Outline of advanced boiling water reactor

The ABWR design is based on construction and operational experience in Japan, USA, and Europe. It was developed jointly by the BWR suppliers, General Electric, Hitachi, and Toshiba, as the next generation BWR for Japan. The Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), provided leadership and guidance in developing the ABWR, and in combination with five other Japanese electric power companies: Chubu, Chugoku, Hokuriku, Tohoku and the Japan Atomic Co. participated and provided support for testing and the development of the Joint Study Program. The main aims in developing the ABWR are: (1) enhanced plant operability, maneuverability and daily load-following capability; (2) increased plant safety and operating margins; (3) improved plant availability and capacity factor; (4) reduced occupational radiation exposure; (5) reduced rad-waste volume; and (6) reduced per plant capital and operating costs. These objectives were to be achieved through evolution and improvement in functional performance based on optimal selection of proven technology around the world. New features selected for the design were to perform extensive confirmatory tests to demonstrate plant feasibility, performance and reliability. Results of the plant design are described in the latter half of the present report, including those on increased plant output and turbin design, improved core and fuel design, reactor vessel incorporating reactor internal pumps, fine motion control rod drives, containment and reactor building design, and rad-waste system improvements. (Nogami, K.)