Core scheme and depletion analysis of new thorium molten salt reactor

Abstract

Core layout and depletion features of thorium molten salt reactor(TMSR) are analyzed using the self-developed lattice and core code SONG/TANG-MSR. Based on the results of previous lattice optimization research, fuel salt that contains no BeF2 is adopted, BeO is introduced as moderator instead of graphite, and SiC is chosen as cladding material. According to further lattice analysis at core level, the optimized three-zone layout of core is obtained, with high breeding ratio, negative power coefficient, flat temperature distribution. Thereafter, the depletion calculation and analysis is performed considering the online processing of fuel salt. The results show that the core has high breeding ratio, short doubling time, and long term stable operation. Thus, the design of TMSR has been greatly improved with increased breeding ability and sufficient safety margins.