CHAPTER 7

NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Discuss the power generation system using nuclear reactors.

2. Identify the different types of nuclear reactors and fuels used for heat generation.
3. Draw the cycle diagram for nuclear power plant and identify their functions.
4. Analyze the performance of the nuclear power plant and solve related problems
applying thermodynamic principles.

Introduction

Just as many conventional thermal power stations generate electricity by

harnessing the thermal energy released from burning fossil fuels, nuclear power plants
convert the energy released from the nucleus of an atom via nuclear fission that takes
place in a nuclear reactor. The heat is removed from the reactor core by a cooling system
that uses the heat to generate steam, which drives a steam turbine connected to a
generator producing electricity. (Nuclear Energy, 2010)

Nuclear power, or nuclear energy, is the use of exothermic nuclear processes, to

generate useful heat and electricity. The term includes nuclear fission, nuclear decay and
nuclear fusion. Presently the nuclear fission of elements in the actinide series of the
periodic table produce the vast majority of nuclear energy in the direct service of
humankind, with nuclear decay processes, primarily in the form of geothermal energy,
and radioisotope thermoelectric generators, in niche uses making up the rest. (Nuclear
Energy, 2010)

There is an ongoing debate about nuclear power. Proponents, such as the World
Nuclear Association, the IAEA and Environmentalists for Nuclear Energy contend that
nuclear power is a safe, sustainable energy source that reduces carbon emissions.
Opponents, such as Greenpeace International and NIRS, contend that nuclear power
poses many threats to people and the environment. (Nuclear Energy, 2010)

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 Along with other sustainable energy sources, nuclear power is a low carbon power
generation method of producing electricity, with an analysis of the literature on its total
life cycle emission intensity finding that it is similar to other renewable sources in a
comparison of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of energy generated.

As of 2012, according to the IAEA, worldwide there were 68 civil nuclear power
reactors under construction in 15 countries, approximately 28 of which in the People’s
Republic of China (PRC), with the most recent nuclear power reactor, as of May 2013, to
be connected to the electrical grid, occurring on February 17, 2013 in Hongyanhe Nuclear
Power Plant in the PRC. (World Nuclear Association, n.d.)

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Life cycle analysis (LCA) of carbon dioxide emissions show nuclear power as
comparable to renewable energy sources. Emissions from burning fossil fuels are many
times higher.

According to the United Nations (UNSCEAR), regular nuclear power plant

operation including the nuclear fuel cycle causes radioisotope releases into the
environment amounting to 0.0002 mSv (milli-Sievert) per year of public exposure as a
global average. (UNSCEAR 2008 Report to the General Assembly, 2008)

ADVANTAGES OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

• Nuclear power generation does emit relatively low amounts of CO2. Nowadays
global warming because of the greenhouse gases is a hot topic. The contribution
of nuclear power to global warming is relatively little. This is a great advantage of
nuclear power plants. Otherwise we have to reconsider that the water used in the
cooling towers produces H2O vapors, which is the number 1 greenhouse gas. H2O
causes about 2/3 of the greenhouse effect. This is because of a positive feedback
mechanism. If the earth warms up, there will be more H2O vapors in the air, which
reinforce the greenhouse effect.

• Nuclear power plants already exist and are available worldwide. So in comparison
to, for example, nuclear fusion, the technology does not have to be developed first.
Also, other new technologies (wind energy, solar energy, …) are still in its infancy.

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• It is possible to generate a high amount of electrical energy in one single nuclear
power plant. The efficiency of nuclear power

DISADVANTAGES OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

• The number one problem of nuclear power is the radioactive waste. The waste
from nuclear energy is extremely dangerous and it has to be carefully looked after
for several thousand years (10’000 years according to United States Environmental
Protection Agency standards). There are not really any solutions to this problem,
except for nuclear waste treatment.

• It is a high risk power supply. Of course a nuclear power plant has a very high
security standard, but it is impossible to build a plant with a 100% security. We all
know what horrible consequences there will be if an error or accident occurs in
this plant.

• The time frame needed for formalities, planning and building of a new nuclear
power generation plant is in the range of 20 to 30 years in the western democracies.
In other words: It is an illusion to build new nuclear power plants in a short time.

