NRIC Integrated Energy Systems Demonstration Pre-Conceptual Designs

Abstract

INL EXT-21-61413, Rev. 1 scale demonstration. For effective integration of equipment and concepts from multiple organizations, NRIC supports the use of digital engineering and model-based system engineering (MBSE) tools to design, build, and perform demonstrations. NRIC is preparing several test beds that could be used for the demonstration program with industry and the CTD IES program.The CTD IES program incorporates multiple energy-generation resources and energy-use paths to provide affordable, reliable, and resilient energy, simultaneously reducing GHG emissions (McMillan et al. 2016;. Nuclear IES are already being demonstrated with existing light-water reactors. Advanced reactors currently under development will offer compelling features that enable new applications of nuclear IES. In addition to providing electricity for the grid, IES incorporating advanced nuclear technologies can provide heat, electricity, and other energy products, such as hydrogen and synthetic fuels, to microgrids, industrial complexes, military installations, remote industrial operations, commercial parks, and transportation hubs. Applications of IES may include thermal-, electrochemical-, or chemicalenergy storage to dynamically balance generation and load, such as balancing nuclear electricity generation with non-dispatchable renewable generation and cyclical electrical loads. Also, nuclear IES may include controllable thermal and electrical loads, such as water desalination, hydrogen electrolysis, and electric vehicle charging to balance loads with electricity and thermal generation resources. This report identifies U.S. industries in which nuclear IES could be applied to benefit both the industries and the nation. These industries include the chemical, petrochemical and petroleum, nitrogenous fertilizer, plastics and resin, pulp and paper, and mineral mining industries. The temperature requirements for endothermic processes common in these industries are compatible with coolant temperatures of advanced reactors, indicating that nuclear IES has the potential to meet these industries' needs for low-carbon thermal energy. Additionally, nuclear IES can benefit the iron and steel manufacturing, hydrogen production, brackish and sea water desalination, and transportation industries. Finally, thermal energy storage as a technology and an industry plays a key role in the CTD IES program. v