PBMR Technology Development Projects at Stellenbosch University, South Africa

PBMR has initiated a research and development program wherein a network of expertise relating to PBMR-specific technology is to be established. As a result of this initiative four specific PBMR sponsored technology development projects have been initiated at Stellenbosch University. The work done and still to be done towards these projects will be presented. The first project relates to the characterization of the flow dynamics of particles (ions, atoms and clusters) in a high pressure and velocity (9 MPa and 120 m/s) stream of helium due to various body-force fields (magnetic, electric and centrifugal); the ultimate objective of this project is to develop a graphite dust and particle scrubbing system. The second project relates to an entirely passive reactor cooling system (RCCS) using thermosyphon-type heat pipes with no pumps and active controls. The third project relates to the fuel temperature measurement under normal and loss of coolant pressure conditions using a fibre-optic Bragg-grating method. A fourth project relates to energy efficiency improvement by the conversion of waste, decay, after and residual heat into electrical power. This project makes use of two-phase closed loop thermosyphon-type heat pipes to transport the heat to an external heat engine, such as free piston type Stirling engine or organic Rankine cycle system. The research activities needed to meet the objectives of the above projects will be presented and discussed in this paper.