This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Towards a 50 Percent Efficient Nuclear Power Plant
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
The unique high temperature nuclear heat source the modular high temperature reactor (MHTGR) is should make it possible to associate the nuclear energy and an efficient heat conversion means, following the example of present, successful, fossil-fired combined cycle power plants. In order to reach this goal, a topping closed gas cycle is proposed, but only in combination with a bottoming steam cycle, for the investigated applications. The adopted reactor outlet temperature is 900°C. Results are given for four examples which have been thoroughly evaluated but are not yet final, optimal versions. Two of them are direct He cycle concepts which afford net plant efficiencies of 47.2 and 47.5 per cent. The aspects of arrangement simplification and primary circuit concerns are discussed. Two other cases feature an indirect topping gas cycle either a single expansion one or a reheat one. Owing to a greater cycle adaptation flexibility, net plant efficiencies of 48.3 and 50.4 per cent respectively are obtained.
Temperature profiles, plant diagrams, main parameters values and primary circuit arrangements are presented. By comparison with most of the nuclear reactors currently in operation, for a same power output, 35 per cent less uranium fuel can be burnt, 35 per cent less fission products and radioactive wastes can be produced and 50 per cent less waste heat can be rejected.
Authors
Citation
Tilliette, Z., "Towards a 50 Percent Efficient Nuclear Power Plant," SAE Technical Paper 929281, 1992, https://doi.org/10.4271/929281.Also In
References
- McDonald, C.F. “The Nuclear Closed Cycle Gas Turbine (MHTGR-GT)-Dry Commercial Power Plant Studies” ASME Paper n o 80-GT-80, Journal of Engineering for Power 1980
- McDonald, C.F. “Performance Potential of a Future Advanced Nuclear Gas Turbine Concept” ASME Cogen-Turbo Proceedings IGTI, Nice 1987 1
- Staudt, J.E. Lidsky, L.M. “A MHTGR Brayton Cycle Power Plant Design” Proceedings of the 22d IECE Conference, Paper n o 879154 3 Philadelphia, Pa 1987
- Lanning, D.D. “Modularized High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Systems” “Nuclear Technology” 88 1989
- McDonald, C.F. “Gas-Cooled Reactor Opportunities in the 21st Century” 27th IECE Conference San Diego, Ca August 1992
- Schleicher, R.W. “Modular HTGR Gas Turbine” 27h IECE Conference San Diego, Ca August 1992
- Yan, X. Lidsky, L.M. “MGR-GTI; An Indirect Closed Cycle MGR Gas Turbine Power Plant for Near-Term Deployment” Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Ma August 1991
- Tilliette, Z.P. “Power Generation from a 770°C Heat Source by Means of a Main Steam Cycle, a Topping Closed Gas Cycle and an Ammonia Bottoming Cycle” ASME Gas Turbine Conference, Paper n o 81-GT-18 Houston, Tx March 1981
- Tilliette, Z.P. “French Activities in Gas Turbine HTGRs, Past and Present” International Workshop on Gas Turbine MHTGR Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Ma June 1991
- Tilliette, Z.P. “A Contribution to the HTGR Energy Conversion Issue” 26th IECE Conference, Paper n o 910083 Boston, Ma August 1991
- Tilliette, Z.P. “Combined, Closed Gas Cycles for Terrestrial, Marine and Space Nuclear Power Systems” 37th ASME International Gas Turbine and Aeroengine Congress and Exposition Cologne, Germany June 1992
- Kinney, C.A. et al. “Closed Cycle Gas Turbines, an ECAS Update, Part 2” 24th International ASME Gas Turbine Conference San Diego,Ca 1979
- Campbell, J. Lee, J.C. “Coal-Fired, Closed Cycle Gas Turbine Cogeneration Systems” ASME Gas Turbine Conference, Paper n o 80-GT-156 New-Orleans, La March 1980