The Indian PHWR

Abstract

The nuclear power program in India at present is based mainly on a series of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). Starting from Rajasthan Atomic Power Station comprising two units of 200 MW e Canadian designed PHWRs in 1973, the program has come a long way with 12 PHWR units in operation and 6 units under construction which includes 2 units of 540 MW e PHWRs. Narora Atomic Power Station commissioned in 1991 marked major indigenization and standardization of PHWR designs. The choice of PHWRs in the current stage of India's Nuclear Power Plants program is based on long-term objectives in the right available resources and infrastructure. These reactors use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as moderator and coolant. The nuclear power stations in India are generally planned as twin-unit modules, sharing common facilities such as service building, spent fuel bay, etc. This paper brings out the key features of the design of Indian PHWR, highlighting the areas of evolution in successive project. Also covered are highlights of the operating experience with these reactors.