In the framework of the Advanced Demonstration and Test Reactor Options (ADTRO) study commissioned by the U.S. Congress and executed by the Department of Energy through prominent U.S. National Laboratories, Westinghouse Electric Company proposed a pre-conceptual design of a Demonstration Lead Fast Reactor (DLFR) intended for demonstrating feasibility and basic performance of DLFR-based technology for the ensuing commercial deployment. The proposed concept, although not representative of the LFR design that Westinghouse is currently developing, shares some of its design drivers; namely safety but especially economics, which also represent the foundation of the Westinghouse's selection of LFR as its next generation nuclear technology. The DLFR features a compact, pool-type primary system, with the main vessel containing all primary components immersed in liquid lead. The power rating is 500 MWt (210 MWe) with designed capability to facilitate power uprates (up to ∼700 MWt) once the initial demonstration mission is fulfilled. In order to shorten development time, UO2 fuel within 15-15Ti-based steel cladding (a well-vetted, commercially-proven fuel technology) is chosen for the DLFR first cores, while subsequent reloads can incorporate higher-performance fuel and cladding materials whose qualification can be completed in the DLFR. An average core outlet temperature of about 510°C, along with an 18 MPa superheated steam power conversion system, results in a net plant efficiency of approximately 42%. Such efficiency is envisioned to increase into the upper 40s in follow-on commercial plants through increased operating temperature, enhanced materials, and modifications to the power conversion cycle. An energy storage system is also considered to allow the plant to provide a variable electricity output, thereby increasing its market attractiveness by complementing electricity generation from non-dispatchable sources.
Westinghouse demonstration lead fast reactor in the context of the U.S. DOE advanced demonstration and test reactor options study
Grasso, G.
2017-01-01
Abstract
In the framework of the Advanced Demonstration and Test Reactor Options (ADTRO) study commissioned by the U.S. Congress and executed by the Department of Energy through prominent U.S. National Laboratories, Westinghouse Electric Company proposed a pre-conceptual design of a Demonstration Lead Fast Reactor (DLFR) intended for demonstrating feasibility and basic performance of DLFR-based technology for the ensuing commercial deployment. The proposed concept, although not representative of the LFR design that Westinghouse is currently developing, shares some of its design drivers; namely safety but especially economics, which also represent the foundation of the Westinghouse's selection of LFR as its next generation nuclear technology. The DLFR features a compact, pool-type primary system, with the main vessel containing all primary components immersed in liquid lead. The power rating is 500 MWt (210 MWe) with designed capability to facilitate power uprates (up to ∼700 MWt) once the initial demonstration mission is fulfilled. In order to shorten development time, UO2 fuel within 15-15Ti-based steel cladding (a well-vetted, commercially-proven fuel technology) is chosen for the DLFR first cores, while subsequent reloads can incorporate higher-performance fuel and cladding materials whose qualification can be completed in the DLFR. An average core outlet temperature of about 510°C, along with an 18 MPa superheated steam power conversion system, results in a net plant efficiency of approximately 42%. Such efficiency is envisioned to increase into the upper 40s in follow-on commercial plants through increased operating temperature, enhanced materials, and modifications to the power conversion cycle. An energy storage system is also considered to allow the plant to provide a variable electricity output, thereby increasing its market attractiveness by complementing electricity generation from non-dispatchable sources.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.