CCGT and small nuclear SMR hybrids system for flexible energy generation

Abstract

Future development of the energy conversion systems will be based on second and third generation technology. Additionally, modern power plants are expected to be able to work in a very wide range of power output. At the same time, frequent and rapid changes in generated power reduce systems lifetime, their average efficiency, and in the case of nuclear energy, introduce additional issues related to nuclear safety. The hybrid energy systems can give at least a partial solution to such challenges. In the present work, a thermodynamic analysis of a hybrid system consisting of a nuclear block powered by Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and a gas-steam block Gas Turbine Combined Cycle (GTCC) was performed. The coupling was made by means of a compressor in a gas block powered by an electric motor and using steam from a nuclear block in the Gas Turbine Combined Cycle steam power plant block. Some promising and challenging results are shown and discussed.