International Collaboration on Development of the Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Brayton Cycle for Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactors under the Generation IV International Forum Component Design and Balance of Plant Project

摘要

In the investigation of innovations for Sodium Fast Reactors, one challenging aspect would be the elimination of the sodium /water reaction that could occur with the steam Rankine cycle. One way to eliminate this event would be to replace water with another fluid and, therefore, consider another energy conversion system cycle. One condition for this replacement would be to retain at least the same efficiency as the Rankine cycle. Today this innovative option is not unique and others are also under consideration (such as innovative and reliable enhanced steam generators). The S-CO_2 Brayton cycle is considered as the unique solution in terms of Brayton cycles that could keep at least the same (or better) efficiency compared to the SFR/Rankine cycle (greater than 40%). This performance is obtained while keeping the same core outlet temperature. Thus this option, if it could be industrially implemented for future generation SFRs, would minimize its impact on the SFR design with regard to the existing operating parameters. This situation explains why the S-CO_2 Brayton cycle development is principally connected with the SFR design, even if its condition of performance can be investigated with other heat sources and other reactor concepts. In recognition of the mutual needs for R&D and the limitation of resources, the members of the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) SFR Component Design and Balance of Plant (CD&BOP) Project have undertaken a multilateral collaboration on research and development for the S-CO_2 Brayton cycle. Benefits of collaboration include a clear overall view of all R&D performed in the national programs, more effective use of national resources by avoiding duplication of effort or synergistically benefitting from the progress of others, opportunity to synthesize results from the various national programs, and planning for a future harmonized program of R&D. This paper presents the current status of technical progress from the S-CO_2 Brayton cycle R&D performed under the CD&BOP Project.