This course provides a systems engineering view of commercial nuclear power plant technology. Power plant designs and their evolutions are studied, ranging from early to modern generation light water reactors, as well as advanced designs families, such alternate moderator and breeder reactors. Critical aspects of conventional power reactor designs are explored in detail, including steam supply, reactor core, control, and protection systems. Plant operational characteristics are studied, including reactor dynamics, control, feedback, and fuel cycle management. Critical power plant safety aspects of the design and operations are explored and reinforced with lessons learned from major power generator accidents scenarios (including Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima Daiichi).
graduate standing or consent of the instructor