Analysis of turbopump feed systems for hydrogen-nuclear rockets
Turbopump feed systems for hydrogen nuclear rockets
NUCLEAR ROCKET↗
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Nuclear Energy for Economy-wide Net Zero Solutions: Advancing Nuclear-Hydrogen Production
This presentation was prepared for the Canadian Standards Association Virtual Seminar on Hydrogen Production using Nuclear Energy, held on February 15, 2022. The presentation introduces the US DOE program on Integrated Energy Systems and provides an overview of the Light Water Reactor Sustainability projects to demonstrate hydrogen production at operating nuclear plants in the US.
08 HYDROGEN↗
Analysis of Multi-Output Hybrid Energy Systems Interacting with the Grid: Application of Improved Price-Taker and Price-Maker Approaches to Nuclear-Hydrogen Systems
The growing recognition of the value of hydrogen as an energy intermediate in supporting future power systems with high shares of variable renewable energy has prompted many studies to quantify the economic potential of multi-output hybrid systems, which are one type of integrated energy systems (IES). Because of the complexity of modeling multiple sectors, these studies typically use simplified modeling approaches to capture the interactions between sectors. In this study, we explore the implications of alternative modeling approaches for nuclear-hydrogen IES focusing on a power system in the Midwest United States. We combine highly resolved capacity expansion and production cost modeling tools of the power system with a detailed hydrogen system optimization tool to determine the optimal electrolyzer and storage sizing and optimal operations of the nuclear-hydrogen hybrid resource across three future study years. We compare economic and operational outcomes across a spectrum of modeling approaches, including a non-hybridized base approach; a traditional price-taker approach that does not include the impact of hydrogen production on the electricity system; a power-system-focused price-maker approach that does not account for temporal hydrogen constraints; and two improved price-taker and price-maker approaches that each address the impact of revenue-optimal levels of electricity production on the resulting power system and temporal hydrogen constraints on the overall feasible solution. Results show how a traditional price-taker approach can overestimate the economic benefits of multi-output nuclear-hydrogen IES compared to our two improved approaches that estimate both hydrogen system constraints and power system interaction. We find that hydrogen output requirements and storage size limits are key drivers to overall operations and some economic outcomes. Under our assumed constant hydrogen output requirement, storage costs, test system, and modeling approaches, our results indicate that hybridization can provide a net benefit, but results are sensitive to the treatment of hydrogen revenues and electricity prices as impacted by the power system evolution.
capacity expansion modeling↗
REVIEW OF THE POTENTIAL OF NUCLEAR HYDROGEN FOR ADDRESSING ENERGY SECURITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Nuclear energy has the potential to exert a major positive impact on energy security and climate change by coupling it to the transportation sector, primarily through hydrogen production. In the short term, this coupling will provide carbon-free hydrogen for upgrading increasingly lower quality petroleum resources such as oil sands, offsetting carbon emissions associated with steam methane reforming. In the intermediate term, nuclear hydrogen will be needed for large-scale production of infrastructure-compatible synthetic liquid fuels. In the long term, there is great potential for the use of hydrogen as a direct vehicle fuel, most likely in the form of light-duty pluggable hybrid hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. This paper presents a review of the potential benefits of large-scale nuclear hydrogen production for energy security (i.e. displacing imported petroleum) and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Lifecycle benefits of nuclear energy in this context are presented, with reference to recent major publications on this topic. The status of US and international nuclear hydrogen research programs are discussed. Industry progress toward consumer-grade hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are also be examined.
