Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor

Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (ESBWR)

Diagram of the Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor

The Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (ESBWR) is a nuclear reactor design developed by General Electric (GE). It is a type of boiling water reactor (BWR) that incorporates advanced safety features and improved economic efficiency. The ESBWR is designed to be a more cost-effective and safer option for generating nuclear power.

Design Features

The ESBWR design includes several innovative features that enhance its safety and efficiency:

• Passive Safety Systems: The ESBWR utilizes passive safety systems that rely on natural forces such as gravity, natural circulation, and compressed gas to maintain safety without the need for active mechanical systems or operator intervention. This reduces the risk of human error and mechanical failure.

• Natural Circulation: Unlike traditional BWRs, the ESBWR uses natural circulation to circulate water within the reactor core. This eliminates the need for recirculation pumps, reducing the complexity and cost of the reactor.

• Simplified Design: The ESBWR has a simplified design with fewer components and systems compared to earlier BWR models. This simplification leads to lower construction and maintenance costs.

• Improved Fuel Efficiency: The reactor is designed to achieve higher fuel efficiency, which reduces the amount of nuclear fuel required and minimizes the production of nuclear waste.

Safety Features

The ESBWR incorporates several advanced safety features:

• Gravity-Driven Cooling System (GDCS): In the event of a loss of coolant accident, the GDCS provides emergency cooling to the reactor core using gravity-fed water from elevated tanks.

• Isolation Condenser System (ICS): The ICS removes decay heat from the reactor core by condensing steam and returning it as water, maintaining core cooling without external power.

• Containment Design: The containment structure of the ESBWR is designed to withstand extreme events, including earthquakes and aircraft impacts, ensuring the integrity of the reactor in various scenarios.

Economic Benefits

The ESBWR offers several economic advantages:

• Reduced Construction Time: The simplified design and modular construction techniques reduce the time required to build the reactor, leading to lower capital costs.

• Lower Operating Costs: The elimination of recirculation pumps and other complex systems reduces maintenance and operational costs.

• High Capacity Factor: The ESBWR is designed to operate with a high capacity factor, maximizing electricity generation and revenue.

Related Pages

• Boiling Water Reactor
• Nuclear Power
• General Electric
• Nuclear Safety