Nuclear Power Plant Condenser Improvement

Abstract

Electrical output of a reactor unit is determined by the amount of heat produced by the reactor, efficiency of the turbine cycle and by the condenser cooling water temperature. The amount of heat produced by the reactor is largely determined by the reactor operating licence and the turbine cycle efficiency is determined by the turbine design. Bruce Power operates one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world with eight operating reactor units, which provide ~30% of Ontario power with low carbon footprint. The condenser cooling water source for the reactors is Lake Huron with temperature variation from approximately 0°C in the winter to 25°C in the summer. The electrical output of each reactor unit at the currently licenced reactor power is reduced by as much as 50-60 MWe in the summer, compared to the winter months. The reduction will be even higher when the licenced reactor power is increased after power uprates are implemented and the average Lake Huron water temperature is increased due to climate change.

This paper describes conceptual engineering investigation into improvement of the plant condenser performance. The investigation utilizes the approach based on the extensive analysis of station data, the Heat Exchange Institute Standards for Steam Surface Condensers and model simulations using the Performance Evaluation of Plant System Efficiencies (PEPSE) software code. Several condenser modifications are evaluated based on the cost-benefit analysis and extensive operating experience of other nuclear plants.