Evaluation of Hybrid Nuclear Energy Systems

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin J. McDaniel
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Hybrid Systems ◽  
Electricity Generation ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
System Component

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies have been recently deemed by the DOE as clean energy, a low carbon-dioxide emitting “alternative energy” source. Recent UN Sustainability Goals and Global Climate Talks to reduce the anthropomorphic Carbon-Dioxide atmospheric concentrations signal a renewed interest and need for nuclear power. The objective of this paper is to present an improved approach to the evaluation of “Hybrid Nuclear Energy Systems”. A hybrid energy system is defined as an energy system that utilizes two or more sources of energy to be used in single or multiple applications. Traditional single sourced energy or power systems require the amount of energy creation and the production of usable power to be carefully balanced. With the introduction of multiple energy sources, loads, and energy capacitors, the design, simulation, and operation of such hybrid systems requires a new approach to analysis and control. This paper introduces three examples of “Hybrid Nuclear Energy Systems”, for large scale power, industrial heat, and electricity generation. The system component independence, reliability, availability, and dynamic control aspects, coupled with component operational decisions presents a new way to optimize energy production and availability. Additional novel hybrid hydro-nuclear systems, concentrated solar-nuclear power desalination systems, and nuclear-insitu petroleum extraction systems are compared. The design aspects of such hybrid systems suitable for process heat, electricity generation, and/or desalination applications are discussed. After a multiple-year research study of past hybrid reactor designs and recent system proposals, the following design evaluation approach is the result of analysis of the best concepts discovered. This review of existing literature has summerized that postulated benefits of Hybrid Nuclear Sytems are; reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increased energy conversion efficiency, high reliability of electricity supply and consistent power quality, reduced fossil fuel dependence, less fresh water consumption, conversion of local coal or shale into higher value fuels, while lowering the risks and costs. As these proposed hybrid systems are interdisciplinary in nature, they will require a new multidisciplinary approach to systems evaluation.

scholarly journals Comparative Safety Analysis of Accelerator Driven Subcritical Systems and Critical Nuclear Energy Systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (17) ◽  
pp. 8179
Author(s):  
Run Luo ◽  
Shripad T. Revankar ◽  
Fuyu Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Heat Sink ◽  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Inherent Safety ◽  
Comparison Results ◽  
Comparative Safety ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
Reactivity Insertion

The accelerator driven subcritical system (ADS) has been chosen as one of the best candidates for Generation IV nuclear energy systems which could not only produce clean energy but also incinerate nuclear waste. The transient characteristics and operation principles of ADS are significantly different from those of the critical nuclear energy system (CNES). In this work, the safety characteristics of ADS are analyzed and compared with CNES by a developed neutronics and thermal-hydraulics coupled code named ARTAP. Three typical accidents are carried out in both ADS and CNES, including reactivity insertion, loss of flow, and loss of heat sink. The comparison results show that the power and the temperatures of fuel, cladding, and coolant of the CNES reactor are much higher than those of the ADS reactor during the reactivity insertion accident, which means ADS has a better safety advantage than CNES. However, due to the subcriticality of the ADS core and its low sensitivity to negative reactivity feedback, the simulation results indicate that the inherent safety characteristics of CNES are better than those of ADS under loss of flow accident, and the protection system of ADS would be quickly activated to achieve an emergency shutdown after the accident occurs. For the loss of heat sink, it is found that the peak temperatures of the cladding in the ADS and CNES reactors are lower than the safety limit, which imply these two reactors have good safety performance against loss of heat sink accidents.

