Overview
ABSTRACT
This article focuses on the general functioning principles of pressurized water reactor power plants. The production mode of steam; the choice of the parameters of the primary circuit, the influence of the steam generator on the functioning or even the setting modes, are many of the aspects dealt with. The functioning of the boiler in order to meet the needs of the electricity network is then detailed by way of its limitations (functioning limits, constraints on the reactor, safety constraints). This presentation also includes the main regulating and protection system (of the nuclear steam supply system, turbo alternator group and water station) as well as the typical stages of a normal functioning.
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Read the articleAUTHOR
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Jean-François PÉTÉTROT: Supélec engineer, Doctorate in engineering - Project Manager, Reactor Operation and Accident Studies Department/Process Division, AREVA NP
INTRODUCTION
The general operating principles of pressurized water reactor (PWR) power plants are presented, along with the main limits to be respected for the core and boiler.
The control chains for the main parameters are described: measurements used, functional structures, actuators controlled.
A detailed description is given of the protection system that can automatically shut down the reactor (collapse of all clusters) and initiate backup functions. The interface with conventional protection systems is discussed.
The operation of the boiler in response to the needs of the electrical network is presented in relation to the regulation of the turbo generator set: load following, primary regulation (or contribution to frequency regulation), secondary regulation (or participation in "remote regulation").
Finally, we show and comment on the evolution of the most important parameters during transients typical of normal operation. We also describe the main operations involved in switching from the "cold" shutdown state to the nominal power state.
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Pressurized water reactors
General principles
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