HTGR Knowledge Base

Conference Article: Performance Review: PBMR Closed Cycle Gas Trubine Power Plant

K.N.Pradeep. Kumar, Eskom PBMR, Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa A. Tourlidakis and P. Pilidis, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, UK

Abstract

Helium is considered as one of the ideal working fluid for closed cycle using nuclear heat source due to its low neutron absorption as well as high thermodynamic properties. The commercial viability of the Helium turbo machinery depends on operational success. The past attempts failed due to poor performances manifested in the form of drop in efficiency, inability to reach maximum load, slow response to the transients etc. Radical changes in the basic design were suggested in some instances as possible solutions. A better understanding of the operational performance is necessary for the detailed design of the plant and the control systems.
This paper describes the theory behind the off design and transient modelling of a closed cycle gas turbine plant. A computer simulation model has been created specifically for this cycle. The mode has been tested for various turbine entry temperatures along the steady state and its replications at various locations were observed. The paper also looks at the various control methods available for a closed cycle and some of the options were simulated.

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key words: Gas Cooled Reactor, Nuclear Technology
Reference:
IAEA Technical Committee Meeting on “Gas Turbine Power Conversion Systems for Modular HTGRs”, held from 14-16 November 2000 in Palo Alto, California
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria). Technical Working Group on Gas-Cooled Reactors
IAEA-TECDOC--1238, pp:102-113