Novel Low-Cost Heat Exchanger for High Temperature Molten Salts

Cost-effective, high temperature and corrosion resistant heat exchangers are a key enabling component for next generation nuclear power systems. In support of the DOE’s goals to develop advanced technologies for energy conversion systems, Clean Energy Systems, Inc. (CES) proposes the development and demonstration of a new and novel heat exchanger (HX) that offers the promise of meeting identified targets while overcoming many of the shortcomings of traditional HXs. The proposed work seeks to develop a key component of advanced nuclear power plants, the high- temperature molten salt heat exchanger. The novel approach offers a robust, cost effective solution with attributes that include: (1) Extreme compactness and high thermal effectiveness, (2) High pressure integrity, with both primary and secondary containment, (3) Ability to segregate and contain exchanger fluids in a dedicated and minimized volume of material appropriate to the fluid contained, (4) Use of proven, environmentally favorable, manufacturing processes and materials, (5) Shorter fabrication and lead times than currently employed heat exchanger technologies, (6) Significantly lower cost than currently employed heat exchanger technologies. The two phase research development and demonstration program will design, fabricate, evaluate, and iterate small-scale test units in order to develop the tools and processes necessary for commercial deployment of the heat exchangers. Phase I will evaluate multiple prototypes using various materials such stainless steel and high nickel alloys and is anticipated to advance the technology to readiness level 4. Based on the results of Phase I, Phase II will scale up selected designs and conduct prototype testing in simulated commercial environments. This second Phase is anticipated to advance the technology to readiness level 6. While the technology development targets advance nuclear power, there are numerous applications of the resulting low-cost heat exchanger; such as advanced solar power or the high-pressure hydrogen economy. As such, the work supports a shift toward a low carbon energy future, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and ensures America’s energy security.