Small-Scale Well-Proven Inherently Safe Nuclear Power Conversion

2004 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 329-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. K. Crommelin
Keyword(s):  
Heat Source ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Conversion ◽  
Combined Heat And Power ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Nuclear Heat ◽  
Intermediate Heat Exchanger ◽  
The Moment

Over the last few years a number of papers have discussed the progress on studies and thoughts on small-scale nuclear power, especially nuclear power conversion systems aiming at the nonutility markets, such as the stand-alone heat generation, combined heat and power production, stand-alone electricity conversion, and ship propulsion. The design of these installations must fully comply with the philosophies as are common in these markets, where the expression “the engine is a means to an end” applies. So design to cost, design to be operated by non professional energy producers, to be managed by a pool-management system, maintained, repaired and overhauled by replacement, etc. The paper will discuss such a design. So far all papers mentioned have discussed the gas turbine directly coupled to the heat source. However, the helium turbine is considered quite a challenge for the gas turbine industry, so alternatives had to be found. At the moment the possibilities of gas turbines with an indirect heat source (to burn refuse, wood, refinery waste, etc.) are getting much more attention. The paper therefore will discuss how an inherently safe, well proven, nuclear heat source can be coupled by an intermediate heat exchanger to a recuperative, existing but adapted gas turbine.

Small-Scale Well-Proven Inherently Safe Nuclear Power Conversion

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. K. Crommelin
Keyword(s):  
Heat Source ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Conversion ◽  
Power Production ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Nuclear Heat ◽  
Intermediate Heat Exchanger ◽  
The Moment

Over the last few years a number of papers have discussed the progress on studies and thoughts on small-scale nuclear power. Nuclear power conversion systems aiming for the t of the non-utility markets, such as the stand-alone heat generation, Combined Heat & Power production, stand-alone electricity conversion and ship propulsion. The design of these installations must fully comply with the philosophies as are common in these markets, where the expression “the engine is a means to an end” applies. So design to cost, design to be operated by non professional energy producers, to be managed by a pool-management system, maintained, repaired and overhauled by replacement, etc. The paper will discuss such a design. So far all papers mentioned have discussed the gas turbine directly coupled to the heat source. However the helium turbine is considered quite a challenge for the gas turbine industry, so alternatives had to be found. At the moment the possibilities of gas turbines with an indirect heat source (to burn refuse, wood, refinery waste, etc.) are getting much more attention. The paper therefore will discuss how an inherently safe, well proven, nuclear heat source can be coupled by an Intermediate Heat Exchanger to a recuperative, existing but adapted gas turbine.

Inherently Safe Nuclear Power Generation With Electrically Coupled Compressor and Turbo Expander(s)

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulian A. K. Crommelin ◽  
Walter F. Crommelin
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Heat Source ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Nuclear Power Generation ◽  
Small Current ◽  
Nuclear Heat ◽  
Open Cycle

Gas turbines in combination with a nuclear heat source have been subject for study for some years. This paper is a logical follow up on previous papers regarding small scale nuclear power generation using gas turbines with a well-proven, inherently safe nuclear heat source. In the Netherlands the NEREUS project has been working on this concept since 1993. The acronym NEREUS describes very well the goals of this project. (Ref 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). NEREUS stands for: a Natural safe, Efficient, Reactor, Easy to operate, Ultimately simple and Small. Current studies focus on the gas turbine part of the installation. After three years of studying the possibilities of the closed cycle helium gas turbine, the NEREUS project returned in 2000 to its original thought of using an existing open-cycle gas turbine or components of such an engine, as energy conversion unit. The paper starts with an introduction on why nuclear power should get more attention, basically explaining “the reasons why” of the NEREUS project. Secondly the paper gives an overview of the main characteristics of the nuclear heat source. Thirdly the paper will discuss the current study to determine the specifications of an open-cycle gas turbine for the NEREUS installation. Attention is given to the way such an open-cycle gas turbine can be controlled. The nuclear heat source is controlled by the laws of physics and it is not recommended to intervene under any circumstances with this very important safety feature.

Nuclear Desalination the Small and Peaceful Way

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulian A. K. Crommelin ◽  
Walter F. Crommelin
Keyword(s):  
Heat Source ◽  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Fresh Water ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Water Production ◽  
Nuclear Heat ◽  
Maintenance Cycle

This study is about a much discussed and recommended application of a nuclear gas turbine and was undertaken at the request of many visitors to the Nuclear Gas Turbine stand at the ASME IGTI 2002 in Amsterdam. Apparently, the specifications of the NEREUS plant led their thoughts to small-scale energy production combined with fresh water production. This thought fits well into the basic idea that: Energy equals Electricity, Heat and Fresh Water. The NEREUS project is a non-profit organisation seeking to expand the use of Small Scale Nuclear Power Generation. This paper discusses the possibilities to produce fresh water with a NEREUS inherently safe nuclear power plant. The acronym NEREUS describes very well the goals of this project and stands for: A Natural safe, Efficient, Reactor, Easy to operate, Ultimately simple and Small. Fresh water can be produced using any fossil fuelled energy conversion unit, but this study works out how the advantages of a gas turbine in combination with an inherently safe and well-proven nuclear heat source combines the advantages of a gas turbine with the logistic advantages of nuclear power. The paper starts with an introduction on why the energy conversion branch should pay more attention to fresh water production. Secondly the paper gives an overview of the main characteristics of the nuclear heat source. Thirdly the paper briefly explains the most common methods used for fresh water produced. Finally the paper will discuss the conclusion of this study, which was: The ENERGY demand of 27648 people can be fully and affordably satisfied in both quantity and quality, with a well-proven, inherently safe, self controlling nuclear pebble-bed 20 MWth reactor. Such a reactor is suitable for unmanned operation with a three year refuelling and maintenance cycle, and with the dimensions of 10 × 10 × 10 meters.

