Research Article
Feb 1978
Power Conversion Systems of the 21st Century
Authors: Arthur P. Fraas and Garland SamuelsAuthor Affiliations
Abstract
A review of the experience with power conversion systems during the past 15 centuries provides a basis for speculating on the nature of the systems that will predominate in the 21st century. Exhaustion of our fossil fuel reserves coupled with cost considerations will overcome emotional objections and lead to the use of nuclear fission and fusion as our prime energy sources. To obtain a high thermal efficiency it appears that the power conversion systems best suited to use with fission or fusion reactors will employ a potassium or cesium vapor topping cycle operating with a turbine inlet temperature of 1,400°F - 2,000°F (760°C - 1,100°C) that will reject its heat at around 1,000°F (540°C) to a conventional steam system. The latter in turn will reject its heat at around 300°F (150°C) for use in industrial processes and district heating systems. Excess waste heat will be employed to distill sewage to provide freshwater, and to evaporate sewage sludge to dryness and sterilize it for use as fertilizer.
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Information
Published In
Journal of the Power Division
Volume 104 • Issue 1 • February 1978
Pages: 83 - 97
Copyright
© 1978 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: Feb 1978
Published online: Feb 11, 2021
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Authors
Affiliations
Arthur P. Fraas
Consulting Engr., Oak Ridge National Lab., Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Garland Samuels
Development Staff Member; Oak Ridge National Lab., Oak Ridge, Tenn.
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