📊 Chapter 8: Case Studies
11 Real-World Case Studies Modeled with Thermoptim
| Plant | Reactor Type | Power (MWe) | Efficiency | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR | Graphite-gas | 650 | 41% | 8 feedwater heaters, MSR |
| NuScale (SMR) | PWR | 50/77 | ~30% | Natural circulation, passive safety |
| Flamanville 3 (EPR) | PWR | 1650 | 36% | 5 extractions, MSR |
| Superphénix | Fast (Na-cooled) | 1174 | 40% | Highly superheated steam (487°C) |
| HTR-PM | High-temperature (He) | 210 | 33.76% | Helium cycle, cogeneration potential |
| Canadian SCWR | Supercritical water | - | 48.73% | Gen IV technology |
Detailed Analyses:
- Steam/feedwater circuits.
- Turbine configurations (stage groups, extractions).
- Off-design behavior (e.g., EPR at 30-100% load).
Validation: Data cross-checked with official nuclear regulatory documents.
Abstract
This chapter presents eleven comprehensive case studies of realized nuclear power plant thermodynamic cycles, modeled using Thermoptim software. The studies span diverse reactor technologies including gas-cooled (AGR 650 MW achieving 41% efficiency), pressurized water reactors (NuScale 50 MW and 77 MW SMRs with natural circulation, VVER 1000, Flamanville 3 EPR), boiling water reactors (ABWR 1350 MW with 11 extractions and MSR), pressure tube reactors (RBMK 1000, CANDU 550 utilizing heavy water), fast reactors (Superphénix 1174 MWe sodium-cooled with highly superheated steam at 487°C), high-temperature reactors (HTR-PM achieving 33.76% efficiency versus 40% design), and supercritical water reactors (Canadian SCWR reaching 48.73% efficiency). Each case study provides detailed steam and feedwater circuit descriptions, turbine stage group configurations, extraction flows, feedwater heater arrangements (ranging from 3 to 8 heaters with various cascaded drain and direct configurations), and comprehensive performance data. Models accurately reproduce operational parameters including steam qualities, temperatures, pressures, and flow rates, with validation against official documentation from nuclear regulatory authorities. Special attention is given to moisture separator reheaters (MSR) in water-cooled reactors, condensate removal systems, and unique features such as sealing steam evaporators in RBMK designs. The final case study demonstrates off-design analysis of the Flamanville 3 EPR steam generator using external controllers, illustrating temperature profiles and regulatory control strategies across 30-100% load conditions. Comparative analysis in Mollier diagrams reveals cycle-specific characteristics and performance variations among reactor types.