With all of the talk about building new nuclear plants in the Untied States, I was wondering which design you thought was in the lead?
The “lead” could mean many things to different people. It could mean technically advanced designs with all of the bells and whistles. It could mean the lead in sales of their new design…does it mean they are just a low bidder??? It could mean the lead in MWe performance?
I have always been a big supporter of the KISS theory of design (Keep-It-Simple-Stupid). The KISS theory of design is always less expensive and minimizes future costs in the long run. Advanced technology can be a good thing to have but can create problems if not totally proven. From what I have read about these new plant designs is that the designers have learned from their past design mistakes, such as promoting a standard plant design (cookie cutter theory...another good $$$ saving theory).
As a contractor at many of these plants, you’re amazed about how every plant layout / design is different. How do you get to the personnel hatch? Where is the elevator in the containment building? Sure the major components are relatively the same but the maze of the other support equipment is different in every plant. Have you ever tried to go to the steam generators in Catawba vs. Point Beach? Then you know what I am talking about.
Here are some links to some of the new plant designs in the industry:
Westinghouse AP100
General Electric ABWR & ESBWR
Areva NP
General Atomics GTMHR
PBMR
AECL Advanced CANDU Reactor
Got a favorite? Any Comments?