Load following in Central Nuclear en Embalse: Operating experience and analytical summary

Abstract

AECL and CNEA carried out a joint study to evaluate plant performance during weekly power changes at the Central Nuclear en Embalse. This study is the first opportunity to demonstrate CANDU 600 plant performance under load following operation.The data collected show that the process and control variables are within design envelopes and control limits of the station. Also, the defect rate of the 10,000 Canadian - built fuel bundles irradiated is only 0.07% which is within the rates experienced at base load CANDU plants of similar design.In summary, the CANDU 600 plant has been operating successfully with a range of power between 100% to 50% power range and rates up to 20%per hour. The present intention is to extend the study to include daily load changes.