Publication | Open Access
The AP1000TM Reactor: Passive Safety and Modular Design
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2011
Year
EngineeringUnique Design FeaturesEnergy EfficiencyReactor DesignAp1000tm ReactorNuclear Reactor DesignAp1000™ ReactorEnergy GenerationSystems EngineeringAp 1000Nuclear ReactorsNuclear Reactor OperationElectrical EngineeringNuclear EngineeringNuclear PowerNuclear EnergyEnergy DevelopmentAdvanced Nuclear ReactorsEnergy ManagementSustainable EnergyNuclear Reactor EngineeringNuclear SafetyReactor SafetyReactor Systems Engineering
Growing electricity demand and the environmental harm of fossil fuels, coupled with the limited capacity of renewables alone, drive the need for new power generation solutions. The paper presents Westinghouse’s Generation III+ pressurized water reactor, the AP1000, as a solution to rising electricity demand and details its unique design features. The AP1000 is a two‑loop PWR with passive safety features and extensive plant simplifications that enhance construction, operation, maintenance, and safety. The AP1000 establishes a new industry standard for safety and efficiency in pressurized water reactors.
Our world is ever growing, there will be higher demands on electricity, and fossil fuels cannot satisfy this demand without further harming the environment. Likewise, renewable energy sources such as solar and winds are still in their infancy and, when used alone, are not realistic solutions to meet this demand. Westinghouse Electric Company is ready to address higher electricity demand with the only Generation III + reactor to receive Design Certification from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the AP1000™ pressurized water reactor (PWR). Westinghouse Electric Company once again sets a new industry standard with the AP1000™ reactor. The AP1000™ is a two-loopPressurized Water Reactor (PWR) with passive safety features and extensive plant simplifications that enhance its construction, operation, maintenance and safety. The paper discusses the unique design features of AP 1000.