A MODULAR, LOW-COST, SODIUM-HEATED STEAM GENERATOR

A proposed design and development program for a potentially economical, high-performance, sodium-heated steam generator is described. The concept employs modular units grouped together to provide for any combined power level desired. Fabrication expense is shown to be reduced by the reduction in heat transfer area requirements. This reduc, tion is achieved through improved heat transfer coefficients which exist under supercritical steam conditions. The testing of two small units ( approximates 18 Mw total) is shown to be sufficient to verify performance for any size unit because of the modular concept employed. (auth