Small-sized high temperature reactor (MHR-50) for electricity generation: Plant concept and characteristics

A new concept of Small-sized high temperature reactor (MHR-50) has been investigated toward the earliest commercialization in near future. Features of the MHR-50 are further different from the conventional light water reactors, and the MHR-50 is characterized by high passive safety, high thermal efficiency and smooth operability. When we selected plant basic parameters, we considered minimization of construction unit cost including R&D and of plant construction period as important issues. In the present study, the plant concept of the MHR-50 has been developed based on the above design philosophy.

► Thermal power of 120 MW and electric power of 50 MW were attainable with use of the prismatic core and the conventional steam turbine cycle system. ► The typical plant parameters of the coolant inlet/outlet temperature and pressure were chosen as 300 °C/750 °C and 6 MPa, respectively. ► The construction period was 33 months so as to save the construction cost.