Integrated energy systems including techniques for achieving steam production for use in resource production

Abstract

Described herein are techniques that may be performed in an Integrated Energy System (IES). The IES may include a power production plant, one or more power modules, a steam conditioning plant, an integrated energy system controller and one or more processors. The techniques include receiving first information about steam and electrical power generated by the power production plant, receiving second information about a resource production target from the resource production plant, determining a target temperature, a target pressure, and a target flow rate of steam needed to achieve the resource production target, determining at least one of a level of compression or heating to be applied to a first portion of steam generated by the power production plant; and causing a portion of the electrical power to apply the level of compression or heating to the first portion of steam.

Description

INTEGRATED ENERGY SYSTEMS INCLUDING TECHNIQUES FOR ACHIEVINGSTEAM PRODUCTION FOR USE IN RESOURCE PRODUCTIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 674,680, filed May 24, 2024, and titled “INTEGRATED ENERGY SYSTEMS INCLUDING TECHNIQUES FOR ACHIEVING STEAM PRODUCTION FOR USE IN RESOURCE PRODUCTION”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 504.230, filed May 25. 2023, and titled "NUCLEAR REACTOR SYSTEMS INCLUDING DIRECT CYCLE WITH COMPRESSION AND PEAKING HEAT" which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology’ is directed to nuclear reactor integrated energy systems (lESs) for energy and steam production and use in industrial applications, and associated devices and methods.BACKGROUND

[0003] The landscape of energy production and utilization has evolved rapidly in recent years, with a growing emphasis on decarbonization, sustainability, and resilience, driving the adoption of cleaner and more efficient forms of power production. While fossil fuels continue to play a significant role in global energy’ supply with 59% of the world’s electricity generated by burning coal and natural gas, there is a trend toward increased deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, to address the challenges of climate change and energy transition.

[0004] Cumulative carbon dioxide emissions are the dominant driver of climate change. The seven largest CO2 emission industries in the world are: (1) power plants (coal, natural gas, oil fired), (2) oil refinery plants, (3) ammonia production plants, (4) chemical manufacturing and production plants, (5) cement production plants, (6) steel manufacturing plants, and (7) transportation. Many of these processes, as well as others in the petroleum, chemical, pharmaceutical, and material manufacturing industries require a combination of electrical power, steam, and heat to operate and to produce industrial products.

[0005] Steam generation systems are a part of almost every major industrial process today. About 37% of the fossil fuel utilized in the US is to produce steam. This steam, in turn, is used to produce electricity, heat processes, to dry or concentrate liquids, to distill liquids, for material cracking, or directly as a feedstock. Steam is ty pically created using boilers, but modem technologyalso allows manufacturers to produce steam using renewable resources such as solar energy and geothermal energy. Steam boilers create pressurized steam by using a fuel source, like burning coal, waste fuels, or natural gas, to heat water to its boiling point. Energy use in boilers in U.S. industry is estimated to be about 6. 1 Quads (1788 TWh). emitting almost 66 metric tons of Carbon into the atmosphere as Carbon Dioxide. All of the major industrial energy users devote significant proportions of their fossil fuel consumption to steam production: food processing (57%), pulp and paper (81%), chemicals (42%), petroleum refining (23%), and primary metals (10%). Although these industrial systems are very diverse, there is a common need for clean and efficient steam generation systems.

[0006] An energy system incorporates various energy conversion technologies, such as power plants, cogeneration (combined heat and power) systems, and distributed generation units (such as solar panels and wind turbines). These technologies convert primary energy' sources into usable forms of energy, such as electricity, steam, heat, and mechanical power that can be used as secondary energy' sources. IESS leverage a diverse range of energy resources, including renewable energy sources (such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power), conventional fuels (such as natural gas and coal), and emerging technologies (such as hydrogen and biofuels). By combining multiple energy sources, these systems can enhance energy security and resilience.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items or features.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an integrated energy system that includes a controller and a steam conditioning plant, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an integrated energy' system that includes steam conditioning and heating of a jacketed vessel, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an integrated energy system that includes steam conditioning and direct injection into at least one vessel, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a graph of steam production capacity of 1000 psi steam for one power module, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a graph of steam production capacity of 1000 psi and 2000 psi steam for two power modules at, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a graph of maximum steam mass flow vs temperature, in accordance with additional embodiments of the present technology.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a nuclear power plant system including multiple nuclear reactors in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a partially schematic, partially cross-sectional view of a nuclear reactor system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a partially schematic, partially cross-sectional view of a nuclear reactor system configured in accordance with additional embodiments of the present technology.

[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates an example process for supplying electrical power to apply a level of compression or heating to steam, in accordance with additional embodiments of the present technology.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to techniques that may be performed in relation to Integrated Energy Systems (IESs), such as for use in industrial processes that produce few or no carbon emissions, and associated devices and methods. IESs of the present technology may include a power plant (e.g., a primary power plant) that is integrated with one or more industrial processes to provide power and / or steam to the processes. Industrial processes in accordance with embodiments of the present technology may include chemical manufacturing and production, petroleum and oil refining, bulk plastic waste recycling and gasification, cement production, steel and primary metal manufacturing, transportation, food processing, pharmaceutical production, pulp and paper, and materials manufacturing. Such an IES may be capable of providing power and steam from the power plant to the industrial processes at the desired process conditions. Process conditions may include electricity demand, steam demands (e g., steam pressure, steam temperature, and steam mass flow). Conditioned steam may be directed to the applicable industrial processing system to produce a desired product or to provide a desired amount of heating.

[0019] Because of the need for cleaner and more efficient forms of power and steam production, nuclear power plants will be increasingly important in the coming years. In operation, nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate heat, which is then used to produce steam to turn turbines and generate electricity. This process can result in the production of electrical power that reduces the need for coal and natural gas to produce electricity and steam that reduces the demand for fossil fuel derived steam. Therefore, nuclear power plants have the potential to provide reliable power and steam without emitting greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) during operation, making them attractive for countries that are seeking to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security. Due to the advantages of nuclear energy for providing steam, electricity, and heat, there is a need to develop methods of using nuclear power in integrated energy systems.

[0020] Using nuclear reactors, such as Light Water Reactors (LWR), to produce steam for process heating is a topic of ongoing research. The lower steam temperatures (up to 500°C) and pressures (up to 1000 psia) from an LWR typically requires conditioning prior to the utilization for the high temperature / high pressure process. Many industrial processes require process heat in the approximate range of nominal steam outlet temperatures and pressures of most water-cooled nuclear reactors (e.g., less than 500°C and less than 1000 psia). Many other processes, however, require large quantities of steam at high pressures (e.g., 1000-2000 psia) and temperatures (greater than 500 °C). For example, distillation (400-500 °C), thermal cracking (400-950 °C), catalytic cracking (480-815°C), catalytic hydro cracking (290-400 °C), catalytic reforming (500-525 °C). These steam conditions are generally considered outside the range of the nominal steam conditions for nuclear reactors, such as an LWR. Therefore, steam conditioning would be required to supplysteam at elevated temperatures and pressures using, for example, steam compression and external heating systems. Commercially available steam compressors are highly efficient and capable of large volumetric flows and high pressures.

[0021] The use of steam generated by conventional nuclear power plants in industrial processes presents other challenges as well. Conventional nuclear reactors in the United States require an emergency planning zone (EPZ) radius of about 10 miles surrounding the plants. This EPZ provides safety to avoid or reduce dose from potential exposures such as inhaling radioactive particles in the event of reactor failure. This EPZ radius, however, limits the proximity of a conventional nuclear power plant to other industrial process. While electricity can be efficiently supplied over long distances, transporting steam becomes increasingly difficult the further a destination is from thesource. Therefore, due to safety regulations, conventional nuclear power plants are limited in their ability to efficiently provide steam to downstream processes. A nuclear power plant steam generation system would need additional safety' and efficiency infrastructure to transport steam long distances, which may in turn make this economically infeasible. Additionally, the greater the pressure drop and temperature drop of the steam during transit, the more conditioning the steam will need to receive to bring it to the desired process conditions.

[0022] As discussed above, even though conventional nuclear power plants have the capacity to produce large amounts of steam, due to safety and economic considerations, this steam may not be available for downstream processes. This limits the ability to optimize conventional nuclear power plants for electricity and steam production. In conventional pressurized-water reactors (PWRs) the produced steam floyvs in a secondary' loop, fully independent of the primary cooling loop in the reactor, which keeps the steam free from radioactive contamination, but is less energy- efficient. Conventional boiling-water reactors (BWRs), although more efficient, operate such that the cooling water around the core of the reactor is converted to steam in the reactor, and directly used to generate electricity' in a turbine generator. Because this -water is in contact with the reactor core hoyvever, it could contaminate vith traces of radioactive material, resulting in additional procedures and infrastructure to prevent damage to turbine components, and for the BWR to operate safely. Furthermore, large conventional large nuclear power reactors are not able to change reactor operational conditions easily. Some conventional nuclear power plant systems can typically generate either steam or electricity for output and cannot be modularly controlled to provide varying levels of steam and electricity for output. Moreover, it is typically difficult (e g., expensive, time consuming, etc.) to switch between steam generation and electricity generation, increase and decrease power output, adjust steam pressure, and perform steam by-pass in large conventional nuclear power plant systems. Specifically, for example, it is typically extremely time consuming (i.e., many hours) to perform the prescribed operation such as switching betyveen steam generation and electricity generation.

[0023] Due to their large EPZ radius and reactor design, conventional nuclear power plants are also limited in their ability to use excess or waste steam to improve efficiency, for example through process heat integration, resulting in large amounts of yvaste steam. Managing and disposing of waste steam from nuclear power plants can also be challenging. While the steam itself may not be directly hazardous, it may still contain traces of radioactive materials that require careful handlingand disposal. Additionally, if waste steam from the turbines is released into nearby water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, or oceans, to be cooled down, this can lead to a significant increase in water temperature in the vicinity7of the power plant, which can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems.

