Nuclear Renewable Hybrid Energy System Architecture Modelling: A Sustainable Perspective Multi-Objective Optimization

Abstract

Integration of nuclear energy sources, in particular the small modular reactor (SMR), and renewable energy sources, which results in a Nuclear Renewable Hybrid Energy System (NR-HES), is required for reliable and sustainable supply of energy. University campuses, remote communities, mining sites, and military sites offer unique opportunities for such NR-HES. However, optimizing various technical and economical design input parameters and aspects, that affect the NR-HES overall performance and the reliability of electricity and heat generation, represents a significant challenge. An NR-HES is considered in the present study for a generic grid-connected campus/site. For this purpose, SMR units (Ultra Safe Nuclear micro modular reactor), wind turbines, a two-tank molten salt thermal storage system, a hydrogen storage facility, photovoltaic solar panels, and natural gas boilers are considered to form the NR-HES. A dynamic thermodynamic model is developed to simulate different NR-HES configurations/scenarios. The sustainability performance parameters involve power cycle efficiency, SMR capacity factor, storage system round-trip efficiency, co-generation thermal supply, and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, a preliminary economic analysis is performed to determine the additional annualized cost of the system. Grey relational analysis (GRA) is used as a level-based multi-objective optimization technique to determine the nearest optimal design parameter combination within the test matrix and thus the optimal configuration.