System design and operation optimization on the hybrid system with nuclear power, concentrated solar, and thermal storage

A hybrid system with nuclear power, concentrated solar and thermal storage is proposed to enhance the peak shaving ability of pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant, and operation strategies are provided aiming at operation flexibility and energy efficiency. The hybrid system is thermodynamically analyzed under the design condition. Results show that the energy efficiency of the hybrid system is 35.74%, and the equivalent solar-to -power efficiency is 24.05% under the design condition. Then, the hybrid system's performances under off-design conditions are studied with changing direct normal irradiance (DNI) and output power. Results show that when DNI increases from 500 W/m2 to 900 W/m2, the equivalent solar-to-power efficiency of the system increases by 6.25%. When the core power keeps constant, the peak shaving depth of the hybrid system can be 25%. This study may provide guidance for improving the flexibility and energy efficiency of pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant.