Improving Nuclear System Economics using Firebrick Resistance-Heated Energy Storage (FIRES)

Conference · Mon Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 2015

OSTI ID:1484356

Stack, Daniel C. ^[1]; Forsberg, Charles ^[1]

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1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As the electricity grid continues to implement unstable and intermittent energy resources in place of conventional dispatchable fuels, highly responsive energy storage systems will become an essential part of grid operation, to assure grid reliability, and reconcile electricity supply and demand. FIRES coupled with high-temperature heat systems such as NACC or industrial furnace enables different operating modes capable of yielding economic advantages to those who make the investment in storage, while also bringing relief to the grid by responding to the highly variable supply caused by wind and solar installations: In the case of the industrial furnace, by varying its own demand, while in the case of the FHR, by switching from a large supplier of electricity to a large consumer at times of low electricity prices. It should also benefit base-load nuclear plants by eliminating very low electricity prices as seen in some areas of the U.S. with significant installed wind or solar capacity—while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-05ID14517
• OSTI ID: 1484356
• Report Number(s): INL/CON-16-39029-Rev000
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
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