Areva NP has installed a system at Switzerland’s Gösgen nuclear plant to automatically adjust the plant's electrical output according to the needs of the grid operator.
The Advanced Load Following Control (ALFC) system varies the plant's output between 50% and 100% of its installed capacity, without interaction of the operator. The output adaptation can be performed with power ramps of up to 30MWe a minute. ALFC technology features a software upgrade of the reactor control system, adapts the relevant interfaces in the plant and comprises a comprehensive test series as well as operator training to ensure safe and proper operation.
“The intermittent electricity generation of renewable energy sources like wind and solar increases the need for balancing power. Our ALFC system enhances the capabilities of NPPs to deliver such services and to perform a stabilizing role in the power grid”, said Carsten Dueweke, who is responsible for instrumentation & control projects at AREVA NP.
Since 2008, Areva NP has installed the technology at four German nuclear power plants: Philippsburg 2, Isar 2, Brokdorf and Grohnde.
Learn more about the ALFC system in the November issue of Nuclear Engineering International. Subscribe here, or contact caroline.peachey@compelo.com to request a copy.
