Newest nuclear power plant, improved type BWR

BWR was developed by GE in USA, and in Japan, Tsuruga No. 1 plant of Japan Atomic Power Co. started the commercial operation in 1970 for the first time. Since then, the technology has been learned through the construction and operation of the imported plants, and the manufacture of BWRs in Japan has been attempted. Now, 24 BWR plants are in operation in Japan. In 1978, GE organized the advanced engineering team with the manufacturers in Japan, Sweden and Italy, and carried out the feasibility study on the development of ideal BWR. In Japan, the development of ABWR was taken up as the third LWR improvement and standardization project. ABWRs were adopted as Kashiwazaki-Kariwa No. 6 and 7 plants of Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. The mechanism of electric power generation in BWR plants and the control of their power output are explained. As the technical features of the ABWR, there are the adoption of internal pumps, improved control rod driving mechanism, reinforced concrete reactor containment vessel, central control board and others. For shortening the construction period, various special measures were taken. (K.I.)