A fuel rod consists of a cylindrical tube made of Zircalloy, a steel-gray alloy that highly resistant to corrosion. This tube is 13 ft long with an outer diameter of 0.39 in and a 0.025-in thich wall. A fuel assembly is formed when about 230 of the fuel rods are grouped in a bundle. The reactor core is formed when about 240 of these assemblies are arranged in a cylindrical array. These assemblies are supported between upper and lower grid plates and are surrounded by a stainless steel shroud.
Control rods provide a means of changing the amount of heat produced in the core . . .
This section presents some of the key costs that determine the economics of a nuclear power plant. These costs will be compared to those associated with other energy-producing systems, primarily those involving coal. Costs are determined by the busbar cost and the operating capacity costs. The busbar cost is the total cost of electricity leaving the power station. Construction Cost .