1 - Introduction to steam generators—from Heron of Alexandria to nuclear power plants: Brief history and literature survey

Abstract

This book details the origins, development, studies, design features, and operational experience of nuclear steam generators. The first part details the history of steam generation, from its origins to its use in power generation and particularly the nuclear power plants. Important events such as the initial design, the first patent, its influence on the industrial revolution, and how steam generators began to be used in nuclear power plants (NPPs) are described. First, the brief history explains how the steam engine was first invented by the ancient Greeks, purposed in the 17th century, further improved in the 18th century, and had the first safety standards implemented in the 20th century after the accidents of the 19th century. There are also various details on the growth of the nuclear industry and its eventual tie in to steam generation. The second part introduces the different designs of currently operating steam generators in nuclear power plants. Recirculating steam generators (RSGs), designed by Westinghouse (USA), and Combustion Engineering (USA and Doosan (Korea)) are described first, followed by the Babcock & Wilcox once-through steam generator design along with the Canadian PHWR designs, and the Russian (WWER) designs. The unique features of different steam generators are described to provide a basis for the implications they have on operational experience. The chapter concludes with an overview of some statistical metrics on steam generators in operation and construction internationally, and literature studies on steam generators. Furthermore, the growth of steam generator studies and its relation to the historical development of nuclear industry is postulated.