Efficient Simulation Approach for Evaluating the Potential Effects of Nuclear Power Plant Shutdowns on Electrical Utility Generating Systems.

摘要

Production-cost and reliability studies of electrical utility systems have, in the past, been hindered by high computational costs and long lead times for preparing case studies. Computational costs have been especially high for simulating large systems or long periods and for conducting comprehensive sensitivity analyses. This report describes modeling developments that help alleviate previous constraints. A new simulation approach preserves an acceptable level of accuracy and detail from previous production-cost and reliability methods and, at the same time, significantly reduces the computational requirements. An automated data assembly package facilitates the collection and preparation of simulation inputs used to characterize utility systems. Several case studies are investigated to test and demonstrate the new procedures for reactor shutdown evaluations.