An evaluation of power conversion systems for land-based nuclear microreactors: Can aeroderivative engines facilitate near-term deployment?
Power conversion cycles (Subcritical Steam, Supercritical Steam, Open Air Brayton, Recuperated Air Brayton, Combined Cycle, Closed Brayton Supercritical CO2 (sCO2), and Stirling) are evaluated for landbased nuclear microreactors based on technical maturity, system efficiency, size, cost and maintainability, safety implications, and siting considerations. Based upon these criteria, Air Brayton systems were selected for further evaluation. A brief history of the development and applications of Brayton power systems is given, followed by a description of how these thermal-to-electrical energy conversion systems might be integrated with a nuclear microreactor. Modeling is performed for optimized cycles operating at 3 MW(e) with turbine inlet temperatures of 500 C, 650 C and 850 C, corresponding to: a) sodium fast, b) molten salt or heat pipe, and c) helium or sodium thermal reactors, coupled with three types of Brayton power conversion units (PCUs): 1) simple open-cycle gas turbine, 2) recuperated open-cycle gas turbine, and 3) recuperated and intercooled open-cycle gas turbine. Aeroderivative turboshaft engines employing the simple Brayton cycle and two industrial gas turbine engines employing recuperated air Brayton cycles are also analyzed. These engines offer mature technology that can facilitate near-term deployment with a modest improvement in efficiency.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC07-05-ID14517; AC07-05ID14517
- OSTI ID:
- 1825819
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1889708
- Report Number(s):
- INL/JOU-21-61423-Rev000; S1738573321005945; PII: S1738573321005945
- Journal Information:
- Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research (1989), Journal Name: Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research (1989) Vol. 54 Journal Issue: 4; ISSN 1738-5733
- Publisher:
- ElsevierCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- Saudi Arabia
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Superficial Carbon Dioxide Brayton Cycle Energy Conversion Research and Development Program
Materials, Turbomachinery and Heat Exchangers for Supercritical CO2 Systems