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Dynamic analysis of cold end accident conditions for a space gas-cooled reactor coupled with He–Xe brayton cycle system

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Dynamic analysis of cold end accident conditions for a space gas-cooled reactor coupled with He–Xe brayton cycle system
Authors: Tao Liu, Yan Zhang, Chenchen Zhao, Honglei Huo, Quanbin Zhao, Weixiong Chen
Source: International Journal of Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design and Technology, Vol 7, Iss 3, Pp 294-307 (2025)
Publisher Information: Elsevier BV, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Subject Terms: He–Xe brayton cycle, Dynamic characteristics, Heat pipe radiator, TK9001-9401, Nuclear engineering. Atomic power
Description: Space nuclear power systems are promising for deep space missions. As the critical component of the space nuclear power system, radiators' performance significantly impacts both the cycle efficiency and operational safety. However, Radiators occupy a substantial portion of the spacecraft's volume and are highly susceptible to the harsh space environment, which may pose challenges to the system's safety. A dynamic model of the space gas-cooled reactor coupled with He–Xe brayton cycle system was established. Different accident scenarios, such as partial loss of NaK coolant flow and partial heat pipe failure, were simulated. Results indicate that the heat pipe radiator exhibits inherent safety. Under minor accidents, the radiator surface temperature rises to enhance radiative heat dissipation into space, compensating for the accident's impact. Heat accumulation within the radiator caused the operating temperature of heat pipes to rise. Under a NaK coolant flow reduction of 30 %, the maximum heat pipe operating temperature rose by 12.1 % to 473 K. Similarly, a partial failure of 15 % heat pipes led to a 5.4 % increase in maximum operating temperature, reaching 445 K. Notably, both scenarios revealed narrow safety margins for the water heat pipes, as their maximum temperatures only remained 27 K and 55 K below the design limit of 500 K, respectively. Concurrently, these cold-end accident detrimentally affected the system's cycle efficiency. The 30 % NaK flow reduction accident caused a relative decline of 5.79 % in cycle efficiency, while the 15 % heat pipe failure resulted in an efficiency relative drop of 4.66 %. These findings provide reference to the safe operation and control strategies of space nuclear power systems.
Document Type: Article
Language: English
ISSN: 2468-6050
DOI: 10.1016/j.jandt.2025.07.007
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/1ea6cd91b1e44e48a3e119f9d626920b
Rights: CC BY NC ND
Accession Number: edsair.doi.dedup.....aa5da9fb6169482fbc2c6b90ea88a37c
Database: OpenAIRE
Description
Abstract:Space nuclear power systems are promising for deep space missions. As the critical component of the space nuclear power system, radiators' performance significantly impacts both the cycle efficiency and operational safety. However, Radiators occupy a substantial portion of the spacecraft's volume and are highly susceptible to the harsh space environment, which may pose challenges to the system's safety. A dynamic model of the space gas-cooled reactor coupled with He–Xe brayton cycle system was established. Different accident scenarios, such as partial loss of NaK coolant flow and partial heat pipe failure, were simulated. Results indicate that the heat pipe radiator exhibits inherent safety. Under minor accidents, the radiator surface temperature rises to enhance radiative heat dissipation into space, compensating for the accident's impact. Heat accumulation within the radiator caused the operating temperature of heat pipes to rise. Under a NaK coolant flow reduction of 30 %, the maximum heat pipe operating temperature rose by 12.1 % to 473 K. Similarly, a partial failure of 15 % heat pipes led to a 5.4 % increase in maximum operating temperature, reaching 445 K. Notably, both scenarios revealed narrow safety margins for the water heat pipes, as their maximum temperatures only remained 27 K and 55 K below the design limit of 500 K, respectively. Concurrently, these cold-end accident detrimentally affected the system's cycle efficiency. The 30 % NaK flow reduction accident caused a relative decline of 5.79 % in cycle efficiency, while the 15 % heat pipe failure resulted in an efficiency relative drop of 4.66 %. These findings provide reference to the safe operation and control strategies of space nuclear power systems.
ISSN:24686050
DOI:10.1016/j.jandt.2025.07.007