Innovative configuration of a hybrid nuclear-parabolic trough solar power plant

Abstract

This paper proposes a combination of a nuclear and a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant. Most of today’s operating nuclear reactor systems are producing saturated steam at relatively low pressure. This, in turn, limits their thermodynamic efficiency. Superheating of nuclear steam with solar thermal energy has the potential to overcome this drawback. An innovative configuration of a hybrid nuclear-CSP plant is assembled and simulated. It brings together a small pressurised water reactor and a parabolic trough solar field. The solar heat is transferred to nuclear steam to raise its temperature. Continuous superheating is provided through molten salts-based thermal energy storage (TES). The results from design point calculations show that solar superheating has the potential to increase nuclear plant electric efficiency significantly. Solar heat to electricity conversion efficiency defined as the ratio of extra generated power to collected solar energy reaches unprecedented rates of 52%. An off-design model was used to simulate 24-h operation for one year by simulating 8760 cases. Due to TES non-stop operation is manageable.