Early introduction core design for advanced LWR concept of FLWR to recycle Pu or TRU

Okubo, Tsutomu; Nakano, Yoshihiro; Uchikawa, Sadao; Fukaya, Yuji

Revue Gnrale Nuclaire, (6), p.83 - 89, 2010/11

An advanced LWR concept of FLWR has been investigated in order to contribute to establish sustainable energy supply in the future by recycling Pu or TRU based on the well-developed LWR technology. The concept utilizes the tight-lattice core with the MOX fuel, and consists of two steps in the chronological sequence. The first is to realize early introduction of FLWR and is represented by a high conversion type one (HC-FLWR), which is basically intended to keep the smooth technical continuity from the LWR/MOX-LWR technologies. The second is represented by RMWR, which realizes a very high conversion ratio over 1.0 and is preferable for the long-term sustainable energy supply through Pu or TRU multiple recycling. The key point is that the two core concepts utilize the compatible and the same size fuel assemblies, and hence, the former concept can proceed to the latter in the same reactor system based flexibly on the future fuel cycle circumstances.