Evaporative drying of cupric-chloride droplets in a thermo-chemical cycle of hydrogen production

Abstract

This thesis develops analytical and numerical solutions that predict behavior of Cupric-Chloride droplets undergoing spraying and drying processes. Cupric-Chloride (CuCl2) is present as molten salt and slurry within the Copper-Chlorine thermo-chemical cycle for generation of hydrogen. Utilizing low-grade heat from nuclear or industrial sources to assist drying of Cupric-Chloride can increase efficiency of the overall process. Analytical correlations for heat and mass transfer are developed and applied to the analysis of a solution of Cupric-Chloride, subject to various drying conditions. The study provides new information on effects of different concentrations of water in CuCl2 slurry drying at low air temperatures.