A System-Level Study of MMR integration to ICE-Harvest Systems: Safety and Performance

Abstract

Integrating a Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) with local Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) allows community-level carbon-free energy generation and distribution via Nuclear-hybrid system design. Considering MMR as an operational carbon-free Combined Heat and Power technology as part of Integrated Community Energy and Harvesting Systems (ICE-Harvest) would result in significant reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. ICE-Harvest uses a whole-system approach to integrate thermal and electrical energy production, storage, and distribution at the community level to achieve the goal of a demand responsive grid modernization solution that maximise the utilization of local energy resources. The low temperature micro-thermal network enables Condenser Residual Heat Recovery (CRHR) cogeneration, where simultaneously electricity can be generated while useful heating energy is harvested from the condenser, achieving upwards of 90% reactor heat utilization. Harvesting condenser heat provides valuable demand response in the context of electrification of heating, providing further value to the electrical grid during cold weather induced peak demand that will become more prominent as electrification is used to achieve decarbonization goals. Thus, community level ICE-Harvest systems can enable greater value from integration of a MMR through higher reactor heat utilization, larger GHG emission reductions and greater demand response capabilities than a stand-alone MMR.