New Simulator Paves the Way for Nuclear Innovation

Westinghouse Electric Company and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) have successfully demonstrated a new simulator that shows how a nuclear power plant can be leveraged for applications beyond electricity generation.

A nuclear plant’s thermal energy can be used to make clean hydrogen, and heat homes and businesses by distributing heat from a central source called district heating. Researchers from the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission tested the simulator during a recent workshop at INL. The simulator performed successfully, paving the way to develop training for plant operators for complex conditions.

“This new simulator is made to incorporate all the variables needed to study complex scenarios involving thermal energy production, which can increase profits for nuclear operators,” said Luca Oriani, Westinghouse President of Long-Term Operations. “We are proud that our long-standing partnership with INL will help utilities identify new revenue streams and improve training capabilities.”

“Beyond-the-grid products allow nuclear reactors to be ready for flexible operation when wind or solar power causes baseload plants to curtail operations,” said Bruce Hallbert, director of the LWRS Program. “Research at INL’s Human System Simulation Laboratory, supported by industry, develops procedures for nuclear plants to dispatch power and thermal energy to non-grid applications, such as hydrogen production via electrolysis. This ensures nuclear plants can provide clean, carbon-free energy while supporting the grid and aiding U.S. industries in decarbonization.”

The collaboration with INL leverages Westinghouse’s simulation expertise, which includes the design, operation, and maintenance of full scope simulators for PWR, BWR and heavy water reactors around the world. In addition, Westinghouse designs simulators as targeted training tools that are used in nuclear and industrial applications. INL’s work on this simulator was performed within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) Program.