Economic incentives and recommended development for commercial use of high burnup fuels in the once-through LWR fuel cycle

Technical Report · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1981

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6655169· OSTI ID:6655169

Stout, R. B.; Merckx, K. R.; Holm, J. S.

This study calculates the reduced uranium requirements and the economic incentives for increasing the burnup of current design LWR fuels from the current range of 25 to 35 MWD/Kg to a range of 45 to 55 MWD/Kg. The changes in fuel management strategies which may be required to accommodate these high burnup fuels and longer fuel cycles are discussed. The material behavior problems which may present obstacles to achieving high burnup or to license fuel are identified and discussed. These problems are presented in terms of integral fuel response and the informational needs for commercial and licensing acceptance. Research and development programs are outlined which are aimed at achieving a licensing position and commercial acceptance of high burnup fuels.

• Research Organization: Exxon Nuclear Co., Inc., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 6655169
• Report Number(s): ORNL/Sub-7501/5; XN-NF-79-87; TRN: 81-002962
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions of document are illegible
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
FUEL CYCLE
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
NUCLEAR FUELS
BURNUP
WATER COOLED REACTORS
FUEL MANAGEMENT
BURNABLE POISONS
BWR TYPE REACTORS
CORROSION
FISSION PRODUCT RELEASE
FUEL-CLADDING INTERACTIONS
PERFORMANCE
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STABILITY
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ECONOMICS
ENERGY SOURCES
FUELS
MATERIALS
NEUTRON ABSORBERS
NUCLEAR POISONS
REACTOR MATERIALS
REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
210802* - Nuclear Power Plants- Economics- Fuel Cycle