Figure 7.1. Schematic Diagram of Nuclear Power Plant

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 The reactor of a nuclear power plant is similar to the furnace in a steam power
plant. The heat liberated in the reactor due to the nuclear fission of the fuel is taken up by
the coolant circulating in the reactor. A hot coolant leaves the reactor at top and then
flows through the tubes of heat exchanger and transfers its heat to the feed water on its
way. The steam produced in the heat exchanger is passed through the turbine and after
the work is done by the expansion of steam in the turbine, steam leaves the turbine and
flows to the condenser. (Generation and Utilization of Electrical Energy, 2010)

The mechanical or rotating energy developed by the turbine is transferred to the

generator which in turn generates the electrical energy and supplies to the bus through a
step – up transformer, a circuit breaker, and an isolator. Pumps are provided to maintain
the flow of coolant, condenser, and feed water. (Generation and Utilization of Electrical
Energy, 2010)

COMPONENTS OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

• Nuclear Reactor

• Heat Exchanger or Boiler

• Turbine

• Condenser

• Pump

• Generator

Nuclear Reactor

The most important part of a nuclear power plant is the reactor. It contains the
core, control rods, pressure vessel, moderator, and coolant. A nuclear reaction occurs
when uranium atom split into smaller particles in a chain reaction that produces large
amounts of heat. This heat – producing fission process is controlled in a nuclear reactor.
The core of a reactor contains the uranium fuel. (Electricity From Nuclear Power, n.d.)

Reactor is a part of nuclear power plant where nuclear fuel is subjected to nuclear
fission and the energy released in the process is utilized to heat the coolant which may in
turn generate steam. (Generation and Utilization of Electrical Energy, 2010)

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 MAIN PARTS OF A NUCLEAR REACTOR

• Containment

• Control rods

• Pressure vessel

• Moderator

• Coolant

Containment

The structure around the reactor and associated steam generators which is
designed to protect it from outside intrusion and to protect those outside from the effects
of radiation in case of any serious malfunction inside. It is typically a meter-thick concrete
and steel structure. (Nuclear Power Reactors, 2013)

CONTROL RODS

These are made with neutron-absorbing material such as cadmium, hafnium or

boron, and are inserted or withdrawn from the core to control the rate of reaction, or to
halt it. In addition to control rods, operators use boron dissolved in the coolant to absorb
neurons to control the fission process. (Nuclear Power Reactors, 2013)

PRESSURE VESSEL

Usually a robust steel vessel containing the reactor core and moderator/coolant,
but it may be a series of tubes holding the fuel and conveying the coolant through the
surrounding moderator. (Nuclear Power Reactors, 2013)

MODERATOR

Material in the core which slows down the neutrons released from fission so that
they cause more fission. It is usually water, but may be heavy water or graphite. (Nuclear
Power Reactors, 2013)

COOLANT

A fluid circulating through the core so as to transfer the heat from it. In light water
reactors the water moderator functions also as primary coolant. It prevents the core of the
reactor from becoming too hot and also carries heat away from the reactor to the steam
generator. (Nuclear Power Reactors, 2013)

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 Commercial Types of Reactor

• Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)

• Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)

• Fast Breeder Reactor

• Gas – cooled Reactor

Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)

Enriched uranium oxide, clad in zinc alloy, is used as used as the fuel. The pressure
vessel is made of steel. Water under pressure is used both as coolant and moderator. PWR
is designed to prevent the boiling of the water coolant in the uranium core. To maintain
the pressure in the water system, a pressurized tank tapped into the pipe loop is used.
(Generation and Utilization of Electrical Energy, 2010)

Figure 7.2. Schematic Diagram of Pressurized Water Reactor

Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)

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 In this reactor also enriched uranium oxide is used as fuel and ordinary water is
used both as a coolant and a moderator. There is a steel pressure vessel containing water.
It is surrounded by a concrete shield. The uranium elements are arranged in a particular
lattice form inside the pressure vessel. The heat released by the nuclear reaction is
absorbed by the water and the steam is generated in the reactor itself. The steam passes
through the turbine and condenser and then returns to the reactor. Because of the direct
cycle, there is possibility of radioactive contamination of steam. (Generation and
Utilization of Electrical Energy, 2010)