[0024] This disclosure is directed to integrated energy systems (lESs) that includes steam and energy production. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an integrated energy system includes a power plant system having one or more nuclear reactors. In some embodiments, an integrated energy system includes one or more small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) specifically configured to operate in unison to support one or more industrial processes. SMRs are nuclear reactors that are smaller in terms of size (e.g., dimensions) and power compared to large, conventional nuclear reactors. Moreover, they are modular in that some or all of their systems and components can be factory -assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation. In some aspects of the present technology, the multiple SMRs of an integrated energy system can flexibly and dynamically provide electricity, steam, or a combination of both electricity and steam to the industrial processes due to the modularity and flexibility7of the SMRs. That is, a configuration of the SMRs can be switched during operation to provide vary ing levels of steam and electricity7output depending on the operational states and / or demands of the industrial processes with minimum time requirements (i. e. , less than an hour). Because of their unique safety, modularity and functionality, SMRs therefore have the potential and abilities for use in a w ide variety of industrial processes that require high-temperature and high-pressure steam as well as high steam Hows.

[0025] Some embodiments include steam conditioning to convert low pressure steam to high pressure steam and / or low temperature steam to high temperature steam. Some embodiments include energy integration that includes utilizing energy produced by the integrated energy system to power steam conditioning. In embodiments of the present disclosure, a steam production cycle is presented in which steam generated by a single nuclear power module (NPM), such as a SMR, is compressed and / or heated to produce process steam at commercial scale, temperatures, and pressures. Steam compression and / or heating, i.e., heat augmentation, may be performed by compression (e.g., adiabatic compression), resistive heating (e.g., Joule heating or Ohmic heating), inductive heating, such as with radio frequency, electrode boilers, or any combination of these methods, as w ell as any other means of compression and / or heating to achieve a desired target steam temperature and / or pressure. In embodiments, compression is more efficient at heating steam thanelectrical resistance heating. Depending on the commercial scale, temperatures, and pressures, steam from multiple NPM configurations may also be introduced. In some embodiments, a power plant includes four, six, twelve, or a different number of the NPMs and has a power output of between 308-924 megawatts electrical (MWe). In some embodiments, the power plant can output between about 308-924 MWe and between about 1000-3000 megawatts thermal (MWt). In embodiments, one, two, or more of the total NMPs may be configured to produce electricity. In embodiments, one, two, or more of the total NMPs may be configured to produce steam. In embodiments, one, two, or more of the total NMPs may be configured to produce both electricity and steam. In embodiments, the amount of steam and electricity produced in one or more NPM may be modularly controlled.

[0026] In some embodiments, the present technology employs a direct cycle with compression and peaking heat. One advantage to a direct cycle is that, from the standpoint of energy and economic efficiency, it is best to use steam directly output from the NPM. Another advantage is that an NPM in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can produce very large quantities of steam. At nominal full power conditions, an NPM of the present disclosure may produce ~ 816,000 Ib / hr of steam. For comparison, a steam boiler for a 200,000 barrel / day oil refinery only generates ~80 metric tons / day (7,350 Ib / hr) for stripping crude oil. Accordingly, only a subset of the total NPM steam production is needed to meet the steam requirements of a typical oil refinery. In some embodiments, the power plant can output between about 816,000 — 9,800,000 Ib / hr steam. In some embodiments, steam may be generated, for example, at a temperature of 283°C and a pressure of 32.8 bar (478 psia). In some embodiments, steam generated in one or more NPMs may be compressed and heated to high temperature and pressures. In embodiments, the NPMs may switch between steam generation and electricity generation based on process requirements. In embodiments, a portion of steam may be used to generate electricity to power steam compression and heating.

[0027] In embodiments, the steam produced in an NPM in accordance with embodiments of the present technology is physically separated from the fluid inside the reactor via steam generator tubes, preventing radioactive contamination of the process steam. To provide operational safety, however, the system of the present disclosure may also provide infrastructure to safely handle the potential of a small leak of radioactive contamination into the process steam. Infrastructure safeguards include, for example, steam delay lines, radiation detectors, and steam isolation valves.

[0028] In embodiments, a power plant of the present disclosure can be a permanent or temporary installation built at or near (e.g., roughly 1 km from) the location of an industrial process facility or can be a mobile or partially mobile system that is moved to and assembled at or near the location of the industrial process facility. More generally, the power plant can be local (e.g.. positioned at or near) the industrial processes / operations it supports. For example, the power plant can be located within 0.4 km (0.25 mile), within 0.8 km (0.5 mile), within 3.22 km (2 miles), within 4.82 km (3 miles), or within 8.1 km (5 miles) of the industrial processes / operations it supports.

[0029] Certain details are set forth in the following description and in Figures 1-10 to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. In other instances, well- known structures, materials, operations, and / or systems often associated with nuclear reactors, power plant systems, integrated energy' systems, chemical production plants, industrial process plants, electrolysis systems, hydrogen and oxygen production plants, direct air capture (DAC) plants, oil refineries, and the like, are not shown or described in detail in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the technology. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the present technology' can be practiced without one or more of the details set forth herein, and / or with other structures, methods, components, and so forth. The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain examples of embodiments of the technology.

[0030] The accompanying Figures depict embodiments of the present technology and are not intended to limit its scope unless expressly indicated. The sizes of various depicted elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and these various elements may be enlarged to improve legibility. Component details may be abstracted in the Figures to exclude details such as position of components and certain precise connections between such components when such details are unnecessary' for a complete understanding of how' to make and use the present technology'. Many of the details, dimensions, angles and other features shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles and features without departing from the present technology. In addition, those of ordinary' skill in the art will appreciate that further embodiments of the present technology' can be practiced without several of the details described below'.

[0031] To the extent any materials incorporated herein by reference conflict with the present disclosure, the present disclosure controls. The headings provided herein are for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter disclosed.

[0032] FIG. 1 is schematic flow diagram of an integrated energy system (IES) 100 that includes a process steam conditioning cycle according to at least some embodiments of the present technology. The IES 100 may include one or more controller(s) 102 and one or more processors 104. The IES 100 may include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 104, cause the integrated energy system controller 102 to perform operations described herein. Accordingly, many embodiments of the technology described herein may take the form of computer- or machine- or controller-executable instructions, including routines executed by a programmable computer or controller 102. The IES 100 can be controlled via the one or more controllers 102. The controller 102 may include one or more operators and / or a computer system. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the technology can be practiced on computer / controller systems other than those shown and described herein. The controller 102 may include a special-purpose computer, controller or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured or constructed to perform one or more of the computer-executable instructions described herein. Accordingly, the terms "computer" and “controller” as generally used herein refer to any data processor and can include Internet appliances and hand-held devices (including palm-top computers, wearable computers, cellular or mobile phones, multi-processor systems, processor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network computers, minicomputers and the like). Infonnation handled by the controller 102 can be presented at any suitable display medium, including a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0033] In embodiments, the IES 100 may include a power production plant 106. The power production plant 106, may include the power plant power plant system 750 of FIG. 7, in accordance with additional embodiments of the present technology7. The power production plant 106 may include one or more one or more power module(s) 108. The power module 108 may include any system configured to produce steam, such as a boiler, a renewable energy system that utilizes, for example, solar energy and / or geothermal energy7to generate steam, and a nuclear reactor. For example, the powder module 108 may include a nuclear powder module (NPM) including one or more light water nuclear reactor (LWR), one or more small modular nuclear reactor (SMR), and any reactor 700 of FIG. 7, reactor system 800 of FIG. 8, and reactor system 900 of FIG. 9. The powermodule 108 may be a part of a power plant, for example, the power plant power plant system 750 of FIG. 7, in accordance with additional embodiments of the present technology.

[0034] In embodiments, the power production plant 106 may include one or more power generators 110. The power generator 110 may be configured to generate electricity from steam produced by the power module 108. The power generator 110 may include one or more devices that generate electrical power or some other form of usable power from steam generated by the power module 108, such as power conversion system 740 of FIG. 7, power conversion system 840 of FIG. 8, and turbine 943 and generator 944 of FIG. 9. The power generator 110 may include one or more electrical output paths, such as electrical output paths 755 of FIG. 7, which may provide electricity to one or more end users and / or end uses.

[0035] In embodiments, the controller 102 may receive first information 112 about steam and electrical power generated by the power production plant 106, including the steam and electrical power generated by each one or more of the power modules 108. The first information 112 may include a current temperature, a current pressure, and a current flow rate of steam from the power production plant 106. The first information 112 may also include a current electrical power supply of the power production plant 106. The controller 102 may receive second information 114 about a resource production plant 116. The second information 114 may include resource production target conditions, including the temperature, pressure, and flowrate of process inputs, such as steam, as well as the temperature, pressure, and flowrate of process outputs, such the produced resource and / or steam condensate. Resource production conditions provided with the second information 114 may also include, an operating temperature of a resource production process, including acceptable upper and lower temperature thresholds. The second information 114 may include whether the resource production conditions are above or below the temperature threshold and the controller 102 may use this threshold information to adjust resource production targets.

[0036] In embodiments, the controller 102 may be configured to operate continuously such that the first information 112 and the second information 114 are updated, such as at a regular interval, to determine resource production requirements and generate process steam and electricity. In embodiments, the controller 102 may modularly control the power production plant 106 to provide varying levels of steam and electricity output for each one or more power module 108 in the power production plant 106. The controller 102 thereby provides dynamic control of steam and electricity output for responding to and achieving resource production targets. For example, if the integratedenergy system controller 102 determines that the cunent electrical power supply of the power production plant 106 is less than the electrical power needed to apply a necessary7level of compression or heating to the first portion of steam to meet the resource production target, the controller 102 may generate a notification that an insufficient electrical power supply is available, and modulate the power production plant 106 to generate additional electrical power supply to overcome the insufficiency.

[0037] In embodiments, the power module 108 is configured to produce steam for use in one or more resource production plant 116 such as chemical manufacturing and production, petroleum and oil refining, bulk plastic waste recycling and gasification, cement production, steel and primary metal manufacturing, transportation, food processing, pharmaceutical production, pulp and paper, and materials manufacturing. Resource production plants 116 may include: distillation, pyrolysis, thermal cracking, for example thermal cracking of alkanes and alkenes, catalytic cracking, catalytic hydro cracking, catalytic reforming, heavy oil and light oil conversion, dissolution of heavy oil to produce gasoline additives, bulk plastic waste recycling, and light plastics for regeneration of syngas. Steam from the power module 108 may7be provided to resource production plant 116 at a temperature, pressure, and flow rate suitable for the process conditions of the resource production plant 116. In some embodiments, the power module 108 may include one or more steam output paths, such as steam output paths 758 of FIG. 7, which may provide steam to the one or more resource production plant(s) 1 16 at a temperature, pressure, and flow rate suitable for the process conditions. The steam output paths may provide steam at the same temperature, pressure, and flow rate or at different temperatures, pressures, and flow rates based on process conditions of the one or more resource production plants 116. The temperature, pressure, and flow rate of steam in each steam output path may be constant, or the temperature, pressure and flow rate of steam may change over time based on system feedback and / or process requirements of the resource production plants 116.

