Primary Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
Contributing Inventor(s): Indresh Rampall
Date: Feb. 27, 2025
Status: Granted
Jurisdiction: US
Assignee: Holtec International
Equipment Type: SMR
Docket Number: HOL-156
Application Number: 18/406,873
Patent Number: US 12,176,116 B2
Prior Publication Data: US 2024/0233968 A1 – Jul. 11, 2024
Related U.S. Application Data: Provisional application No. 63/510,535, filed on Jun 27, 2023, provisional application No. 63/437,407, filed on Jan. 6, 2023.
Abstract: A power generation system and related method for repowering a fossil-fueled power plant using a carbon-free nuclear
steam supply system (NSSS) which replaces the existing fossil plant steam generator which burns fossil fuel such as coal, oil, or natural gas. The existing fossil plant energy conversion system including the turbine-generator (turbo-generator) and auxiliary components of the Rankine cycle is retained. The NSSS may include a small modular reactor (SMR) unit comprising a reactor vessel with nuclear fuel core and steam generator which receives heated primary coolant from the reactor t o produce main steam t o operate the Rankine cycle. The main steam output by the SMR unit is compressed in a steam compressor to increase its pressure to a level necessary t o operate the turbogenerator. The compressor may be operated via a portion of the main steam.
An intercooler o f the compressor may b e used for main steam reheating.
