Fersiynau electronig

Dolenni

Meeting the increasing demand for energy requires more efficient and economical use of resources. Thus, extending the fuel cycle of nuclear reactors that commonly operate on 18-month cycles has become an important area of research both academically and industrially. However, longer fuel cycles necessitate higher fuel enrichment, which poses a greater challenge in terms of reactivity control. In this study, the operation and safety of nuclear power plants in 36-month fuel cycles using High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) enriched up to 7.00 wt% were assessed. Moderated Discrete Burnable Absorber Pins (MDBAPs), containing ZrB2 and UB2 have the potential to improve fuel efficiency and fuel economy in long cycles, were introduced as a new burnable absorber solution. Comprehensive evaluations of MDBAPs were undertaken using fuel cycle analyses with the advanced Studsvik CASMO-4/SIMULATE-3 code system. This assessment focuses on understanding the impact of MDBAPs on several key aspects: reactivity feedback parameters, peaking factors, power distribution profiles, and shutdown margin. The results indicate that MDBAPs are a promising burnable absorber option for fuel enriched up to 7.00 wt% (HALEU), demonstrating substantial promise for supporting a 36-month fuel cycle while complying with those operational safety standards and limits.
Iaith wreiddiolSaesneg
Rhif yr erthygl105011
CyfnodolynProgress in Nuclear Energy
Dyddiad ar-lein cynnar17 Rhag 2023
StatwsCyhoeddwyd - 1 Maw 2024
Gweld graff cysylltiadau