氦氙气冷空间堆耦合布雷顿循环核电源系统瞬态特性分析

Transient Characteristics Analysis of He-Xe Cooled Space Reactor Coupled with Brayton Cycle Nuclear Power System

  • 摘要: 空间核电源是未来空间任务的重要支撑,本文针对高温气冷堆耦合闭式布雷顿循环发电的兆瓦级先进气冷核能系统(MAGNUS),建立了一套合理完善的数学物理模型,包括反应堆模型、布雷顿热电转换系统模型以及热排放系统模型。采用稳定高效的数值计算方法进行求解,开发了一套瞬态系统分析程序。在对程序稳态及瞬态计算值进行验证后,对系统的典型事故工况进行瞬态分析,包括有保护措施和无保护措施的反应性引入事故、涡轮-发电机-压缩机(TAC)轴转速降低工况模拟。结果表明在反应堆中引入正反应性可提高系统的热循环效率;反应堆输出热量与系统负荷成正比,在保证堆芯安全的合理轴转速范围内,系统的温差损失能够更有效地将热能转化为电能,实现系统效率的提升。

     

    Abstract: Space nuclear power is crucial for future space missions, providing reliable energy for long-duration operations. Gas-cooled nuclear reactors, with high coolant outlet temperatures, are well-suited for integration with a closed Brayton cycle to achieve efficient megawatt-class power generation. A Megawatt-class Advanced Gas-cooled Nuclear System (MAGNUS) was developed featuring a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor coupled with a closed Brayton cycle in this study, establishing a comprehensive mathematical and physical model. The reactor model incorporates point reactor kinetics, reactivity feedback, coolant flow heat transfer, and thermal behavior of the fuel and structural materials. The Brayton cycle model includes key components such as the turbine-alternator-compressor (TAC), recuperator, and gas cooler. A robust numerical method was employed for solution, and a transient system analysis program was developed. The program’s steady-state and transient results were validated, followed by transient analyses of key accident scenarios, including positive reactivity insertion accidents and TAC shaft speed reduction events. For a positive reactivity insertion below 0.152 , the reactor and Brayton cycle stabilizes naturally without requiring active control. Introducing positive reactivity enhances the system’s thermal cycle efficiency. When a 0.1 reactivity insertion occurs, the reactor stabilizes at 3.67 MWt (117% of core rated thermal power), while thermal-to-electric conversion efficiency improves from 32.1% to 34.4%. Early activation of protective measures reduces the required negative reactivity compensation while maintaining high efficiency. In contrast, delayed intervention requires stronger negative reactivity, leading to a decrease in core temperature and a reduction in thermal efficiency. During TAC shaft speed reduction, reactor heat output remains proportional to system load. Within a safe operating range, adjusting shaft speed effectively improves efficiency by minimizing temperature differential losses. However, speed regulation is self-stabilizing only down to 80% of rated shaft speed. If the speed drops further, safety measures must be implemented to prevent coolant flow reduction, excessive reactor heating, and potential fuel cladding failure.

     

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