An Introduction to Thermal-Hydraulic Aspects of Nuclear Power Reactors

Abstract

Nuclear power plants (NPPs) currently generate better than 20% of the central station electricity produced in the United States. The United States currently has 104 operating power-producing reactors, with nine more planned. France has 58 with one more planned. China has 13 with 43 planned. Japan has 54 with three more planned. In addition, Russia has 32 with 12 more planned. Production of electricity via nuclear has certainly come into its own and is the safest, cleanest, and greenest form of electricity currently introduced on this planet. However, many current thermodynamic texts ignore nuclear energy and use few examples of nuclear power systems. Nuclear energy presents some interesting thermodynamic challenges, and it helps to introduce them at the fundamental level. Research activities are currently underway worldwide to develop Generation IV nuclear reactor concepts with the objective of improving thermal efficiency and increasing economic competitiveness of Generation IV nuclear power plants compared to modern thermal power plants. Our goal here will be to introduce thermal aspect of nuclear power reactors as it applies to a variety of issues related to nuclear reactor thermal hydraulics and safety, which deals with energy production and utilization, therefore to have some general understanding of nuclear power plants, is essential. However, that is true for any textual introduction to this science; yet, by considering concrete systems, it is easier to give insight into the fundamental laws of the science and to provide an intuitive feeling for further study.