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Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, Maryland |
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Update: September 8, 2008
Next Update: September 2009 Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant Net Generation and Capacity, 2007
Description: Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, the only nuclear plant in Maryland, is located in Lusby. According to the Constellation Energy Group web site, the steam generator in unit 1 was replaced in 2002 and for unit 3, in 2003. In the process, unit 2 set world records in duration and weld quality for this type of replacement. Calvert County’s web site describes the site location as “2,300 acres of prime waterfront property…” In May 2005, a Washington Post article noted that Calvert Cliffs is “one of six sites that the Nation’s largest consortium of nuclear power companies is considering as a location for a new type of advanced reactor.”1 Calvert Cliffs, Unit 1
Nuclear Steam System Supplier (NSSS Vendor) = Combustion Engineering Calvert Cliffs, Unit 2 Nuclear Steam System Supplier (NSSS Vendor) = Combustion Engineering Pressurized-Water Reactor (PWR) In a typical commercial pressurized light-water reactor (1) the reactor core generates heat, (2) pressurized-water in the primary coolant loop carries the heat to the steam generator, (3) inside the steam generator heat from the primary coolant loop vaporizes the water in a secondary loop producing steam, (4) the steam line directs the steam to the main turbine causing it to turn the turbine generator, which produces electricity. The unused steam is exhausted to the condenser where it is condensed into water. The resulting water is pumped out of the condenser with a series of pumps, reheated, and pumped back to the steam generator. The reactors core contains fuel assemblies which are cooled by water, which is force-circulated by electrically powered pumps. Emergency cooling water is supplied by other pumps, which can be powered by onsite diesel generators. Other safety systems, such as the containment cooling system, also need power.
Containment: According to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the containment is dry, ambient pressure 2. _________________________________________ 1Physical characteristics alone are not necessarily the decisive factor in choosing a reactor. Such issues as component delivery times, warranties, and third party liability might have an even greater influence. Also, plant personnel may have more expertise with a particular type, thus encouraging companies to consider similar types when ordering additional units. In addition to the physical advantages cited, the control of the nuclear reaction is more difficult in a BWR than a PWR. |
see also:
annual
nuclear statistics back to 1953
projected electricity capacity to 2030
international
electricity statistics