Design of a Mixed-Spectrum Reactor With Improved Proliferation Resistance for Long-Lived Applications
Long-lived Small Modular Reactors are being promoted as an innovative way of catering to emerging markets and isolated regions. They can be operated continuously for decades without requiring additional fuel. A novel configuration of long-lived reactor core employs a mixed neutron spectrum, providing an improvement in nonproliferation metrics and in safety characteristics. Starting with a base sodium reactor design, moderating material is inserted in outer core assemblies to modify the fast spectrum. The assemblies are then shuffled once during core lifetime to ensure that every fuel rod is exposed to the thermalized spectrum. The Mixed Spectrum Reactor is able to maintain a core lifetime over two decades while ensuring the plutonium it breeds is below the weapon-grade limit at the fuel discharge. The main drawbacks of the design are higher front-end fuel cycle costs and a 58% increase in core volume, although it is alleviated to some extent by a 48% higher power output.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States); Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
- Contributing Organization:
- Idaho National Laboratory, 2525 Fremont Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC02-06CH11357
- OSTI ID:
- 1476308
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology, Vol. 16, Issue 3; ISSN 1738-1894
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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