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Effect of operating pressure on the performance of a hybrid system of small modular boiling water reactor with external superheaters

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Article

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Abstract

With the increased role of intermittent renewables in the energy mix, it is important for the Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) to develop flexible load-follow capabilities in order to be economically competitive. By combining NPP with external superheaters, there is possibility to increase power conversion cycle efficiency and reduce load to some extent while maintaining the nuclear reactor operation at 100% of its rated power and thus maximizing its economic value. In this paper, parametric study of a Small Modular Boiling Water Reactor (SMBWR) conceptual design combined with external superheaters is presented quantifying its performance at different system pressure. The first part of the work is focusing on how operating pressure will affect the SMBWR system as a whole, which includes neutronics, thermal hydraulics, and thermodynamics. WIMS-PANTHER package and COBRA-EN were used as the neutronic and thermal hydraulic tools. In addition, MATLAB models of the SMBWR natural circulation loop and balance of plant were developed for the study. The second part of the work examines the maneuvering capability of SMBWR. It is found that increasing the pressure from 6.5 to 10.0 MPa has no significant neutronic effects, while thermal efficiency is slightly improved. It is also found that SMBWR is able to reduce the load to 65% while maintaining the reactor power at 100% of its rated value.

Description

Keywords

Superheater, Small modular boiling water reactor, Load-follow, System pressure

Journal Title

Nuclear Engineering and Design

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0029-5493
1872-759X

Volume Title

353

Publisher

Elsevier BV
Sponsorship
Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education