Rectifiers for Stationary Battery Systems in Nuclear Power Plants

Electronically controlled rectifier assemblies are used in conjunction with suitable lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries, to provide a protected DC power supply system. These systems are then used to supply power to critical loads in nuclear power plants, both when the mains supply is present, and during power failures.

Typical loads are:

• power station equipment
• signalling, control and protective electronics
• telemetering and telecontrol engineering
• telecommunications equipment
• static inverters
• ac and dc motors
• solenoid valves

The rectifier assemblies used normally give output voltages of 110 V or 220 V. When the mains supply is on, they are responsible for providing power to the load and also for supplying the charging and float charging current for the battery. This ensures that, if a mains failure should occur, the battery is ready to supply the full power. The engineering supply is provided by 26 V rectifiers or DC-DC-Converters.

The rectifiers are planned and produced in line with the appropriate KTA guidelines, and can be used in any type of power station. Optional test equipment can be supplied with the rectifiers, to undertake the repeat measurements necessary in power station applications.