Patent ID: 6674826
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: G21C,G21D,Y02E

Abstract:
A method of operating a nuclear power plant through a fuel cycle of a core of a reactor of the plant, the core including a plurality of fuel rods in communication with a plurality of channels, and with a coolant flowing through the channels, the method comprising:operating the plant at an initial power level during a first portion of the fuel cycle, the initial power level being based at least in part upon at least one of a maximum value of a heat flux peaking factor of the core and a maximum value of an enthalpy rise peaking factor of the core; and operating the plant at an enhanced power level during a second portion of the fuel cycle, the enhanced power level being higher than the initial power level, the enhanced power level being based at least in part upon at least one of a reduced value of the heat flux peaking factor of the core and a reduced value of the enthalpy rise peaking factor of the core; the reduced values of the heat flux peaking factor and the enthalpy rise peaking factor resulting from the progressive depletion of the core during the fuel cycle.