Electrical Power Systems For Nuclear Plants: Design Guidelines

The primary purpose of the nuclear power plant (NPP) is to produce electricity. The nuclear power station generates electrical power with the help of the atomic reaction. Out of the various available methods, the electrical generator is considered to be the most popular method to produce electricity on large scale production. Hence, it is used to convert heat energy into electrical energy.

The electrical systems provide power to the nuclear power plants to activate and operate the safety and non-safety systems. The electrical power system at a nuclear power plant requires substantial design considerations. And, the design of the electrical systems at a nuclear power plant depends on multiple factors such as reactor type, site, power grid characteristics, design of plant systems, and on decisions of design engineers.

It consists of an on-site and off-site power system. Both the power systems work together to provide the necessary power to a nuclear power plant. The off-site electrical power system is the transmission power where the nuclear power plant is connected. It plays a vital role in maintaining the safety of plants by supplying reliable power from multiple power sources.

The electrical systems of nuclear plants are designed to be reliable and protected from the pertinent hazards. Let’s read on to understand the design considerations for the electrical systems of nuclear power plants.

• Items used to maintain the safety of a nuclear plant must get designed according to the national and international codes and standards.
• The electrical power system at a nuclear power plant must get designed and constructed in compliance with the international and local atomic standards. To ensure a high level of reliability and availability in all modes of nuclear plant operation, it should also meet national safety codes.
• The design of the electrical power systems must ensure the safety of the nuclear plant by a continuous supply of electrical power regardless of the anticipated voltage and frequency variations of the grid supply, faults during operation, and post-shutdown.
• It should meet all the functional requirements under the stable conditions and transient conditions in the design basis.

Nuclear Safety Design Considerations

• The auxiliary systems in the nuclear plant receive electrical power from electrical power systems and components from off-site and on-site power supplies.
• Both the systems — on-site and off-site systems must be highly robust and reliable in all the operating conditions of the nuclear plant.
• A stable and reliable grid must be used for the enhanced safety of the nuclear power plant.
• A systematic approach should be taken into consideration to identify components, systems, and structures for electrical power supply. Once identified, it is powered with appropriate safety classification and reliability functions.
• Proper assistance for design, testing, operation, and maintenance must be provided to perform seamless functions with minimal disturbances.
• The design of the interface between safety systems and sub safety systems classification should be clear.
• The interface between the safety systems and systems of lower safety classification should be carefully designed to ensure that there is no adverse impact on safety equipment from non-safety-related equipment.

Criteria Considerations For Electrical Designs

• The disturbances in the electrical power plant, including fluctuations in voltage and frequency of the grid supply, should not impact the safety of the nuclear plant.
• The components required in the nuclear power plant should be considered while designing the electrical power systems.
• The design of an electrical power system should be such that the disturbances in the selected power supply don’t risk the safety of power systems and connected loads.
• The electrical power systems should be designed to minimize personnel risks and damage to the types of equipment used in electrical designs. Destruction can be a result of high temperatures, arc flash, mechanical stress, or excess current.
• The electrical power system should be designed in such a way that it should withstand fluctuations of voltages expected to occur in a nuclear power plant.

Hence, electrical power systems require significant design considerations for the nuclear power plant. If you’re looking for a nuclear power plant engineering services, consider hiring an experienced electrical engineering services provider that meets the applicable national or international codes.