A modified, closed-loop Brayton cycle power conversion system that uses liquefied
natural gas as the cold heat sink media. When combined with a helium gas cooled
nuclear reactor, achievable efficiency can approach 68-76% (as compared to 35%
for conventional steam cycle power cooled by air or water). A superheater heat
exchanger can be used to exchange heat from a side-stream of hot helium gas split-off
from the primary helium coolant loop to post-heat vaporized natural gas exiting
from low and high-pressure coolers. The superheater raises the exit temperature
of the natural gas to close to room temperature, which makes the gas more attractive
to sell on the open market. An additional benefit is significantly reduced costs
of a LNG revaporization plant, since the nuclear reactor provides the heat for
vaporization instead of burning a portion of the LNG to provide the heat.