Thermodynamic analysis of high temperature nuclear reactor coupled with advanced gas turbine combined cycle

Abstract

One of the most advanced and most effective technology for electricity generation nowadays based on a gas turbine combined cycle. This technology uses natural gas, synthesis gas from the coal gasification or crude oil processing products as the energy carriers but at the same time, gas turbine combined cycle emits SO 2 , NO x , and CO 2 to the environment. In this paper, a thermodynamic analysis of environmentally friendly, high temperature gas nuclear reactor system coupled with gas turbine combined cycle technology has been investigated. The analysed system is one of the most advanced concepts and allows us to produce electricity with the higher thermal efficiency than could be offered by any currently existing nuclear power plant technology. The results show that it is possible to achieve thermal efficiency higher than 50% what is not only more than could be produced by any modern nuclear plant but it is also more than could be offered by traditional (coal or lignite) power plant.

Thermodynamic analysis of a gas turbine combined cycle integration with a high-temperature nuclear reactor

“…At present approximately 50% of Europe's electricity production is greenhouse gas emissions free and the aim is to have more than 80% by 2050. Nuclear power plants possess about 15% of this production [2][3][4] and the European transition is similar to global ones proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report [1]. Besides renewable energy systems which supply with success energy systems in many countries, at present, the most effective technology for stable electricity generation is based on a gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC).…”

“…The calculations were made using Ebsilon software. The detailed information about all used system components and governing equations can be found in other authors research studies [4,6,16]. In the presented system, the Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) is a key system component and any modification in this component affects significantly the efficiency of the steam turbine loop and the overall system efficiency.…”

“…The heat flux supplied in the primary circuit is: specific enthalpy at the inlet to/outlet from the heat exchanger hot side. The heat flux received in the second circuit: mass flow rate,4…”

Archives of Thermodynamics

“…Following equations are used in a mathematical model of the modular hightemperature nuclear reactor coupled with the power generation steam cycle. The calculations were made using Ebsilon software, and the details about computer modelling and additional model equations for components of the high-temperature nuclear reactor coupled with the gas turbine combined cycle can be found in other works [28,29].…”

Thermodynamic Analysis of Advanced Gas Turbine Combined Cycle Integration with a High-Temperature Nuclear Reactor and Cogeneration Unit

“…HTR technology [24,25] provides access to the energy conversion with performance higher than offered by classical available today's nuclear technology and fully resolves the issue of safety. For this reason, HTR can be considered to be an ideal solution not only for the power generation sector but also for the industry sector, as well as for district heating purposes [26][27][28]. A new generation of high-temperature reactors is the most innovative solution among all available nuclear technologies.…”