Performance analysis on the design of the energy conversion system of the Indonesia experimental power reactor

Abstract

A non-commercial power reactor with the thermal power of 10 MW is being designed based on a high-temperature gas-cooled (HTGR) reactor called the Experimental Power Reactor (RDE). RDE is designed to generate electricity and to supply thermal energy for experimental purposes. The energy conversion system in the RDE design is designed in cogeneration configuration with a Rankine cycle. The outlet temperature at the reactor design is 700 °C and the outlet temperature in the design of the steam generator outlet is 530 °C. Performance parameters for the design of RDE energy conversion systems are expressed with thermal efficiency parameters and energy utilization factors. To support and complement the RDE design especially the design of energy conversion systems, research is needed relating to the performance parameters of energy conversion systems. This research aims to calculate and analyze the optimal parameters of thermal efficiency and energy utilization factors in the design of the RDE energy conversion system. The calculation and analysis of cooling thermodynamic parameters and coolant system performance parameters of RDE are performed by simulation using ChemCad. The results showed that at 90 bar vapor pressure and cooling mass flow rate of 3.3 kg/s, the highest thermal efficiency is 29.21%.