HTR2008-58015 ROTOR SCALE MODEL TESTS FOR POWER CONVERSION UNIT OF GT-MHR

ABSTRACT A power-generating unit with the high-temperature helium reactor (GT-MHR) has a turbomachine (TM) that is intended for both conversion of coolant thermal energy into electric power in the direct gas-turbine cycle, and provision of helium circulation in the primary circuit. The vertically oriented TM is placed in the central area of the power conversion unit (PCU). TM consists of a turbocompressor (TC) and a generator. Their rotors are joined with a diaphragm coupling and supported by electro-magnetic bearings (EMB). The complexity and novelty of the task of the full electromagnetic suspension system development requires thorough stepwise experimental work, from small-scale physical models to full-scale specimen. On this purpose, the following is planned within the framework of the GT-MHR Project: investigations of the "flexible" rotor small-scale mockup with electro-magnetic bearings ("Minimockup" test facility); tests of the radial EMB; tests of the position sensors; tests of the TM rotor scale model; tests of the TM catcher bearings (CB) friction pairs; tests of the CB mockups; tests of EMB and CB pilot samples and investigation of the full-scale electromagnetic suspension system as a part of full-scale turbocompressor tests. The rotor scale model (RSM) tests aim at investigation of dynamics of rotor supported by electromagnetic bearings to validate GT-MHR turbomachine serviceability. Like the full-scale turbomachine rotor, the RSM consist of two parts: the generator rotor model and the turbocompressor rotor model that are joined with a coupling. Both flexible and rigid coupling options are tested. Each rotor is supported by one axial and two radial EMBs. The rotor is arranged vertically. The RSM rotor length is 10.54 m, and mass is 1171 kg. The designs of physical model elements, namely of the turbine, compressors, generator and exciter, are simplified and performed with account of rigid characteristics, which are identical to those of the full-scale turbomachine elements. INTRODUCTION A power-generating unit with the high-temperature helium reacto

Industrial Applications of Nuclear Energy

Background: Nuclear energy can be used for various industrial applications, such as seawater desalination, hydrogen production, district heating or cooling, the extraction of tertiary oil resources and process heat applications such as cogeneration, coal to liquids conversion and assistance in the synthesis of chemical feedstock. A large demand for nuclear energy for industrial applications is expected to grow rapidly on account of steadily increasing energy consumption, the finite availability of fossil fuels and the increased sensitivity to the environmental impacts of fossil fuel combustion. With increasing prices for conventional oil, unconventional oil resources are increasingly utilized to meet such growing demand, especially for transport. Nuclear energy offers a low carbon alternative and has important potential advantages over other sources being considered for future energy. There are no technological impediments to extracting heat and steam from a nuclear power plant. This has been proven for low temperatures (<200°C) with nuclear assisted district heating and desalination with an experience of approximately 750 reactor operation years from around 70 nuclear power plants. Detailed site specific analyses are essential for determining the best energy option. The development of small and medium sized reactors would therefore be better suited for cogeneration and would facilitate non-electric applications of nuclear energy. The possibility of large scale distribution systems for heat, steam and electricity supplied from a central nuclear heat source (e.g. a multiproduct energy centre) could attract and serve different kinds of consumers concentrated in industrial parks. Objective: This publication analyses industrial energy demand based on current practices and provides an overview of the use of nuclear energy for industrial systems and processes with a strong demand for process heat and steam and power. It describes the technical concepts for combined nuclear–industrial complexes that are being pursued in various Member States today, and it presents some of the concepts developed in the past. Scope: This publication analyses industrial energy demand based on current practices and describes requirements for nuclear process heat reactors to become suitable for industrial applications. This publication provides information on the use of nuclear power for industrial applications for stakeholders in academia, industry, government agencies and public institutions. Guidance provided here, describing good practices, represents expert opinion but does not constitute recommendations made on the basis of a consensus of Member States. Structure: Section 2 reviews current and future energy demand and use in industry. Section 3 explores the industrial applications of nuclear reactors and the requirements they have to meet. It includes descriptions of past and present nuclear process heat reactor concepts. Sections 4–8 each focus on a specific major industry — petroleum, petrochemicals, hydrogen, steel and other industries, and industrial heat applications, respectively. Section 9 concludes.JRC.G.I.4-Nuclear Reactor Safety and Emergency Preparednes

IRIS (International Reactor Innovative and Secure)

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