Thermal Hydraulics of Accelerator Breeder Systems for Regeneration of Reactor Fuel Assemblies

摘要

The following conclusions are obtained with regard to the thermal-hydraulic behavior of the Linear Accelerator Fuel Regenerator for PWR and CANDU fuel: (1) two-phase flow is a feasible coolant option for fuel element heat fluxes up to 1 x PWR (or CANDU) average value, which is the maximum design value for a LAFR; (2) two-phase flow pressure drops are low (typically 10 to 30 psi) and film temperature drops very low (typically approx. 10 exp 0 F) for PWR fuel, with inlet velocity range (50 to 75 ft/sec). A somewhat higher inlet velocity range (75 to 100 ft/sec) and pressure drop (50 to 100 psi) is necessary for CANDU fuel, however, to prevent dry out. (ERA citation 04:039438)