Steam Turbine Generators for Sizewell ‘B’ Nuclear Power Station

Abstract

The thermodynamic cycle of the modern 3000 r/min steam turbine as applied at Sizewell ‘B’ is presented. Review is made of the factors affecting thermal efficiency including the special nature of the wet steam cycle and the use of moisture separation and steam reheating. Consideration is given to the optimization of the machine and cycle parameters, including particular attention to reheating and to the provision of feedheating, in order to achieve a high overall level of performance. A modular design approach has made available a family of machines suitable for the output range 600–1300 MW. The constructional features of the 630 MW Sizewell ‘B’ turbine generators from this range are described in detail. The importance of service experience with wet steam turbines and its influence on the design of modern turbines for pressurized water reactor (PWR) applications is discussed.