Exergoeconomic analysis of a hybrid copper-chlorine cycle driven by geothermal energy for hydrogen production

In this study, we conduct an exergy, cost, energy and mass (EXCEM) analysis of a copper-chlorine thermochemical water splitting cycle driven by geothermal energy for hydrogen production. We also investigate and illustrate the relations between thermodynamic losses and capital costs. The results show that hydrogen cost is closely and directly related to the plant capacity and also exergy efficiency. Increasing economic viability and reducing the hydrogen production costs will help these cycles play a more critical role in switching to hydrogen economy. Copyright (C) 2010, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.