Performance analysis of a novel co-generation system integrating a small modular reactor and multiple hydrogen production equipment considering peak shaving

A novel integrated system comprising plasma gasification, small modular reactor (SMR) power generation, pressure swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen production, and Cu-Cl cycle thermochemical hydrogen generation has been proposed for combined electricity and hydrogen co-production. In this innovative configuration, the high-temperature syngas generated by the plasma gasifier is first cooled by the steam from the SMR power plant. It subsequently undergoes water gas shift and is purified using a PSA unit to yield hydrogen product. Meanwhile, the steam generated by SMR is utilized entirely for power generation during daytime peak hours while during night time off-peak hours, a portion of the steam is diverted to provide heat for the Cu-Cl cycle, thereby facilitating load leveling. A comprehensive assessment of the hybrid system has been conducted from both thermodynamic and economic perspectives. Under two operational modes the efficiency of medical waste-to-energy efficiency reaches 63.75% (daytime) and 63.58% (night time), with exergy efficiencies of 45.31% (daytime) and 44.17% (night time). Furthermore, the net present value (NPV) of the new design is 81,727.18 k$, dynamic payback period (DPP) of 4.34 years and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 41%. These results substantiate the feasibility of the design from thermodynamic and economic standpoints.