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Towards a 50% efficient nuclear power plant

Abstract

The unique high temperature nuclear heat source the modular high temperature reactor (MHTGR) is should make it possible to associate the nuclear energy and an efficient heat conversion means, following the example of present successful, fossil-fired combined cycle power plants. In order to reach this goal, a topping closed gas cycle is proposed, but only in combination with a bottoming steam cycle, for the investigated applications. The adopted reactor outlet temperature is 900 deg C. Results are given for four examples which have been thoroughly evaluated but are not yet final, optimal versions. Two of them are direct He cycle concepts which afford net plant efficiencies of 47.2 and 47.5 per cent. The aspects of arrangement simplification and primary circuit concerns are discussed. Two other cases feature an indirect topping gas cycle either a single expansion one or a reheat one. Owing to a greater cycle adaptation flexibility, net plant efficiencies of 48.3 and 50.4 per cent respectively are obtained. Temperature profiles, plant diagrams, main parameters values and primary circuit arrangements are presented. By comparison with most of the nuclear reactors currently in operation, for a same power output, 35 per cent less uranium fuel can be burnt. 35 per  More>>
Authors:
Publication Date:
Dec 31, 1992
Product Type:
Conference
Report Number:
CEA-CONF-11133; CONF-920801-
Reference Number:
SCA: 210300; PA: AIX-24:027290; SN: 93000951275
Resource Relation:
Conference: 27. intersociety energy conversion engineering conference,San Diego, CA (United States),3-7 Aug 1992; Other Information: PBD: 1992
Subject:
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS; HTGR TYPE REACTORS; EFFICIENCY; CEA; DIRECT CYCLE COOLING SYSTEMS; HELIUM; STEAM GENERATORS; 210300; POWER REACTORS, NONBREEDING, GRAPHITE MODERATED
OSTI ID:
10129516
Research Organizations:
CEA Centre d`Etudes de Saclay, 91 - Gif-sur-Yvette (France). Dept. de Mecanique et de Technologie
Country of Origin:
France
Language:
English
Other Identifying Numbers:
Other: ON: DE93618494; TRN: FR9300460027290
Availability:
OSTI; NTIS (US Sales Only); INIS
Submitting Site:
FRN
Size:
[10] p.
Announcement Date:
Mar 20, 1993

Citation Formats

Tilliette, Z P. Towards a 50% efficient nuclear power plant. France: N. p., 1992. Web.
Tilliette, Z P. Towards a 50% efficient nuclear power plant. France.
Tilliette, Z P. 1992. "Towards a 50% efficient nuclear power plant." France.
@misc{etde_10129516,
title = {Towards a 50% efficient nuclear power plant}
author = {Tilliette, Z P}
abstractNote = {The unique high temperature nuclear heat source the modular high temperature reactor (MHTGR) is should make it possible to associate the nuclear energy and an efficient heat conversion means, following the example of present successful, fossil-fired combined cycle power plants. In order to reach this goal, a topping closed gas cycle is proposed, but only in combination with a bottoming steam cycle, for the investigated applications. The adopted reactor outlet temperature is 900 deg C. Results are given for four examples which have been thoroughly evaluated but are not yet final, optimal versions. Two of them are direct He cycle concepts which afford net plant efficiencies of 47.2 and 47.5 per cent. The aspects of arrangement simplification and primary circuit concerns are discussed. Two other cases feature an indirect topping gas cycle either a single expansion one or a reheat one. Owing to a greater cycle adaptation flexibility, net plant efficiencies of 48.3 and 50.4 per cent respectively are obtained. Temperature profiles, plant diagrams, main parameters values and primary circuit arrangements are presented. By comparison with most of the nuclear reactors currently in operation, for a same power output, 35 per cent less uranium fuel can be burnt. 35 per cent less fission products and radioactive wastes can be produced and 50 per cent less waste heat can be rejected.}
place = {France}
year = {1992}
month = {Dec}
}