Speaker
Description
Currently, there is a large number of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) concepts in different stages of development. Among them, many are Light Water Reactors (LWRs). To counteract their smaller size compared to the »classical« GEN II and III conterparts, various design adaptations are being proposed, e.g. the use of High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel and different reflectors. In addition, operational parameters may differ, e.g. having a lower power density and an enhanced ability to operate in so-called load-following mode. These modifications affect the composition of spent nuclear fuel (SNF), which has implications with respect to high-level radioactive waste and resource utilisation.
The aim of this paper is to investigate some key aspects of fuel depletion. Assuming a generic SMR-relevant design, it explores the relationship between neutron multiplication factor and reactor core size, examines the maximum achievable burnup considering different types of reflectors and initial U-235 enrichments. Additionally, some important components of the SNF nuclide vector are compared, along with integral parameters like decay heat and neutron emission. All calculations are performed with Serpent neutron transport and fuel depletion code using the ENDF/B-VII.1 nuclear data library.
| Country OR International Organization | Germany |
|---|---|
| Email address | gasper.zerovnik@base.bund.de |
| Confirm that the work is original and has not been published anywhere else | YES |
