Real-Time Simulation of a Small Modular Reactor in-the-Loop within Nuclear-Renewable Hybrid Energy Systems

Advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) have recently been developed in many designs; therefore, nuclear energy stands out as a promising alternative to sustainability and reliability replacing fossil fuel energies microgrids. SMRs shown the best option due fact of their lower initial capital, greater scalability, siting flexibility compared large plants. Nowadays, there are several simulators able reproduce all safety control mechanics different reactors; however, exists lack emulators put these functionalities into real scenario ensure feasibility use within systems, especially nonconventional systems. This paper aims mimic central system by modeling processes aiming contribute real-time simulations using integrated with renewable microgrids that could be applied for scenarios, such cogeneration systems or fast-charging stations electric vehicles, considering impact on dispatch reliability. The simulation process proposed model was validated experimentally hardware-in-the-loop technique, which consisted being hardware tested simulators. system, also denominated SMR-in-the-Loop, designed adapted easily existing microgrid represent behavior an SMR nuclear-renewable hybrid avoiding high investments complexity testing implementing actual reactors.