Assessment of LWR-HTR-GCFR Integrated Cycle. (19th August 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bomboni, Eleonora; Cerullo, Nicola; Lomonaco, Guglielmo
• Other Names: Kuijper Jim Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Science and technology of nuclear installations. Volume 2009(2009)
• Publication Date: 2009-08-19
• Subjects: Nuclear engineering -- Periodicals; Nuclear facilities -- Periodicals; Nuclear engineering; Nuclear facilities; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 621.48
• DOI: 10.1155/2009/193594
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-6075

Abstract

Abstract : Preliminary analyses already performed showed that innovative GCRs, both thermal and fast, are very promising candidate to reach the Gen-IV sustainability goal. The integrated LWR-HTR-GCFR basically aims at closing the current nuclear fuel cycle: in principle, thanks to the unique characteristics of Helium coolant reactors, LWR SNF along with DU become valuable material to produce energy. Additionally, burning HMs of LWR SNF means not only a drastic reduction in theU nat demand but also a remarkable decrease in the long-term radiotoxic component of nuclear waste to be geologically stored. This paper focuses on the analyses of the LWR-HTR-GCFR cycle performed by the University of Pisa in the frame of the EU PUMA project (6th FP). Starting from a brief outline of the main characteristics of HTR and GCFR concepts and of the advantages of linking LWR, HTR and GCFR in a symbiotic way, this paper shows the integrated cycle involving a typical LWR (1000 MW e ), a PBMR (400 MW th ) and a GCFR-"E" (2400 MW th ). Additionally, a brief overview of the main technological constraints concerning (Pu+MA)-based advanced fuels is given, in order to explain and justify the choices made in the framework of the considered cycle. Thereafter, calculations performed and results obtained are described.