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UNIVERSITY OF BUCHAREST
FACULTY OF PHYSICS Guest
2026-06-11 23:58 |
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Conference: Bucharest University Faculty of Physics 2026 Meeting
Section: Physics Education
Title:
Exploring Hybrid Nuclear–Renewable Energy Systems: Assessing Performance and Decarbonization Potential for Student Education
Authors:
Andreea VALICĂ(1), SANDA VOINEA(2), RADU VASILACHE(2)
Affiliation:
1) Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant - Safety Nuclear Department,
Medgidiei 2 Street, Cernavodă, Romania
2) University of Bucharest, Faculty of Physics, 405 Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Romania
E-mail
sanda.voinea@unibuc.ro
Keywords:
hybrid nuclear-renewable energy system, electricity grid, Concentrated Solar Power, nuclear reactor, student-oriented framework, physics education
Abstract:
In this study, we developed a student-oriented framework for understanding the environmental and economic implications of hybrid nuclear–renewable energy systems, using Romania as a case study. The work is designed to support students in exploring real-world solutions for national decarbonization and the global energy transition. Using Romanian-specific electricity generation data and supply–demand models, students can investigate the behavior of hybrid systems combining nuclear energy with solar and wind resources. The simulations were performed with the IAEA Nuclear–Solar/Wind Hybrid Energy System Part-Task Simulator. From an educational perspective, the study highlights how students can evaluate the impact of such systems on both the electricity grid and industrial applications, as well as identify integration challenges. For example, the nuclear–solar configuration demonstrates how combining a nuclear reactor with a Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) field improves system performance: thermodynamic efficiency increases from 34.6% to 38.1%, while net electrical output rises from 706 MWe to 837 MWe. In the nuclear–wind scenario, the simulations show that, at optimal wind speeds, the wind farm can supply up to 78% of the grid demand, allowing the nuclear reactor to operate at reduced power. Additionally, surplus energy (221 MWe) can be redirected to hydrogen production, illustrating sector coupling and energy storage concepts. An extended configuration introduces a biomass processing unit, enabling students to examine a closed-loop hybrid system in which nuclear and renewable energy are converted into biofuels, hydrogen, and process heat. This approach offers a valuable learning example of circular economy principles applied to energy systems. Overall, this educational study demonstrates how hybrid nuclear–renewable systems can improve efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. By engaging with such models, students gain practical knowledge on integrating solar and wind energy into CANDU-based nuclear infrastructure, helping them understand how Romania—and similar countries—can advance toward decarbonization and energy transition goals.
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