Super LWR Steam Cycle Characteristics

A conceptual study of the power conversion cycle for the Super LWRs is necessary to identify an optimal configuration for the goals of thermal efficiency and electric power output maximization and capital cost minimization. Particular attention is also given to ensure that all components are either commercially available or within current design capabilities. 

In the Super LWR plant, the main steam from the core is fed to the HP turbine. At the HP turbine, regenerative steam is extracted from two points to be led to the first and second HP feedwater heaters. Before entering the HP turbine, part of the main steam is also extracted for the second reheater. Then, the steam exhausted from the HP turbine enters the IP turbine, where regenerative steam is extracted from two points to be led to the third and fourth HP feedwater heaters. The steam out of the IP turbine is fed to the moisture separator reheater, where its wetness is separated and then reheated twice to be superheated steam. Finally, the steam enters the LP turbines, where regenerative steam is extracted from four points and led to four LP feedwater heaters. The steam out of the LP turbines is condensed to water in the condenser. The water is pressurized by the LP condensate pumps and mixed 

Overall, the main steam cycle characteristics of the Super LWR can be summarized as the following. 

Reduced rotation speed, 1,500 or 1,800 rpm, single-shaft turbine-generator 

A moisture separator reheater with two reheating stages, between the IP and LP turbines 

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