skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Helium turbomachine design for GT-MHR power plant

Conference ·
OSTI ID:10187336
 [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. General Atomics, San Diego, CA (United States)
  2. General Electric Co., Cincinnati, OH (United States). Aircraft Engines
  3. General Electric Co., Schenectady, NY (United States)

The power conversion system in the gas turbine modular helium reactor (GT-MHR) power plant is based on a highly recuperated closed Brayton cycle. The major component in the direct cycle system is a helium closed-cycle gas turbine rated at 286 MW(e). The rotating group consists of an intercooled helium turbocompressor coupled to a synchronous generator. The vertical rotating assembly is installed in a steel vessel, together with the other major components (i.e., recuperator, precooler, intercooler, and connecting ducts and support structures). The rotor is supported on an active magnetic bearing system. The turbine operates directly on the reactor helium coolant, and with a temperature of 850{degree}C (1562{degree}F) the plant efficiency is over 47%. This paper addresses the design and development planning of the helium turbomachine, and emphasizes that with the utilization of proven technology, this second generation nuclear power plant could be in service in the first decade of the 21st century.

Research Organization:
General Atomics, San Diego, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-89SF17885
OSTI ID:
10187336
Report Number(s):
GA-A-21720; CONF-941007-1; ON: DE95000722; BR: 35AF20101/35AF20102
Resource Relation:
Conference: 1994 international joint power generation conference,Phoenix, AZ (United States),2-6 Oct 1994; Other Information: PBD: Jul 1994
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English