A novel method for energy production using {sup 242m}Am as a nuclear fuel

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 2000 · Nuclear Technology

OSTI ID:20015669

Ronen, Y; Aboudy, M; Regev, D

A novel system for energy production is presented. This system has a modular composition of homogeneous reactors with H{sub 2}O and {sup 242m}Am as a fuel. These reactors are spheres of 0.11-m radius and 1-MW(thermal) power and with a critical mass of 0.0201 kg of {sup 242m}Am. The advantages of homogeneous reactors are constant fuel reprocessing and constant refueling. As a result, there is a reduction of fission products, which improves the ratio of natural cooling to heat production with respect to a loss-of-control accident (LOCA) and other safety aspects. Homogeneous reactors also have a large negative temperature coefficient and small inherent excess reactivity during operation. The reactor concept the authors have presented for a very small, homogeneous reactor, further enhances the safety aspects in the case of a LOCA, because of a large surface-to-volume ratio. The improved safety, the simplicity, and the small volume should compensate for the use of an unconventional nuclear fuel.

• Research Organization: Ben-Gurion Univ., Beer-Sheva (IL)
• OSTI ID: 20015669
• Journal Information: Nuclear Technology, Journal Name: Nuclear Technology Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 129; ISSN 0029-5450; ISSN NUTYBB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
AMERICIUM 242
CRITICAL MASS
DESIGN
HOMOGENEOUS REACTORS
NUCLEAR ENERGY
NUCLEAR FUELS
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
REACTOR SAFETY