Key technology research of evolutionary sodium-cooled fast reactor coupled with supercritical CO2 power conversion system

Abstract

Sodium-cooled fast reactor, which is an important direction of advanced nuclear technology because of breeding ability, transmutation ability, and high thermal efficiency, is a priority of Generation IV nuclear systems. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) Brayton cycle is an innovative power conversion option that has been suggested by the Generation IV International Forum because of high thermal efficiency and compact structure, etc. Key technologies in the application of SCO2 to sodium-cooled fast reactors, which include SCO2 thermal hydraulics, sodium/(SCO2) reaction, conversion system design and simulations, are introduced in this paper along with research plan, research method and results. The results show that the SCO2 power cycle deserves further research as part of Generation IV sodium-cooled fast reactors, because the application could improve safety and economy by eliminating sodium-water reaction and improving thermal efficiency.