Design and Evaluation of Heat Utilization Systems for the HTTR through International Cooperation

摘要

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has the statutory function to "foster the exchange of scientific and technical information", and "encourage and assist research on, and development and practical application of, atomic energy for peaceful uses throughout the world". The IAEA Co-ordinated Research Programmes (CRPs) are effective vehicles for implementing the above.rnThe CRP on Design and Evaluation of Heat Utilization Systems for HTTR has started in September 1994 and is aimed at promoting international co-operation to identify the most promising heat utilization system(s) to be demonstrated at the HTTR, for the benefit of current operators and future designers and constructors of HTGRs. Participating Member States are collaborating by exchanging existing technical information on the technology of heat utilization systems, by developing design concepts and by performing evaluations of candidate systems for potential demonstration with the HTTR.rnThe systems being assessed in the CRP for potential demonstration have been selected by the participants according to their own national interests and,n depending on the status of the technology chosen, its economic potential, and other factors such as safety and environmental considerations. The systems and/or processes are:rn1.steam reforming of methane for production of hydrogen and methanolrn2.CO_2 reforming of methane for production of hydrogen and methanolrn3.combined coal conversion and steam generationrn4.thermochemical water splitting for hydrogen productionrn5.high temperature electrolysis of steam for hydrogen productionrn6.gas turbine for generation of electricityrnThe key tasks of the CRP are to:rna. define the R&D requirements prior to coupling to the HTTRrnb. define the goal of the demonstration at the HTTRrnc. prepare design concepts for coupling selected systems to the HTTR and perform preliminary safety evaluationsrnd. check licensability of selected systems under Japanese conditions.rnAt the First Research Co-ordination Meeting (RCM) of the CRP held in October 1994 at Oarai (Japan), it was determined that based on evaluations of technology status until then, the first priority candidate systems that will very likely be selected for connection to the HTTR are: the steam (and/or CO_2) methane reforming and the gas turbine. R&D will continue on the other processes and/or systems until their development reaches a status where they can be considered feasible for demonstration at the HTTR.rnCRP activities during the first two years have focussed on steps a and b, and with some progress in c and d. At the Second RCM to be held in February 1996, also at Oarai, the progress attained by the participants will be assessed in detail. The timing of initiating specific design of the Heat Utilization Plant (HUP) will be discussed.rnIt is believed that timely completion and successful operation of the HTTR and these heat utilization systems will be the major milestones in gas-cooled reactor development and in development of nuclear process heat applications.