Discussion of the effects of AP1000 first core loading pattern design on nuclear power plant operation

Core loading pattern design has great influence on nuclear power plant operation. An excellent core loading pattern can not only enhance operation factor, reduce operation cost, but also increase operation safety. Under the premise of nuclear safety, AP1000 first core loading pattern achieves the goal of low leakage loading by simulating the reactivity distribution of the 18-month Equilibrium Cycle design. Deals with the characteristics of core loading pattern design and its influence on the operation factors, and analyses the impact brought about by multi-enrichment on the nuclear power plant to improve operation capacity and bring down operation cost. (authors)