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Most likely multiple units will be deployed on each site, allowing them all to take advantage of shared infrastructure like grid connections, spent fuel storage
by jabl 8y ago
Most likely multiple units will be deployed on each site, allowing them all to take advantage of shared infrastructure like grid connections, spent fuel storage, security etc.
- benj111 8y agoYes I was going to add that their best chance is being put on the sites of old reactors.
- nine_k 8y agoI also wonder if converting old coal-fired plants is possible. If the turbines, generators, and the power distribution stuff is in place and in a good shape, maybe setting up an alternative source of steam could be more economical than building the whole thing from scratch.
- jabl 8y agoTypical coal plants use superheated steam at around 540C and turbines designed for that, whereas LWRs produce wet steam at 300C, so no. High-temperature reactors can produce superheated steam, but then it's not a LWR and you give up on all the knowhow how to run those. The Chinese are planning to deploy gas cooled pebble bed reactors which could replace the coal furnace at existing plants (HTR-PM).
- i_am_proteus 8y agoAlt. take: one could not reuse the turbines, at least not efficiently. One might be able to reuse other parts of the steam/condensate/feed systems. The electrical systems could largely be reused. I doubt that reusing anything other than the power distribution and cooling loops would be economical.
- AstralStorm 8y agoDon't forget maintenance stations and other office housing required to run the plant.