[0038] In embodiments, the IES 100 may include a process steam conditioning cycle. Steam from the power module 108 may be conditioned to produce process steam for the resource production plant 116 in a c. The steam conditioning plant 118 may include heating and / or compression. The steam conditioning plant 118 may include one or more heaters and / or compressors in combination. Steam compression and / or heating, i.e., heat augmentation, may be performed by compression (e.g., adiabatic compression), resistive heating (e.g., Joule heating orOhmic heating), inductive heating, such as with radio frequency, electrode boilers, or any combination of these methods, as well as any other means of compression and / or heating to achieve a desired target steam temperature and / or pressure. The steam conditioning plant 118 may be configured to operate in a continuous manner, wherein the IES 100 adjusts steam flow rate to the steam conditioning plant 118, as well as heating and compression of the steam within the steam conditioning plant 118 based on feedback from the resource production plant 116 to provide process steam at desired process conditions. The IES 100 may include one or more process steam valve(s) 120 configured to control steam flowrate in each steam output path and configured to provide the desired amount of steam from the power module 108 to the steam conditioning plant 118 and to the resource production plant 116.

[0039] In embodiments, steam from the power module 108 may be provided to resource production plant 116 at low temperatures (>500°C) and low pressures (<1000 psia). In embodiments, steam from the power module 108 may be fed to the steam conditioning plant 118 before it is provided to the resource production plant 116. In embodiments, steam from the power module 108 is provided directly to the resource production plant 116. Any resource production plant 116 that utilizes steam at low temperature and / or low pressure may receive process steam from the power module 108. Examples of low temperature chemical processes include: Friedel-crafts alkylation, such as for the production of ethylbenzene, cumene; air epoxidation to produce, for example, ethylene oxide; acetic acid production processes; the transformation of benzene to cyclohexane; the Amoco process to produce, for example, terephthalic acid; vapor phase reactions, such as the production of vinyl acetate; the hydration and ring opening of ethylene glycol; the Oxo process for producing butyraldehyde; air oxidation, such as the production of adipic acid; reacting phenol with acetone to producing bisphenol A (a chemical used in combination with other chemicals to manufacture certain plastics and resins); ethylene dichloride production; the rearrangement of cumene hydroperoxide to produce phenol; urea production; soda ash production; vacuum evaporation to produce ammonium nitrate; aluminum sulfate production; producing phosphoric acid via wet process; electrolysis, such as the electrolysis of brine to produce nylon 6 and nylon 6.6; and the production of polyester.

[0040] In embodiments, steam from the power module 108 may be provided to resource production plant 116 at high temperatures (>500°C) and high pressures (e.g., 1000-2000 psia). In embodiments, steam from the power module 108 may be fed to the steam conditioning plant 118before it is provided to the resource production plant 116. In embodiments, steam from the power module 108 is provided directly to the resource production plant 116. Any resource production plant 116 that utilizes steam at high temperature and / or high pressure may receive process steam from the power module 108. Industrial processes that may receive high temperature steam include distillation (400-500 °C), thermal cracking (400-950 °C), catalytic cracking (480-815 °C), catalytic hydro cracking (290-400 °C), catalytic reforming (500-525 °C).

[0041] In embodiments, electricity generated in the power generator 110 may be fed to and utilized in the resource production plant 116, for example to power buildings, control systems, vessels and equipment such as pumps and auxiliary heaters. In embodiments, the power generator 1 10 may provide all electricity requirements to the resource production plant 116 such that the resource production plant 116 does not draw power from a power grid. In embodiments, electricity generated in the power generator 110 may be fed to and utilized in the steam conditioning plant 118. In embodiments, the power generator 110 may provide all electricity requirements to the steam conditioning plant 118 such that the steam conditioning plant 118 does not draw power from a power grid. In embodiments, the power generator 110 may be configured to receive feedback and adj ust electricity7output to the resource production plant 116 and steam conditioning plant 118 based on input from the resource production plant 116.

[0042] In embodiments, the IES 100 provides energy and economic efficiency. For example, steam directly output from the power module 108 is used to drive the power generator 110 and is converted into process steam. In embodiments, process steam is then fed directly to the resource production plant 116 to provide heating. This configuration eliminates the equipment and corresponding energy losses that arise from the use of an intermediate heat exchanger.

[0043] In embodiments, the IES 100 includes safety controls such as contaminant monitoring, for example, in the condenser and in process steam lines. Contaminant monitoring can detect contamination, such as radiation, and rapidly provide isolation of the steam exiting the power module 108 via one or more steam isolation valves. The IES 100 may include multiple steam isolation valves, such one or more isolation valve in each steam path within the IES 100. In embodiments, the IES 100 may include a minimal heat loss delay line. For example, steam from the power module 108 may pass through contaminant detection before and / or after the delay line, and if a threshold of contamination is detected, the detector sends a signal to an actuator, that closes an isolation valve downstream of the delay line so no contamination passes to downstreamequipment, process, and operations. In embodiments, steam passes through a delay line for radiation detection and if radiation is detected above a threshold level, the steam may be transported to a radioactive waste gas storage tank or to condensation and transport to a radioactive liquid waste storage tank. In embodiments, one or more detector(s) may be located before, after, or throughout the delay line and configured to take an average contamination value from all detectors.

[0044] The power production plant 106 can be located at or near the location of the resource production plant(s) 116. For example, the power production plant 106 can be a permanent or temporary' installation built at or near (e.g., roughly 1 km from) the location of the resource production plant 116, or can be a mobile or partially mobile system that is moved to and assembled at or near the location of the resource production plant 116. More generally, the power production plant 106 can be local (e.g., positioned at or near) the industrial processes / operations it supports. For example, the power production plant 106 can be located within 0.4 km (0.25 mile), within 0.8 km (0.5 mile), within 3.22 km (2 miles), within 4.82 km (3 miles), or within 8. 1 km (5 miles) of the industrial processes / operations it supports. In some embodiments, the power production plant 106 includes four, six, twelve, or a different number of the nuclear reactors and has a power output of between 308-924 megaw atts electrical (MWe). In some embodiments, the pow er production plant 106 can output between about 308-924 MWe and between about 1000-3000 megawatts thermal (MWt).

[0045] The IES 100 should not be limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, or the embodiments described above. Determining suitable process conditions of the resource production plant(s) 116, monitoring process conditions, and providing feedback to the IES 100 in order to maintain those process conditions is within the ability of one skilled in the art, based on the needs of the skilled artisan. It should be understood that variances in the described process that achieve the same end result should be considered equivalent to the IES 100 unless claimed otherwise. For example, while various pressures / temperatures may be utilized for various operations, as discussed throughout in the current disclosure, it is not limited as such. In some instances, other pressures / temperatures suitable for the respective operations may be utilized in a similar way for purposes of implementing the techniques discussed herein.

[0046] FIG. 2 is schematic How diagram of an integrated energy' system (IES) 200 that includes a process steam conditioning cycle according to at least some embodiments of the present technology. The IES 200 may include the IES 100 described above. The IES 200 may include oneor more power module(s) 202. The power module 202 may include any system configured to produce steam, such as a boiler, a renewable energy system that utilizes, for example, solar energy and / or geothermal energy to generate steam, and a nuclear reactor. For example, the power module 202 may include a nuclear power module (NPM) including one or more light water nuclear reactor (LWR), one or more small modular nuclear reactor (SMR), and any reactor 700 of FIG. 7, reactor system 800 of FIG. 8, and reactor system 900 of FIG. 9. The power module 202 may be a part of a power plant, for example, the power plant power plant system 750 of FIG. 7, in accordance with additional embodiments of the present technology.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the power module 202 is configured to produce steam for use in one or more industrial operation(s) 204 such as chemical manufacturing and production, petroleum and oil refining, bulk plastic waste recycling and gasification, cement production, steel and primary metal manufacturing, transportation, food processing, pharmaceutical production, pulp and paper, and materials manufacturing. In embodiments, the industrial operations 204 may include the resource production plant 1 16. Industrial operation 204 may include: distillation, pyrolysis, thermal cracking, for example thermal cracking of alkanes and alkenes, catalytic cracking, catalytic hydro cracking, catalytic reforming, heavy oil and light oil conversion, dissolution of heavy oil to produce gasoline additives, bulk plastic waste recycling, and light plastics for regeneration of syngas. Steam from the power module 202 may be provided to industrial operation 204 at a temperature, pressure, and flow rate suitable for the process conditions of the industrial operation 204. In some embodiments, the power module 202 may include one or more steam output paths, such as steam output paths 758 of FIG. 7, which may provide steam to the one or more industrial operation(s) 204 at a temperature, pressure, and flow rate suitable for the process conditions. The steam output paths may provide steam at the same temperature, pressure, and flow rate or at different temperatures, pressures, and flow rates based on process conditions of the one or more industrial operations 204. The temperature, pressure, and flow rate of steam in each steam output path may be constant, or the temperature, pressure and flow rate of steam may change over time based on system feedback and / or process requirements of the industrial operations 204.

[0048] In embodiments, the IES 200 may include a process steam conditioning cycle. Steam from the power module 202 may be conditioned to produce process steam for the industrial operation 204 in a heating system 206. The heating system 206 may include heating and / or compression. The heating system 206 may include one or more heaters and / or compressors incombination. Steam compression and / or heating, i.e., heat augmentation, may be performed by compression (e.g., adiabatic compression), resistive heating (e.g., Joule heating or Ohmic heating), inductive heating, such as with radio frequency, electrode boilers, or any combination of these methods, as well as any other means of compression and / or heating to achieve a desired target steam temperature and / or pressure. The heating system 206 may be configured to operate in a continuous manner, wherein the IES 200 adjusts steam flow rate to the heating system 206, as well as heating and compression of the steam within the heating system 206 based on feedback from the industrial operation 204 to provide process steam at desired process conditions. The IES 200 may include one or more process steam valve(s) 208 configured to control steam flowrate in each steam output path and configured to provide the desired amount of steam from the power module 202 to the heating system 206 and to the industrial operation 204.

