Assessment of LWR-HTR-GCFR Integrated Cycle
Open Access
- 16 September 2009
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Hindawi Limited in Science and Technology of Nuclear Installations
- Vol. 2009, 1-14
- https://doi.org/10.1155/2009/193594
Abstract
Preliminary analyses already performed showed that innovative GCRs, both thermal and fast, are very promising candidate to reach the Gen-IV sustainability goal. The integrated LWR-HTR-GCFR basically aims at closing the current nuclear fuel cycle: in principle, thanks to the unique characteristics of Helium coolant reactors, LWR SNF along with DU become valuable material to produce energy. Additionally, burning HMs of LWR SNF means not only a drastic reduction in the Unat demand but also a remarkable decrease in the long-term radiotoxic component of nuclear waste to be geologically stored. This paper focuses on the analyses of the LWR-HTR-GCFR cycle performed by the University of Pisa in the frame of the EU PUMA project (6th FP). Starting from a brief outline of the main characteristics of HTR and GCFR concepts and of the advantages of linking LWR, HTR and GCFR in a symbiotic way, this paper shows the integrated cycle involving a typical LWR (1000MWe), a PBMR (400MWth) and a GCFR-E (2400MWth). Additionally, a brief overview of the main technological constraints concerning (PuKeywords
This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:
- Simplified models for pebble-bed HTR core burn-up calculations with Monteburns2.0©Annals of Nuclear Energy, 2012
- Preliminary Evaluation of a Nuclear Scenario Involving Innovative Gas Cooled ReactorsScience and Technology of Nuclear Installations, 2009
- A Critical Review of the Recent Improvements in Minimizing Nuclear Waste by Innovative Gas-Cooled ReactorsScience and Technology of Nuclear Installations, 2008