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A Tour of Nuclear Power Plant Cooling Systems: korea vs. Czech Republic
This article provides a comparative look at the cooling systems of nuclear power plants in Korea and the Czech Republic, highlighting key differences in their design and operational requirements.
Korean Cooling System: Seawater Reliance
The Uaeul power plant in Korea utilizes seawater for its cooling system, a stark contrast to domestic power plants.This system is characterized by its simplicity, efficiency, and low cost.Though, it demands a significant volume of water capable of absorbing heat without meaningful temperature increases, minimizing environmental impact. Each operational block at Uaeul requires an extraordinary 50 tons of seawater per second.
Czech Cooling System: Adapting to Water Scarcity
The Czech Republic faces a different challenge: a lack of rivers with sufficient flow to support the cooling needs of its nuclear power plants, including the existing and planned Dukovany units. Consequently, Dukovany employs cooling towers.In this system, the cooling water from the tertiary circuit circulates through a capacitor, which cools the steam emitted from the turbine. This heated cooling water is then directed to cooling towers, where it is indeed released into the atmosphere as vapor.Future Dukovany: Hybrid Cooling Towers
The upcoming expansion of the Dukovany plant will see a slight modification in its cooling system. With the addition of two new blocks to the existing four, the current wet cooling method will transition to a semi-dry approach. The new Dukovany units will feature hybrid cooling towers, designed to be less demanding on cooling water consumption.
Control Room Operations and Reactor Power
The tour also offers a glimpse into the control room, the nerve center of the power plant. Here, six operators monitor reactor operations 24/7, with shifts rotating every eight hours. The main control room is equipped with numerous monitors displaying vital data, including a “Power Operation” indicator and the real-time energy output.
While visitors are not permitted close to the reactors, the article notes that the units at Uaeul differ in size and power from those planned for Dukovany. Korean APR-1400 reactors generate 1400 MW, whereas the APR-1000 reactors destined for Dukovany will produce over 1000 MW.This lower electrical output is a deliberate choice by the Czech transmission system operator (ฤEPS) to facilitate power balancing in the event of a block failure.
Grid Integration and Nuclear’s Role
The Uaeul power plant is surrounded by numerous masts and power lines, illustrating its integration into the national electricity grid. This network ensures the distribution of electricity throughout the country. In Korea, nuclear power accounts for 32% of electricity production, while in the Czech Republic, it contributes over 40%.
uaeul Power Plant: A Name Change and Reorganization
Originally known as Kori, the Uaeul power plant underwent a name change in 2022. Previously, the entire complex comprised ten nuclear blocks. Currently, four of thes blocks fall under the Uaeul power plant designation, with the remaining six belonging to the adjacent Kori power plant.