Adequacy Assessment of Small Modular Reactors' Flexible Operations With Photovoltaic Generation in Remote Communities

Abstract

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are a promising low-carbon alternative to fossil fuel based power plants. While SMRs can replace the huge old power plants to be phased-out from the main power grid, they are also a means of developing sustainable energy systems in off-grid and remote locations with increasing share of renewable energy systems. This paper aims to investigate the technical feasibility of flexible operations of SMRs in the presence of variable photovoltaic generation - with little or no support from the main grid. The high-resolution data of a site in the province of Ontario represents the actual ramp rates of photovoltaic generation whereas the SMR simulator is used to represent the reactor dynamics. With the results reported, it is safe to state that the SMR when used as a stand-alone plant will face serious challenge in managing the demand variabilities introduced by a PV plant half its size.