08 HYDROGEN↗
Integrated techno-economic framework for nuclear hydrogen production: assessing the role of high temperature steam electrolysis and safety considerations
This manuscript presents a comprehensive techno-economic assessment of nuclear integrated hydrogen production through high-temperature steam electrolysis (HTSE) in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. Given the significant role of hydrogen as an energy carrier and chemical feedstock, the research evaluates the feasibility of co-locating HTSE facilities with existing nuclear power plants (NPPs) to enhance hydrogen production efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Here, the study highlights the advantages of HTSE over traditional low-temperature electrolysis, particularly in leveraging thermal and electrical energy from NPPs. A novel framework for hydrogen deployment is introduced, integrating hydrogen market analysis, techno-economic evaluation (TEA), and safety assessments. The findings underscore the economic viability of hydrogen production in light of current market conditions, including fluctuating natural gas prices and the impact of production tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. A case study in the Gulf Coast region demonstrates the potential for strategic hydrogen production to meet growing industrial demand while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Overall, this research contributes to the advancement of nuclear integrated hydrogen production as a sustainable energy solution.
08 - HYDROGEN↗
Figures of Merit for Technical and Economic Assessment of Nuclear Hydrogen Hybrid Energy Systems
Summary on figures of merit for evaluation alternative energy systems. Focused on nuclear hybrid energy systems producing hydrogen.
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
A nuclear-hydrogen hybrid energy system with large-scale storage: A study in optimal dispatch and economic performance in a real-world market
Here a study in optimal dispatch and economic analysis of a novel nuclear hybrid energy system (NHES) with large-scale hydrogen storage and a novel control scheme is conducted. The control scheme makes charge and discharge decisions by using the real-time electricity price relative to the historical price distribution. The pricing data is taken from the ERCOT Houston and West load zones with different price oscillations. Six case control studies with different levels of aggressiveness were chosen for each load zone for a total of 12 case studies. It is found that in a high price volatility load zone, a more aggressive control strategy maximizes revenue, while in a less oscillatory load zone, a moderate control strategy performs better. The NHES can store energy when the price is low and sell additional electricity when the price is high, as well as participate in the ancillary services market. Due to these advantages, the NHES can generate 10–40 million USD more revenue annually than a stand-alone nuclear plant. Due to higher costs, the NHES has a higher LCOE (81.36 USD/MWh) than a stand-alone plant (68.66 USD/MWh); however, the LCOE of the NHES is still comparable to other new forms of electricity generation. It is found that both the NHES and the stand-alone plant are not economical in the existing electricity market. Due to the extra revenue generated, the hybrid system has a positive annual cashflow whereas the stand-alone plant does not. It is found that the hybrid plant needs less cost subsidy than a stand-alone plant to become economical.
08 HYDROGEN↗
UNLV Nuclear Hydrogen Initiative
Evaluation of the Crack growth rate (CGR) of Alloy 617 and Alloy 276 under constant K at ambient temperature has been completed. Creep deformation of Alloy 230 at different temperature range and load level has been completed and heat to heat variation has been noticed. Creep deformation study of Alloy 276 has been completed under an applied initial stress level of 10% of yield stress at 950ºC. The grain size evaluation of the tested creep specimens of Alloy 276 has been completed.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Hydrogen infused nuclear reactor core monoliths
Hydrogen infused nuclear reactor core monoliths and processes for their production are disclosed. Such monoliths may function as both a core monolith and a moderator, providing structure and at least some moderation. Hydrogen infused monoliths may be complementary to or be used in lieu of separate moderators for thermalizing neutrons.
Shivprasad, Aditya↗
Nuclear radiative recoil corrections to the hyperfine structure of S-states in muonic hydrogen
Nuclear radiative recoil corrections of order α(Zα){sup 5} to the hyperfine splitting of S-states in muonic hydrogen are calculated on the basis of quasipotential method in quantum electrodynamics. The calculation is performed in the infrared safe Fried-Yennie gauge. Modern experimental data on the proton form factors are used.
