The Potential Application of Pebble Bed Nuclear Reactors in Combined Heat and Power / District Heating

Abstract

The pebble bed reactor design is inherently safe, and generally considered meltdown-proof. The reactor also benefits from: a constant refuelling process which limits shutdown periods, a modular design which can adapt to increasing energy loads and a relatively simple design which can be easily explained. These are essential features for a newer technology being used within a combined heat and power (CHP) network.  The purpose of this paper is to assess the possibility of utilising a nuclear pebble bed reactor for CHP generation, with a focus on the benefit that this could bring to Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).  For a high efficiency CHP scheme, a consistent load of heat must be provided and utilised. Due to the lack of shutdown time, the PBMR provides this consistent load which would be best used in colder regions of the world, such as CEE. The technology used for CHP must also be accepted by members of the public. This is a major hurdle to cross for a nuclear CHP scheme, as nuclear power is perceived somewhat negatively within certain regions of the world.
For the purpose of this report, a survey has been conducted, assessing public perceptions of nuclear power and how these can be altered. The results show that, with the provision of a short paragraph of information describing the safety features of the pebble bed reactor, respondents became increasingly positive about a nuclear pebble bed reactor CHP scheme. This goes some way to proving that, given time and the provision of information, a pebble bed reactor CHP network could be accepted among communities of people.
The idea of using a nuclear pebble bed reactor for CHP is not a new one. A review of the ACACIA design for cogeneration has been conducted. It was calculated that, the designed, small reactor has the potential to provide electricity for 21,973 and heat for 13,706 UK homes within a year. The design also considers, and eradicates the risk of potential hazards such as steam/air ingress and radioactive egress from the reactor core.
Overall, the nuclear pebble bed reactor has been found to be suited to use for CHP generation.