Concept of a small modular high-temperature gas cooled reactor with an annular fuel-particle core

Abstract

The paper presents the results of neutron-physical and thermal gas dynamics studies of the core of a compact high-temperature gas-cooled reactor with fuel particles to justify the development of a small modular reactor concept. The performed calculations assume the conditions of stability and self-similarity for heat removal in nominal and variable modes. A heuristic kinematic image of the coolant flow in permeable channels is used to derive a one-dimensional equation of movement with strictly distinguished inertial and dissipative effects. The derived equation is important for determining the profiles of channels and fuel layer ends, which ensure the correspondence of coolant distribution and power density. The results of basic engineering for the core for a 5 MW reactor cooled with a helium-xenon mixture are presented.