Increase of maneuverability of nuclear and geothermal power plants by hydrogen-oxygen complexes

Abstract

We present results of feasibility analysis of hydrogen-oxygen complexes for base load power plants. To increase flexibility of nuclear and geothermal power plants it is proposed to produce hydrogen and oxygen by excess power and use the gases in hydrogen-oxygen steam generators to produce high temperature steam and provide additional power during power ramps. It is possible to decrease the time of power ramp from 20% to 100% of nominal capacity from 13-15 min to 1.5, while the main steam generator increases capacity with the rate 5-6%/min. Taking into account a rare need in such a big power ramps and low capital intensity of hydrogen-oxygen steam generators, the total increase of capital investments in a nuclear plant should be ca. 1%.