High-Temperature Gas-Cooled-Reactor Applications to Fossil-Conversion Processes

摘要

High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTRs) permit nuclear energy to be applied to a number of fossil-fuel conversion processes. In general, these processes require application of a steam-methane reformer; for such applications, an HTR with an outlet coolant temperature in the range of 850 to 950 exp 0 C is required. Such systems are applicable to chemicals production, a number of fossil conversion processes, as well as to chemical heat pipes. A relatively early application of reformer HTRs might be the steam reforming of methane to produce synthesis gas for chemicals production. At the same time, one of the coal conversion processes examined has energy requirements such that a steam-cycle HTR having an outlet coolant temperature of 750 exp 0 C will provide about 90% of the total primary energy requirements. In general, screening studies of coal and oil shale conversion processes indicate that coupling HTR technology with fossil conversion technologies can lead to significantly reduced fossil fuel consumption and reduced pollutant generation. (ERA citation 06:030619)