Latest Technologies Applied to the Advanced Boiling Water Reactor (ABWR): A History of the Development and Manufacturing Stage

Abstract

The first advanced boiling water reactor (ABWR)—Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station Unit 6 (K6)—was built in Japan by Tokyo Electric Power Corporation (TEPCO) in 1996. Subsequently, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station Unit 7 (K7) was constructed (completed in 1997). The K6 and K7 have been operating safely for more than 6 years. Presently, four additional ABWRs are under construction (two in Japan and two in Taiwan), with an additional nine ABWRs in Japan that are currently in the planning stage. One of the ABWRs now under construction is Hamaoka Unit 5 (H5), owned by Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. The H5 has an estimated completion date of January 2005. The latest technologies have been applied to H5, which will result in improved economics, ease of maintenance, increased reliability, and a reduction in radiation exposure. Below, you will find the latest major technologies applied to H5 in terms of the history of development and verification of manufacturing stages: (1) Sealless Fine-Motion Control Rod Drive (S-FMCRD): S-FMCRD provides fine-motion control by the electric motor for normal operation and hydraulic pressure for scram insertion. This redundancy of power supply is similar to the conventional FMCRD. Additionally, S-FMCRD experiences excellent performance due to its magnetic coupling. As a result, S-FMCRD provides improved operation, ease of maintenance, increased reliability, and reduced occupational radiation exposure. (2) Multi-drive configuration of Reactor Internal Pump (RIP) Adjustable Speed Drive (ASD): Under a conventional configuration, one ASD drives one RIP. Under a multi-drive configuration, one ASD drives two or three RIPs. As a result, four ASDs would drive ten RIPs resulting in improved economics, ease of maintenance, and a smaller footprint. (3) Debris Filter Integrated Fuel Support (DFFS): In order to eliminate the risk of debris causing a fuel leak, debris filters have been developed that will be attached at the core-support orifice. DFFS enhances reliability and improves economics.