Developing an Integrated Energy System Interface for Electricity-Hydrogen Hybrid Nuclear Operations

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-96
Author(s):  
Thomas A. Ulrich ◽  
Roger Lew ◽  
Ronald L. Boring ◽  
Torrey Mortenson ◽  
Jooyoung Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Electricity Markets ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
Engineering Project ◽  
Early Integration ◽  
Integrated Energy Systems

Nuclear power plants are looking towards integrated energy systems to address the challenges faced by increasing competition from renewable energy and cheap natural gas in wholesale electricity markets. Electricity-hydrogen hybrid operations is one potential technology being explored. As part of this investigation a human factors team was integrated into the overall engineering project to develop a human system interface (HSI) for a novel system to extract steam for a coupled hydrogen production process. This paper presents the process used to perform the nuclear specific human factors engineering required to develop the HSI for this novel and unprecedented system. Furthermore, the early integration of the human factors team and the meaningful improvements to the engineering of the system itself in addition to the successful development of the HSI for this particular application are described. Lastly, the HSI developed is presented to demonstrate the culmination of the process and disseminate a potential HSI design for electricity-hydrogen hybrid operations that may be useful for others exploring similar integrated energy systems concepts.

scholarly journals Understanding Technology, Fuel, Market and Policy Drivers for New York State’s Power Sector Transformation

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 265
Author(s):  
Mine Isik ◽  
P. Ozge Kaplan
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Electricity Generation ◽  
System Modeling ◽  
New York State ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Offshore Wind ◽  
Power Sector ◽  
Reduce Emissions ◽  
Energy System Modeling

A thorough understanding of the drivers that affect the emission levels from electricity generation, support sound design and the implementation of further emission reduction goals are presented here. For instance, New York State has already committed a transition to 100% clean energy by 2040. This paper identifies the relationships among driving factors and the changes in emissions levels between 1990 and 2050 using the logarithmic mean divisia index analysis. The analysis relies on historical data and outputs from techno-economic-energy system modeling to elucidate future power sector pathways. Three scenarios, including a business-as-usual scenario and two policy scenarios, explore the changes in utility structure, efficiency, fuel type, generation, and emission factors, considering the non-fossil-based technology options and air regulations. We present retrospective and prospective analysis of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide emissions for the New York State’s power sector. Based on our findings, although the intensity varies by period and emission type, in aggregate, fossil fuel mix change can be defined as the main contributor to reduce emissions. Electricity generation level variations and technical efficiency have relatively smaller impacts. We also observe that increased emissions due to nuclear phase-out will be avoided by the onshore and offshore wind with a lower fraction met by solar until 2050.

Hydrogen Storage in Magnesium-Based Alloys

MRS Bulletin ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 40-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.B. Schwarz
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Hydrogen Storage ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Liquid Hydrogen ◽  
Rechargeable Batteries ◽  
Oil Crisis

Magnesium can reversibly store about 7.7 wt% hydrogen, equivalent to more than twice the density of liquid hydrogen. This high storage capacity, coupled with a low price, suggests that magnesium and magnesium alloys could be advantageous for use in battery electrodes and gaseous-hydrogen storage systems. The use of a hydrogen-storage medium based on magnesium, combined with a fuel cell to convert the hydrogen into electrical energy, is an attractive proposition for a clean transportation system. However, the advent of such a system will require further research into magnesium-based alloys that form less stable hydrides and proton-conducting membranes that can raise the operating temperature of the current fuel cells.Following the U.S. oil crisis of 1974, research into alternative energy-storage and distribution systems was vigorously pursued. The controlled oxidation of hydrogen to form water was proposed as a clean energy system, creating a need for light and safe hydrogen-storage media. Extensive research was done on inter-metallic alloys, which can store hydrogen at densities of about 1500 cm3-H2 gas/ cm3-hydride, higher than the storage density achieved in liquid hydrogen (784 cm3/cm3 at –273°C) or in pressure tanks (˜200 cm3/cm3 at 200 atm). The interest in metal hydrides accelerated following the development of portable electronic devices (video cameras, cellular phones, laptop computers, tools, etc.), which created a consumer market for compact, rechargeable batteries. Initially, nickel-cadmium batteries fulfilled this need, but their relatively low energy density and the toxicity of cadmium helped to drive the development of higher-energy-density, less toxic, rechargeable batteries.

