18) Notes - Nuclear Power Plant

ABIDS, HYDERABAD
POWER PLANT ENGINEERING (EEE)

Dr.P.V.REDDY DT: 07-11-2023
NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

1) MAIN COMPONENTS OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS: WORKING
i) Moderators
In any chain reaction, the neutrons produced are fast moving neutrons.
These are less effective in causing fission of U235 and they try to escape from
the reactor. It is thus implicit that speed of these neutrons must be reduced
if their effectiveness is carrying out fission is to be increased. This is done by
making these neutrons collide with lighter nuclei of other materials, which
does not absorb these neutrons but simply scatter them. Each collision
causes loss of energy and thus the speed of neutrons is reduced. Such aThe
neutrons thus slowed down are easily captured by the fuel element at the
chain reaction proceeds slowly.
ii) Reflectors
Some of the neutrons produced during fission will be partly absorbed by the
fuel elements, moderator, coolant and other materials. The remaining
neutrons will try to escape from the reactor and will be lost. Such losses
are minimized by surrounding (lining) the reactor core witha material called
a reflector which will reflect the neutrons back to the core. They improve the
neutron economy.
iii) Shielding
During Nuclear fission particles and neutrons are also produced. They are
harmful to human life. Therefore it is necessary to shield the reactor with
thick layers of lead, or concrete to protect both the operating personnel as
well as environment from radiation hazards.
iv) Cladding
In order to prevent the contamination of the coolant by fission products, the

fuel element is covered with a protective coating. This is known as cladding.
Control rods are used to control the reaction to prevent it from becoming
violent. They control the reaction by absorbing neutrons. These rods are
made of boron or cadmium. Whenever the reaction needs to be stopped,
the rods are fully inserted and placed against their seats and when the
reaction is to be started the rods are pulled out.
v) Coolant
The main purpose of the coolant in the reactor is to transfer the heat
produced inside the reactor. The same heat carried by the coolant is used in
the heat exchanger for further utilization in the power generation.
Some of the desirable properties of good coolant are listed below
1. It must not absorb the neutrons.
2. It must have high chemical and radiation stability
3. It must be non-corrosive.
4. It must have high boiling point (if liquid) and low melting point (if solid)
5. It must be non-oxidizing and non-toxic.
The above-mentioned properties are essential to keep the reactor core in
safe condition as well as for the better functioning of the content.
6. It must also have high density, low viscosity, high conductivity and high
specific heat. These properties are essential for better heat transfer and low
pumping power.
The water, heavy water, gas (He, CO2), a metal in liquid form (Na) and an
organic liquid are used as coolants.
The coolant not only carries large amounts of heat from the core but also
keeps the fuel assemblies at a safe temperature to avoid their melting and
destruction.
vi) Nuclear Reactor
A nuclear reactor may be regarded as a substitute for the boiler fire box of a
steam power plant. Heat is produced in the reactor due to nuclear fission of
the fuel U235. The heat liberated in the reactor is taken up by the coolant
circulating through the core. Hot coolant leaves the reactor at top and flows
into the steam generator (boiler).
Radiation hazards and Shieldings
The reactor is a source of intense radioactivity. These radiations are very
harmful to human life. It requires strong control to ensure that this
radioactivity is not released into the atmosphere to avoid atmospheric
pollution. A thick concrete shielding and a pressure vessel are provided to
prevent the escape of these radiations to atmosphere.
vii) Steam generator

The steam generator is fed with feed water which is converted into steam by
the heat of the hot coolant. The purpose of the coolant is to transfer the
heat generated in the reactor core and use it for steam generation. Ordinary
water or heavy water is a common coolant.
viii) Turbine
The steam produced in the steam generator is passed to the turbine and
work is done by the expansion of steam in the turbine.
ix) Coolant pump and Feed pump

The steam from the turbine flows to the condenser where cooling water is
circulated. Coolant pump and feed pump are provided to maintain the flow
of coolant and feed water respectively.
3)ADVANTAGES OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANT:
The various advantages of a nuclear power plant are as follows:
1.Space requirement of a nuclear power plant is less as compared to other
conventional power plants is of equal size.
2.A nuclear power plant consumes very small quantity of fuel. Thus fuel
transportation cost is less and large fuel storage facilities are not needed
Further the nuclear power plants will conserve the fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas
etc.) for other energy need.
3. There is increased reliability of operation.
4. Nuclear power plants are not affected by adverse weather conditions.
5. Nuclear power plants are well suited to meet large power demands.
They give better performance at higher load factors (80 to 90%).
6.Materials expenditure on metal structures, piping, storage mechanisms
are much lower for a nuclear power plant than a coal burning power plant.
For example for a 100 MW nuclear power plant the weight of machines and
mechanisms, weight of metal structures, weight of pipes and fittings and
weight of masonry and bricking up required are nearly 700 tonnes, 900
tonnes, 200 tonnes and 500 tonnes respectively whereas for a 100 MW coal
burning power plant the corresponding value are 2700 tonnes, 1250 tonnes,
300 tonnes and 1500 tonnes respectively. Further area of construction site
required aired for 100 MW nuclear power plant is 5 hectares whereas was
for a 100 MW coal burning power plant the area of construction site is
nearly 15 hectares.
7. It does not require large quantity of water.
4)DISADVANTAGES:
1. Initial
cost of nuclear power plant is higher as compared to hydro or steam
power plant.
2. Nuclear power plants are not well suited for varying load conditions.
3. Radioactive wastes if not disposed carefully may have bad effect on the
health of workers and other population. In a nuclear power plant the major
problem faced is the disposal of highly radioactive waste in form of liquid,
solid and gas without any injury to the atmosphere. The preservation of
waste for a long time creates lot of difficulties and requires huge capital.
4. Maintenance cost of the plant is high.
5. It requires trained personnel to handle nuclear power plants.
*******
ALL THE BEST, EVERY ASPIRANT, WHO
ATTENDED MY CLASSES
Senior Faculty: Dr.P.V.Reddy

18) Notes - Nuclear Power Plant

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ABIDS, HYDERABAD

POWER PLANT ENGINEERING (EEE)

NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

In order to prevent the contamination of the coolant by fission products, the

vii) Steam generator

ix) Coolant pump and Feed pump

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