[0049] In embodiments, steam from the power module 202 may be provided to industrial operation 204 at low temperatures (>500°C) and low pressures (<1000 psia). In embodiments, steam from the power module 202 may be fed to the heating system 206 before it is provided to the industrial operation 204. In embodiments, steam from the power module 202 is provided directly to the industrial operation 204. Any industrial operation 204 that utilizes steam at low temperature and / or low pressure may receive process steam from the power module 202. Examples of low temperature chemical processes include: Friedel-crafts alkylation, such as for the production of ethylbenzene, cumene; air epoxidation to produce, for example, ethylene oxide; acetic acid production processes; the transformation of benzene to cyclohexane; the Amoco process to produce, for example, terephthalic acid; vapor phase reactions, such as the production of vinyl acetate; the hydration and ring opening of ethylene glycol; the Oxo process for producing butyraldehyde; air oxidation, such as the production of adipic acid; reacting phenol with acetone to producing bisphenol A; ethylene dichloride production; the rearrangement of cumene hydroperoxide to produce phenol; urea production; soda ash production; vacuum evaporation to produce ammonium nitrate; aluminum sulfate production; producing phosphoric acid via wet process; electrolysis, such as the electrolysis of brine to produce nylon 6 and nylon 6.6; and the production of polyester.

[0050] In embodiments, steam from the power module 202 may be provided to industrial operation 204 at high temperatures (>500°C) and high pressures (e.g., 1000-2000 psia). In embodiments, steam from the power module 202 may be fed to the heating system 206 before it is provided to the industrial operation 204. In embodiments, steam from the power module 202 isprovided directly to the industrial operation 204. Any industrial operation 204 that utilizes steam at high temperature and / or high pressure may receive process steam from the power module 202. Industrial processes that may receive high temperature steam include distillation (400-500 °C), thermal cracking (400-950 °C), catalytic cracking (480-815 °C), catalytic hydro cracking (290-400 °C), catalytic reforming (500-525 °C).

[0051] In embodiments, the industrial operation 204 may include one or more vessel(s) 210. In embodiments, the vessel 210 may include ajacket 212 that receives process steam. The jacket 212 may be a container configured to surround the vessel 210 and control the temperature of the vessel 210. Process steam entering the jacket 212 may be circulated through the jacket 212 as a heating fluid to control and to maintain the temperature of the vessel 210. The process steam may control the temperature of the vessel 210 by transferring heat through the walls of the vessel 210, thereby indirectly heating the vessel 210. The heat transfer coefficient of the condensing process steam is related to the surface area upon which the process steam condenses and the efficiency of removing the condensate. The jacket 212 may include a cavity external to the vessel 210 that permits the uniform exchange of heat between the fluid circulating in it and the walls of the vessel 210. The jacket 212 may include a conventional jacket wherein a shell is installed over a portion of the vessel 210, creating an annular space within which the heating fluid flows. The jacket 212 may include a simple conventional jacket, with no internal components. The jacket 212 may include a half-pipe coil jackets wherein pipes are split lengthwise, usually with an included angle of 180 degrees (split evenly down the middle) or 120 degrees, then wound around the vessel and welded in place. The jacket 212 may include a dimple jacket wherein a thin external shell is affixed to the vessel shell with spot welds (dimples) located in a regular pattern, configured to impart turbulence to the heating or cooling media as it flows through the jacket. The jacket 212 may include plate coils. The jacket 212 may be applied to the entire surface of the vessel 210 or just a portion of it. For instance, the vessel 210 may be a vertical vessel 210, wherein the top portion of the vessel 210 is left unjacketed. In other embodiments, the jacket 212 may be applied around the vessel 210 up to the level of material within the vessel 210. The jacket 212 may be divided into zones, to divide the flow of the heating fluid such that heating fluid may be directed to certain portions of the jacket 212, such as to the bottom when minimal heating or cooling is needed and then to the entire jacket at other times when maximum heating or cooling is required.

[0052] Ajacketed vessel 210 may be employed as a chemical reactor and / or as aheating vessel. Agitation may be used in ajacketed vessel 210 to improve the homogeneity of the fluid properties, such as temperature or concentration, of fluid within the vessel 210. At least one vessel product stream from the vessel 210 may be removed, for example, for further processing, storage, use, or sale. Jacket 212 may provide physical separation of the process steam and the contents of the vessel 210 such that no process steam contacts the interior of vessel 210. Condensate from the jacket 212 may be recirculated back to the power module 202. The condensate from jacket 212 may pass through one or more feedwater heater(s) 214 before returning to the power module 202.

[0053] In embodiments, the IES 200 may include a power generator 216. The power generator 216 may be configured to generate electricity from steam produced by the power module 202. The power generator 216 may include one or more devices that generate electrical power or some other form of usable power from steam generated by the power module 202, such as power conversion system 740 of FIG. 7, power conversion system 840 of FIG. 8, and turbine 943 and generator 944 of FIG. 9. The power generator 216 may include one or more electrical output paths, such as electrical output paths 755 of FIG. 7, which may provide electricity to one or more end users and / or end uses. In embodiments, electricity' generated in the power generator 216 may be fed to and utilized in the industrial operation 204, for example to power buildings, control systems, vessels, such as vessel 210. and equipment such as pumps and auxiliary heaters. In embodiments, the power generator 216 may provide all electricity' requirements to the industrial operation 204 such that the industrial operation 204 does not draw power from a power grid. In embodiments, electricity7generated in the power generator 216 may be fed to and utilized in the heating system 206. In embodiments, the power generator 216 may provide all electricity requirements to the heating system 206 such that the heating system 206 does not draw power from a power grid. In embodiments, the power generator 216 may be configured to receive feedback and adjust electricity7output to the industrial operation 204 and heating system 206 based on input from the industrial operation 204.

[0054] In embodiments, low-pressure steam exiting the power generator 216 may be sent to a condenser 218. Condenser 218 may include condenser 845 of FIG. 8 and condenser 945 of FIG. 9. Condenser 218 may be an air-cooled condenser, a water-cooled condenser, or any other suitable condenser known in the art. Condensate from the condenser 218 may be recirculated back to the power module 202. The condensate from condenser 218 may pass through the one or morefeedwater heater(s) 214 before returning to the power module 202. In embodiments, the feedwater heater 214 may receive auxiliary feedwater from a water source that may be heated and fed to the power module 202.

[0055] In embodiments, the IES 200 provides energy and economic efficiency. For example, steam directly output from the power module 202 is used to drive the power generator 216 and is converted into process steam. In embodiments, process steam is then fed directly to the industrial operation 204 to provide heating, for example through the jacket 212 of vessel 210. This configuration eliminates the equipment and corresponding energy losses that arise from the use of an intermediate heat exchanger.

[0056] In embodiments, the IES 200 includes safety controls such as contaminant monitoring, for example, in the condenser and in process steam lines. Contaminant monitoring can detect contamination, such as radiation, and rapidly provide isolation of the steam exiting the power module 202 via amain steam isolation valve 220. The IES 200 may include multiple steam isolation valves, such one or more isolation valve in each steam path within the IES 200. In embodiments, the IES 200 may include a minimal heat loss delay line. For example, steam from the power module 202 may pass through contaminant detection before and / or after the delay line, and if a threshold of contamination is detected, the detector sends a signal to an actuator, that closes an isolation valve, such as the main steam isolation valve 220. downstream of the delay line so no contamination passes to downstream equipment, process, and operations. In embodiments, steam passes through a delay line for radiation detection and if radiation is detected above a threshold level, the steam may be transported to a radioactive waste gas storage tank or to condensation and transport to a radioactive liquid waste storage tank. In embodiments, one or more detector(s) may be located before, after, or throughout the delay line and configured to take an average contamination value from all detectors.

[0057] The power module 202 can be located at or near the location of the industrial operation(s) 204. For example, the power module 202 can be a permanent or temporary' installation built at or near (e.g., roughly 1 km from) the location of the industrial operation 204, or can be a mobile or partially mobile system that is moved to and assembled at or near the location of the industrial operation 204. More generally, the power module 202 can be local (e.g., positioned at or near) the industrial processes / operations it supports. For example, the power module 202 can be located within 0.4 km (0.25 mile), within 0.8 km (0.5 mile), within 3.22 km (2 miles), within 4.82 km (3 miles), or within 8.1 km (5 miles) of the industrial processes / operations it supports. In someembodiments, the power module 202 includes four, six, twelve, or a different number of the nuclear reactors and has a power output of between 308-924 megawatts electrical (MWe). In some embodiments, the power module 202 can output between about 308-924 MWe and between about 1000-3000 megawatts thermal (MWt).

[0058] The 1ES 200 should not be limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, or the embodiments described above. Determining suitable process conditions of the industrial operation(s) 204, monitoring process conditions, and providing feedback to the IES 200 in order to maintain those process conditions is within the ability of one skilled in the art, based on the needs of the skilled artisan. It should be understood that variances in the described process that achieve the same end result should be considered equivalent to the IES 200 unless claimed otherwise. For example, while various pressures / temperatures may be utilized for various operations, as discussed throughout in the current disclosure, it is not limited as such. In some instances, other pressures / temperatures suitable for the respective operations may be utilized in a similar way for purposes of implementing the techniques discussed herein.