Nuclear Gas Turbines: Small-Scale Inherently Safe, Well-Proven Nuclear Power

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. van Dam ◽  
T. H. J. J. van der Hagen
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Heat Production ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Combined Heat And Power ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Prime Mover

The paper discusses uranium as a new fuel for gas turbines used as energy conversion installations for the markets of: stand-alone heat production, combined heat and power generation, stand-alone electricity production and as prime mover on board ships. This development is a logical step in a historical trend in energy conversion. The paper discusses the availability of the fuel, uranium and the construction of the fuel which makes this combination of gas turbine and uranium suitable for the non-utility markets.

Modeling and Analysis of Power Conversion System for High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor With Cogeneration

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Afrazeh ◽  
Hiwa Khaledi ◽  
Mohammad Bagher Ghofrani
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Heat Source ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Power Conversion ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Closed Cycle ◽  
Nuclear Heat ◽  
Conversion System ◽  
High Temperature Gas

A gas turbine in combination with a nuclear heat source has been subject of study for some years. This paper describes the advantages of a gas turbine combined with an inherently safe and well-proven nuclear heat source. The design of the power conversion system is based on a regenerative, non-intercooled, closed, direct Brayton cycle with high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR), as heat source and helium gas as the working fluid. The plant produces electricity and hot water for district heating (DH). Variation of specific heat, enthalpy and entropy of working fluid with pressure and temperature are included in this model. Advanced blade cooling technology is used in order to allow for a high turbine inlet temperature. The paper starts with an overview of the main characteristics of the nuclear heat source, Then presents a study to determine the specifications of a closed-cycle gas turbine for the HTGR installation. Attention is given to the way such a closed-cycle gas turbine can be modeled. Subsequently the sensitivity of the efficiency to several design choices is investigated. This model is developed in Fortran.

Power Conversion System (PCS) Options for Generation IV Nuclear Plant

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Persson ◽  
Anthony J. Donaldson
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Power Conversion ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Outlet Temperature ◽  
Commercial Plant ◽  
Intermediate Heat Exchanger ◽  
Near Term ◽  
Electro Magnetic ◽  
Direct Cycle

The next stage of Generation IV High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) is currently under development for production of electricity and process heat. High outlet temperature of the helium coolant makes it possible to use gas turbines in future power conversion systems. This paper compares the costs and risks of various direct and indirect power conversion systems to evaluate the best commercial electricity generation option. It concludes that, although a direct cycle was predicted to be more efficient, a significant cost and risk reduction will be achieved for an indirect cycle for the near term commercial electricity generating plant. The indirect Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) cycle offers excellent efficiency, together with lowest risk and cost for the near term commercial plant. This combines a gas turbine of low-risk design with a current technology steam system. However, the intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) represents a major development item and also introduces some major risks. The implications of the IHX risks have not been fully assessed. In the longer term, when development of high risk and high cost components such as electro-magnetic bearings are more mature, a direct cycle may merit reconsideration on the grounds of elegance and simplicity, in particular a direct Brayton cycle.

scholarly journals Gas Turbine Power Plant Possibilities With a Nuclear Heat Source: Closed and Open Cycles

1990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin F. McDonald
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Power Plant ◽  
Heat Source ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Closed Cycle ◽  
Cycle System ◽  
Nuclear Heat ◽  
High Temperature Gas

With the capability of burning a variety of fossil fuels, giving high thermal efficiency, and operating with low emissions, the gas turbine is becoming a major prime-mover for a wide spectrum of applications. Almost three decades ago two experimental projects were undertaken in which gas turbines were actually operated with heat from nuclear reactors. In retrospect, these systems were ahead of their time in terms of technology readiness, and prospects of the practical coupling of a gas turbine with a nuclear heat source towards the realization of a high efficiency, pollutant free, dry-cooled power plant has remained a long-term goal, which has been periodically studied in the last twenty years. Technology advancements in both high temperature gas-cooled reactors, and gas turbines now make the concept of a nuclear gas turbine plant realizable. Two possible plant concepts are highlighted in this paper, (1) a direct cycle system involving the integration of a closed-cycle helium gas turbine with a modular high temperature gas cooled reactor (MHTGR), and (2) the utilization of a conventional and proven combined cycle gas turbine, again with the MHTGR, but now involving the use of secondary (helium) and tertiary (air) loops. The open cycle system is more equipment intensive and places demanding requirements on the very high temperature heat exchangers, but has the merit of being able to utilize a conventional combined cycle turbo-generator set. In this paper both power plant concepts are put into perspective in terms of categorizing the most suitable applications, highlighting their major features and characteristics, and identifying the technology requirements. The author would like to dedicate this paper to the late Professor Karl Bammert who actively supported deployment of the closed-cycle gas turbine for several decades with a variety of heat sources including fossil, solar, and nuclear systems.

