Thermal-Hydraulic Performance and Optimization of an Integrated Latent Heat Storage Unit Within a Nuclear Power Plant

Abstract

UAE is on a mission towards greener energy production with minimum carbon foot print. In this attempt, the country has Four commercial APR1400 units in Barakah Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) already. With this remarkable milestone, and a big leap towards the net zero target, UAE strives to explore new areas for improvement in the energy sector through extensive research and development projects. It is a fact that the APR 1400 is a state-of-the-art nuclear reactor. However, there is always a room for amelioration, and the first step towards improvement is to efficiently handle the technical issues limitations, analysing power transient operations, dumped steam, and the relationship between supply and demand through the power cycle period. Moreover, it is essential to analyse the wasted heat locations and overall amount to make use of this energy in nuclear power plants. to find solutions and new ideas regarding this topic, Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems can be integrated in the NPP to store the excess energy and direct it to new applications. To elaborate, TES systems will absorb the excess energy during times of high production, store it and discharge the thermal energy to other applications such as water desalination units and hydrogen production. TES systems is commonly classified in two types, Sensible Heat Storage (SHS), and Latent Heat Storage (LHS) systems. LHS systems offer additional advantages on SHS such as high energy storage density, simple design, smaller size and isothermal, etc. Current research projects primarily focus on integration of a LHS units in APR 1400. This research work reports a detailed discussion of possible locations for integration of the TES unit. The techno-economic benefits and limitations of each possible location is highlighted. A detailed analysis is conducted to choose the right Phase Change Material (PCM) for the LHS unit based on the operational temperature and energy storage capacity, etc. An extensive review of the LHS designs previously considered in the archived literature has been presented. Present work proposes a suitable location for the integration of TES unit within APR1400 NPP. In addition, present research project intends to address a detailed numerical analysis of a LHS unit design. A parametric analysis to quantify the energy storage efficiency of the proposed LHS design and location specifications. The outcomes of this research project will aid in real-time integration of a PCM-based TES unit in one selected location within APR1400 NPP. The insights developed in this study will aid in storing wasted energy, adding an extra layer to the safety systems of the NPP, and work as an alternative to enhance the load-following capability of the reactor.

Date of Award	6 May 2024
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Ahmed Alkaabi (Supervisor)