A Sensitivity Analysis on Design of the EU-DEMO Steady-State Electrical Power Distribution Grid via Monte Carlo-Based Probabilistic Power Flow Models

The EU-DEMO (EUropean DEMOnstration Power Plant) fusion reactor is one of the most ambitious energy projects aiming at demonstrating the feasibility of nuclear fusion to be a clean, safe, and sustainable source of energy. The distribution grid of the DEMO facility plays a crucial role in delivering the net generated power to the European transmission grid, so it is imperative for its operation to be reliable. The proper design of the electrical subsystems within the fusion power plant is a fundamental factor that must be considered to guarantee reliable and secure operations. This paper presents the models and the results of a sensitivity analysis on the design and sizing of the components of DEMO electrical power system, under different operating conditions, exploiting a Monte Carlo-based Probabilistic Power Flow methodology. This approach was selected to assess the impact of uncertainties on DEMO steady-state power distribution grid and to identify the critical components, which need special requests in their design. The results of the sensitivity analysis can provide valuable insights for the design and sizing of the distribution system of the facility.