Abstract
Incorporating graphene nanoparticles with high thermal conductivity into a lead-based coolant can significantly increase its thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity, thereby increasing the core power density of lead–bismuth cooled reactors, reducing the amount of coolant required, and ultimately realizing a miniaturized and lightweight reactor design. The purpose of the design is of great significance to the engineering application of lead–bismuth stacks in remote areas and open seas. In this study, the thermophysical properties of metal-based graphene nanofluids are analyzed by comparing and analyzing prediction models established for the thermal conductivity, viscosity, and specific heat capacity. The strengthening mechanism of nanofluids is summarized, and a series of suitable calculation formulae for the thermophysical properties of lead–bismuth-based graphene nanofluids is proposed. The research results show that incorporating graphene nanoparticles into a lead–bismuth-based coolant can significantly improve its thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity. When the nanoparticle suspension is relatively stable, the thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and viscosity increase significantly with the concentration of graphene nanoparticles. When the concentration reaches 20%, the thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of the nanofluid are enhanced by approximately 80 and 20%, respectively, whereas the viscosity is also increased by approximately 100%. Therefore, it is important to appropriately select the parameters for the addition of nanoparticles to maximize the effect of lead–bismuth-based graphene nanofluids on the heat transfer performance of the reactor core.
Highlights
High-performance lead–bismuth cooled reactor technology characterized by miniaturization and weight reduction is expected to change the mode of remote energy supply
The following conclusions can be drawn from the study results: 1) On the premise of ensuring the stability of the nanofluid, the thermal conductivity of the nanofluid increases with increasing nanoparticle concentration
The thermal conductivity of the fluid can be increased by 80% when the concentration reaches 20%
Summary
High-performance lead–bismuth cooled reactor technology characterized by miniaturization and weight reduction is expected to change the mode of remote energy supply. The abundant energy supply provided by such reactors can fundamentally reduce or eliminate the need for logistics and other infrastructure related to energy equipment, bringing about an innovative development of nuclear power equipment. High-performance lead–bismuth cooled reactor technology has broad application prospects in military and civilian fields such as in nuclear-powered ships, nuclearpowered missiles, land-based mobile nuclear power supplies, underwater nuclear energy networks, nuclear-powered torpedoes, offshore drilling platforms, and deep-sea operation equipment capabilities. Minimizing the volume and weight of the reactor can help significantly improve the flexibility and maneuverability of nuclear power plants while ensuring sufficient power supply.
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