SMR Power Plant Heat Storage
Store excess heat from Small Modular Reactors for grid flexibility
Overview
Surplus Heat Storage from SMR Power Plants
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) operate most efficiently at constant output, but grid demand fluctuates. IsoTES® stores surplus heat during low-demand periods and releases it during peak demand, enabling SMRs to operate at optimal efficiency while providing grid flexibility. This thermal storage solution maximizes the value of nuclear energy and supports grid stability.
Background & Challenges
Background
Conventional Two-Tank Thermal Storage Systems
- The surplus heat from SMR power plants is usually stored by a two-tank molten salt thermal energy storage system
Challenges
Two-Tank System Fatigue Issues
- One critical issue of this solution is that the two tanks are subjected to daily repeated loads as the liquid level of the two tanks changes from bottom to top as the molten salt is circulated between the two tanks
- This repeated load can result in fatigue damage on the tanks, causing serious safety concern of the SMR power plants
Solution and Values delivered by IsoTES®
-
The IsoTES® is a one tank solution, that is, the liquid level of the tank remains constant
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So, the tank is free from repeated load and consequential fatigue damage
How It Works
IsoTES® thermal energy storage integration with SMR power plants for surplus steam capture and grid flexibility
Key Values
Features and benefits of this solution
Key Features
- High-temperature heat capture from SMR
- Load-following capability for nuclear
- Peak shaving and load shifting
- Integration with existing steam systems
Benefits
- Enable SMR load-following operation
- Maximize nuclear plant revenue
- Provide grid stability services
- Improve overall plant economics
Thermal Energy Storage Material (TESM) for SMR
| SMR | Reactor Type |
Heat Source
Temperature (°C)
|
TESM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holtec SMR-300 | PWR | 315 | Glycerin |
| NuScale | PWR | 300 | Glycerin |
| GE BWRX-300 | BWR | 285 | Glycerin |
| X-energy Xe-100 | HTGR | 750 | Molten salts |
| TerraPower Natrium | SFR + TES | 550 | Molten salts |
| Seaborg | MSR | 650 | Solar salts |
| USNC MMR | HTGR | 700 | Molten salts |
Technical Highlights
Engineering details and specifications
Nuclear-grade heat exchangers
Molten salt thermal storage
Safety system integration
Status & Plan
An international collaboration study is under formulation
Related Technology
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Ready to Get Started?
Let us help you implement SMR Power Plant Heat Storage with IsoTES® technology.