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Hybrid Energy Systems for Nuclear Industry
Published in Yatish T. Shah, Hybrid Energy Systems, 2021
In developing N-R HESs, there are several challenges for both renewable energy and nuclear energy that need to be overcome [8]. For renewable energy, issues such as scalability, commercialization, and timeline are important. Scalability refers to the capability of a system or source to accommodate surge in production or number of users without a penalty in cost, performance, reliability, or functionality. Material input requirements for renewable energy are also important. Renewable energy sources are not only about high initial capital investment but also resources and materials for the sustained growth of its infrastructure. Nondispatchable renewable sources like solar and wind are intermittent and require large land footprint. Because of their intermittent nature, their compatibility with nuclear energy and the grid and resulting technological barriers are also challenging. Finally, ecological impacts of renewable systems need to be properly considered. For nuclear energy, economic and financial issues can be important for developing countries. The use of SMR, however, requires lower cost and provides more flexibility. The safety and security of nuclear reactors is always an issue. To this end, public perception and social acceptance are very important. Once again SMR lessens the risks and improves perception. The disposal of nuclear waste is also important. Again, SMR reduces this requirement. Finally, more advanced fourth generation nuclear reactors used in the hybrid system still require some additional research [8].
Reactor Core Power Distribution Reconstruction Method by Ex-Core Detectors Based on the Correlation Effect Between Fuel Regions
Published in Nuclear Science and Engineering, 2021
Rei Kimura, Yuki Nakai, Satoshi Wada
The SMR is a microreactor that has less than 10-MW(electric) power output and is particularly suitable for distributed energy resources. Recently designed microreactors are expected to have improved safety and component reliability while reducing the initial installation cost. For safety, core monitoring is needed to detect abnormal behavior and identify its cause. The locations of core monitors are important for safe reactor operation, and almost all nuclear reactors are equipped with in-core detectors. However, typical in-core detectors are neutron detectors inside the reactor vessel, and they are expensive because of their operation in a severe environment and the difficulty of maintenance.