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Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, Vermont |
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Update: October 9, 2008
Next Update: October 2009 Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant Net Generation and Capacity, 2007
Description: The plant is on a 125-acre site at Vernon, Vermont, in Windham County. In September 2003, Entergy Nuclear Operations, the plant owner, submitted an application to the NRC to increase the maximum power level by 20 percent. Since that time, the NRC has received many questions and concerns about the process for evaluating this request. Also, Vermont Yankee is nearing the end of its licensing period. On January 27, 2007, the licensee applied to NRC for a 20-year license extension. An NRC web page provides information on the up rate and other NRC-related issues. Vermont Yankee, Unit 1
Nuclear Steam System Supplier (NSSS Vendor) = General Electric Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) In a typical commercial boiling water reactor (1) the reactor core creates heat, (2) a steam-water mixture is produced when very pure water (reactor coolant) moves upward through the core absorbing heat, (3) the steam-water mixture leaves the top of the core and enters the two stages of moisture separation where water droplets are removed before the steam is allowed to enter the steam line, (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 reactor vessel. The reactor's 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 electric power.
Containment: According to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the unit relies on a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR), Mark 1. _________________________________________
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