Design of a Nuclear Desalination System - An Abundant Source of Fresh Water

Abstract

Background and Objective: This research is based on conceptual design of single purpose desalination system by utilizing the Nuclear Energy so that the Sea water can be utilized for the use of industrial and potable purpose.

Materials and Methods: The power required for the desalination of 2.6 MGPD is 40 MWth. The fuel used in the nuclear reactor is Uranium Dioxide (UO₂) with 3% enrichment. The coolant used is light water (H₂O) which is also used in the intermediate looping. To slow the fast neutrons to thermal energy, the moderator used is also the light water. Multi-Effect Desalination (MED) process is considered as a process of desalination after analyzing various quality and economic benefits.

Results: The fuel was designed and arranged in the core using 4 assemblies with each assembly having a matrix of 15x15 fuel rods. The thermal designed of this study is based on the standards as mentioned by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The core neutronics and thermal parameters resulted in 3% enriched fuel of UO₂.

Conclusion of the Study: On the basis of numerical analysis using the similar conditions the parameters like He layer thickness, cladding thickness of Zircalloy material, length of fuel rods and coolant bulk temperature were adopted. By executing the necessary design calculations, the nuclear reactor design was finalized which is meant only for heating purpose.

Keywords: nuclear energy, desalination system, design calculations, fuel rods, MED

DOI: 10.7176/APTA/77-05

Publication date:May 31^st 2019