System Studies on the Fusion-Fission Hybrid Systems and Its Fuel Cycle

Abstract

This paper is devoted to applications of fusion-fission hybrid systems (FFHS) as a powerful neutron source implementing transmutation of minor actinides (MA: Np, Am, Cm) extracted from the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) of nuclear reactors. Calculations which simulated nuclide kinetics for the metallic fuel containing MA and neutron transport were performed for particular facilities. Three FFHS with fusion power equal to 40 MW are considered in this study: demo, pilot-industrial and industrial reactors. In addition, needs for a fleet of such reactors are assessed as well as future FFHSs’ impact on Russian Nuclear Power System. A system analysis of nuclear energy development in Russia was also performed with the participation of the FFHSs, with the help of the model created at AO “Proryv”. The quantity of MA that would be produced and transmuted in this scenario is estimated. This research shows that by the means of only one hybrid facility it is possible to reduce by 2130 the mass of MA in the Russian power system by about 28%. In the case of the absence of partitioning and transmutation of MA from SNF, 287 t of MA will accumulate in the Russian power system by 2130.

Potential of transuranics transmutation in a thorium‐based chloride salt fast reactor

“…In terms of TRUs transformation efficiency, fission is a more efficient process, and most fission products have short half‐lives. However, because nuclide fission has an energy spectrum threshold for majority of actinides, a hard/fast neutron spectrum is required during the design of a transmutation system to boost the fission capture ratio of TRUs and improve the transmutation capabilities 8 …”

“…However, because nuclide fission has an energy spectrum threshold for majority of actinides, a hard/fast neutron spectrum is required during the design of a transmutation system to boost the fission capture ratio of TRUs and improve the transmutation capabilities. 8 The accelerator driven system (ADS) 9 and solid fuel critical fast reactors (sodium cooled fast reactor (SFR), 10 lead cooled fast reactor (LFR), 11 gas cooled fast reactor (GFR), 12 etc.) are two main transmutation approaches.…”