Repowering a Coal Power Plant Steam Cycle Using Modular Light-Water Reactor Technology

This article presents the results of a techno-economic analysis repowering coal-fired power plant’s steam turbine system to instead accept heat produced by pressurized water reactor-type small modular nuclear (PWR SMR). type challenge due significantly lower pressure and temperature system. A 460 MW supercritical unit with parameters 28 MPa/560 °C/580 °C, operated in Łagisza Power Plant Poland, was selected for analysis. After repowering, would be fed saturated from generators SMRs at 7 MPa 285 °C. In total, four options were analyzed. all cases, existing high-pressure section disconnected, low-pressure stages turbine, as well auxiliary outward components (feedwater heaters, pumps, generator, condenser, condenser cooling, etc.), are re-used their configurations, except feedwater-heater pump that needs replaced. three intermediate acts stage repowered These cases include without an additional reheater (case A), added single-stage (B) two-stage (C). fourth case (D), replaced new suited SMR live conditions. While technically possible may represent economic advantage compared complete greenfield installation, option D is clearly best available, significant cost savings, leading levelized electricity (LCOE) higher net present value (NPV) ratio (NPVR) than other repowering. For relatively coal plants equipment good condition, this optimal near-term pathway.