Project of the GT-MHR high-temperature helium reactor with gas turbine

Abstract

In February 1995, MINATOM of Russia and General Atomics (USA) signed the Agreement for the development and design of the GT-MHR facility with a modular helium reactor and a gas turbine intended to be constructed in Russia. This Agreement was subsequently expanded by the participation of Framatom and Fuji Electric. The GT-MHR facility is designed for burning weapons-grade plutonium and utilization of the heat produced in the direct gas-turbine cycle with electricity production efficiency of about 50%. In future such facilities with uranium fuel will be proposed for use as commercial NPPs. A GT-MHR prototype and fuel production facility are intended to be constructed at the Siberian Chemical Combine in Seversk (Tomsk-7). In accordance with the Agreement, a conceptual design of the GT-MHR should be developed in September 1997. As a part of the conceptual design, a reactor module with a power conversion system is being designed and plutonium fuel is being developed.