Effect Of IHX Configuration Concerning The Effectiveness And Efficiency Of VHTR Reactor Cogeneration

EFFECT OF IHX CONFIGURATION CONCERNING THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF VHTR REACTOR COGENERATION

Ign. Djoko Irianto
Center For Reactor Technology and Nuclear Safety - BATAN
Kompleks Puspiptek Serpong, Tangerang Selatan

ABSTRACT
EFFECT OF IHX CONFIGURATION CONCERNING THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF VHTR REACTOR COGENERATION. Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) is one of Generation IV reactors which is conceptually designed using cogeneration configuration for electric generation and for hydrogen production. VHTR employs a helium-coolant with operating pressure 7 MPa and 1000oC outlet temperature. The main energy conversion component in VHTR cogeneration is intermediate heat exchanger (IHX). Thermal energy passes the IHX from the reactor system to the cogeneration system for electric generation and for hydrogen production. The value of efficiency and effectiveness of the system make certain to the success of VHTR design. This paper describes the results of the analysis of IHX configuration effect concerning the effectiveness and efficiency of VHTR cogeneration system. There are three configuration systems analyzed: direct cycle with secondary heat exchanger (SHX), direct cycle without SHX, and indirect cycle. The results of the analysis show that the highest efficiency is given by the direct cycle with SHX and the IHX is set in parallel with PHX. Despite its low efficiency, the third configuration obtains the highest effectiveness. This configuration in which electricity is generated indirectly has possibility to be used for a compact system design.

Keywords : Cogeneration, VHTR, IHX
Published : Journal "Sigma Epsilon", Volume 13 Nomor 3, Agustus 2009