Conceptual Design of a Small HTGR for Total Energy Applications at Military Installations.

Abstract

A conceptual design for a small HTGR in the 100 MWe size range is described. The reactor drives indirect closed-cycle gas turbine power conversion units using helium as the working fluid and provides both electricity and thermal energy (via a 380 F hot-water utility system) to serve the projected needs of large US Army installations and industrial facilities in the continental US in the post-1985 time frame. The overall system design combines many of the proven features of the Peachbottom I reactor, the Fort St. Vrain HTGR core, and Oberhausen II turbomachinery. The major unique feature is the use of an indirect power cycle, with helium-to-helium intermediate heat exchangers. Cost estimates are summarized which indicate the ability of the gas turbine cycle to discharge waste heat at a useful temperature gives the HTGR/GT system a significant advantage over nuclear and fossil-fired Rankine systems even though it is inferior to LWR systems on an electric-only basis. The fossil-fired-gas-turbine total-energy concept is identified as its major competitor for the present application.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1975
Accession Number
ADA029457

Entities

People

  • J. I. Shin
  • M. J. Driscoll

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Conversion
  • Cost Estimates
  • Costs
  • Electricity
  • Energy Generators
  • Energy Systems
  • Fluids
  • Gas Turbines
  • Gases
  • Generators
  • Heat Exchangers
  • Hot Water
  • Mechanical Equipment
  • Turbines
  • Turbomachinery

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Engineering.
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis