20,000 SHP NUCLEAR PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR TANKER. VOLUME 1: SUMMARY

Nuclear propulsion system, designed for installation in a 38,000 ton DWT tanker, is based on a closed high-pressure gas turbine cycle with intercooling and regeneration. A direct gas-cooled reactor is utilized as the heat source in the closed-cycle gas turbine. Helium is used as the working fluid due to its chemical inertness, heat transfer, and fluid flow characteristics. The 1000 psia maximum system pressure is a compromise between the high pressures needed for heat removal, fluid flow, and component size, and the low pressures for easier fabrication and reduced leakage. Estimated cycle thermal efficiency is 31% at the low pressure turbine shaft and 29.8% at the propeller. General performance characteristics, including a schematic flow diagram and design points, are provided, as well as power plant layout and operation, time schedules, and research, manufacturing, and installation costs.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document is available for review at the Department of Commerce Library, Main Commerce Building, Washington, D.C., under reference number G-3-TW-Vol-1. See MRIS 026044, V2; MRIS 026045, V3.
• Corporate Authors:

  General Electric

  Marine Turbine & Gear Engineer, 1100 Western Ave
  Lynn, MA  United States  01910
• Publication Date: 1957-4-1

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: 81 p.
• Serial:
  • Volume: 1

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design; Gas turbines; Nuclear power; Nuclear powered ships; Nuclear reactors; Propulsion; Tankers
• Old TRIS Terms: Nuclear reactor design; Tanker propulsion
• Subject Areas: Design; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00026043
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Maritime Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: Final Rpt
• Contract Numbers: MA-1252
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Apr 13 1973 12:00AM