Figure 7.3. Schematic Diagram of Boiling Water Reactor

Fast Breeder Reactor

As the name implies, fast neutrons are used in these reactors. The fuel is enriched
uranium or plutonium. There is no moderator in this reactor. The vessel is surrounded
by a thick blanket of depleted uranium, which is a fertile material. By absorbing neutrons
from the new fissile material, the fertile material is converted into fissile material. A
reactor working under these conditions is called a breeder. Hence, it is called fast breeder
reactor. (Generation and Utilization of Electrical Energy, 2010)

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 Figure 7.4. Schematic Diagram of Fast Breeder Reactor

Gas – cooled Reactor

In this reactor, a pressurized carbon – dioxide gas is used as a coolant instead of

water. It uses a lattice of graphite in the form of blocks as a moderator. It is necessary to
protect graphite from contact with coolant, either by canning the graphite or by piping
the coolant through the reactor in metal tube. The tubes used will absorb the neutrons to
some extent only thus, reducing radioactivity of the system. The CO2 gas flows to the heat
exchanger where it transfers the heat to water which is converted into steam. The steam
flows into the turbine which in turn drives the generator to generate electricity.
(Generation and Utilization of Electrical Energy, 2010)

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 Heat Exchanger or Boiler

In this part, water is converted to superheated steam. Heat transfer is dependent

on the mass flow of the hot gases, mass flow of the water or steam, the temperature
difference, and the surface area. (Stonecypher, L., 2009)

Turbine

Turbine systems are essentially heat engines for converting heat energy into
mechanical energy by alternately vaporizing and condensing a working fluid in a process
in a closed system known as the Rankine cycle. This is a reversible thermodynamic cycle
in which heat is applied to a working fluid in an evaporator, first to vaporize it, then to
increase its temperature and pressure. (Steam Turbine Electricity Generation Plants, n.d.)

Condenser

A surface condenser is a type of heat exchanger often used to condense steam

under vacuum pressure as part of a thermal power plant. The tube and shell condenser
converts steam from its gas phase to liquid as part of a thermodynamic cycle that includes
a steam generator, pump, and turbine. The steam is condensed on the outer surface of
tubes through which pass cooling water. (Rosse, F., n.d.)

Pump

A centrifugal pump converts the input power to kinetic energy in the liquid by
accelerating the liquid by a revolving device - an impeller. The most common type is the
volute pump. Fluid enters the pump through the eye of the impeller which rotates at high
speed. The fluid is accelerated radially outward from the pump chasing. A vacuum is
created at the impellers eye that continuously draws more fluid into the pump.
(Centrifugal Pumps, n.d.)

Generator

The generator is based on the principle of "electromagnetic induction" discovered

in 1831 by Michael Faraday, a British scientist. Faraday discovered that if an electric
conductor, like a copper wire, is moved through a magnetic field, electric current will
flow (or "be induced") in the conductor. So the mechanical energy of the moving wire is
converted into the electric energy of the current that flows in the wire. (Turbines,
Generators and Power Plants, n.d.)

The electricity produced by the generator then flows through huge transmission
wires that link the power plants to our homes, school and businesses. All power plants

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have turbines and generators. Some turbines are turned by wind, some by water, some
by steam. (Turbines, Generators and Power Plants, n.d.)

RELATED FORMULAS

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 Solved Problems

Problem No. 3

If 0.190 amu are converted to energy for every nucleus of U- 235 that undergoes
the fission process, show that the energy released is indeed approximately 0.9 MeV,

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undergoes the fission process, show that the energy released is indeed approximately 0.9
MeV. (Nuclear Lesson, n.d.)

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Problem No. 9

A nuclear-fueled electric power plant utilizes a so-called "boiling water reactor".

In this type of reactor, nuclear energy causes water under pressure to boil at 283°C (the
temperature of the hot reservoir). After the steam does the work of turning the turbine of
an electric generator, the steam is converted back into water in a condenser at 42°C (the
temperature of the cold reservoir). To keep the condenser at 42°C, the rejected heat must
be carried away by some means - for example, by water from a river. The plant operates
at three-fourths of its Carnot efficiency, and the electrical output power of the plant is
1.20109 watts. A river with a water flow rate of 9.60104 kg/s is available to remove the
rejected heat from the plant. Find the number of degrees in °C by which the temperature
of the river rises.

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