Reactor and MHD System Study.
Abstract
This report presents the results of the Reactor and MHD Systems Study. A preliminary review of advanced nuclear reactor technologies was performed; the gas-cooled (solid core) reactor and the liquid metal cooled reactor appear to have the greatest potential for application during the 1980-1990 time period specified for this study. Preliminary weight and size estimates on the basis of projected technologies for application with a reference liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) energy conversion system indicated a directly coupled gas cooled reactor (including shield and containment vessel) would weigh 833,000 pounds (416 tons) and have a maximum diameter of 17 ft., whereas an indirectly coupled (intermediate heat exchanger) liquid metal reactor would weigh 1,030,000 pounds (515 tons) and have a maximum diameter of 21 ft. These estimates are based on a reactor producing 1000 MW(t) power having a lifetime of 18,000 hours. The gas cooled reactor was selected as representative of advanced reactor concepts. Direct coupling of the gas-cooled reactor to a two-phase liquid metal MHD device appears feasible; an overall cycle efficiency of 37% was calculated for a helium cooled reactor coupled to an MHD duct using lithium as the working fluid - a reactor subsystem weight of 1.3 million pounds (635 tons) was calculated (for a 1000 MW(t), 18,000 hr. reactor). Alternate MHD working fluids were considered during the study. Recommendations for future studies are identified including more extensive evaluations of both gas-cooled and liquid metal cooled reactor concepts. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0912744
Entities
People
- Anya R. Jones
- D. L. Black
- J. P. Hanson
- N. J. Bifano
- R. L. Eichinger