Nuclear power storage coupling

Can thermal energy storage be integrated with nuclear energy?

In particular, thermal energy storage (TES) provides several advantages when integrated with nuclear energy. First, nuclear reactors are thermal generators, meaning that fewer energy transformation mechanisms are required when thermal energy is used as the coupling energy resource.

Which advanced reactors use a coupling approach?

To date, the design discussed herein is specific to a few selected advanced reactors (A-LWR, HTGR, and LMFR). However, the coupling approach is intended to be generic such that it is valuable to A-NPPs and other reactor types that employ a steam turbine system for power generation. Thus far, dynamic modeling has been completed for the A-LWR.

Can thermal energy storage and nuclear energy be a transformative contribution?

Jan 2022, 1: 011006 (9 pages) Thermal energy storage (TES) coupled with nuclear energy could be a transformative contribution to address the mismatch in energy production and demand that occur with the expanding use of solar and wind energy. TES can generate new revenue for the nuclear plant and help decarbonize the electricity grid.

Can thermal energy storage improve NPP competitiveness?

Thermal energy storage (TES) systems would enable NPPs to respond nimbly to market variability and could also position advanced NPPs to participate differently in restructured markets, thus further enhancing their economic competitiveness.

Are steam accumulators better suited for coupling with NPPs?

Hence, it can be concluded that steam accumulators are better suited for coupling with small-to-medium-sized NPPs with energy storage capacities of <400 MWh-th. Thus, an FOM of 1 was assigned for energy storage capacity for small- and medium-sized systems, and a 0 was assigned for large-sized systems.

What is the thermal energy bypass for NPP-TES coupling?

This first part of the study presents steady-state models developed using Aspen HYSYS®, with the thermal energy bypass for NPP-TES coupling being varied at up to 50%. The various components were sized using the Aspen Process Economic Analyzer (APEA) and Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating (EDR), when applicable.