Use of Nuclear Energy and Sustainable Development

2014 ◽  
Vol 1070-1072 ◽  
pp. 353-356
Author(s):  
Fang Chen ◽  
Qiang Yao
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Plant Safety ◽  
The Status ◽  
Nuclear Power Plant Safety ◽  
Safety Operation

Nuclear energy as a clean energy, with the gradual depletion of traditional energy, is particularly important. In this paper, the status of the application of nuclear technology was reviewed. And problems during the use of nuclear energy were addressed, including environmental issue generated by radioactive mineral extraction, radwaste disposal, nuclear power plant safety operation. Although, there are still some problems in the process of nuclear energy use, undeniably nuclear energy is still the hope for the future of human society. Therefore, the technical and management improvement can achieve sustainable development of nuclear energy, in order to ensure the safety of human energy use and sustainability.

Potential of Solar Radiation and Ambient Temperature as an Alternative Energy in Perlis

2015 ◽  
Vol 793 ◽  
pp. 323-327
Author(s):  
Y.M. Irwan ◽  
A.R. Amelia ◽  
M. Irwanto ◽  
M. Fareq ◽  
W.Z. Leow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Monthly Average ◽  
Productive System ◽  
Clean Energy Source ◽  
Great Development

As a renewable energy and clean energy source, solar power has great development potential. This paper presents the potential of solar radiation and ambient temperature characteristics can be used as alternative energy. All data collected using Davis Vantage Pro2 Weather Station at Centre of Engineering for Renewable Energy (CERE) in Kangar, Perlis. All data consist of daily and monthly average was analyzed. The result shows the average solar radiation and ambient temperature is high in the middle of the year 2013 which is from April to September. These results provide useful information for the design of solar energy system in order to plan the productive system.

Hydrogen: A Very Promising Energy Carrier for the Future

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xenophon K. Kakatsios
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Energy Carrier ◽  
Current Status ◽  
The Future

As we enter the new century, new fuels may be required for both stationary power and transportation to ameliorate the triple threats of local air pollution, global climate change and dependence on unstable nations for imported oil. Shifting away from fossil fuels may be essential within decades if citizens in the developing world achieve even a significant fraction of the per capita energy consumption enjoyed by the industrial nations. Business-as-usual or evolutionary shifts in energy consumption patterns may not be adequate. New paradigms and new energy initiatives may be required to protect the environment while providing the energy services we have come to expect. Hydrogen could play a significant role as a clean energy carrier in the future for both stationary and transportation markets. Produced from renewable energy or nuclear power, hydrogen could become the backbone of a truly sustainable energy future – an energy system that consumes no non-renewable resources and creates no pollution or greenhouse gases of any type during operation. However, to achieve this potential, hydrogen must overcome serious economic, technological and safety perception barriers before it can displace fossil fuels as the primary energy carrier throughout the world. In this paper we explore the current status of hydrogen and fuel cell systems compared to other fuel options for reducing pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and suggest the introduction of hydrogen into the energy economy.

The Bioceanic Amazon Corridors: An Opportunity for Development of Sustainable Energy System

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Mendoza G. ◽  
Maximiliano Arroyo Ulloa ◽  
Vincenzo Naso
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Renewable Sources ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Local Resources ◽  
Decentralized Energy ◽  
Sustainable Energy System ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Principal Energy

The bioceanic Amazon corridor represents a development opportunity for the Peruvian and Brazilian economy but this economic evolution is linked to the production and use of energy. Energy is a conditioning factor of economic growth and development and the application of conventional (or alternative) energy systems is strongly influenced by both quantitative and qualitative trends in energy consumption. Decentralized production of energy is necessary, and new decentralized energy technologies based on renewable sources could provide additional income opportunities, decreasing environmental risk along Amazon corridor, and providing clean fuel and electricity. It’s necessary that the bioceanic Amazon corridors call for the application of energy systems related to the renewable local resources in coast, mountain and forest. In Peru, firewood is the principal energy source for cooking and heating and this fuel is used in inefficient combustion system that increases the impact on ecosystems. Typical Peruvian biomass source are wood, agricultural residues, agro industrial waste and municipal solid waste. The most obvious it’s the availability of agricultural and agro industrial residues that could be used as a biomass fuel source in modern plant to produce electricity. Today, there is a growing interest for ethanol production from sugar cane, but it couldn’t be applied along bioceanic corridors; therefore it is necessary to integrate other renewable sources.

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