The combined effect of changes in the condenser cooling seawater temperature, fouling and salinity on the thermal performance of a pressurised water reactor nuclear power plant

Abstract

This study presents the effect of temperature, fouling factor and salinity of the condenser cooling seawater and adverse effect on the thermal performance of a nuclear power plant. These are the most important factors affecting the condenser performance. The study is carried out on a pressurised water reactor nuclear power plant. The results showed that a loss in the plant output power and thermal efficiency of up to 8.242% and 2.77%, respectively, can result from an increase in the condenser cooling seawater temperature by about 15–30°C, fouling factor of seawater and treated boiler feed water by about 0.00015–0.00035 and 0.00005–0.00015 m² K/W, respectively, and salinity by about 0–100 g/kg. This paper investigates three real practical factors that have been proved to have significant adverse effects on the thermal efficiency of nuclear power plants.