Gaseous fuel reactors for power systemsGaseous-fuel nuclear reactors have significant advantages as energy sources for closed-cycle power systems. The advantages arise from the removal of temperature limits associated with conventional reactor fuel elements, the wide variety of methods of extracting energy from fissioning gases, and inherent low fissile and fission product in-core inventory due to continuous fuel reprocessing. Example power cycles and their general performance characteristics are discussed. Efficiencies of gaseous fuel reactor systems are shown to be high with resulting minimal environmental effects. A technical overview of the NASA-funded research program in gaseous fuel reactors is described and results of recent tests of uranium hexafluoride (UF6)-fueled critical assemblies are presented.
Document ID
19770066054
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Kendall, J. S. (United Technologies Research Center East Hartford, CT, United States)
Rodgers, R. J. (United Technologies Research Center East Hartford, Conn., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1977
Subject Category
Nuclear And High-Energy Physics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference