Preliminary, generalized analyses of proposed hybrid system architectures have been conducted by researchers at the INL to provide initial insight into the value of system hybridization (see refs [3], [4], [18-27]). More detailed analyses of tightly coupled HES requires detailed subsystem models accurately to predict dynamic system performance and to identify potential operating procedures to best manage and mitigate variable energy generation sources and to alternate between output products (e. g. electricity and a chemical process). As the tools for dynamic hybrid systems analysis become more sophisticated, and conceptual subsystems and integrated system designs are better defined, more accurate dynamic analyses can be performed to determine optimum system configuration and specific operating parameters, to design integrated system control architecture, and to establish instrumentation requirements for state estimation necessary for control.

13.2 Future trends

Expanded use of nuclear energy for industrial applications raises several technical challenges that can be addressed through conceptual design; system modeling and optimization; component, subsystem, and integrated system testing (non-nuclear and nuclear); and eventual deployment of the advanced energy system. Early work should be focused on identifying key challenges and then addressing those challenges via design solutions. Advanced modeling and simulation tools can provide significant insight to system feasibility and anticipated performance, beginning with simplified steady-state analysis and moving to more complex dynamic analysis with more detailed subsystem models. The more detailed, dynamic system model can then be used as a virtual test bed for control system design prior to hardware implementation. However, many of the significant challenges associated with hybrid systems derive from complex integrated system control and hardware interfaces, including fast­switching smart valves necessary to divert thermal energy between output streams and connections to energy storage systems. These challenges can be addressed through a number of component and subsystem tests for model validation, followed by integrated system testing.