Integration of nuclear and hydrogen technologies to improve the efficiency of power generation and storage

Purpose. Development of an energy-technological scheme and investigation of the thermodynamic efficiency of atomic-hydrogen electroaccumulation systems based on a small modular reactor with a hydrogen-oxygen energy storage and generation system. Methodology. The study presents a methodology for designing and calculating an energy storage system with hydrogen steam superheating using electrolysis modules for hydrogen and oxygen generation. Findings. A systematic analysis of the energy balance of a power installation based on a small modular reactor with hydrogen steam superheating has been conducted. The energy storage system with hydrogen steam superheating was calculated using an electrolysis module with a capacity of 12 m3/h and a specific energy consumption of 4 kW · h/m3 of hydrogen. An assessment of the gas storage system volume at a pressure of 150 atmospheres was performed, and a sectional design variant of the storage system was proposed, equipped with an expander-compressor unit for more complete gas extraction from the storage system. The use of a turbo-compressor operating within a pressure range of 0.5–3.5 MPa, driven by an expander turbine operating within a pressure range of 15.0–3.5 MPa and mounted on the same shaft as the compressor, ensures more complete gas utilization and reduces the volume of the storage system. Originality. A methodology for the creation and thermodynamic analysis of autonomous atomic-hydrogen energy-technological complexes based on a small modular reactor and a high-pressure electrolyzer for energy accumulation and peak power generation has been proposed. This approach enables an increase in efficiency from 28 to 34.8 % during peak load periods. Practical value. The use of hydrogen and oxygen for steam superheating before the turbine in a power plant with a 45 MW SMR ensures an energy return coefficient of 0.55 with a daily energy accumulation of 190 MWh.