Model diverts reactor heat to storage for flexible nuclear output

Researchers at the University of Central Florida modeled molten salt reactors paired with thermal energy storage, diverting excess heat when demand is low and using it to generate power at peak times while the reactor runs steadily. The study, published in the Journal of Energy Resources Technology, Part A, remains modeling-only.

• Model pairs molten salt reactors with thermal energy storage
• Excess heat is stored at low demand and released at peak
• Reactor runs at steady power; output flexibility comes from generation
• Work is modeling-only, with no efficiency or cost figures