Estimation of the efficiency of electrolyzers for use as part of a hydrogen complex in combination with nuclear power plants

The combination of NPPs with a hydrogen complex based on the process of water electrolysis is an up-to-date way to regulate the daily load schedules, which makes it possible to accumulate unclaimed electricity during the hours of low energy consumption and use it during peak load hours with the unchanged power of the reactor and steam generators of the nuclear power plant due to the combustion of hydrogen and oxygen generated as a result of electrolysis in order to overheat the working fluid of the NPP STU and generate peak power. The main equipment of the hydrogen energy complex is a system of electrolysis plants, depending on the type of which the efficiency and capital investments of the entire hydrogen complex vary. In this work, the analysis of the main electrolysis technologies is carried out, the world experience in the development and operation of installations is studied, and the efficiency and cost indicators of the types of electrolyzers under study are revealed. According to the review, it was found that solid oxide electrolyzers have the highest efficiency, at the same time, this type implies the highest final cost due to the comparatively lower level of development and the initial stage of commercialization. Electrolyzers with a proton exchange membrane meet the average efficiency and cost, while alkaline electrolysis has a lower efficiency, which is compensated by minimal capital investments. It was also revealed that solid oxide electrolysis is effective in conjunction with nuclear power plants for the production of commercial hydrogen, which characterizes the need for further research and development in the field of combining high-temperature electrolyzers with a nuclear power plant.

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