Nuclear Energy
High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor
A helium-cooled, graphite-moderated reactor using coated-particle fuel, aimed at high outlet temperatures.
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Labelled system
Explore in 3D
Original ENERGY ATLAS schematic. Interactive 3D is opt-in on this page.
Ceramic coatings retain fission products.
Overview
HTGRs (and related VHTR concepts) use TRISO or similar coated particles. Helium does not boil and is chemically inert. High temperatures can support process heat as well as electricity.
How it works
Fuel pebbles or prismatic blocks contain coated particles. Helium transfers heat to a steam generator or, in some concepts, a gas turbine. A large graphite inventory provides thermal inertia.
Components
Coated-particle fuel
Ceramic coatings retain fission products.
Graphite structures
Moderator and core structure.
Helium circuit
Primary heat transport.