Designing the cooling systems for the world's most powerful turbogenerator - Olkiluoto unit 3

Abstract

Olkiluoto 3 will have a rated capability of 1992 MVA at 0.90 power factor, giving it the highest rating ever attained by a turbogenerator. Although the machine is highly efficient (expected generator efficiency is 99% at rated output), the generator losses are expected to exceed 20 MW under some system conditions. The generator must be cooled using advanced generator cooling techniques and state-of-the-art gas and water cooling auxiliary systems. The challenges were overcome by engineers working closely with generator designers to optimize cooling circuits and to develop modern hydrogen gas and stator water systems for modern nuclear power plant operation.