Nuclear power plants and how to operate them

摘要

A method of regulating the power generated in a nuclear power plant which includes the step of regulating the flow of helium through the reactor. To this end, the power plant includes a closed loop power generation circuit having at least one compressor and a recirculation circuit whereby helium can be recirculated around the compressor. By regulating the flow of helium around the recirculation circuit using suitable valves the flow of helium through the reactor and hence the power generated can be regulated. The plant includes a helium inventory control system whereby the inventory of helium in the power generation circuit can be varied thereby varying the power generated in the circuit.