Core-Optimization of Ritm-200 Reactor Fuel Considering Thorium Fuel Cycle

Abstract

The multipurpose and co-generational activities of these floating nuclear power plants (FNPP) have generated enormous attention. An essential parameter that justifies the interest in nuclear power reactors is the duration of the fuel campaign. Focus is placed on Th–U fuel cycle in all the calculations. The spectra of neutron flux of the reactor RITM-200 were analyzed for (Th²³² + U²³⁵)O₂ and (Th²³² + U²³³)O₂ fuel dispersion. The fuel campaign duration was then estimated with further studies of the dependency of fuel campaign duration on the fuel element diameter of the two dispersed fuel. The results showed that, replacement of standard fuel with (Th²³² + U²³⁵) led to marginal increases in fuel campaign duration and burnup respectively while in the case of (Th²³² + U²³³), a 44.4 and 59.9% increment is achieved in fuel campaign duration and burnup respective.