Operation Process
Firstly in order to operate the reactor you must ensure the reactor is online, if the reactor is not online then there is no reason to even try and operate the reactor. Once you know for a fact the reactor is online try to aim for 55% insertion for the control rods, if both of the feedwater and coolant pumps are online. Once the rods are at 55% insertion you can head to the turbine control panel and make sure the turbines are synced, if they are not aim for 3.60% for the valves, this is to make it easier on yourself for the syncing process, once you hit 3000, and the syncroscope is on the green dot you will be able to sync the reactor. You will get power orders, the excess should match the amount for the power order.
Coolant
The coolant system is one of the most critical components of reactor operations, responsible for maintaining the reactor core within safe operating temperatures. Coolant circulates continuously through the reactor, absorbing heat generated by the fission process and transferring it to the steam generators. This prevents the core from overheating, which could otherwise lead to a rapid increase in thermal stress and a potential meltdown. Each coolant loop is equipped with control valves that must remain open during normal operation, and operators must ensure that pumps are running at full capacity to maintain optimal flow. Monitoring temperature, pressure, and flow rates is essential, as even minor deviations can compromise reactor stability. In emergency scenarios, the coolant system works in conjunction with feedwater, turbines, and backup power systems to stabilize the reactor. Proper management of coolant is therefore vital not only for power production but also for the overall safety and integrity of the plant.
Feedwater
Feedwater functions similarly to the coolant system, but its primary role is to supply water to the steam generators, which is then converted into high-pressure steam to drive the turbines and produce electrical power. Maintaining a steady and reliable feedwater flow is essential for consistent turbine operation, as any disruption can reduce power output or destabilize the reactor’s thermal balance. The feedwater system includes carefully regulated valves that must remain open under normal operation, ensuring that sufficient water reaches the steam generators at all times. Operators must monitor pressure, temperature, and flow rates continuously, adjusting the system as needed to accommodate changes in reactor load or turbine demand. Proper management of feedwater not only maximizes power production efficiency but also protects critical components from overheating or mechanical stress, making it a cornerstone of safe and reliable reactor operations.
Grid
Primary Bus (Reactor Grid): The Primary Bus serves as the main distribution channel for electricity generated by the reactor’s turbines. It powers critical plant systems such as the first coolant loop, Feedwater Pump 1, and essential instrumentation. During normal operation, the Primary Bus draws electricity directly from the turbines, ensuring that the reactor’s core systems maintain stability. Operators must continuously monitor load demand and turbine output to prevent overloads, which could destabilize both the reactor and connected systems.
Auxiliary Bus: The Auxiliary Bus functions as both a secondary power source and a bridge between the Primary Bus and less critical plant systems. It powers secondary cooling loops, Feedwater Pump 2, and additional auxiliary systems. The Auxiliary Bus can draw power from the Primary Bus under normal conditions or switch to the Emergency Diesel Generators (EDG) in case of turbine failure or external grid loss. Proper management ensures continuity of operations and prevents cascading failures during emergencies.
DC Bus: The DC Bus powers only lights and ventilation and is not critical to reactor operation. In fact, turning it off can help conserve power and reduce the load on the Auxiliary Bus. For example, when the Auxiliary Bus is supplying 15,000 kW including the DC Bus, shutting down the DC Bus reduces the Auxiliary demand to 10,000 kW, easing strain on the system and improving overall efficiency.
Grid Switchgear: Switchgear is the mechanism through which operators control the flow of electricity between the various buses and power sources. Using master switches and control terminals, operators can redirect power from turbines, the external grid, or EDGs to meet the plant’s operational demands. Precise coordination is required to avoid overloads, ensure smooth transitions between power sources, and maintain reactor safety.
Primary Bus (Reactor Grid)
Demand: 5000kW (20000kW if powering Auxiliary & DC Bus)
Powers: Coolant 1, FWP 1 (Optionally Aux. Bus)
Powered by: External Transformers or Turbines
Auxiliary Grid
Demand: 10000kW (Standalone, 15000kW when powering DC bus)
Powers: Coolant 2, FWP 2
Powered by: Primary Grid or EDG (Emergency Diesel Generators)
EDG
EDG, or the Emergency Diesel Generators, serve as a critical backup power source, designed to maintain the plant’s essential systems when the primary turbines or external transformers are offline or unavailable. These generators can provide instantaneous power to the Primary, Auxiliary, and DC Buses, ensuring that core cooling systems, feedwater pumps, control systems, and emergency lighting continue to operate without interruption. Each EDG unit is capable of producing a substantial portion of the plant’s required load, and multiple units can operate in parallel to handle higher demand scenarios. Operators must regularly monitor fuel levels, generator temperature, and output stability to guarantee reliable performance during emergencies. Proper operation of the EDG system is vital, as it prevents reactor overheating, safeguards critical infrastructure, and allows time for corrective actions when primary power sources fail.
SCRAM Process
The SCRAM Process is an emergency procedure employed whenever the reactor enters a potential meltdown state or when the Plant Director (PD) requires a SCRAM test to ensure system readiness. “SCRAM” stands for Safety Control Rod Axe Man, a rapid shutdown mechanism that immediately inserts control rods into the reactor core to halt the nuclear fission reaction. During a SCRAM, it is critical to verify that all coolant valves (CVs) and feedwater valves remain open to prevent overheating and maintain sufficient core cooling. Operators must also cycle the Relief Valves (RVs) to release excess pressure and stabilize reactor conditions. The process continues until reactor temperatures have dropped below safe thresholds, typically below 800 K, at which point the reactor can be safely reset and prepared for normal operation. Every step of the SCRAM procedure must be executed precisely, as any delay or oversight could compromise reactor safety and lead to catastrophic consequences.
WN (West Noobia) Invasion
The WN Invasion represents a critical emergency scenario in which plant operators must assume the highest level of threat, as personal safety cannot be guaranteed. In this situation, your primary objective is to prevent a catastrophic reactor meltdown by attempting to stall the reactor safely. To do so, you must systematically cycle all Relief Valves (RVs) to relieve pressure and maintain controlled thermal levels. Simultaneously, it is essential to verify that both the feedwater and coolant valves remain fully operational and open, ensuring that the reactor core continues to receive adequate cooling despite any external disruptions. Failure to manage these systems correctly can lead to rapid temperature spikes and potential loss of containment. Operators should maintain constant vigilance, coordinating with all available personnel to monitor reactor conditions, manually adjust valve positions as necessary, and implement emergency shutdown procedures if automated systems fail. Every second counts, and adherence to these protocols is the difference between maintaining reactor integrity and a full-scale nuclear incident.
Turbines
Turbines are our primary source of power for the facility, generating the majority of the electricity needed to operate all critical systems. Without them, we would be entirely reliant on the auxiliary grid, which is intended only as a temporary backup and cannot sustain the full operational load. The turbines convert high-pressure steam into mechanical energy, which is then transformed into electrical power, ensuring that the reactor’s coolant pumps, feedwater systems, control rods, ventilation, and lighting remain fully functional. Operating the turbines efficiently is crucial for maintaining reactor stability; any deviation or failure could place excessive strain on the auxiliary grid and compromise the safety of the plant. Therefore, continuous monitoring and synchronization of each turbine is essential to guarantee both reliable power generation and the smooth operation of all interconnected systems.
