RAPHAEL
Reactor for process heat hydrogen and electricity generation
Informazioni Generali
- Coordinatore:
- AREVA NP SAS (Francia)
- Responsabile ENEA:
- MELONI PARIDE - FSN-SICNUC (BO-MARTIRI MONTE SOLE)
- Ruolo ENEA:
- PARTNER
- Sito WEB:
- Sito WEB non disponibile
Descrizione e Attività
Descrizione Generale
The Project addresses the viability & performance of the Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR). This innovative system is not only meant at competitive & safe power generation, but also at industrial process heat supply, in particular for hydrogen production. It offers significant advantages with its inherent safety features and the related simplification of the system, its robust fuel without significant radioactive release, its high efficiency and use of any fissile/fertile material. explored to achieve the challenging performances required for VHTR (900-1000°C, up to 200 GWd/t). The selection and qualification of materials for very high temperature components, graphite internals and vessel is a key area of the Project. The critical components (in particular the intermediate heat exchanger) are developed. The demonstration of the unique robustness of the fuel is extended to higher temperature & burn-up. The fabrication of advanced fuel with higher performances is tested. The irradiated fuel behaviour in disposal conditions is studied. Computer tools for reactor physics, safety analysis and fuel behaviour are qualified through comparison with experimental data including those resulting from tests planned in the Project. Moreover the modelling of the fuel irradiation behaviour is improved. A safety approach adapted to the specific features of modular VHTR is elaborated. Finally an evaluation of the viability & performance of the whole system is achieved.
This programme has been set-up to compliment and support European national VHTR programmes and to contribute to the international effort on GENERATION IV VHTR projects. As the Project addresses issues raising major concerns for the future (energy and fresh water supply, climate change, natural resource preservation), it will pay special attention to education & communication.
Attività svolta da ENEA
ENEA’s activities in the project concern the development and qualification of components working at high temperature, and the validation of the computational tools for core physics and safety analysis:
•Qualification of an intermediate Helium-Helium heat exchanger in the HE-FUS3 facility that is located at the Brasimone Research Centre.
•Preliminary evaluation of the computational methods for the neutronic design of the VHTR core (collaboration with the University “La Sapienza” of Rome)
•Organization of a benchmark exercise for the validation of the thermal-hydraulic system codes against pre-existing data of experimental transient conducted in the HE-FUS3 facility. Participation in the benchmark with the RELAP5 computer code.
•Participation to the elaboration of a specific safety approach for modular VHTR.
Programmi Europei
- Programma:
- Sesto Programma Quadro EURATOM (2002-2006) → Euratom fissione (IP - Progetto Integrato)
Dati Finanziari (in euro)
Costo Eleggibile
- Progetto:
- 19.823.175,00
- ENEA:
- 226.000,00
Contributo
- Al progetto:
- 9.000.000,00
- A ENEA:
- 58.000,00
Durata del Progetto
- Anno di stipula e Durata:
- 2006 - 60 mesi
- Periodo:
- 15-04-2005 → 14-04-2010