Hydrogen production from nuclear sources.

Fuller, Nathan D.; Adams, Luke N.

Student Work

Hydrogen production from nuclear sources.

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Global energy consumption will surpass oil production and alternative methods must be established before the situation escalates. Utilizing nuclear power to produce hydrogen is a viable solution to this problem. The methods of electrolysis and steam reforming are used to extract the hydrogen molecules. These methods can be accomplished at a nuclear site of varying sizes depending on the needs of the community. Compressed hydrogen gas offers the simplest and least expensive method for onboard storage of hydrogen. Carbon fiber storage tanks are currently under development to enhance the safety and reliability of hydrogen transportation and containment. Research shows that the general populace would not mind an increase in the production of nuclear power plants once they were informed of the energy issues. In contrast, the location of these power plants to the individual had an adverse affect on their decision. The further away from their hometown the nuclear site was the more the individual was open to the idea. Survey results indicated that hometown, county and state locations were acceptable with varying degrees of skepticism.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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