NUCLEAR POWERED TANKER DESIGN AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS, DIRECT CYCLE BOILING WATER REACTOR

The results of an engineering design study and economic analysis of a direct cycle boiling water reactor propulsion system in a 44,000 DWT tanker are presented. The design criteria and description for the recommended reference design, design criteria for individual systems and equipment are discussed. An analysis of the effects of the ship's motion on reactor preformance, core physics design consideration, a preliminary safeguards evaluation, and an evaluation of direct cycle accessibility conditions are presented. Numerous schematic diagrams illustrate the sections on heat balances, flow diagrams, and reactor drawings. This system is well suited to development of remote operation concepts and is feasible for use in submersible tanker applications. This study had resulted in a design of a direct cycle boiling water reactor marine propulsion system which represents a distinct improvement over previous designs. In addition, these operating reactors have demonstrated ease and reliability of operation including low radioactivity levels, stable operation, rapid response to load change, ease of startup, and ease of maintenance.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document is available for review at the Department of Commerce Library, Main Commerce Building, Washington, D.C., under reference number GEAP-3294.
• Corporate Authors:

  General Electric

  Marine Turbine & Gear Engineer, 1100 Western Ave
  Lynn, MA  United States  01910
• Publication Date: 0

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: 283 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design; Economic analysis; Nuclear power; Nuclear powered ships; Nuclear reactors; Propulsion; Ships; Tanker shipping; Tankers; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Ship design
• Old TRIS Terms: Nuclear reactor design; Tanker economics; Tanker propulsion
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00026208
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Maritime Administration
• Contract Numbers: AT(04-3)-189
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: May 4 1974 12:00AM