ADVANCED INDIRECT CYCLE WATER REACTOR STUDIES FOR MARITIME APPLICATIONS. PART I. COST ANALYSIS AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
The competitive position of nuclear energy as a source of commercial propulsive power was determined within the economic framework of 43,000 DWT class, American-built tankers. The current status of indirect-cycle, water reactor plants was assessed by comparing estimated costs for two presently attainable, second-of-a-kind nuclear ships with the cost of a conventional tanker powered by an oilfired marine boiler. The two nuclear systems differ in that one utilizes latent heat instead of sensible heat for superheating and is more compact. The short-range and longer-range potentials for this application of nuclear energy were assessed by predicting the effect of evolutionary deveIopments and the influence of full industrial participation. The evaluations of both the current and future status were made by computing annual operating costs for two trade routes-- a long voyage to Kuwait on the Persian Gulf from the U. S. East Coast and a shorter trip along the U. S. East Coast. It was concluded that a competitive nuclear tanker can be constructed in the foreseeable future if emphasis is given to developing the proper present day concepts. A research and development program outlining the key areas for future work was formulated. It was recommended that this program be conducted before pursuing a cooperative ship building program with the maritime industry. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Combustion Engineering, Inc. Nuclear Div., Windsor, Conn.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(30-1)-2709
- NSA Number:
- NSA-16-024971
- OSTI ID:
- 4817388
- Report Number(s):
- CEND-150(Pt.I); NYO-9949(Pt.I)
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-62
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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