[0059] FIG. 3 is schematic flow diagram of an integrated energy system (IES) 300 that includes a process steam conditioning cycle according to at least some embodiments of the present technology. The IES 300 may include the IES 100 described above. The IES 300 may include one or more power module(s) 302. The power module 302 may include any system configured to produce steam, such as a boiler, a renewable energy system that utilizes, for example, solar energy and / or geothermal energy to generate steam, and a nuclear reactor. For example, the pow er module 302 may include a nuclear pow er module (NPM) including one or more light water nuclear reactor (LWR), one or more small modular nuclear reactor (SMR). and any reactor 700 of FIG. 7. reactor system 800 of FIG. 8, and reactor system 900 of FIG. 9. The power module 302 may be a part of a power plant, for example, the power plant powder plant system 750 of FIG. 7, in accordance with additional embodiments of the present technology7.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the power module 302 is configured to produce steam for use in one or more industrial operation(s) 304 such as chemical manufacturing and production, petroleum and oil refining, bulk plastic waste recycling and gasification, cement production, steel and primary metal manufacturing, transportation, food processing, pharmaceutical production, pulp and paper, and materials manufacturing. In embodiments, the industrial operations 304 may include the resource production plant 116. Industrial operation 304 may include: distillation, pyrolysis.thermal cracking, for example thermal cracking of alkanes and alkenes, catalytic cracking, catalytic hydro cracking, catalytic reforming, heavy oil and light oil conversion, dissolution of heavy oil to produce gasoline additives, bulk plastic waste recycling, and light plastics for regeneration of syngas. Steam from the power module 302 may be provided to industrial operation 304 at a temperature, pressure, and flow rate suitable for the process conditions of the industrial operation 304. In some embodiments, the power module 302 may include one or more steam output paths, such as steam output paths 758 of FIG. 7, which may provide steam to the one or more industrial operation(s) 304 at a temperature, pressure, and flow rate suitable for the process conditions. The steam output paths may provide steam at the same temperature, pressure, and flow rate or at different temperatures, pressures, and flow rates based on process conditions of the one or more industrial operations 304. The temperature, pressure, and flow rate of steam in each steam output path may be constant, or the temperature, pressure and flow rate of steam may change over time based on system feedback and / or process requirements of the industrial operations 304.

[0061] In embodiments, the IES 300 may include a process steam conditioning cycle. Steam from the power module 302 may be conditioned to produce process steam for the industrial operation 304 in a heating system 306. The heating system 306 may include heating and / or compression. The heating system 206 may include one or more heaters and / or compressors in combination. Steam compression and / or heating, i.e., heat augmentation, may be performed by compression (e.g., adiabatic compression), resistive heating (e g., Joule heating or Ohmic heating), inductive heating, such as with radio frequency, electrode boilers, or any combination of these methods, as well as any other means of compression and / or heating to achieve a desired target steam temperature and / or pressure. The heating system 306 may be configured to operate in a continuous manner, wherein the IES 300 adjusts steam flow rate to the heating system 306, as well as heating and compression of the steam within the heating system 306 based on feedback from the industrial operation 304 to provide process steam at desired process conditions. The IES 300 may include one or more process steam valve(s) 324 configured to control steam flowrate in each steam output path and configured to provide the desired amount of steam from the power module 302 to the heating system 306 and to the industrial operation 304.

[0062] In embodiments, steam from the power module 302 may be provided to industrial operation 304 at low temperatures (>500°C) and low pressures (<1000 psia). In embodiments, steam from the power module 302 may be fed to the heating system 306 before it is provided to theindustrial operation 304. In embodiments, steam from the power module 302 is provided directly to the industrial operation 304. Any industrial operation 304 that utilizes steam at low temperature and / or low pressure may receive process steam from the power module 302. Examples of low temperature chemical processes include: Friedel-crafts alkylation, such as for the production of ethylbenzene, cumene; air epoxidation to produce, for example, ethylene oxide; acetic acid production processes; the transformation of benzene to cyclohexane; the Amoco process to produce, for example, terephthalic acid; vapor phase reactions, such as the production of vinyl acetate; the hydration and ring opening of ethylene glycol; the Oxo process for producing butyraldehyde; air oxidation, such as the production of adipic acid; reacting phenol with acetone to producing bisphenol A; ethylene dichloride production; the rearrangement of cumene hydroperoxide to produce phenol; urea production; soda ash production; vacuum evaporation to produce ammonium nitrate; aluminum sulfate production; producing phosphoric acid via wet process; electrolysis, such as the electrolysis of brine to produce nylon 6 and nylon 6.6; and the production of polyester.

[0063] In embodiments, steam from the power module 302 may be provided to industrial operation 304 at high temperatures (>500°C) and high pressures (e.g., 1000-2000 psia). In embodiments, steam from the power module 302 may be fed to the heating system 306 before it is provided to the industrial operation 304. In embodiments, steam from the power module 302 is provided directly to the industrial operation 304. Any industrial operation 304 that utilizes steam at high temperature and / or high pressure may receive process steam from the power module 302. Industrial processes that may receive high temperature steam include distillation (400-500 °C), thermal cracking (400-950 °C), catalytic cracking (480-815 °C), catalytic hydro cracking (290-400 °C), catalytic reforming (500-525 °C). In embodiments, process steam from the power module 302 is fed to the industrial operation 304 and to an auxiliary' heater 308. The auxiliary heater 308 may include steam compression and / or heating, i.e., heat augmentation, may be performed by compression (e.g., adiabatic compression), resistive heating (e.g., Joule heating or Ohmic heating), inductive heating, such as with radio frequency, electrode boilers, or any combination of these methods, as well as any other means of compression and / or heating to achieve a desired target steam temperature and / or pressure. The auxiliary heater 308 may be configured to heat one or more vessel(s) 310.

[0064] In embodiments, the industrial operation 304 may include one or more vessel(s) 310 and vessel(s) 312. In embodiments, steam from the power module 302 may be fed directly to vessel 310and / or vessel 312 to provide heating and / or as a chemical feedstock. In embodiments, the vessel 310 and / or vessel 312 may be configured to receive heat from an auxiliary heater, such as the auxiliary heater 308. In embodiments, steam heated in the auxiliary heater 308 may be fed to the vessel 310 and / or vessel 312 to provide heating and / or as a chemical feedstock. In embodiments, one or more vessel product streams are removed from the vessel 310 and the vessel 312. The vessel product streams may at an elevated temperature and may be used for process heat recovery in a heat exchanger 314. Process heat recovery may include exchanging heat in the heat exchanger 314 with feedwater for the power module 302. The feedwater may then be fed to one or more primary feedwater heater(s) 316 before being fed to the power module 302.

[0065] In embodiments, the IES 300 may include a power generator 318. The power generator 318 may be configured to generate electricity from steam produced by the power module 302. The power generator 318 may include one or more devices that generate electrical power or some other form of usable power from steam generated by the power module 302, such as power conversion system 740 of FIG. 7, power conversion system 840 of FIG. 8, and turbine 943 and generator 944 of FIG. 9. The power generator 318 may include one or more electrical output paths, such as electrical output paths 755 of FIG. 7, which may provide electricity to one or more end users and / or end uses. In embodiments, electricity generated in the power generator 318 may be fed to and utilized in the industrial operation 304, for example to power buildings, control systems, vessels and equipment such as pumps and auxiliary heaters. In embodiments, the power generator 318 may provide all electricity7requirements to the industrial operation 304 such that the industrial operation 304 does not draw power from a power grid. In embodiments, electricity7generated in the power generator 318 may be fed to and utilized in the heating system 306. In embodiments, the power generator 318 may provide all electricity requirements to the heating system 306 such that the heating system 306 does not draw power from a power grid. In embodiments, the power generator 318 may be configured to receive feedback and adjust electricity output to the industrial operation 304 and heating system 306 based on input from the industrial operation 304.

[0066] In embodiments, low-pressure steam exiting the power generator 318 may be sent to a condenser 320. Condenser 320 may include condenser 845 of FIG. 8 and condenser 945 of FIG. 9. Condenser 320 may be an air-cooled condenser, a water-cooled condenser, or any other suitable condenser known in the art. Condensate from the condenser 320 may be recirculated back to thepower module 302. The condensate from condenser 320 may pass through the one or more feedwater heater(s) 316 before returning to the power module 302.

[0067] In embodiments, the IES 300 provides energy and economic efficiency. For example, steam directly output from the power module 302 is used to drive the power generator 318 and is converted into process steam. In embodiments, process steam is then fed directly to the industrial operation 304 to provide heating of process such as vessel 310 and vessel 312. This configuration eliminates the equipment and corresponding energy losses that arise from the use of an intermediate heat exchanger.

[0068] In embodiments, the IES 300 includes safety controls such as contaminant monitoring, for example, in the condenser and in process steam lines. Contaminant monitoring can detect contamination, such as radiation, and rapidly provide isolation of the steam exiting the power module 302 via amain steam isolation valve 322. The IES 300 may include multiple steam isolation valves, such one or more isolation valve in each steam path within the IES 300. In embodiments, the IES 300 may include a minimal heat loss delay line. For example, steam from the power module 302 may pass through contaminant detection before and / or after the delay line, and if a threshold of contamination is detected, the detector sends a signal to an actuator, that closes an isolation valve, such as the main steam isolation valve 322, downstream of the delay line so no contamination passes to downstream equipment, process, and operations. In embodiments, steam passes through a delay line for radiation detection and if radiation is detected above a threshold level, the steam may be transported to a radioactive waste gas storage tank or to condensation and transport to a radioactive liquid waste storage tank. In embodiments, one or more detector(s) may be located before, after, or throughout the delay line and configured to take an average contamination value from all detectors.

[0069] The power module 302 can be located at or near the location of the industrial operation(s) 304. For example, the power module 302 can be a permanent or temporary installation built at or near (e.g., roughly 1 km from) the location of the industrial operation 304, or can be a mobile or partially mobile system that is moved to and assembled at or near the location of the industrial operation 304. More generally, the power module 302 can be local (e.g., positioned at or near) the industrial processes / operations it supports. For example, the power module 302 can be located within 0.4 km (0.25 mile), within 0.8 km (0.5 mile), within 3.22 km (2 miles), within 4.82 km (3 miles), or within 8.1 km (5 miles) of the industrial processes / operations it supports. In some embodiments, the power module 302 includes four, six, twelve, or a different number of the nuclearreactors and has a power output of between 308-924 megawatts electrical (MWe). In some embodiments, the power module 302 can output between about 308-924 MWe and between about 1000-3000 megawatts thermal (MWt).

[0070] The IES 300 should not be limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. or the embodiments described above. Determining suitable process conditions of the industrial operation(s) 304, monitoring process conditions, and providing feedback to the IES 300 in order to maintain those process conditions is within the ability of one skilled in the art, based on the needs of the skilled artisan. It should be understood that variances in the described process that achieve the same end result should be considered equivalent to the IES 300 unless claimed otherwise. For example, while various pressures / temperatures may be utilized for various operations, as discussed throughout in the current disclosure, it is not limited as such. In some instances, other pressures / temperatures suitable for the respective operations may be utilized in a similar way for purposes of implementing the techniques discussed herein.

