Topping Nuclear Power Plants Steam Cycles with Gas Turbines as the Way of Enhancing Their Efficiency

The comprehensive analysis of advantages and limitations of topping nuclear power plants (NPP) with gas turbines (GT) is presented in the paper. The special accent was put on possibilities of enhancing the NPP steam cycles efficiency and problems connected with high cooling water demand. Moreover, the environmental impact of applying this technology in Polish power system was investigated, especially its potential to reduce the CO₂ emission. The basis for conducted investigation was formed by computer simulations carried out with Ebsilon Professional software. The performance of topped NPP steam cycle was also thoroughly compared with parameters that can be achieved in average Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant and NPP with pressurized water reactor (PWR). Eventually, the recommendations for further research and development of NPP steam cycles topped with gas turbines were made.