the
corresponding experts as agreed on :
o The definition of the roadmap for this expert
group.
o The way of working with an agreement in
principle to start the work from the results and
conclusions of some previous European
projects and in particular the INNOHYP
project (project done under the 6th Framework
Program).
o The proposition of the Operating Agent and of
the Subtask leaders.
2
 Kick-Off meeting
This meeting had been done at DLR (CologneGermany) on the 24th and 25th of October 2007 and
had gathered a panel of 18 experts coming from 10
different countries. The main purpose of this kick
off meeting was to finalise the project roadmap and
associated program of work, and to finalise the
expert member list.
Conclusions of this kick-off meeting were :
o To launch a PhD on technico-economy:
« international
student »
located
at
CEA/SACLAY/ITESE and will study several
investigations in close connections with the
different research organisms belonging to the
expert group.
o UNLV (University Of Nevada Las Vegas)
database is the reference for the first evaluation
of thermochemical processes.
o The summary communicative sheets on
process will be sent to be reviewed by the
experts, as well as INNOHYP final report.
 First official meeting
This meeting had been done at GA (San Diego,
California-USA) on the 10th and 11th of March 2008
and had gathered a panel of 28 experts coming from
12 different countries.
The conclusions of this meeting are the following :
o The review of INNOHYP final report is under
progress. It will be updated to become a task 25
report (2009).
o Summary sheet of hydrogen production
process are under progress.
3.2
Progress
The subtask A has started: Review of the different
processes through the results of the INNOHYP
project (European project granted during the 6 th
European Framework Program).
The subtask B is under preparation: Benchmarking
of calculation and methodology. Task 25 has the
willing to propose a research student specifically
Subtask
A : DLR
B : ENEA
C : looking
for industrial
partners
D : CEA
devoted to this theme and that could be shared
between several research organisms (cross-action
during of training period or a post-doctorate or
PhD).
The subtask D has started: Communications
actions.
o An intranet site has been made to have a
common documentation base:
 https://www-prodh2-task25.cea.fr. This
site is an exchange place between experts
of the working group. To have an access to
this database an ID and a password is
requested.
o Papers to describe the most relevant high
temperature processes for hydrogen production
have been written and proposed for review
during the kick off meeting. Each High
Temperature Process will be described in a
paper. These papers will allow an easier
comparison between the processes and it is also
a communication tool. It still need to be written
and/or reviewed by the Task 25 members
before being definitely published.
4
Future Works
4.1
Activities and/or Targets for 2008 and
beyond
For 2008 and beyond, the following actions must be
carried on :
 Fill in the intranet database.
 Complete and/or write papers on description of
each process (review of the partners).
 Looking for industry enhanced participation.
 Start to expertise the INNOHYP results and
start to complete the INNOHYP database with
recent scientific results.
 Do an inventory of the national project of the
members on Hydrogen production.
 Validate the choice of Hydrogen production
processes.
Year 1  2007
Year 2 2008
Year 3  2009
Year 4  2010
Review of the processes (Year 1)
Synthesis and final
Summary sheets
Data feeding subtask (Year 2)
report
Benchmarking of
Methodology
Application on selected
Synthesis and final
calculation and
development and
process
report
methodology
validation
Looking to start
Deployment approach
Definition of demos, platform, R&D needs
seeking for industry
Generic R&D needs
involvement
Communications actions: papers, communicative tools …
List of the Intl
World mapping the HTPs program + website construction + link with other
projects/See
projects
INNOHYP input
The timetable established for Task 25 after the Project Definition Phase
17th WHEC – 15-19 June, 2008, Brisbane, Australia
3
5
Conclusions
International initiatives and countries are aiming to
demonstrate hydrogen production from either solar
or nuclear energy in the next decade. The technical
challenges in achieving these goals are significant,
but the development of emission-free hydrogen
production technologies is essential to the longterm viability of a hydrogen economy. Solar and
nuclear energies have the potential to play a major
role in assuring a secure and environmentally sound
source of transportation fuels. The fundamental
challenge is to focus research and development on
those processes which have the highest probability
of producing hydrogen at competitive costs.
Through IEA, the initiative of this new group of
expert appears to be an efficient way to promote the
High temperature hydrogen Production Processes
with an original approach that allows to set side by
side in a same expert group two major scientific
communities working on energy : solar and nuclear.
6
References
Articles in reference
X. Vitart, P. Carles, P. Anzieu, A general survey of the potential
and the main issues associated with the sulfur - iodine thermochemical cycle for hydrogen production using nuclear heat,
Progress in nuclear Energy, Volume 50, Issues 2-6, MarchAugust 2008, Pages 402-410
A. Le Duigou et al., “HYTHEC: An EC funded search for a long
term massive hydrogen production route using solar and nuclear
technologies”,
International
Journal
of
Hydrogen
Energy, Volume 32, Issues 10-11, July-August 2007, Pages
1516-1529
M. Roeb et al., “Solar hydrogen production by a two-step cycle
based on mixed iron oxides”, Journal of Solar Energy
Engineering - Transactions of the ASME, 128, 125-133, (2006);
also in Proceedings of ISEC 2005: ASME International Solar
Energy Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 6 –12 August, 2005,
671-678.
S; Agrafiotis et al., , “Advanced monolithic reactors for
hydrogen generation from solar water splitting” Proceedings of
SolarPACES 13th International Symposium on Concentrated
Solar Power and Chemical Energy Technologies”, Seville,
Spain, June 20-23, (2006),
S. Agrafiotis et al., “Hydrogen production in solar reactors”,
Catalysis Today, 127, 265–277, (2007).
A. Giaconia et al., “Experimental study of two phase separation
in the Bunsen section of the sulfur–iodine thermochemical
cycle”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 32,
Issue 5, April 2007, Pages 531-536
Recommended document
F. Le Naour et al. , “INNOHYP final report”: Coordinated
project from the 6th framework program, Ref SES6-CT-2004513550). The objective of the task 25 is to produce this revised
document end of ‘08/beginning of ’09.
Relevant website
IEA/HIA : http://www.ieahia.org
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) – Solar Hydrogen
Generation Research : http://shgr.unlv.edu/v2/
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