Technical Study of Feasibility of the Coupling of a Thermal Plant of Water Desalination to the CAREM 25 Nuclear Reactor

Abstract

CAREM Nuclear Power Plant has a great potential to produce both electricity and potable or industrial water. CAREM25 is the first reactor prototype completely developed in Argentina. This reactor is able to generate 25MW. This study analyses the feasibility of coupling a desalination thermal plant to CAREM25 NPP, evaluating its effect on the Secondary Cycle performance. It includes the coupling system conditions, the amount of water produced, the final net electricity and the specific energy consumption of the desalination thermal plant. With the coupling schemes proposed it is possible to obtain a 4000-4300m3/day of demineralized water. The reduction of power electricity is 3.5 MW at maximum water production.