Advanced LWR concept with hard neutron spectrum (FLWR) for realizing flexible plutonium management

Uchikawa, Sadao; Okubo, Tsutomu; Nakano, Yoshihiro ; Kobayashi, Noboru

An advanced LWR concept with hard neutron spectrum (FLWR) has been proposed in order to ensure sustainable energy supply in the future based on the well-experienced LWR technologies. The FLWR is essentially a BWR-type reactor, in which the moderation of neutron in the core is reduced by use of the hexagonal-shaped fuel assemblies with the triangular-tight-lattice fuel rod configuration. The core design concept of FLWR is to realize effective and flexible utilization of uranium and plutonium resources by two stages, corresponding to the advancement of the fuel cycle technologies and related infrastructures. The core in the first stage of FLWR aims at intensive utilization and preservation of plutonium based on the experiences of the current LWR and MOX utilization, and the one in the second stage realizes sustainable multiple plutonium recycling with a high conversion ratio over 1.0. The present paper summarizes the recent core design studies of FLWR.