Power loss factor minimization and economic assessment of nuclear-hydrogen cogeneration via modular high-temperature steam electrolysis driven by a light-water reactor.

High-temperature steam electrolysis (HTSE) is one of the few options that can make a significant contribution to climate change mitigation on a large scale, particularly when combined with a nuclear power plant (NPP). However, the relatively high cost of the produced hydrogen from HTSE technology decreases the applicability of that. Implementing a proper integration of HTSE into the nuclear power plant (NPP) with the minimum possible power loss factor (PLF) can reduce the cost of energy consumption. The major aim of this study is to develop some effective schemes for the integration of HTSE into NPP based on the minimization of PLF, which consequently can minimize the energy cost of HTSE. It is found that the minimum power loss factors for small, medium, and large-scale nuclear-HTSE plants are 38, 36 and 35%, respectively. Accordingly, the cost of the produced hydrogen varies from 4.10 to 4.168 $/kg for large to small-scale plants. In addition, it is found that the total efficiency of the cogeneration plant increases by 5% for large-scale HTSE plants. [Display omitted] • Nuclear hydrogen production can be made economic by power loss factor minimization. • Three different scenarios for nuclear-hydrogen cogeneration were defined. • A detailed simulation of nuclear-hydrogen cogeneration plant was carried out. • The best steam extraction points with minimum power loss factors were found. • Heat consumption cost in high temperature steam electrolysis was minimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]