Research of the efficiency of combining nuclear power plants with a multifunctional autonomous hydrogen energy complex

Abstract

Combining of the nuclear power plant power unit with an autonomous hydrogen complex including a low-power steam-turbine is proposed. This autonomous hydrogen complex makes it possible to increase the power and manoeuvring capabilities of the nuclear power unit, and in case of complete power blackout, provide power supply for own needs for more than 72 hours (IAEA requirement) due the energy of the residual heat release of the reactor. Hydrogen and oxygen can be generated by electrolysis of water at the expense of cheap off-peak energy of nuclear power units at night, after that it is effectively used in the daytime to generate steam, which is sent to a low-power steam turbine. The article evaluates the economic efficiency of the proposed system under conditions of uneven electric load schedule. It is shown that the proposed variant of combining nuclear power units with an autonomous hydrogen complex, including a low-power steam-turbine plant, makes it possible to improve the reliability of power supply for NPP’s own needs in emergency situations with blackout. This will, together with the additional benefit from the sale of peak electricity, significantly increase the competitiveness of nuclear power plants.