Ontario Power Generation has taken a firm step in the deployment of compact nuclear technology. The consortium led by GE Vernova and Hitachi Nuclear Energy has selected Arabelle Solutions, a company backed by EDF Group, to supply the main turbine island equipment for its small modular reactor (SMR) BWRX-300currently under development at the Darlington nuclear power plant in Canada.
Equipment adapted to BWRX-300 reactor
The contract includes a 300 MWe steam turbine, an air-cooled TOPAIR generator and a heat exchanger. heat exchanger heat exchanger. All components have been optimized to suit the thermal conditions of the BWRX-300, a compact reactor that seeks to replace coal infrastructure with cleaner nuclear sources.
The design of the BWRX-300, based on the ESBWR ESBWR previously approved by the NRC, features a passive safety system and an architecture that requires fewer active components, which facilitates maintenance and reduces operating costs. In addition, its modular construction allows for faster deployment and a significantly smaller physical footprint.
The system’s shaft line will have a total length of 34 meters and will integrate a single-flow high-pressure module and two dual-flow low-pressure modules. This modular design not only improves the thermal cycle, but also maximizes generation efficiency in a small footprint.
Energy efficiency in the service of thousands of homes
With a planned net electrical output of 300 MW, the system will cover the average consumption of some 300,000 Canadian homes. The TOPAIR generator, with a rated output of up to 370 MVA, will operate at 60 Hz, complying with Canadian grid standards.
Catherine Cornand, CEO of Arabelle Solutions, emphasized that thanks to engineering expertise, the company has optimized its steam turbine generator modules for the SMR environment. For his part, Cedric Couffignal, head of new construction, stressed that cycle efficiency was a priority in the design of the steam and water circuit.
The supply chain involves local suppliers, such as the Ontarian company Chemetics Inc. responsible for manufacturing critical components for the heat exchangers. This approach strengthens the Canadian industry and accelerates the implementation of the project, which received its construction license in April and is expected to start operations in 2030.
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Source and photo: Arabelle Solutions