A Nuclear Gas Turbine as Propulsion Unit for a Merchantman

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulian A. K. Crommelin ◽  
Walter F. Crommelin
Keyword(s):  
Heat Source ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Nuclear Plant ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Nuclear Heat ◽  
Energy Plant ◽  
Nuclear Propulsion ◽  
Logistic Support ◽  
Propulsion Unit

The paper will discuss a study reflecting the changes in design and exploitation of an existing standard merchantman when the existing diesel propulsion plant is replaced by a gas turbine using a well-proven and inherently safe nuclear heat source. Subjects which will be discussed are: 1. why this study was done, 2. the NEREUS propulsion installation which is considered for this “replacement”, 3. the nuclear part and the non-nuclear part of the NEREUS installation, 4a. safety matters regarding the small-scale nuclear plant, 4b. safety matters regarding the nuclear propulsion plant (the maritime version), 5. fuel availability, 6. place of the nuclear propulsion plant in the ship in view of the weight, 7. required and no longer required auxiliary installations for the nuclear energy plant, 8. restrictions for ship operations, 9. manoeuvring, exploitation and manning of the ship, 10. logistic support of the installation.

scholarly journals The Indirect Cycle: A Logical and Practical Nuclear Gas Turbine Power Plant Concept

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin F. McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
High Temperature ◽  
Power Plant ◽  
Heat Source ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Power Conversion ◽  
Development Effort ◽  
Nuclear Heat ◽  
Helium Gas ◽  
Conversion System

Many variants of the nuclear closed Brayton cycle (NCBC) power plant have been studied over the last five decades, the ultimate goal being the introduction of a high efficiency and environmentally acceptable plant for electrical power generation. With an indirect cycle (IDC) plant the thermal energy from a high temperature reactor (HTR) is transferred to the helium gas turbine power conversion system via an intermediate heat exchanger. Compared with previous direct cycle variants the decoupling of the prime-mover from the reactor has the following advantages, 1) configuration flexibility (eased congestion), 2) good component access, 3) non radioactive power conversion system, 4) ease of maintenance, 5) use of conventional equipment, 6) reduced development effort, and 7) eased adaptability to a fossil-fired source. In addition to being a more practical configuration, a major attribute for the IDC is that it is compatible with long-term plans for development of a high temperature nuclear heat source (NHS) currently underway in Japan. With a NHS in place a logical progression of the HTR would be to deploy a power generation version using an IDC helium gas turbine. This paper sheds new light on the nuclear gas turbine in that it is no longer at the forefront of gas cooled reactor application studies, but rather could be a beneficiary of work currently underway in Japan to develop a nuclear heat source for high temperature process heat. The performance and major features of a future NCBC plant concept are highlighted in this paper. Depending on the market forces prevailing in Asia for small nuclear plants, the NCBC with an indirect cycle helium gas turbine could be available for service around the year 2020.

Study on the Parameters Influencing Efficiency of Micro-Gas Turbines: A Review

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samarth Jain ◽  
Soumya Roy ◽  
Abhishek Aggarwal ◽  
Dhruv Gupta ◽  
Vasu Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Combined Heat And Power ◽  
Lubricating Oil ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Continuous Change ◽  
The Future ◽  
Power Generation Systems

The art and science of gas turbine has traditionally seen a gradual and continuous change over the past few decades. Gas turbines are classified into impulse and reaction types and further into turbojet, turbofan, turboprop, after burning turbojet and micro gas turbine. These turbines find applications in airplanes, large scale industries etc. but these are less suitable for the small scale power generation units due to several factors. Micro gas turbines are set to play a significant role particularly in small-scale power generation using combined heat and power generation among all these types of turbines as the future of power generation lies in decentralised and distributed power generation systems. In the light of making use of the high temperature exhaust of a gas turbine, combined heat and power generation systems are being used to increase the power output and overall efficiency. Micro gas turbines are essentially single-stage, single-shaft and low pressure gas turbines whose capacity ranges from 30–150 KW. In comparison to the conventional turbines, micro gas turbines are compact and have low lubricating oil consumption leading to a simpler lube and sump oil system and because they have fewer rotating parts, this leads to lesser balancing problems. The analysis of micro gas turbines has shown that they are capable of meeting current emission standards of NOx and other pollutants. Even though the installation costs of micro gas turbines are high due to the complexity in adjusting to electrical grid frequency, still these distributed energy systems may prove to be more attractive in a competitive market to those seeking increased reliability as they empower these entities with the capacity of self-generation. The following text reviews the developments in the micro gas turbines with a special focus on the efficiency of its components such as the recuperator, the combustion chamber design and also explores the future prospects of the technology in terms of viability of its application in the automobile sector.

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