Research on design and safety features of economic simplified boiling water reactor (ESBWR)

• Main Author: Lim, Fung
• Other Authors: Tang Xiaohong
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Nuclear engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/63562
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In the recent years, there has been rising concerns over global warming issues from all parts in the world. Sea levels are rising, temperature on Earth increases and melting ice caps are evidences to show that the global climate is changing. One of the main contributing factors is burning of fossil fuels to cater for increasing energy demand. In order to reduce carbon emission, nuclear energy was researched to serve as an alternative energy source. Improvements on nuclear reactors were made to perfect the process of power generation and minimize radiation risks. Light water reactors are the most commonly used nuclear reactors in the world today. Besides optimal utilization of uranium, they are also safe for operation. The purpose of the Final Year Project is to perform research on the design and safety features of Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (ESBWR). The reactor design is an evolution from the basic boiling water reactor and employed the concept of natural circulation. Therefore, the number of mechanical components is greatly reduced with low operating and maintenance costs. The evolution in subsystem designs was discussed accordingly. In addition, the features of ESBWR were further elaborated. Lastly, the implications to the use of ESBWR were examined.