Evaluation of the efficiency of heat supply from nuclear power plants taking into account the heat storage properties of heating networks

The increasing share of nuclear generation in energy systems necessitates enhanced efficiency and flexibility of nuclear power plants (NPPs), within the bounds of engineering constraints. This article explores ways for increasing NPP efficiency through cogeneration and by using the heat storage properties of district heating networks. It is shown that with the development of centralized heat supply based on nuclear power plants, it is possible not only to reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, but also enhance the operational flexibility of nuclear power plants without altering the reactor power output. Based on thermodynamic calculations of thermal circuits of NPP turbines and economic analysis, a comprehensive assessment of the efficiency of heat supply from NPPs using turbines with uncontrolled steam extraction was performed. Special attention is paid to the thermal storage capacity of heating networks, which allows for the accumulation of thermal energy and redistribution of the heat load over a 24-hour period. Calculations show that utilizing the heat storage properties of heating networks for flexible operation of NPPs increases profits by 5.3 %. For various methods of laying heating networks, the maximum distances from the nuclear power plant to the heat energy consumers at which capital investments pay off have been determined.