Nuclear power plant

A heat accumulation facility is incorporated in a nuclear power plant for storing thermal energy generated in the reactor and releasing it when it is necessary. Power of an electric generator is lowered during night when the power demand is decreased, and excess thermal energy generated by a reactor is stored in the heat accumulation facility. On the other hand, during the day time when the power demand is increased, thermal energy stored in the heat accumulation facility is converted into electricity by using turbine generators to respond to the increase of the power demand. As a result, it is no more necessary to change the thermal power of the reactor depending on the fluctuation of the power demand, and the operator's burden can be mitigated. The capacity of the reactor core can be reduced compared with that of the turbine electric generator, to facilitate the reactor operation. Capacity of various safety facilities can also be decreased. Further, since it is not necessary to vary the reactor power relative to the periodical fluctuation of the power of the turbine electric generator, reactor operationability and reliability can be improved. (N.H.)