Status of studies on ASTRID Gas Power Conversion System option
Abstract
Within the framework of the French 600 MWe Advanced Sodium Technological Reactor for Industrial Demonstration ASTRID project, two options of Power Conversion System (PCS) were studied during the conceptual design phase (2010-2015)- the use of a classical Rankine water-steam cycle, similar to the solution implemented in France in Phenix and Superphenix , but with the goal of greatly reducing the probability of occurrence and limiting the potential consequences of a sodium-water reaction; chosen as the reference during the ASTRID conceptual design phase due its high level of maturity,- an approach which has never been implemented in any Sodium Fast Reactor using a Brayton gas cycle. Its application is mainly justified by safety and acceptance considerations in inherently eliminating the sodium-water reaction risk existing with a Rankine cycle. A choice between the two options is foreseen in December 2015.This paper synthetizes the important efforts focused during the ASTRID Conceptual Design phase on the Gas Power Conversion System option, especially Nitrogen system, in order to increase its maturity level. It describes the main characteristics defined, throughout Option Selection Processes, as the reference for the further ASTRID Basic Design phase particularly on the Balance of Plant (BOP), the turbomachinery, the Sodium Gas Heat Exchangers (SGHE) as well as expected performances, operability and safety analysis.
Origin : Files produced by the author(s)
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