Initial and Equilibrium Cycle Evaluations of Conversion and Loading Performance in Light-Water-Moderated Lattices as a Function of Fuel-to-Coolant Volume Ratio (AWBA Development Program)

摘要

This report presents the results of an evaluation of performance of the U-Th and Pu-U238 fuel systems as a function of fuel-to-coolant volume ratio and as a function of cycle length (burnup) and power density. Results are included for both the initial cycle and the equilibrium cycle of operation. Only light water is considered as the coolant in this study. The range of values for fuel-to-coolant volume and power density is large enough to include all practical designs currently envisioned. It is shown that for acceptable combinations of fuel-to-coolant volume ratio and power density, based on LOCA considerations, that the U-Th system is superior in conversion performance to the Pu-U238 system. (ERA citation 08:014784)