A Dual-Purpose Light Water Reactor Supplying Heat for Desalination

The technical as well as the economic aspects of using a large commercial light water reactor for the production of both electricity and potable water have been examined. For the basis of the study, the multistage flash distillation process was selected, in conjunction with a reactor rated at not less than 2100 MW(thermal). Combined use of a condensing and a back-pressure turbine (the latter matched to distillation plant steam requirements) represents a convenient method for supplying process heat. Overall costs can be fairly allocated to the two products using the “power credit” method. A sample economic evaluation indicates highly favorable water costs as compared with more conventional distillation schemes based on fossil fuel