Abstract
An important requirement for Generation IV Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) design is the control system, which enables part power operability. The choices of control system methods must ensure variation of load without severe drawbacks on cycle performance. The objective of this study is to assess the control of the NPP under part power operations. The cycles of interest are the simple cycle recuperated (SCR) and the intercooled cycle recuperated (ICR). Control strategies are proposed for NPPs but the focus is on the strategies that result in part power operation using the inventory control method. First, results explaining the performance and load limiting factors of the inventory control method are documented; subsequently, the transient part power performances are also documented. The load versus efficiency curves were also derived from varying the load to understand the efficiency penalties. This is carried out using a modeling and performance simulation tool designed for this study. Results show that the ICR takes ∼102% longer than the SCR to reduce the load to 50% in design point (DP) performance conditions for similar valve flows, which correlates with the volumetric increase for the ICR inventory tank. The efficiency penalties are comparable for both cycles at 50% part power, whereby a 22% drop in cycle efficiency was observed and indicates limiting time at very low part power. The analyses intend to aid the development of cycles for Generation IV NPPs specifically gas cooled fast reactors (GFRs) and very high-temperature reactors (VHTRs), where helium is the coolant.
Highlights
Generation IV reactors are key to advancements in the designs of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs), with one of the main focuses being on part power cycle efficiency and control systems
The objective of this study is to assess the control of the NPP using inventory pressure control based on a set of proposed control strategies but under part power operations
The results provide a good basis to support preliminary cycle part power performance design, testing, validation and verification activities of Gas Cooled Fast Reactors (GFRs) and Very High Temperature Reactors (VHTRs) for Generation IV NPPs
Summary
Generation IV reactors are key to advancements in the designs of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs), with one of the main focuses being on part power cycle efficiency and control systems. The main physical difference is the ICR employs an intercooler aft of the compressor in addition to a second compressor. Another notable difference is their respective plant cycle performances. The temperature is reduced to the same inlet temperature as the first compressor, prior to entry into the second compressor [4]. This translates into an increase of 3% and upwards with regard to cycle efficiency, in comparison to the SCR when optimised turbine cooling methods are utilised [4]. The papers provide good theoretical bases for off-design operation, control and transient operational modes of a helium nuclear gas turbine plant
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