Preconceptual plant design

The economics of the AHTR are dependent upon dramatically reducing the plant size by using the higher temperature to improve efficiency and the lower pressure to reduce plant size. The preliminary economic assessment based on comparisons with similar reactor concepts indicates potentially excellent economics. A more detailed bottoms up cost analysis based on components and systems that are specific to the AHTR will be required when a complete preconceptual plant design exists. 

A preconceptual plant design with 1700 M W net electric power based on a pressure vessel-type reactor has been studied by Yamada et al. (2011) and has been assessed with respect to efficiency, safety, and cost. The study confirms the target net efficiency of 44% and estimates a cost reduction potential of 30% compared with current pressurized water reactors. Safety features are expected to be similar to advanced boiling water reactors. 

The preconceptual AHTR designs have assumed fuel power densities (8.3 watts/em ) similar to those of traditional helium-cooled reactors. However, the heat transfer capabilities of the molten salt coolant are superior to those of helium. As a consequence, the peak fuel temperatures during normal operation are 100 to 200 C lower than for a comparable gas-cooled reactor. Economic incentives to reduce the reactor core size and thus lower plant capital cost and refueling times are substantial. As such, there are strong economic incentives to increase fuel power densities, which will, in turn, increase the thermal gradient between the centerline fuel temperature and the coolant channel. 

Department of Energy (DOE) (2006), H2-MHR Preconceptual Design Report HTE Based Plant, NERI Project 2002-196, General Atomics Report GA-A25402, April. 

The purpose of the pre-conceptual plant parameter and instrumentation and control (l C) parameter lists was to provide a common set of design parameters used by the Naval Reactors Prime Contractor Team (NRPCT) for preconceptual evaluation of Space Nuclear Power Plant (SNPP) concepts. 

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