Investigation of thermodynamic factors influencing Thorium reactor efficiencies
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Abstract
In this meta-study, the major forms of thorium based nuclear reactors were compared using thermodynamic parameters to find which reactor type holds the highest thermodynamic efficiency and hence, determine which reactor would be most beneficial to research further and implement for energy production. Our study found that molten salt reactors had the best thermodynamic efficiency and also runs at one atmospheric pressure, making it safer than conventional water reactors. The findings in this study show molten salt reactors would be the most efficient reactor to replace standard water reactors, which dominate the market in use of nuclear energy production. This study found a strong link between the thermal efficiency of the plant and the pressure and temperature at which it runs. Reactor core volumes also appeared to have a small effect on the efficiencies. Power flux density was calculated for each style of reactor and compared to other parameters but no distinct relationship was found between them.
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