High temperature continuous operation in the HTTR (HP-11); Summary of the test results in the high temperature operation mode

Takamatsu, Kuniyoshi  ; Ueta, Shohei   ; Sumita, Junya ; Goto, Minoru  ; Hamamoto, Shimpei  ; Tochio, Daisuke ; Nakagawa, Shigeaki  

Research and development and hydrogen production technologies by HTGRs will establish future hydrogen energy system. Additionally, the R&D will contribute to innovative hydrogen production technologies by nuclear powers as one of nuclear heat utilizations. We are making an effort to propose a prototype of reactor hydrogen production system until about 2020. Therefore, JAEA is promoting the R&D for confirming the technical basis of HTGRs with the HTTR in the first midterm plan. In 2007, we accomplished the rated power operation for continuous 30 days of the HTTR. In the high temperature operation for continuous 50 days, JAEA evaluated the experimental data such as core burn-up, helium purity control, performance of high temperature equipments, structural integrity in the core, etc. and demonstrated the nuclear thermal availability of heat source for thermo-chemical hydrogen production technology.