HI decomposition over the HI-100 test apparatus at a hydrogen production rate over 100 L/h

Studies on the iodine-sulfur (IS) thermochemical cycle for hydrogen production has been carried out since about 2005 by the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Tsinghua University, China. The HI decomposition occupies the important position of hydrogen generation in the IS cycle. In this paper, the HI-100 test apparatus with a H2 production rate of 100 L/h was constructed and the HI decomposition was tested. First, the process and components for HI decomposition were designed. Then, the key components, including the feed tank, evaporator, gas heater, adiabatic reactor, condenser, and gas-liquid separator were made of industrial materials. After building this apparatus, the sealing test, heating water test, and HI decomposition have been conducted. The stable hydrogen production operation of more than 100 L/h had been achieved for 5 h, the maximum hydrogen production reached approximately 130 L/h, and the hydroiodic acid decomposition rate maintained about 22 %. The test results provide the design and experimental guidance for further amplification of HI decomposition for hydrogen production by the IS cycle.