[0071] In some aspects of the present technology, the integrated energy systems 100-300 can produce desired industrial products in a highly efficient manner while also producing few or no carbon emissions. In particular, the industrial operations can be powered using electricity and / or steam from the integrated energy systems 100-300 which may utilize carbon free nuclear energy. In contrast, conventional systems for producing electricity and steam for industrial processes ty pically rely on burning fossil fuels which produce significant carbon emissions. Accordingly, the present technology is capable of producing “green’’ industrial products by using a sustainable nuclear energy source for producing electricity' and steam. “Green’’ production means may further include optimizing energy efficiency, heat recovery, and safety of all processes, sourcing “green” feed materials such as sustainable, renewable, recycled, non-toxic, and / or carbon neutral materials, reducing process w aste, and optimizing safe disposal of process waste. Moreover, the pow er plant system 750 can be controlled to selectively provide electricity' and / or steam to the various components of the integrated energy system 100-300 based on their demands, operational status, and / or the like, as described in detail in this application, and in reference to FIG. 7 below.

[0072] In some embodiments, the integrated energy systems 100-300 can include some features that are at least generally similar in structure and function, or identical in structure and function, to the corresponding features of the integrated energy systems described in detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 674,614. filed and May 24, 2024, and titled “NUCLEAR REACTOR SYSTEMBASED INDIRECT HEAT CYCLE MANAGEMENT,’’ which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and attached hereto as appendix A.

[0073] FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating a guide for estimating a combination of steam and electric power production using a single SMR power module, such as power module 108, 202, and 302, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, the process steam is 500°C at 1000 psia. A first shaded (e.g., horizontal stripe) region 401 represents an area where the power module can produce both feed steam and electricity in an amount that exceeds power requirements for the compressor and the heater as needed to turn the feed steam into the process steam. A second shaded (e.g., gray) region 402 represents an area where the power module can produce the feed steam but there is not enough steam left over to power the turbine and thus it cannot produce the electricity required to power the compressor and the heater necessary to turn the feed steam into process steam.

[0074] The positive sloping line (e.g., dotted) represents the combined electricity requirement from one power module of the compressor and the heater to turn the feed steam into process steam at 1000 psi. The negative sloping line (e.g., solid) represents the amount of electricity7and feed steam the power module can produce by sending a portion of the steam generated in the power module to an electricity generating turbine to produce electricity and sending a portion to be the feed steam. The intersection 403 (e.g.. box) is the maximum amount of feed steam the power module can produce while still supplying enough steam to a turbine to generate the electricity to turn the feed steam into process steam.

[0075] In some aspects of the present technology, directly using steam from the power module steam generator entails addressing some regulatory and operational considerations. Although the steam produced in, for example, a power module of the present disclosure, is physically separated from the fluid inside the reactor via steam generator tubes, the potential of a small leak could result in radioactive contamination of the process steam. In some embodiments, the power module and turbine condenser system have real-time radiation detection in order to minimize the potential spread of contamination, however equipment in the heating cycle can also include independent components for monitoring of potential contamination, such as radiation detection and a delay line.

[0076] In some embodiments, there are at least two operational considerations. First, the water chemistry of the feedwater used in the secondary7system of the power module may not be compatible with the requirements for an end user’s specific process. Therefore, process specificanalyses would be required. Second, all of the water removed from the power module secondary loop needs to be replaced. That is, the feedwater mass balance should be preserved to assure proper cooling to the reactor. A separate auxiliary feedwater supply coupled to a high efficiency- recuperative heat exchanger may serve to replenish the power module secondary loop.

[0077] FIG. 5 s a graph illustrating the maximum process steam production rate of two SMR power modules, such as such as power module 108, 202, and 302, for two process steam conditions (1000 psia steam and 2000 psia steam, both at 500°C) in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The analysis is based on an idealized compressor (operating at 75% efficiency) and an idealized heater (operating at 90% efficiency). For the 1000 psia case, approximately 55% of the energy requirement is on the compressor and 45% is on a subsequent heater. For the 2000 psia case 100% of the energy requirement is on the compressor and there is no additional heater required as the flow is heated to well above 500°C from the compression alone.

[0078] Table 1 below shows the maximum NPM process steam production rate for two sets of process inlet conditions in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. A wide range of combinations are possible. Corresponding to Table 1, the process steam production rate (Ib / hr) at 500°C and 1000 psia for one NPM is shown in FIG. 5 at 502 and for two NPMs is shown at 504, the process steam production rate (Ib / hr) at 500°C and 2000 psia for one NPM is shown at 506 and for two NPMs is shown at 508.Table 1: Maximum NPM Production Rates for Process Steam using a Direct Heating Cycle

[0079] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary graph of maximum steam mass flow (e.g., Ib / hr) as a function of temperature for process steam pressures of 1000, 15000, 2000, 2200, and 2400. In embodiments, the maximum amount of steam delivered from an NPM to a downstream presses is dynamically related to the amount of electricity the same NPM can produce. Therefore, in instances where electricity from the NPM is used to provide heating and / or compression to steam from the NPM, a fix relationship between delivered steam and steam temperature emerges. As steam temperature increases in FIG. 6, the electrical energy requirement of the NPM to provide this heating also increases. To generate the increasing energy, more steam from the NPM is diverted to the turbine power generator to generate the electricity. This results in a decreasing amount of delivered steam available from the NPM.

[0080] FIG. 6 also shows that as the steam pressure increases at a specific steam temperature, the amount of delivered steam also increases. This is because the higher pressure steam requires less electrical energy to achieve the same temperature. This results in a very slight increase in the amount of steam (e.g., Ib / hr) that can be delivered.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a nuclear power plant system 750 (“power plant system 750”) including multiple nuclear reactors 700 (individually identified as first through twelfth nuclear reactors 700a-l, respectively) in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Each of the nuclear reactors 700 can be similar to, or identical to, the nuclear reactor system 800 and / or the nuclear reactor system 900 described in detail below with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. The power plant system 750 can be “modular” in that each of the nuclear reactors 700 can be operated separately to provide an output, such as electricity' or steam. In embodiments, the power plant system may include Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The power plant system 750 can include fewer than twelve of the nuclear reactors 700 (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or eleven of the nuclear reactors 700), or more than tw elve of the nuclear reactors 700. The power plant system 750 can be a permanent installation or can be mobile (e.g., mounted on a truck, tractor, mobile platform, and / or the like). In the illustrated embodiment, each of the nuclear reactors 700 can be positioned within a common housing 751, such as a reactor plant building, and controlled and / or monitored via a control room 752.

[0082] Each of the nuclear reactors 700 can be coupled to a corresponding electrical power conversion system 740 (individually identified as first through twelfth electrical power conversion systems 740a-l, respectively). The electrical power conversion systems 740 can include one or more devices that generate electrical power or some other form of usable power from steam generated by the nuclear reactors 700. For example, the electrical power conversion systems 740 can include features that are similar or identical to the powder conversion system 840 described in detail below' with reference to FIG. 8. In some embodiments, multiple ones of the nuclear reactors 700 can be coupled to the same one of the electrical power conversion systems 740 and / or one or more of the nuclear reactors 700 can be coupled to multiple ones of the electrical power conversion systems 740 such that there is not a one-to-one correspondence between the nuclear reactors 700 and the electrical power conversion systems 740.

[0083] The electrical power conversion systems 740 can be further coupled to an electrical power transmission system 754 via, for example, an electrical power bus 753. The electrical power transmission system 754 and / or the electrical power bus 753 can include one or more transmission lines, transformers, and / or the like for regulating the current, voltage, and / or other characteristic(s) of the electricity generated by the electrical power conversion systems 740. The electrical power transmission system 754 can route electricity’ via a plurality of electrical output paths 755(individually identified as electrical output paths 755a-n) to one or more end users and / or end uses, such as different electrical loads of an integrated energy system as described in greater detail herein.

[0084] The power plant system 750 can be configured in a first operating state to provide electricity’ to the water production plant 602 (e.g., via one or more of the electrical output paths 755 from the electrical power transmission system 754). The water production plant 602 can route the produced high-quality water to the power plant system 750, and the power plant system 750 can use the water to produce high-quality' steam. For example, the produced water can be used as a secondary' coolant in a steam generator of one or more of the nuclear reactors 700. In some embodiments, the water production plant 602 can be omitted and the power plant system 750 can utilize water from other sources to generate steam.

[0085] Each of the nuclear reactors 700 can further be coupled to a steam transmission system 756 via, for example, a steam bus 757. The steam bus 757 can route steam generated from the nuclear reactors 700 to the steam transmission system 756 which in turn can route the steam via a plurality of steam output paths 758 (individually identified as steam output paths 758a-n) to one or more end users and / or end uses, such as different steam inputs of an integrated energy system as described in greater detail below.

[0086] In some embodiments, the nuclear reactors 700 can be individually controlled (e.g., via the control room 752) to provide steam to the steam transmission system 756 and / or steam to the corresponding one of the electrical power conversion systems 740 to provide electricity to the electrical power transmission system 754. In some embodiments, the nuclear reactors 700 are configured to provide steam either to the steam bus 757 or to the corresponding one of the electrical power conversion systems 740. and can be rapidly and efficiently switched between providing steam to either. Accordingly, in some aspects of the present technology the nuclear reactors 700 can be modularly and flexibly controlled such that the power plant system 750 can provide differing levels / amounts of electricity' via the electrical power transmission system 754 and / or steam via the steam transmission system 756. For example, where the power plant system 750 is used to provide electricity and steam to one or more industrial process — such as various components of the integrated energy7systems described in the detail below — the nuclear reactors 700 can be controlled to meet the differing electricity' and steam requirements of the industrial processes.

[0087] As one example, during a first operational state of an integrated energy system employing the power plant system 750, a first subset of the nuclear reactors 700 (e.g., the firstthrough sixth nuclear reactors 700a-f) can be configured to provide steam to the steam transmission system 756 for use in the first operational state of the integrated energy system, while a second subset of the nuclear reactors 700 (e.g., the seventh through twelfth nuclear reactors 700g-l) can be configured to provide steam to the corresponding ones of the electrical power conversion systems 740 (e.g., the seventh through twelfth electrical power conversion systems 740g-l) to generate electricity for the first operational state of the integrated energy system. Then, during a second operational state of the integrated energy’ system when a different (e.g., greater or lesser) amount of steam and / or electricity' is required, some or all the first subset of the nuclear reactors 700 can be switched to provide steam to the corresponding ones of the electrical power conversion systems 740 (e.g., the seventh through twelfth electrical power conversion systems 740g-l) and / or some or all of the second subset of the nuclear reactors 700 can be switched to provide steam to the steam transmission system 756 to vary the amount of steam and electricity produced to match the requirements / demands of the second operational state. Other variations of steam and electricity generation are possible based on the needs of the integrated energy system. That is, the nuclear reactors 700 can be dynamically / flexibly controlled during other operational states of an integrated energy' system to meet the steam and electricity' requirements of the operational state.

