Storage-Coupled Nuclear Combined Cycle

Abstract A new design paradigm for nuclear power plants is needed to complement the increasing adoption of low marginal cost variable renewable energy resources. The situation reflected in wholesale electricity price–duration curve with four distinct economic opportunities: (a) a hundred or so hours per year high-value peaking power; (b) about 4000–5000 h moderate electric prices; (c) 2000 when renewables set price at near zero; and (d) 1000 flexible ramping between b c regions. current approach low-carbon transition reduces need baseload requires curtailment conventional, nuclear, even generation, decreasing their capacity factors fixed charges generation. Flexible dispatchable capable daily cycling along storage time shifting low-cost nondispatchable will be needed. Although have demonstrated load-following capability, can limited by reactor kinetics (xenon poisoning) as well thermal stresses fatigue considerations steam cycle. Storage heat hampered relatively operating temperatures existing reactors (but not advanced reactors) that lowers conversion efficiency, which turn increases required quantity medium storage. reduced integration high-grade liquid salt combined cycle (LSCC). LSCC uses high-temperature gas turbine exhaust increase output unit medium, stored add flexibility bottoming cycle, substantially fuel rate. rate improves competitiveness compared alternative turbine-based plants, especially burning expensive fuels such hydrogen. could coupled plant both support high utilization co-located hydrogen electrolysis plant. Further reduction achieved using solid media storage, used transfer medium.