DynMo-CBC: Dynamic Simulation Model of a Space Reactor Power System with Multiple CBC Loops

Abstract

A Dynamic simulation Model (DynMo-CBC) is developed and demonstrated for a power system comprised of a gas cooled reactor and three independent CBC loops. The reactor core is divided into three sectors that are hydraulically independent, but thermally and neutronically coupled. Each reactor sector is directly coupled to a CBC loop with a Brayton Rotating Unit designated UNM-BRU-1 and NaK-78 secondary loop with water heat pipes radiator panels. The results presented are for the startup transient to steady-state operation of the space power system at a UNM-BRU-1 shaft speed of 45 krpm, turbine and compressor inlet temperatures of 1149 K and 400 K, and reactor thermal power of 471 kWth. At these conditions, the electrical power and thermal efficiency of the S^4-CBC power system are 130.8 kWe and 27.8%.