Compact reactor/ORC power source
Conference
·
OSTI ID:5579313
A compact power source that combines an organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) electric generator with a nuclear reactor heat source is being designed and fabricated. Incorporating existing ORC technology with proven reactor technology, the compact reactor/ORC power source offers high reliability while minimizing the need for component development. Thermal power at 125 kWt is removed from the coated particle fueled, graphite moderated reactor by heat pipes operating at 500/sup 0/C. Outside the reactor vessel and connected to the heat pipes are vaporizers in which the toluene ORC working fluid is heated to 370/sup 0/C. In the turbine-alternator-pump (TAP) combined-rotating unit, the thermal energy of the toluene is converted to 25 kWe of electric power. Lumped parameter systems analyses combined with a finite element thermal analysis have aided in the power source design. The analyses have provided assurance of reliable multiyear normal operation as well as full power operation with upset conditions, such as failed heat pipes and inoperative ORC vaporizers. Because of inherent high reliability, long life, and insensitivity to upset conditions, this power source is especially suited for use in remote, inaccessible locations where fuel delivery and maintenance costs are high. 10 refs.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 5579313
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR-86-1643; CONF-860810-7; ON: DE86011252
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220200* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Components & Accessories
42 ENGINEERING
425002 -- Engineering-- Power Cycles-- Rankine-- (1980-)
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
HEAT PIPES
HEAT SOURCES
HIGH TEMPERATURE
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
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RANKINE CYCLE
RELIABILITY
SIZE
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220200* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Components & Accessories
42 ENGINEERING
425002 -- Engineering-- Power Cycles-- Rankine-- (1980-)
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
HEAT PIPES
HEAT SOURCES
HIGH TEMPERATURE
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
POWER PLANTS
RANKINE CYCLE
RELIABILITY
SIZE
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES