A Modular metal-fuel fast reactor with one-loop main cooling system

Chikazawa, Yoshitaka; Okano, Yasushi; Konomura, Mamoru; Sato, Koji; Sawa, Naoki*; Sumita, Hiroyuki*; Nakanishi, Shigeyuki*; Ando, Masato*

Nuclear Technology, 159(3), p.267 - 278, 2007/09

https://doi.org/10.13182/NT07-A3875

A diversified or modular power source is attractive since it requires a low construction cost per unit and can be demonstrated in small scale experimental facilities. In this study, a new metal fuel sodium cooled reactor with 300MW electric has been developed enhancing cost reduction. And economical potential at demonstration stage with first of a kind (FOAK) is emphasized. A minimum configuration with a compact reactor vessel, a one-loop main cooling system and a simple fuel handling system is adopted enhancing cost reduction. For safety evaluation, reliability of the one-loop main cooling system has been shown by pipe-break transient analyses. Besides, construction cost of a demonstration plant with a first reactor and a small reprocessing and fuel fabrication facility is also evaluated. A major feature of the present concept is that the demonstration reactor and facilities can be directly appropriated for first commercial modules and the power plant can easily increase its capacity adding reactor and electrorefiner modules. A fast reactor cycle commercialization scenario using the present concept is thought to give low R&D or investment risk and high cost performance since the total demonstration plant cost is relatively small and the facilities are directly appropriated to commercial use.