Inherently safe pool-type reactor as a generator of low-grade heat for district heating, air conditioning and salt water desalination

Abstract

The society has a heavy demand for low-grade heat to satisfy its various needs. Different factors govern the expediency of applying nuclear reactors for these purposes. The required capacity of heat sources varies in a very wide range. In a majority of cases heat sources have to be located in the immediate vicinity of the users, therefore, nuclear reactors to be used for heat generation must feature enhanced safety. Pool-type reactors can be successfully used for producing low-grade heat. Owing to their design they feature a very high safety level. The absence of positive pressure excludes the possibility of a sudden rupture of reactor tank (vessel) or a fast loss of coolant. The availability of a large amount of water in the tank ensures long-term accumulation of residual heat. The adopted integral layout of equipment, as well as natural circulation of primary coolant improve reactor reliability and safety even further. Negative temperature coefficients of reactivity provide for reactor self-protection against reactivity accidents. Pool-type reactors can be used in newly established heat supply systems and can be built in the operation systems as well, which allows to reduce fossil fuel consumption by 80–90% depending on local conditions. Pool-type reactor heat can be used for desalinating salt water and for cooling water in absorption refrigerating machines with subsequent utilization of cold water for air conditioning, cooling of special premises, and the like. Pool-type reactors can also generate electric power to their in-house needs as well as household power requirements of a neighboring town.