Nuclear

The figure shows how a thermal storage could be fit in to a Nuclear power plant. Normally the heated steam from such a plant goes directly to steam turbines that generate electricity by way of generators. The most efficient use of such a power plant is to have it run at high capacity at all times; however, the market’s demand for power vary through a 24 hour cycle as well as by seasonal cycles.

By storing off peak hour production from a thermal source one may obtain several advantages:

• The peak production of the power station can be increased (may require additional turbines)
• The power can be delivered at higher value (price) to the market
• Increase the overall production and efficiency
• Decrease maintenance

The storage as such implies relatively very small loss of energy because it is well insulated. As will be demonstrated by examples this kind of storage has a potential for generating very large economical value. A thermal power station which generates electricity by way of turbines and electric generators will also generate waste heat. Waste heat that does not recycle into the system may have a market value when delivered to suitable customers in the vicinity. In such case equation 1 may be augmented with and additional income term for the sale value of this heat.

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