A STUDY OF THERMOELECTRIC DIRECT-CONVERSION NUCLEAR REACTORS

Abstract

For light-water moderated reactors using thermoelectric direct-conversion nuclear fuel elements, this study demonstrated that: (1) the reactor using PbTe can be made critical with less than 20% U235 enrichment; (2) a prompt negative temperature coefficient of reactivity must be present in the fuel for safe operation; (3) a cylindrical UO2-PbTe element will withstand operating thermal stresses if properly designed; (4) the element can be fabricated, but at considerable cost; (5) the thermal power density must be considerably reduced upon introduction of the thermoelectric between the fuel and coolant; and (6) the most promising thermal cycle is provided by natural circulation. These results do not rule out feasibility. At present efficiencies, however, the utility of this reactor concept must rest primarily on its ability to provide silent mobile power regardless of other performance characteristics.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1961
Accession Number
AD0267442

Entities

People

  • R.a. Chapman
  • W.r. Clendinning

Organizations

  • Texas Instruments

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Coefficients
  • Conversion
  • Efficiency
  • Nuclear Fuels
  • Nuclear Reactors
  • Reactivities
  • Stresses
  • Temperature Coefficient Of Reactivity
  • Temperature Coefficients
  • Thermal Stresses

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.