System and method for production of hydrogen

Abstract

A system and method for producing low-cost, low to zero-carbon, and emission-free hydrogen (H2) is provided. The system includes an auto-thermal reformer which uses electrolytic oxygen (O2), a hydrocarbon fuel source, and water (H2O) to perform a partial oxidation reaction and produce auto-thermal reformed hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2). The system also includes a carbon dioxide electrolyzer for receiving electricity and the carbon dioxide from the auto-thermal reformer, and performing electrolysis on the carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide electrolyzer produces electrolytic carbon monoxide (CO) and a portion of the electrolytic oxygen provided to the auto-thermal reformer. The system also typically includes a water electrolyzer, which performs water electrolysis to produce electrolytic hydrogen and more electrolytic oxygen which can be provided to the auto-thermal reformer. In addition, the carbon monoxide produced by the carbon dioxide electrolyzer can be combined with the hydrogen produced by the auto-thermal reformer to form syngas.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.