Plant System Design

This chapter presents the plant system design of the Super LWR. Since the once-through direct steam cycle is employed, the plant system becomes simple and compact. The system components and configuration are summarized. Main components involving the containment, reactor pressure vessel, internals, turbines, and steam lines are presented. Design concepts are explained and comparisons with current LWRs and fossil-fuel fired power plants (FPPs) are provided. The steam cycle design and the thermal efficiency evaluation are described. Sensitivities of core inlet and outlet temperatures are evaluated. The once-through direct cycle leads to higher core outlet temperature, which substantially enhances the thermal efficiency.