Incorporation of nuclear power plants in power system

At the Vienna 1982 IAEA conference, the role of nuclear power plants in power systems was dealt with in two communications (the USSR and France). The Soviet paper presents the results of research projects related to the possibility of covering annual, weekly and daily uneven output of conventional power plants by nuclear power plants. The limiting nodes and possibilities of their modification are discussed. Various possibilities are assessed of energy storage with the aim of maintaining a constant output of nuclear power plants: the use of pumped hydroelectric storage, of heat storage for heating purposes and of heat storage in feed water. In France conceptual studies have been made on the role of nuclear power plants in controlling the frequency and output of the power system, demands have been put on nuclear power plants with an output of 900 and 1300 MW of various design, first experience has been gained with the operation of such plants and plans of further development have been put forward. (author)