[0088] In contrast, some conventional nuclear power plant systems can typically generate a fixed amount of either steam or electricity for output, and cannot be modularly controlled to provide varying levels of steam and electricity for output. Moreover, it is typically difficult (e.g., expensive, time consuming, etc.) to switch betw een steam generation and electricity7generation in conventional nuclear power plant systems. Specifically, for example, it is ty pically extremely time consuming to switch between steam generation and electricity generation in prototypical large nuclear power plant systems.

[0089] The nuclear reactors 700 can be individually controlled via one or more operators and / or via a computer system. Accordingly, many embodiments of the technology' described herein may take the form of computer- or machine- or controller-executable instructions, including routines executed by a programmable computer or controller. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the technology' can be practiced on computer / controller systems other than those shown and described herein. The technology' can be embodied in a special-purpose computer, controller or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured or constructed to perform one or more of the computer-executable instructions described below. Accordingly, the terms “computer” and“controller” as generally used herein refer to any data processor and can include Internet appliances and hand-held devices (including palm-top computers, wearable computers, cellular or mobile phones, multi-processor systems, processor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network computers, minicomputers and the like). Information handled by these computers can be presented at any suitable display medium, including a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0090] The technology can also be practiced in distributed environments, where tasks or modules are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules or subroutines may be located in local and remote memory storage devices. Aspects of the technology described herein may be stored or distributed on computer-readable media, including magnetic or optically readable or removable computer disks, as well as distributed electronically over networks. Data structures and transmissions of data particular to aspects of the technology are also encompassed within the scope of the embodiments of the technology.

[0091] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 illustrate representative nuclear reactors that may be included in embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 8 is a partially schematic, partially cross-sectional view of a nuclear reactor system 800 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The system 800 can include a power module 802 having a reactor core 804 in which a controlled nuclear reaction takes place. Accordingly, the reactor core 804 can include one or more fuel assemblies 801. The fuel assemblies 801 can include fissile and / or other suitable materials. Heat from the reaction generates steam at a steam generator 830, which directs the steam to a power conversion system 840. The power conversion system 840 generates electrical power, and / or provides other useful outputs, such as super-heated steam. A sensor system 850 is used to monitor the operation of the power module 802 and / or other system components. The data obtained from the sensor system 850 can be used in real time to control the power module 802, and / or can be used to update the design of the power module 802 and / or other system components.

[0092] The power module 802 includes a containment vessel 810 (e.g., a radiation shield vessel, or a radiation shield container) that houses / encloses a reactor vessel 820 (e.g., a reactor pressure vessel, or a reactor pressure container), which in turn houses the reactor core 804. The containment vessel 810 can be housed in a power module bay 856. The power module bay 856 can contain a cooling pool 803 filled with water and / or another suitable cooling liquid. The bulk of the powermodule 802 can be positioned below a surface 805 of the cooling pool 803. Accordingly, the cooling pool 803 can operate as a thermal sink, for example, in the event of a system malfunction.

[0093] A volume between the reactor vessel 820 and the containment vessel 810 can be partially or completely evacuated to reduce heat transfer from the reactor vessel 820 to the surrounding environment (e.g., to the cooling pool 803). However, in other embodiments the volume between the reactor vessel 820 and the containment vessel 810 can be at least partially filled with a gas and / or a liquid that increases heat transfer between the reactor vessel 820 and the containment vessel 810. For example, the volume between the reactor vessel 820 and the containment vessel 810 can be at least partially filled (e.g., flooded with the primary coolant 807) during an emergency operation.

[0094] Within the reactor vessel 820, a primary coolant 807 conveys heat from the reactor core 804 to the steam generator 830. For example, as illustrated by arrows located within the reactor vessel 820, the primary coolant 807 is heated at the reactor core 804 toward the bottom of the reactor vessel 820. The heated primary coolant 807 (e.g., water with or without additives) rises from the reactor core 804 through a core shroud 806 and to a riser tube 808. The hot, buoyant primary coolant 807 continues to rise through the riser tube 808, then exits the riser tube 808 and passes downwardly through the steam generator 830. The steam generator 830 includes a multitude of conduits 832 that are arranged circumferentially around the riser tube 808, for example, in a helical pattern, as is shown schematically in FIG. 8. The descending primary coolant 807 transfers heat to a secondary coolant (e.g., water) within the conduits 832, and descends to the bottom of the reactor vessel 820 where the cycle begins again. The cycle can be driven by the changes in the buoyancy of the primary coolant 807, thus reducing or eliminating the need for pumps to move the primary coolant 807.

[0095] The steam generator 830 can include a feedwater header 831 at which the incoming secondary coolant enters the steam generator conduits 832. The secondary7coolant rises through the conduits 832, converts to vapor (e.g., steam), and is collected at a steam header 833. The steam exits the steam header 833 and is directed to the power conversion system 840.

[0096] The power conversion system 840 can include one or more steam valves 842 that regulate the passage of high pressure, high temperature steam from the steam generator 830 to a steam turbine 843. The steam turbine 843 converts the thermal energy7of the steam to electricity7via a generator 844. The low-pressure steam exiting the turbine 843 is condensed at a condenser 845, and then directed (e.g.. via a pump 846) to one or more feedwater valves 841. The feedwater valves841 control the rate at which the feedwater re-enters the steam generator 830 via the feedwater header 831. In other embodiments, the steam from the steam generator 830 can be routed for direct use in an industrial process, such as a hydrogen and oxygen production plant, a chemical production plant, and / or the like, as described in detail in this application. Accordingly, steam exiting the steam generator 830 can bypass the power conversion system 840.

[0097] The power module 802 includes multiple control systems and associated sensors. For example, the power module 802 can include a hollow cylindrical reflector 809 that directs neutrons back into the reactor core 804 to further the nuclear reaction taking place therein. Control rods 813 are used to modulate the nuclear reaction, and are driven via fuel rod drivers 815. The pressure within the reactor vessel 820 can be controlled via a pressurizer plate 817 (which can also serve to direct the primary coolant 807 downwardly through the steam generator 830) by controlling the pressure in a pressurizing volume 819 positioned above the pressurizer plate 817.

[0098] The sensor system 850 can include one or more sensors 851 positioned at a variety of locations within the power module 802 and / or elsewhere, for example, to identify operating parameter values and / or changes in parameter values. The data collected by the sensor system 850 can then be used to control the operation of the system 800, and / or to generate design changes for the system 800. For sensors positioned within the containment vessel 810, a sensor link 852 directs data from the sensors to a flange 853 (at which the sensor link 852 exits the containment vessel 810) and directs data to a sensor junction box 854. From there, the sensor data can be routed to one or more controllers and / or other data systems via a databus 855.

[0099] FIG. 9 is a partially schematic, partially cross-sectional view of a nuclear reactor system 900 (‘“system 900") configured in accordance with additional embodiments of the present technology. In some embodiments, the system 900 can include some features that are at least generally similar in structure and function, or identical in structure and function, to the corresponding features of the system 800 described in detail above with reference to FIG. 8, and can operate in a generally similar or identical manner to the system 800.

[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, the system 900 includes a reactor vessel 920 and a containment vessel 910 surrounding / en closing the reactor vessel 920. In some embodiments, the reactor vessel 920 and the containment vessel 910 can be roughly cylinder-shaped or capsuleshaped. The system 900 further includes a plurality' of heat pipe layers 911 within the reactor vessel 920. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat pipe layers 911 are spaced apart from and stacked overone another. In some embodiments, the heat pipe layers 911 can be mounted / secured to a common frame 912, a portion of the reactor vessel 920 (e.g., a wall thereof), and / or other suitable structures within the reactor vessel 920. In other embodiments, the heat pipe layers 911 can be directly stacked on top of one another such that each of the heat pipe layers 911 supports and / or is supported by one or more of the other ones of the heat pipe lay ers 911.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, the system 900 further includes a shield or reflector region 914 at least partially surrounding a core region 916. The heat pipes layers 911 can be circular, rectilinear, polygonal, and / or can have other shapes, such that the core region 916 has a corresponding three-dimensional shape (e.g., cylindrical, spherical). In some embodiments, the core region 916 is separated from the reflector region 914 by a core barrier 915, such as a metal wall. The core region 916 can include one or more fuel sources, such as fissile material, for heating the heat pipes layers 911. The reflector region 914 can include one or more materials configured to contain / reflect products generated by burning the fuel in the core region 916 during operation of the system 900. For example, the reflector region 914 can include a liquid or solid material configured to reflect neutrons and / or other fission products radially inward toward the core region 916. In some embodiments, the reflector region 914 can entirely surround the core region 916. In other embodiments, the reflector region 914 may partially surround the core region 916. In some embodiments, the core region 916 can include a control material 917, such as a moderator and / or coolant. The control material 917 can at least partially surround the heat pipe layers 911 in the core region 916 and can transfer heat therebetween.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, the system 900 further includes at least one heat exchanger 930 (e.g., a steam generator) positioned around the heat pipe layers 911. The heat pipe layers 91 1 can extend from the core region 916 and at least partially into the reflector region 914, and are thermally coupled to the heat exchanger 930. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 930 can be positioned outside of or partially within the reflector region 914. The heat pipe layers 911 provide a heat transfer path from the core region 916 to the heat exchanger 930. For example, the heat pipe layers 911 can each include an array of heat pipes that provide a heat transfer path from the core region 916 to the heat exchanger 930. When the system 900 operates, the fuel in the core region 916 can heat and vaporize a fluid within the heat pipes in the heat pipe layers 911, and the fluid can carry the heat to the heat exchanger 930. The heat pipes in the heat pipe layers 911 canthen return the fluid toward the core region 916 via wicking, gravity, and / or other means to be heated and vaporized once again.

