Thermodynamic performance of Pressurized Water Reactor power conversion cycle combined with fossil-fuel superheater

In this paper, the thermodynamic performance of the hybrid system (PWR with superheater) is investigated for large reactor and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) application. The thermal efficiency of the AP1000 can be improved from 30.2% to 45.8% (with CCGT), 35.6% (with gas burner), and 36.6% (gas burner with reheating). The thermal efficiency of the SMR can be improved from 33.4% to nearly 45% (with CCGT), 35.5% (with gas burner), and 37.4% (gas burner with reheating). The analysis results show that it is possible for the hybrid system to operate between 65% and the full power load.