72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
Analysis of Topping and Bleed Turbopump Units for Hydrogen-propelled Nuclear Rockets
Topping and bleed turbopump unit for hydrogen propelled nuclear rocket
NUCLEAR ROCKET↗
Radiation enhanced dissociation of hydrogen in nuclear rockets
The effect of radiation-induced dissociation of hydrogen gas in nuclear rockets is studied. The dissociation degree is obtained by solving rate equations, which include the fast-ion induced dissociation and ionization of atomic and molecular hydrogens. Analytical formulas are used to estimate a change in the viscosity and the specific impulse. It was found that the fast-ion induced dissociation plays an important role in enhancing the specific impulse for nuclear rocket concepts using hydrogen gas at low pressures (less than 0.1 MPa) and low temperatures (less than 3000 K). It is also shown that the specific impulse is enhanced by mixing helium-3, lithium-6, boron-10, or uranium-235 with hydrogen.
Watanabe, Yoichi↗
Communication: Quantum molecular dynamics simulation of liquid para-hydrogen by nuclear and electron wave packet approach
Liquid para-hydrogen (p-H{sub 2}) is a typical quantum liquid which exhibits strong nuclear quantum effects (NQEs) and thus anomalous static and dynamic properties. We propose a real-time simulation method of wave packet (WP) molecular dynamics (MD) based on non-empirical intra- and inter-molecular interactions of non-spherical hydrogen molecules, and apply it to condensed-phase p-H{sub 2}. The NQEs, such as WP delocalization and zero-point energy, are taken into account without perturbative expansion of prepared model potential functions but with explicit interactions between nuclear and electron WPs. The developed MD simulation for 100 ps with 1200 hydrogen molecules is realized at feasible computational cost, by which basic experimental properties of p-H{sub 2} liquid such as radial distribution functions, self-diffusion coefficients, and shear viscosities are all well reproduced.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Investigation of Eight-stage Bleed-type Turbine for Hydrogen-propelled Nuclear Rocket Applications. II - Experimental Overall and Stage Group Performance Determined in Cold Nitrogen
Eight-stage bleed-type turbine for hydrogen propelled nuclear rocket applications - experimental overall and stage group performance determined in cold nitrogen
TURBINE↗
Investigation of Eight-stage Bleed-type Turbine for Hydrogen-propelled Nuclear Rocket Applications. I - Design of Turbine and Experimental Performance of First Two Stages
Eight-stage bleed-type turbine for hydrogen propelled nuclear rocket applications - design of turbine and experimental performance of first two stages
TURBINE↗
Composite seals for liquid hydrogen and nuclear radiation environments.
Description of plastic composite seals for service in a liquid-hydrogen and nuclear-radiation environment. The radiation-resistant aromatic heterocyclic class of polymers, including polyimide, polybenzimidazole, and polyquinoxaline, were evaluated for this application. The seal developed is based on a design involving a resin-starved laminate consisting of alternating layers of woven glass fabric and polymer film. This design imparts a mechanical spring characteristic to the seal, resulting in essentially complete elastic recovery when unloaded, and eliminates cold flow. Encapsulating techniques employing the polyquinoxaline polymer were developed which rendered the seal impervious to liquid hydrogen. The seals were tested before and after gamma irradiation up to 10 to the 10th ergs/g. Load/deflection and leakage tests were performed over a temperature range from -423 through +500 F.
Van Auken, R. L.↗
Resilience of uranium mononitride/zirconium carbide composites and uranium-zirconium carbonitride in hot hydrogen for nuclear thermal propulsion
Nuclear thermal rockets require fuels capable of withstanding flowing hydrogen propellant up to 3200 K. Presently, there has not been a fuel type that reliably operates at these conditions. A promising candidate anticipated to endure this demanding environment is a ceramic-ceramic composite comprising of uranium mononitride and zirconium carbide. Further, this investigation assesses the behavior and resilience of variations of this composite and its resultant homogenized form (uranium-zirconium carbonitride) under two hot hydrogen conditions (2273 K and 3000 K). The findings revealed that composites that homogenize into UZrCN exhibit superior structural integrity in hydrogen compared to heterogeneous counterparts. Consequently, this study underscores the potential of homogenized uranium-zirconium carbonitride for enhanced performance in nuclear thermal propulsion applications.
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