An exploration of BWR configurations to supply heat for non-nuclear applications

Abstract

One of the promising applications for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) is for decarbonizing process heat. The BWRX-300 Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) is being implemented in Darlington, Ontario, and is likely to be the first SMR deployed in Canada. However, due to the absence of a secondary heat transport system, a typical BWR configuration would not be able to provide process steam directly. This paper explores how a typical BWR could be configured to supply process heat, along with the constraints and challenges that would present, including protecting the non-nuclear heat supply from the radioactive contaminants in the BWR steam. Applications of BWR technology for heat supply and for co-generation are discussed. Finally, comparisons are made to PWRs for use in process heat applications.