ECONOMIC FACTORS OF MFP THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS. Final Report

Abstract

Economic aspects of power generation from underwater thermoelectric generators fueled with Mixed Fission Products (MFP) are given. Costs are estimated to be less than 15 per thermal watt for two year old MFP. Studies are on a conceptual design of a unit capable of withstanding pressures equivalent to 18,000 feet submergence on the ocean bottom and 300 year containment of the nuclear heat source. Low cost bioiogical shields of both high density concrete and cast iron were considered. Studies establish the possibility of power costs as low as per watt-year in the kilowatt size, to 0 per watt-year in the 10 watt range. A comparison of the MFP generator with an equivalent SNAP-7 strontium-90 type indicates that the MFP power costs are far below those for separated radioisotope power, primarily because the highest cost item in the SNAP unit is the purified strontium-90 fuel. A one kilowatt MFP unit would weigh in the order of 20 to 30 tons maximum depending on fuel energy density, and have a diameter of 8 to 10 feet. Optimization studies were made for such factors as fuel geometry, fuel age, energy density, and insulation thickness to determine the most productive areas of reducing themore » original cost and overall weight estimates. (auth)« less