A robust approach to fuel

摘要

Competitive practices are increasing the pressure on utilities to improve fuel performance. The Robust Fuel Programme, operated by the Electric Power Research Institute, aims to develop innovative technologies and designs that offer greater economic returns. Irrespective of the core or cycle designs and operating modes chosen by the utilities, the electric power market is demanding unprecedented levels of fuel reliability. Despite the decline of fuel failure rates to a low level, reliability remains an issue. Failures or problems with the fuel or core components can be extremely costly and very difficult to cope with. The pressure to simultaneously increase both fuel reliability and fuel cycle economy is industry-wide, affecting both PWRs and BWRs. Not only are the fuel materials and designs of concern; so are plant operations.