Helical-Cruciform Fuel Rods for High Power Density LWRs

摘要

In order to significantly increase the power density of Light Water Reactors (LWRs), the helical cruciform (H-C) fuel rod assembly has been proposed as an alternative to traditional fuel geometry. The H-C assembly is a self-supporting nuclear fuel configuration consisting of 4-finned, axially-twisted fuel rods closely packed against one another in a square array. The rods would use UO_2 fuel, Zircalloy cladding, and industry-standard enrichment below 5%. Within the LWR core, H-C fuel would possess several inherent advantages over traditional fuel, potentially allowing for operation at a higher power density. Chief among these advantages are a larger surface-to-volume ratio, reduced pellet thickness, and improved coolant mixing characteristics.