Evolutionary development of ALWR design features for the system 80 family of plants

The evolutionary development of the System 80 family of plants has provided the basis for a series of advanced nuclear power plants currently being deployed in the Republic of Korea and also being proposed for other Asian customers. These evolutionary plant designs have incrementally incorporated improved features that are based on proven technology and can be introduced in a manner that can be accommodated in near term plant construction schedules. In parallel with the design and deployment of these plants, and sharing a common experience schedules. In parallel with the design and deployment of these plants, and sharing a common experience base, ABB-CE developed the System 80+ Standard Plant design. Again with proneness as a guiding principle, the System 80+ design incorporates many advanced features and design improvements that meet the most recent regulatory (e. g., severe accident) and industry (e. g., EPRI A LWR URD) requirements in the U. S. The System 80+ Standard Plant has already received the U. S. government's Final Design Approval in July 1994; this plant design provides the basis for developing the next generation of nuclear power plants for the world marketplace. This paper traces the ABB-CE evolutionary development process starting with the design of the System 80 standard NSSS in the early 1970's. its implementation at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, and the progression through the parallel design paths which resulted in the deployment of advanced evolutionary plants in the Republic of Korea, and the development and licensing of the System 80+ Standard Plant in the U. S.