The Very High Temperature Reactor
The High Temperature Reactor (HTR) and Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) are types of nuclear power plants that, as the names imply, operate at temperatures above those of the conventional nuclear power plants that currently generate electricity in the US and other countries. Like existing nuclear plants, heat generated from the fission of uranium or plutonium atoms is carried off by a working fluid and can be used generate electricity. The very hot working fluid also enables the VHTR to drive other industrial processes that require high temperatures not achievable by conventional nuclear plants (Figure 1). For this reason, the VHTR is being considered for non-electrical energy applications. The reactor and power conversion system are constructed using special materials that make a core meltdown virtually impossible.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE - NE
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC07-05ID14517
- OSTI ID:
- 1027878
- Report Number(s):
- INL/JOU-10-17588; TRN: US1105288
- Journal Information:
- Nuclear Energy Encyclopedia: Science, Technology, and Applications, Vol. Chapter 26
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Baseline Concept Description of a Small Modular High Temperature Reactor
Baseline Concept Description of a Small Modular High Temperature Reactor