Method of uprating an existing nuclear power plant

Details Method of uprating an existing nuclear power plant Method of uprating an existing nuclear power plant

2005-06-21

2005-06-21

Behrend, Harvey E. (Department: 3644)

Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements

Handling of fission reactor component structure within...

C376S210000, C376S211000, C376S212000, C376S261000, C376S241000, C376S267000, C376S402000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06909765

ABSTRACT:
An improved method of increasing the power output of an existing nuclear power plant includes increasing the thermal power output of the plant's nuclear island and constructing of an auxiliary BOP to handle the increased thermal power. The thermal power of the nuclear island can be increased such as by increasing the thermal power of the plant's reactor, by replacing the plant's steam generator with one that is more efficient, and by increasing the flow rate and/or change in temperature of a coolant in a secondary cooling loop of the plant. The thermal power of the reactor can be increased such as by replacing existing cylindrical fuel rods with fuel rods having a relatively greater surface area to volume ratio and/or by increasing the flow rate and/or the change in temperature of a coolant of a primary cooling loop. The auxiliary BOP can be constructed while the plant is in operation, and can then be connected with the nuclear island during a maintenance operation on the reactor.

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