Preliminary design of hybrid small modular boiling water reactor with external superheater

Andhika F. Wibisono, Jeong Ik Lee, Eugene Shwageraus

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Nuclear power plants (NPPs) are known to be used as providers of base-load power. As the share of the intermittent renewables in the energy mix increases, the maneuvering (load-following) of NPPs is becoming more important. Previous studies have found that combining Light Water Reactors (LWRs) with external superheater would improve their cycle thermal efficiencies and maneuvering capabilities. Implementation of this concept in a small modular boiling water reactor (SMBWR) might offer additional benefits, such as vessel size reduction and further boost of cycle thermal efficiency at higher operating pressure. This paper presents a preliminary design of hybrid SMBWR, focusing on the effect of system pressure on reactor capability to operate with natural recirculation of coolant and on steam cycle thermodynamic performance. It is demonstrated that hybrid SMBWR has natural circulation system operating at higher pressure than the conventional system by increasing its chimney height. The study of the effect of system pressure on power cycle thermodynamic performance was done by considering both fossil fuel heat and renewable heat as the potential heat source for the external superheater. The cycle thermal efficiency of hybrid SMBWR with fossil heat option varies between 40 to 42% depending on the system operating pressure while the values for renewable heat option are between 38 to 40%.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2018 International Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants, ICAPP 2018
PublisherAmerican Nuclear Society
Pages1056-1065
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780894487552
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2018
Externally publishedYes
Event2018 International Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants, ICAPP 2018 - Charlotte, United States
Duration: 8 Apr 201811 Apr 2018

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 2018 International Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants, ICAPP 2018

Conference

Conference2018 International Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants, ICAPP 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCharlotte
Period8/04/1811/04/18

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Nuclear Energy and Engineering

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