Load-Follow Demonstrations Employing Constant Axial Offset Power-Distribution Control Procedures

Comprehensive load-follow demonstrations were conducted on Consolidated Edison’s Indian Point, Unit 2 plant located in Buchanan, New York, in August and September of 1974. The purpose was to examine new load-follow procedures recently developed by Westinghouse for pressurized water reactor usage. These procedures are based on constant axial offset (or target flux difference) power-distribution control. Two different modes of load-follow operation, with and without part-length control rods, were performed. The operational feasibility of constant axial offset power-distribution control has been verified as a result of the Indian Point demonstrations.