Possibilities for Improvements in Liquid-Metal Reactors Using Liquid-Metal Magnetohydrodynamic Energy Conversion

Downward two-phase flow applications for a non-conventional heat pump

“…The corresponding theoretical thermodynamic cycle with a phase transition (solid line of Fig. 2), consists of the following transformations: an isothermobaric condensation (4)(5) in C, an isenthalpic throttling (5-1) in TV, an isothermobaric evaporation (1)(2) in E, an isobaric heating (2-3) inside the carrier fluid in correspondence of M, an isothermal compression (3)(4) inside the downward vertical column T -PD. It is worth noting that the 'extreme pressures' (i.e., the maximum p max and the minimum p min ) correspond to condensation and evaporation pressures, respectively and consequently they are in a bi-univocal relation with the maximum ðT max Þ and the minimum ðT min Þ temperatures of the cycle.…”

“…Due to the energetic crises of 1970s, only the second point was thoroughly developed [2]: following this investigation, a thermogravimetric pilot plant was built in the geothermal power station of Larderello Val di Cecina [Tuscany, Italy], with some financial support from the European Unit (at that time called the EEC: European Economic Community) and with the technical co-operation of CISE (Italian Centre for Studies and Experiments) [3]. In the subsequent years (in the late 1980s) other researchers investigated a thermodynamic converter quite similar to the thermogravimetric system and called OMACON (Optimized MAgnetohydrodynamic CONversion) [4][5][6]. Such system would operate as a topper of a Rankine cycle at high temperature in nuclear plants using a magnetohydrodynamic converter as seen in Ref.…”

Status of Research and Development of the Lead-Alloy-Cooled Fast Reactor

“…However, the low vapor pressure of Pb and Pb-Bi and their inertness offer the possibility to increase the working fluid temperature (for a given core outlet temperature) and plant efficiency, while simultaneously reducing the plant complexity and cost by employing direct-contact heat transfer systems. [31][32][33][34][35][36][37] This option is thought to be feasible for both water/steam and helium working fluids. Such a heat exchanger can also function as a gas-lift pumping device.…”

“…Led by Branover, Tsirlin, and co-workers, [31][32][33][34][35]89) Table 1 Summary of KALLA lead/lead-bismuth experiments phase flows of heavy liquid metals with volatile water/steam. These recent studies are being conducted in support of novel, high-efficiency energy conversion systems.…”

Idaho National Laboratory Lead or Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) Test Facility - R&D Requirements, Design Criteria, Design Concept, and Concept Guidance

“…Led by Branover, Tsirlin, and co-workers, [23][24][25][26][27][28] the institution is now investigating two-phase flows of heavy liquid metals with volatile water/steam. These recent studies are being conducted in support of novel, high-efficiency energy conversion systems.…”