Participation efficiency of the NPP with the hydrogen production facility in primary frequency regulation of the power system

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to estimate economic benefits from participation of an NPP with the hydrogen production facility (HF) in the primary frequency regulation in the power grid. We provide the main requirements for the NPP power units utilized in the primary frequency control in the power grids. It is shown that according to the given requirements, operation of an NPP is associated with shortage of electric power caused by unloading and consequent decay in NPP efficiency. Therefore, one of the ways to raise the NPP participation efficiency in the primary frequency control is its integration with the hydrogen production facility which eliminates the need for unloading the NPP power unit. This ensures operation of the steam turbine facility and the nuclear reactor with the nominal power level during 24 hours. Additionally, conditions are provided for the generation and storage of hydrogen and oxygen within 24 hours, which allows using them to overheat the working fluid of the NPP steam turbine cycle for further production of peak power.