Application of the fusion reactor to thermochemical-electrochemical hybrid cycles and electrolysis for hydrogen production from water

Current studies of hydrogen production from water by thermochemical-electrochemical hybrid cycles and electrolysis are being done with particular attention to their application to the use of fusion energy. Eight hybrid cycles are evaluated on the basis of the following criteria: (1) thermodynamics, (2) experimental performance, (3) process design, (4) applicability of fusion reactors, and (5) possibility of commercialization in about five years. Current commercial technologies are presented for low temperature electrolysis of water; research and development efforts on the advanced alkaline water electrolyzer and the solid polymer electrolyzer are discussed; and the possibility of water electrolysis by advanced power cycles using fusion reactor energy is examined. (author)