Ammonia Bottoming Cycle Development at Electricité de France for Nuclear Power Plants

An ammonia bottoming cycle is under active development at Electricité de France. To be implemented in a nuclear power plant downstream from the steam cycle, shortened for this application, its purpose is to make it possible to practice air cooling in satisfactory economic conditions. After an analysis of the main parameters of the bottoming cycle (H₂O/NH₃) (i.e., back pressure and temperature differences in the heat exchangers) its advantages are enumerated: in addition to those the dry cooling concept, the major benefit consists of the fact that the bottoming cycle makes use of low atmospheric temperatures in winter, producing a significant increase in the power output, just when it is most needed in many geographic locations. Emphasis is placed on the experimental work performed on E.D.F. test facilities and the construction of a 20-MWe demonstration bottoming cycle power plant at Gennevilliers power station. A brief account is given of test results and experimental programs.