HTR-PM

HTR-PM‏‎ (High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor Pebble-bed Module) is a nuclear reactor design that is currently under construction in China. It is a type of Generation IV reactor, which represents the latest evolution in nuclear technology. The HTR-PM‏‎ is a modular reactor, meaning it is designed to be built in sections and then assembled on site. This approach can potentially reduce construction time and cost.

Design

The HTR-PM‏‎ design is based on the pebble bed reactor concept. This type of reactor uses small, spherical fuel elements, known as "pebbles", which are made from uranium particles coated in a layer of graphite. The pebbles are placed in a reactor core, where they are heated by nuclear fission to produce steam. This steam is then used to drive a turbine, generating electricity.

One of the key features of the HTR-PM‏‎ design is its high operating temperature. The reactor is designed to operate at temperatures of up to 950 degrees Celsius, which is significantly higher than most other types of nuclear reactors. This high temperature allows the reactor to achieve a higher thermal efficiency, meaning it can generate more electricity from the same amount of fuel.

Safety Features

The HTR-PM‏‎ incorporates several safety features designed to prevent nuclear accidents. One of these is the use of passive safety systems, which do not require human intervention or external power sources to operate. For example, the reactor is designed to shut down automatically in the event of a loss of coolant accident.

Another safety feature is the use of triple-coated isotropic particles in the fuel pebbles. These particles are designed to contain the radioactive materials within the fuel, even under extreme conditions. This helps to prevent the release of radioactive materials in the event of an accident.

Current Status

As of 2021, the first HTR-PM‏‎ unit is under construction at the Shidaowan site in China. The project is being led by the China Huaneng Group, in collaboration with several other Chinese companies and research institutions.

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