Alstom Technology Solutions for the 1200-1700 MW Range Nuclear Steam Turbine Developments for the USA

摘要

The last 3 decades saw the activity in nuclear energy in the US at a low level. Interest in nuclear power plants has markedly grown in the last 10 years, as shown by an active nuclear retrofit market, and the 2005 Energy Policy Act clearly demonstrates the commitment to support a large scale of new nuclear construction. The nuclear winter in the US and in many European countries did not prevent that new solutions were developed and validated for other markets, notably France and several main Asian countries. Fleets of operating machines are now existing with more under construction, and feedback of experience can be maximized. Several nuclear reactors are now competing on the US market, and an associated range of steam turbines and generators is required. The article will detail the specific features of Alstom products and their adaptation to the new plants under development in the USA. Alstom has developed very effective solutions around the ARABELLE steam turbine, the world largest machine with a unique architecture featuring a combined HP/IP module. Other features of the Steam and Water cycle are discussed, together with the main elements critical to the Safety certification. The experience from previous units is used to maximize reliability and reduce maintenance time. Maximum fleet standardization is desirable and achievable, and the best availability can be obtained.