| Summary: | Condensate pumps provide the motive force to deliver condensate from the hotwell to the deaerator storage tanks. Advanced Power Reactor 1400 (APR1400) is comprised of three 50% capacity motor driven condensate pumps with control performed by level control valves (LCVs). This configuration presents a challenge since the flow of condensate water is controlled by LCVs only. These LCVs are in throttled position in the pipeline where throttling of valves causes the loss of system efficiency by increasing the resistance to the flow. Generally, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) allow to operate motors and pumps at the precise speed needed for the process and energy saving. This paper investigates if there are any advantages when VFD is used to control the CPs and check the possibility of eliminating LCVs. Therefore, the NPP model was developed using Electrical Transient Analysis Program (ETAP) software and was benchmarked to APR1400. The analysis was performed with VFD installed and without VFD. The new approach for CP energy saving calculation using VFD was introduced and the results were confirmed by the ETAP model simulation results. The conclusion was drawn from the results whether the application of VFD for CPs has advantages for energy savings and economic benefits.
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