Gas turbine modular helium reactor GT-MHR power plant

GAS TURBINE MODULAR HELIUM REACTOR (GT-MHR) POWER PLANT 6.6.1. Basic objectives and features 

The Gas Turbine - Modular Helium Reactor (GT-MHR) is a power unit for the production of electricity or the co-generation of electricity and process heat. The GT-MHR power unit couples the passively safe Modular Helium Reactor (MHR) with a highly efficient energy conversion system. The energy conversion system is based on an intercooled and recuperated closed Brayton (gas turbine) cycle that has a projected efficiency of approximately 48%. The GT-MHR produces electricity directly with the reactor primary helium coolant driving a gas turbine generator derived from technologies developed in the gas turbine and aerospace industries. 

Each GT-MHR power unit has a design rating of 600 MWt/286 MWe. (The rating of initial units is planned to be limited to 550 MWt/262 MWe to provide design margin). One or more standardized power units are used to form plants with ratings up to 1150 MWe while maintaining the passive safety features of the MHR. 

The selection of helium as the coolant, graphite for the core structure, and ceramic fuel sets the MHR apart from other power reactors and is the cornerstone of its high temperature capability. This unique heat source enables high power conversion efficiency and a range of energy conversion alternatives. 

The active region of the core consists of fijel blocks arranged in a ring. The centre and outer portions of the core consist of unfuelled, solid, removable reflector blocks. The core assembly is surrounded by a steel core barrel and contained inside an uninsulated reactor vessel. 

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