Performance and fuel-cycle cost comparisons with HEU and LEU fuels

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:5835694

Matos, J. E.; Daly, T. A.

The objective of this study is a consistent analysis of the performance and fuel cycle costs with HEU (93%) fuel and the various LEU (<20%) fuels that are under development, undergoing irradiation testing of small samples, or in the demonstration phase. All calculations were performed using the generic 10 MW reactor that has been studied extensively by a number of laboratories in the IAEA Guidebook. The conclusion of this study is that there are excellent opportunities for reducing fuel cycle costs in conversions from HEU to LEU if the LEU fuels that are being developed and tested are successful and if all safety considerations allow. The cost reductions described here are the direct result of the longer cycle lengths that can be obtained with increased /sup 235/U loadings. Each reactor is an individual case and fuel cycle economics should, along with safety considerations, be an integral part of choosing the optimal fuel and fuel element design for conversion to LEU.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 5835694
• Report Number(s): CONF-801144-5; ON: DE83017967
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
220600* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Research
Test &amp; Experimental Reactors
COST
ECONOMICS
FUEL CYCLE
FUEL ELEMENTS
FUEL PLATES
FUEL RODS
ISOTOPE RATIO
KINETICS
OPERATION
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR CORES
REACTOR KINETICS
REACTOR OPERATION
REACTORS
RESEARCH AND TEST REACTORS
RESEARCH REACTORS