Current large PWRs utilize a core basket assembly to support the reactor pressure vessel internal assemblies. These assemblies typically include a cylindrical core barrel to separate and preheat the incoming cold leg reactor coolant from the fuel assemblies. A thermal shield surrounds the core barrel. The core barrel directs the cold leg coolant to the bottom of the core. The fuel assemblies are supported inside the core barrel. To adapt the square fuel assemblies to the shape of the cylindrical core barrel, a core former or baffle is utilized. This arrangement will be the same for the iPWR designs.

5.2.4 Instrumentation

The ability to monitor core conditions will be of key importance for iPWR designs and will differ in implementation than current large PWR counterparts. This will be discussed further in Chapter 6.