Heuristic optimization of pressurized water reactor fuel cycle design under general constraints

Journal Article · Fri Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1989 · Nuclear Technology; (USA)

OSTI ID:6913886

Moon, H; Levine, S H ^[1]; Mahgerefteh, M ^[2]

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1. Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA (USA)
2. GPU Nuclear Corp., Parsippany, NJ (USA)

Optimization techniques in fuel management have directed modern fuel cycle designs to use low-leakage loading patterns. Future optimization calculations involving low-leakage patterns must utilize nucleonic models that are both fast operationally and rigorous. A two-dimensional two-group diffusion theory code is developed and lattice homogenization constants are generated using a modified LEOPARD code to fulfill these criteria. Based on these two codes, a heuristic optimization study is performed that considers the general constraints (e.g., spent-fuel storage limit and mechanical burnup limit) given to a utility fuel cycle designer. The optimum cycle length that minimizes the fuel cost is {approximately} 600 effective full-power days for the conditions assumed.

• OSTI ID: 6913886
• Journal Information: Nuclear Technology; (USA), Vol. 88:3; ISSN 0029-5450
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
FUEL CYCLE
DESIGN
PWR TYPE REACTORS
COST
DIFFUSION
L CODES
OPTIMIZATION
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
COMPUTER CODES
REACTORS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
210200* - Power Reactors
Nonbreeding
Light-Water Moderated
Nonboiling Water Cooled
220400 - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Control Systems