[0103] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 930 can be similar to the steam generator 830 of FIG. 8 and, for example, can include one or more helically-coiled tubes that wrap around the heat pipe layers 911. The tubes of the heat exchanger 930 can include or carry a working fluid (e.g., a coolant such as water or another fluid) that carries the heat from the heat pipe layers 91 1 out of the reactor vessel 920 and the containment vessel 910 for use in generating electricity, steam, and / or the like. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the heat exchanger 930 is operably coupled to a turbine 943, a generator 944, a condenser 945, and a pump 946. As the working fluid within the heat exchanger 930 increases in temperature, the working fluid may begin to boil and vaporize. The working fluid (e.g., steam) may be used to drive the turbine 943 to convert the thermal potential energy of the working fluid into electrical energy via the generator 944. The condenser 945 can condense the working fluid after it passes through the turbine 943, and the pump 946 can direct the working fluid back to the heat exchanger 930 where it can begin another thermal cycle. In other embodiments, steam from the heat exchanger 930 can be routed for direct use in an industrial process, such as a resource production plant, described in detail above. Accordingly, steam exiting the heat exchanger 930 can bypass the turbine 943, the generator 944, the condenser 945, the pump 946, etc.

[0104] FIG. 10 illustrates an example method 1000 for supplying electrical power to apply a level of compression or heating to steam, in accordance with additional embodiments of the present technology. In various examples, the process can be performed by an Integrated Energy System (IES), such as the any one of the lESs 100-300 described above. The IES may include a power production plant, such as the power production plant 106 and the power plant system 750. The IES may also include an industrial operation, such as the resource production plant 116, industrial operations 204, and industrial operation 304. The IES may also include a steam conditioning plant, such as the steam conditioning plant 118, the heating system 206, and the heating system 306. The IES may also include an integrated energy system controller, such as the controller 102, that includes one or more processors, such as the processor 104. The IES integrated energy system controller may also include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computerexecutable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the integrated energy system controller to perform operations as described herein.

[0105] At 1002, first information about steam and electrical power generated by the power production plant is received.

[0106] At 1004, second information about a resource production target from the resource production plant is received.

[0107] At 1006, a target temperature, a target pressure, and a target flow rate of steam needed to achieve the resource production target is determined, based on the second information.

[0108] At 1008, at least one of a level of compression or heating to be applied to a first portion of steam generated by the power production plant is determined, based on the target temperature, the target pressure, and the target flow rate.

[0109] At 1010, a portion of the electrical power is directed to the steam conditioning plant to apply the level of compression or heating to the first portion of steam.CONCLUSION

[0110] While the foregoing invention is described with respect to the specific examples, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to these specific examples. Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.[OHl] Although the application describes embodiments having specific structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are merely illustrative some embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims.EXAMPLE CLAUSES

[0112] A. An integrated energy system controller including one or more processors and one or more non-transitoiy computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the integrated energy system controller to perform operations including: receiving first information about steam and electrical power generated by a power production plant; receiving second information about a resource production target; determining, based on the second information, a target temperature, a target pressure, and a targetflow rate of steam needed to achieve the resource production target: determining, based on the target temperature, the target pressure, and the target flow rate, at least one of a level of compression or heating to be applied to a first portion of steam generated by the power production plant; and causing a portion of the electrical power to be directed to apply the level of compression or heating to the first portion of steam.

[0113] B. The integrated energy system controller of example A, wherein the first information includes a current temperature, a current pressure, and a current flow rate of the steam; and a current electrical power supply of the power production plant.

[0114] C. The integrated energy system controller of example B, wherein the integrated energy system controller further performs operations including determining that the current electrical power supply of the power production plant is less than the electrical power needed to apply the level of compression or heating to the first portion of steam, generating a notification that an insufficient electrical power supply is available, and causing the power production plant to generate additional electrical power supply to overcome the insufficiency.

[0115] D. The integrated energy system controller of any of examples A through C, wherein the integrated energy7system controller is configured to operate continuously such that the first information and the second information are updated at a regular interval to determine resource production requirements and generate process steam and electricity.

[0116] E. A system including a power production plant, a resource production plant for producing a resource, a steam conditioning plant, and an integrated energy system controller, wherein the integrated energy system controller includes one or more processors, and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the integrated energy system controller to perform operations including: receiving first information about steam and electrical power generated by the power production plant; receiving second information about a resource production target from the resource production plant; determining, based on the second information, a target temperature, a target pressure, and a target flow rate of steam needed to achieve the resource production target; determining, based on the target temperature, the target pressure, and the target flow rate, at least one of a level of compression or heating to be applied to a first portion of steam generated by the power production plant; and causing a portion of the electrical power to be directed to the steam conditioning plant to apply the level of compression or heating to the first portion of steam.

[0117] F. The system of example E, wherein the power production plant includes a nuclear power module configured to produce the steam, and a power generator configured to produce the electrical power from a second portion of steam generated by the power production plant.

[0118] G. The system of example E or F, wherein the steam includes contaminants.

[0119] H. The system of example G, wherein the first portion of steam passes through a delay line configured to detect the contaminants.

[0120] I. The system of example G, wherein the contaminants include radioactive material.

[0121] J. The system of any of examples E through I, wherein the power plant is local to the resource production plant.

[0122] K. The system of any of examples E through J, wherein the resource production plant includes a vessel.

[0123] L. The system of example K, wherein the vessel includes a jacket, and wherein the compressed or heated first portion of steam is fed through the jacket to provide heat to the vessel.

[0124] M. The system of example K, wherein the compressed or heated first portion of steam is fed directly into the vessel.

[0125] N. The system of any of examples E through M, wherein the resource production plant includes an auxiliary heater.

[0126] O. The system of any of examples E through N, wherein the steam conditioning plant includes a compressor and a heater.

[0127] P. The system of any of examples E through O, wherein heating the first portion of steam is achieved through compression.

[0128] Q. A method including receiving first information about steam and electrical power generated by a power production plant; receiving second information about a resource production target; determining, based on the second information, a target temperature, a target pressure, and a target flow rate of steam needed to achieve the resource production target; determining, based on the target temperature, the target pressure, and the target flow rate, at least one of a level of compression or heating to be applied to a first portion of steam generated by the power production plant; and causing a portion of the electrical power to be directed to apply the level of compression or heating to the first portion of steam.

[0129] R. The method of example Q, further including determining that a current electrical power supply of the power production plant is less than the electrical power needed to apply thelevel of compression or heating to the first portion of steam, generating a notification that an insufficient electrical power supply is available, and causing the power production plant to generate additional electrical power supply to overcome the insufficiency.

[0130] S. The method of example Q or R, further including achieving the resource production target by indirectly heating a vessel with the compressed or heated first portion of steam through a vessel jacket.

[0131] T. The method of any of examples Q through S, further including achieving the resource production target by feeding the compressed or heated first portion of steam directly into a vessel.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An integrated energy system controller comprising: one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the integrated energysystem controller to perform operations comprising: receiving first information about steam and electrical power generated by a power production plant; receiving second infonnation about a resource production target; determining, based on the second information, a target temperature, a target pressure, and a target flow rate of steam needed to achieve the resource production target; determining, based on the target temperature, the target pressure, and the target flow rate, at least one of a level of compression or heating to be applied to a first portion of steam generated by the power production plant: and causing a portion of the electrical power to be directed to apply the level of compression or heating to the first portion of steam.

2. The integrated energy system controller of claim 1, wherein the first information comprises: a cunent temperature, a current pressure, and a current flow rate of the steam; and a current electrical power supply of the power production plant.

3. The integrated energy- system controller of claim 2, wherein the integrated energy system controller further performs operations comprising: determining that the current electrical power supply of the power production plant is less than the electrical power needed to apply the level of compression or heating to the first portion of steam, generating a notification that an insufficient electrical power supply is available, and causing the power production plant to generate additional electrical power supply to overcome the insufficiency.

4. The integrated energy system controller of claim 1, wherein the integrated energy system controller is configured to operate continuously such that the first information and the second information are updated at a regular interval to determine resource production requirements and generate process steam and electricity.

5. A system comprising: a power production plant; a resource production plant for producing a resource; a steam conditioning plant: and an integrated energy system controller, wherein the integrated energy system controller comprises: one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the integrated energy system controller to perform operations comprising: receiving first information about steam and electrical power generated by the power production plant: receiving second information about a resource production target from the resource production plant; determining, based on the second information, a target temperature, a target pressure, and a target flow rate of steam needed to achieve the resource production target; determining, based on the target temperature, the target pressure, and the target flow rate, at least one of a level of compression or heating to be applied to a first portion of steam generated by the power production plant; and causing a portion of the electrical power to be directed to the steam conditioning plant to apply the level of compression or heating to the first portion of steam.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the power production plant comprises: a nuclear power module configured to produce the steam, and a power generator configured to produce the electrical power from a second portion of steam generated by the power production plant.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the steam comprises contaminants.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first portion of steam passes through a delay line configured to detect the contaminants.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the contaminants comprise radioactive material.

10. The system of claim 5, wherein the power plant is local to the resource production plant.

11. The system of claim 5, wherein the resource production plant comprises a vessel.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the vessel comprises a jacket, and wherein the compressed or heated first portion of steam is fed through the jacket to provide heat to the vessel.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the compressed or heated first portion of steam is fed directly into the vessel.

14. The system of claim 5, wherein the resource production plant comprises an auxiliary heater.

15. The system of claim 5, wherein the steam conditioning plant comprises a compressor and a heater.

16. The system of claim 5. wherein heating the first portion of steam is achieved through compression.

17. A method comprising:receiving first information about steam and electrical power generated by a power production plant; receiving second information about a resource production target; determining, based on the second information, a target temperature, a target pressure, and a target flow rate of steam needed to achieve the resource production target; determining, based on the target temperature, the target pressure, and the target flow rate, at least one of a level of compression or heating to be applied to a first portion of steam generated by the power production plant: and causing a portion of the electrical power to be directed to apply the level of compression or heating to the first portion of steam.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: determining that a current electrical power supply of the power production plant is less than the electrical power needed to apply the level of compression or heating to the first portion of steam, generating a notification that an insufficient electrical power supply is available, and causing the power production plant to generate additional electrical power supply to overcome the insufficiency.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising achieving the resource production target by indirectly heating a vessel with the compressed or heated first portion of steam through a vessel jacket.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising achieving the resource production target by feeding the compressed or heated first portion of steam directly into a vessel.

Images