Novel, Integrated Reactor / Power Conversion System (LMR-AMTEC)

Abstract

The main features of this project were the development of a long life (up to 10 years) Liquid Metal Reactor (LMR) and a static conversion subsystem comprising an Alkali Metal Thermal-to-Electric (AMTEC) topping cycle and a ThermoElectric (TE) Bottom cycle. Various coupling options of the LMR with the energy conversion subsystem were explored and, base in the performances found in this analysis, an Indirect Coupling (IC) between the LMR and the AMTEC/TE converters with Alkali Metal Boilers (AMB) was chosen as the reference design. The performance model of the fully integrated sodium-and potassium-AMTEC/TE converters shows that a combined conversion efficiency in excess of 30% could be achieved by the plant. [ This page intentionally blank ] 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe overall objectives of this project were to assess the feasibility, develop a conceptual plant layout and engineering solutions, and determine a range of potential applications for a Novel Integrated Reactor/Energy Conversion System. The goal was to design a proliferation resistant, reliable and economical power supply for use by developing countries and in remote locations. The main features of this project were the development of a long life (up to 10 years) Liquid Metal Reactor (LMR) and a static conversion subsystem comprising an Alkali Metal Thermal-to-Electric (AMTEC) topping cycle and a ThermoElectric (TE) Bottom cycle. Furthermore, various coupling options of the LMR with the energy conversion subsystem were explored.The project was performed by the Westinghouse Electric Company LLC (WEC), which was responsible for the long-life sodium reactor development, the University of New Mexico's Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies (UNM-ISNPS), which was responsible for developing the AMTEC/TE energy conversion system and designing the electric converter modules, and the Institute for Engineering Research and Applications (IERA) at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, which was responsible for supporting Westinghouse's activities related t o the transport safety and waste disposal.The work performed by Westinghouse Electric Company LLC on the reactor design and coupling with the conversion modules included three major areas:1-Selection of the reference LMR-AMTEC design concept Different design options were evaluated using a plant model. An Indirect Coupling (IC) plant with Alkali Metal Boilers (AMB) (see Figure 1) was chosen as the reference design as it exhibited the best performance. The main features of the design are:• IC between the LMR and the AMTEC units: two independent loops are employed.• Sodium and potassium are used as primary and secondary coolants, respectively.• The net plant efficiency is 28.2% when the core outlet temperature is 1070 K.• The LMR core is composed of 78 fuel elements and 78 reflector elements. The fuel is (U,Pu)N and the cladding is made of the refractory alloy Nb-1Zr.• The AMBs generate the potassium vapor, which is fed into the AMTEC units. TheAMBs can operate in once-through or in recirculat...