Review of the Requirements for Load Following of Small Modular Reactors

Abstract

CO2 net neutralization by 2050 is a global target. Renewable energy and nuclear power generation are emerging as major power sources for CO2 net neutralization. Therefore, this paper comprehensively reviews the load-following operation method of nuclear power plants as a method to compensate for intermittency, which is the biggest weakness of renewable energy. First, this paper looks at the types of SMRs and elaborates the concept and necessity of load following. The comprehensive requirements for the load-following operation of an SMR, i.e., planned operation, automatic generation control, governor-free operation, cooperative control of the reactor and turbine generator, unit control of a multiple-module SMR, cogeneration, etc., are studied. Finally, the interaction between an SMR and the power grid during load-following operation and other technical issues are also reviewed. This paper can be used as a guide for load-following operations or as a guide for requirement analysis when developing a comprehensive control system of load following in SMR fleets.

Keywords

• small modular reactor (SMR)
• load following
• power grid
• variable renewable energy (VRE)
• nuclear power plant (NPP)