Fast reactor system for underwater activities

Abstract

A compact nuclear power unit consisting of a liquid metal fast reactor (LMFR) system and a closed Brayton cycle power generation system was studied. Main specifications of the power unit are: 215 kWt thermal power, 40 kWe electric power, primary coolant=NaK(Na; 0.22, K;0.78), secondary coolant of mixture gas of He and Xe, total weight of 26.6 /spl times/103 kg, 5.2 m height, and 3500 m depth of setting location. The power unit is used as a power source for an unmanned sea-bottom base. The base with the power unit is used for measuring the temperature and velocity from the sea bottom to the surface, heat flux from the sea bottom, gravity, magnetic field, chemical composition of the sea water, etc. A more detail explanation regarding the application of the base for meteorological research is given. In the next century, there is a great possibility that several power units will be needed and set in the Pacific to observe the temperature rise caused by CO/sub 2/ increase and other meteorological phenomena.